21st Century Archmage

“Make sure you teach that when artamian is burned, it must absolutely be done in a furnace with a chimney, and it should be stored in a place with good circulation.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Do not forget that used up fuel should be buried in a deep hole far from the castle.”

“Understood, my liege.”

“Did the wheat I wanted sent to Orakk Castle get there?”

“The last transport was sent yesterday and should be arriving around tomorrow.”

It was the morning of my departure to the Temir temple. I called Derval and left instructions on important matters.

“Even during my absence, be sure to handle everything according to plan.”

“You can leave without worries, sir.”

I also wanted to see the knights before I left, but monsters were popping up everywhere, driven by hunger, so there was no time. The territory was still far from stability and relentlessly demanded hard work from my people.

‘Why do I feel so lonely today, of all days?

As if I wouldnt be able to return for a long time, my eyes lingered fondly on everything around me.

“But my liege…” began Derval carefully.

“Hm? Do you have something to say?”

“Do you have something troubling you? These last few days, you have not eaten well and your expression has been dark. Is there a problem I am unaware of…?”

As someone who knew me better than anyone else, Derval had noticed my abnormal behavior.

“It is nothing. Instead of worrying about me, Sir Derval should watch his own health. Every time I see your increasingly thin body, I think it is all my fault as your foolish lord.”

“I-I apologize.”

Not many words were necessary between the two of us, who supported and trusted each other.

“Take care of the territory for me.”

“Please have a safe trip. The lives of hundreds of thousands of Nermans residents are in your hands, my liege.”

My trip was already decided, so Derval did not try to stop me. Instead, he flashed me a bright grin.

And in response, I thumped Dervals shoulders twice before turning around.

‘Oh man! Why cant someone just stop me! My footsteps were as heavy as a pigs when getting led to the slaughterhouse. Feeling pained, I resolutely opened the office door.Derval, wont you stop me just this once?

Opening the door, I turned to look at Derval one last time.

Nod.

He nodded slightly, his eyes full of trust.

Creaaak.

Kerchunk.

The door closed behind me, leaving only the Temir temple ahead.

‘My godddd!! With that, I had no choice but to leave, heading off to stop the awakening of Lokoroïa, someone who could—if things went awry—become the ruler of the entire continent.

* * *

Swooooosh.

‘Whats with all this snow flying around!