Chapter 27

Three days after parting with Chaos, Alexia has not stepped out of the Vaisel Empire Magic Academy. Compared to those busy yet fulfilling days, she now finds herself in a peaceful routine. However, despite this tranquility, her expression seems to carry a hint of worry, appearing somewhat downcast.

Her mind is preoccupied with the events of three days ago. That day, she returned to Brandenburg as usual, and it all began with a single, unusual word from Chaos.

"I'm sorry. I won't be able to meet you for a while."

"Eh—"

What did her teacher just say? Alexia's mind went blank, and she lost her words, unable to even ask for clarification.

"What do you mean, Chaos?"

Irene, who was a bit late, asked the question.

"Actually, I have an exam and won't be able to stay here for a while."

She had heard that Chaos was a student. At the time, she was surprised that such a knowledgeable teacher was still a student and wondered what kind of foreign magic academy he must be attending. She had even considered the idea of attending school with Chaos, though it was more of a dream. As a noble from another country, even though her parents had disowned her, she was still under their protection and could not easily study abroad.

"Well, I can come back here after the exam is over."

"That's right. I can be here in five days, but—"

Chaos's words were vague. Knowing it was a temporary separation due to the exam, Alexia's heart had started to ease, but now a new wave of unease spread through her.

"I'm thinking of going to Commune."

Alexia had never been to Commune, a trading nation located to the east of the Vaisel Empire. Surrounded by the Vaisel Empire and the Castal Kingdom, two of the largest countries on the continent, and with the sea to the south, Commune was a crucial point for trade and maritime activities between the empire and the kingdom.

"Alexia, Irene."

Chaos's determined eyes caught both of them.

"Would you like to come with me to Commune?"

Those words made her heart race. Why was it racing so much? A small part of her wondered. Probably because he had clearly said he wanted her to be with him. She had never heard anyone, not even the academy or her family, say they needed her. She had always felt worthless, a magic-incompetent failure. But now, no matter how much magic he could use, it didn't matter; he genuinely needed her. That realization made her heart soar with joy.

The invitation was so tempting, the words that made her feel needed as just a noble's daughter, just a girl.

—But.

"Please let me think about it for a while."

In the end, she couldn't answer immediately and could only delay her response until the five days after the exam when she would meet Chaos again.

What did she really want? —Since then, she has been asking herself this question, day after day, in a state of constant turmoil. The answer has been clear for a long time.

It was always decided that she couldn't be with Chaos forever. As a student, it might still be manageable. Even if Chaos went to Commune, it would be possible to balance his studies. Even though Commune was in a neighboring country, the distance and time were not significant issues. After all, Alexia had learned the teleportation magic 'Warp Portal' that Chaos used. Recently, she had been teleporting from Sturbrücken to Brandenburg to meet Chaos, and then he would teleport to a distant portal for hunting. So, once she went to the 'Portal' in Commune, she could go there anytime.

However, once the extracurricular lessons ended, the frequency of her meetings with Chaos would inevitably decrease. And once he finished his studies, it would become even more difficult to meet. The problem was her position. Alexia was not just Alexia. She was Marie Alexia von Zavarech, the daughter of the noble Zavarech family of the Vaisel Empire. Her status did not allow her to act freely. She realized this when she felt that Chaos wanted just Alexia. The moment she recognized this, the excitement from his words quickly turned cold, replaced by a deep sense of anxiety and indeterminate emotions. These feelings clouded her judgment, making it difficult to decide and delaying her response.

She had always known that parting with Chaos was inevitable. She thought she could handle the sadness of a farewell. But when it became a reality, her heart wavered, and she even considered following him.

Would she really be able to part with him when he moved further away from Commune, after the extracurricular lessons and his studies were over? Could she really reject his words? She still couldn't make that decision.

"Alexia."

As she was lost in these endless thoughts, her attendant, Irene, called out to her.

"What do you intend to do, Alexia?"

"…What do you mean?"

"About Chaos. Are you going to Commune?"

"…What do you think, Irene?"

Perhaps the long-time attendant could understand this dilemma, Alexia thought as she asked.

"…With all due respect, I must be frank. This has already gone beyond the scope of extracurricular lessons. Moreover, as a baron's daughter, frequent visits to another country, even in peacetime, could be problematic. Therefore, you should seek permission from the head of your household."

"My father… would never allow it."

Even if her father, who showed little interest in her, were to give permission, he would certainly mention guards and companions. It would be improper for a young noblewoman to be with a young man. It could cause trouble for her teacher, and she didn't want to repay his kindness with ingratitude.

In the end, she realized that no matter how much she agonized, the result was already decided. She tried to cut off her hesitation by putting it into words.

"I've decided. I—"

She closed her eyes, as if trying to convince herself, paused for a moment, and then slowly opened them, hesitantly speaking her words.

"I won't go to Commune. When I meet the teacher next time… I will say goodbye."

"…Are you sure about this?"

"…Yes."

To her weak and uncertain decision, Irene responded with a single word.

"I will follow the decision you have made, Alexia. No matter what decision you make."

Irene bowed and left the room.

How powerless she felt—her heart ached with her own inadequacy. As an attendant, it was right to encourage Alexia to part with Chaos. But if she had advised her earlier, before Alexia had grown so attached, it would have been easier. Now, it only served to deepen the wound.

Still, the past month had been a time of peace for both of them. Finally, she had someone she could trust, especially someone important to her. She had become so accustomed to the warmth of those days that she had turned a blind eye to the inevitable parting that would come.

Chaos had not shown any signs of leaving the country until the last moment, perhaps because he could easily move with teleportation magic. It was understandable that she hadn't noticed.

But Alexia hadn't truly decided to part with him. Her decision was fragile, based solely on her position, Irene thought. Alexia probably hadn't even realized her feelings for Chaos. But even if she did, the possibility of being together was low. A commoner from a foreign country and a noble's daughter—such a love story was nothing but a fantasy. For Alexia to be with him, she would have to give up her noble status and elope. Living as a commoner in a foreign country—how difficult that would be was not something written in fairy tales.

Moreover, she didn't know Chaos's feelings. He didn't seem to dislike her, but it was hard to tell if he had feelings beyond friendship. When he said he wanted her to come with him, what did he mean? Perhaps he just wanted a trusted companion. With his skills, he wouldn't need to call someone from another country. Could he have had feelings for her, or even for Irene? No, Irene immediately dismissed that idea.

Regardless, this was a significant decision for Alexia, and no matter the outcome, Irene would serve by her side. That was her decision as Alexia's attendant.

On the day of their reunion—Alexia finally transferred to Brandenburg, her heart heavy, to say goodbye to Chaos. The portal in Brandenburg, like the one in Sturbrücken, was located in the city. It was a valuable relic that existed before the city was established, and it was said that the magic that kept monsters from approaching made it possible to build the city. Alexia had learned the name and destination of the portal from Chaos. Thinking about how it would all end made her feel a lump in her throat.

She wanted to savor the moment, but time didn't wait. She headed to the adventurer's guild where Chaos was waiting. Walking through the usually bustling city, she felt something was off. It was noisy, but the noise was frantic and filled with a sense of despair. Irene, noticing the unusual atmosphere, looked around and saw carts loaded with household goods rushing down the main street, mothers with children and large bags, and elderly people forming a long line, all fleeing the city.

Feeling that something was seriously wrong, Irene stopped an older woman in the line.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"You don't know? The city was in an uproar."

The woman, leading a child, sounded slightly exasperated.

"I just arrived. I don't know what's happening."

"Alright. It's good or bad luck… Eisenstadt Fortress has fallen to the monsters."

"What, that's impossible!?"

Eisenstadt Fortress in the northeast was a key stronghold of the empire, successfully stopping monster invasions. The idea that it had fallen to monsters was hard to believe. It seemed more plausible that Commune had invaded.

"I don't know the details, but a large group of monsters is heading this way. I'm not saying anything bad, but you girls should flee quickly!"

Of all times, why did such a major event have to happen when Alexia was making such an important decision? Irene inwardly cursed the timing. But there was no time to waste. With teleportation magic, they could escape quickly, though it wasn't a perfect solution. Chaos had said that only six people could be transported at once. It would take a considerable amount of time to move the nearly 50,000 residents. There was a limit to how many could be saved, and if the residents learned about the teleportation magic, they would turn to Alexia for help. Abandoning the residents and fleeing would be difficult and frustrating, but her life was more important.

"Alexia, we need to leave quickly."

Before she could finish, Alexia had already run off.

"Wait! Alexia!"

Irene called out, but Alexia didn't stop. She chased after her, trying to hold her back. Alexia, pale and muttering, was heading to a certain place.

"Please calm down, Alexia!"

Irene reached out and grabbed Alexia's hand.

"Let go, Irene! The teacher, the teacher!"

Alexia, in a state of panic, tried to shake off Irene's grip with all her strength.

"Teacher—!"

Alexia rushed into the adventurer's guild, searching for Chaos. There were about a dozen adventurers gathered at the guild's request, but Chaos was not among them. She felt a sense of relief, thinking he might not have arrived yet. However, compared to their usual meeting time, it was still early, so he might still come.

What would happen if Chaos came to Brandenburg? As a foreigner, he had no obligation to protect the city. But as a member of the adventurer's guild, he would be required to participate in the guild's requests.

Chaos would not just leave the city. He was always punctual and had never missed a meeting. If he saw the fleeing citizens, he would not abandon them. From Alexia's perspective, Chaos was a kind person who would not leave even strangers behind. He wouldn't have taken care of an incompetent person like her if he were not. He was also brave and strong, easily dispatching a handful of monsters without breaking a sweat. He would surely stand up to the monster army and help the citizens.

But could he defeat the monster army? Even when they were together, Chaos was not always unscathed. He had only suffered minor injuries because Alexia and Irene were there to support him. He might even die.

No, she didn't want that to happen—.

The thought of never seeing Chaos again made her feel as if her body was being torn apart. Her chest felt heavy, and her body trembled uncontrollably. Hot tears welled up in her eyes.

She didn't want him to die. She didn't want to lose her teacher, Chaos. She wanted him to live. She would give everything she had to save him.

(—Ah, that's it.)

The questions about her hesitation and her feelings at the time