Chapter 35 : I wish you wouldn’t be so stubborn about things like this

“I don’t know why you’re suddenly saying you want to go, but since it’s not like we’re leaving right away, just calm down.”

Victoria said that the support to the Kingdom of Levath would happen after summer. 

The place where Endrago is the only thing that grows, Snowite, is a snowy mountain that receives constant snowfall every day. 

But in summer, the snowfall lessens, making it the most appropriate time, she said. 

From my perspective, that was actually better. 

Since it’s still spring, I could make all the necessary preparations during that time.

“Surely, there won’t be a better opportunity than this,” Ord nodded in agreement after hearing my words.

“But doesn’t it seem a bit strange? They’re so eager to ask for help from another country, yet they give us so much time.”

“…That’s true.”

Of course, that part bothered me too. 

Why would they suddenly need to go to Endrago? 

If it were because someone in the royal family had fallen seriously ill, the time frame would be too leisurely. 

If that were the case, they would have mobilized all their forces, regardless of the weather. 

Since Victoria said she didn’t know the reason either, it sounds like Levath has some other objective in mind.

“Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Who knows when this kind of opportunity will come again?”

It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. 

It was too tempting to refuse. 

It was about curing Serena’s heart, so even if a lion opened its mouth, I should at least stick my hand inside first. 

And there were other things I needed to worry about as well.

‘While I’m gone, there could be another raid.’

If I go, I’ll probably have to leave the mansion empty for a few days. 

There might be another incident like the one two days ago during that time. 

Even though Ord is here, it’s still dangerous. 

And with Serena here, I needed to make sure the safety measures were in place.

Fortunately, there was something that could take care of that job properly.

‘For home security, nothing beats a golem.’

If it’s that, it won’t be treated as a soldier, and it’s strong too. 

There’s nothing else better than that. 

Mercenaries would never be as reliable.

So, should I start making it today?

“Ord, go to the underground storage and bring me a large magic stone.”

*

“What are you trying to do now?”

Serena, who had followed me out to the garden in front of the mansion, asked as I began my preparations.

“I’m going to make a golem now.”

“A golem? What’s that?”

“Think of it as a huge doll made out of stone. You can look forward to it. It’s going to be really cool.”

Despite me confidently explaining, Serena narrowed her eyes and gave a somewhat indifferent response. 

She was probably skeptical, thinking that something made of stone couldn’t be that impressive. 

But after it’s done, I can already picture that look on her face changing 180 degrees.

“But what are you going to do with that?”

“Remember how there was an unpleasant incident at our house recently? I’m making it to prepare for something like that. For now, would you mind stepping back a little?”

I’ll explain more later, but for now, I needed materials like stones or rocks for the golem.

She might ask where I could find such things in a garden full of flowers and grass.

But don’t forget: magic is useful in almost any situation.

‘I guess I’ll make it around medium size.’

It needs to be big enough to cover at least a few dozen people or about three mid-level mages.

Ord had already told me to avoid damaging the garden, so I didn’t have much choice.

Anyway, with the estimate in mind, I cast the mid-level spell [Stone Shower], and numerous stones began pouring from the magic circle drawn in the air.

“Wow…”

Serena, who had been watching, couldn’t help but marvel at the magic she was witnessing for the first time.

Tsk, she shouldn’t be so surprised by this.

Then, I used the telekinesis spell [Psycho Hand] to begin moving the stones one by one, and Serena’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

To others, it would seem like the stones were moving according to my hand gestures.

In reality, though, it wasn’t an easy task for me either.

‘My arm’s going to fall off, seriously…!’

This magic isn’t just simple telekinesis; it’s about interfering with the invisible hands of the target.

If you ask what’s different about that, it’s the fact that I have to bear the weight and burden myself.

It’s still better than using my hands directly, but do you think moving rocks the size of a person is easy? 

I’ve barely moved a few, and my arm is already starting to tremble.

Normally, when making a golem, several mages work together, or extra manpower is used, but what am I doing right now?

And on top of that, I’m making a medium-sized golem by myself.

Even I think I’m asking for trouble.

“Haah… Finally done.”

But after all that effort, I had roughly shaped it.

It looked like a giant lying down in the shape of the letter “大.”

Now, I just needed to smooth and connect the joints between the stones with magic and insert the magic stone in the center of the torso as the core.

But that’s enough for today.

I didn’t have any strength left in my arms to do more.

I guess I’ll continue the rest tomorrow.

“…I think Ershi is amazing.”

Just as I was thinking about heading inside to take a break, Serena suddenly spoke while looking at me.

Her clear, glass-like eyes held a gaze full of admiration.

That respectful look — something I had never received before — made me feel a little shy.

Really, once I fix her heart, she’ll probably be even more amazing than me.

“You’re so amazing and strong, so do you really need something like this?”

“Well, you see…”

She was probably asking out of pure curiosity.

Since the topic came up, I decided to let Serena know that I would be going to find Endrago later.

I wasn’t planning on taking her with me, but there was no harm in telling her in advance.

“No. Don’t go.”

“Huh?”

Wait, this doesn’t seem good.

Even though I explained that it was all for her, Serena clung to my leg and stubbornly tried to stop me.

“You’re going to be gone for more than a day? No, I won’t let you go.”

“No, Serena. Even so, I have no choice if I’m going to fix your heart…”

“I don’t want that. If you’re going, then take me with you.”

“Ah, really…”

Why is she throwing a tantrum like this?

While I was happy she wanted to stay with me, it was more troublesome than anything.

Isn’t she just going to stop me from going if I can’t convince her, regardless of her heart condition?

“Alright, Serena. Listen to me carefully.”

In the end, it seemed like I needed to have a proper conversation to break Serena’s resistance.

I bent my knees to match her height, placed a hand on her shoulder, and spoke in a slightly serious tone, putting strength into my voice.

“I told you, I’m going to fix your heart. I can’t keep living with the danger of something happening because of magic, can I?”

“Well, still…”

“You need to understand this part. No, you have to. Even if it’s lonely, just bear with it. I’m going because I have to, even though it’ll be lonely for me too, not seeing you.”

“Ugh…”

It was starting to get through to her.

She probably knew she was being unreasonable, but her stubbornness was just part of being a kid.

Honestly, she was like a cat that’s hard to train.

“But we still have plenty of time before then, so we can be together until then. I know it’s not much of a substitute, but let’s stick together until then?”

“…Don’t say it like I’m never going to see you again.”

Hmm. 

I guess I ended up speaking like that without realizing it.

But now that she let go of my leg, I wonder if she won’t throw a tantrum over this anymore.

“Then, how about we go inside, rest a bit, and then try some lessons?”

“Yeah. What are we doing today? Magic? Etiquette training?”

For Serena, lessons seemed like just another game, and I could tell from her bright eyes that she was really excited.

But I didn’t think we’d be doing that today.

It was actually going to be a swordsmanship lesson from Ord.

**

“Ugh, Ershi…”

Breathing heavily and gasping for air, Serena stumbled toward me and then collapsed in front of me.

Sweat was pouring down her small body without a pause.

Her face was flushed, and she was breathing roughly, looking… excited—no, no, she really looked like she was struggling.

Well, it was only natural.

She was never into physical training, so adapting to Ord’s lessons immediately would be tough for her.

But still, wasn’t this a bit too much?

He had her running for over an hour and then told her to do strength training.

“Well done, Serena. Even though it was hard, you didn’t give up until the end. I truly admire your enthusiasm.”

“Eeek…”

Though Ord, the Spartan instructor, was smiling with satisfaction and showering her with praise,Serena, on the other hand, looked absolutely terrified of him, her complexion darkening visibly.

‘I used to be like that too. Ah, memories, memories~.’

Since I had been through it myself, I could completely understand Serena’s feelings.

I couldn’t even tell if I was getting lessons or being abused, it was that hard.

But I couldn’t complain because, for all the sweat and hardship, the results were amazing.

The worst, but the best instructor.

True to his former role as a knight commander, he was ruthless when it came to this kind of training.

But you’re lucky, Serena.

If I had been your age, this would have been the end of it, but I went through even worse than you.

“Alright, let’s rest for a bit and then push through one last time. Is that alright?”

“What? What did you say? E-Ershi!”

At Ord’s words, Serena’s eyes widened in shock, and she urgently called out to me.

Sorry. 

If I help carelessly, I’ll get caught up in it too.

You’ll probably have to endure this thinking it’s all for your own good.

“I’ll go ahead. Don’t overdo it.”

“Ershi? Ershi!”

I heard a desperate cry from behind me.

It really hurt my heart, but for Serena’s growth, I had no choice but to turn away, holding back my tears.

Ugh. 

I’m sorry.