Chapter 18: I’m always there for You

It’s the second day since I decided to teach Serena magic.

After much effort, Serena, who had finally begun to feel mana, proudly jumped around with joy and boasted to me.

“I think I just felt something inside me!”

She was beaming with the satisfaction of achieving what she had hoped for and the joy of accomplishing it, and she eagerly told me all about what she had felt. 

She felt water flowing within her body, as if a cool river was circulating through her entire body, and so on.

Entering the unknown is an exciting thing. 

I felt that way too.

By the way, it had only been two days. 

It wasn’t too early or too late, but considering Serena’s potential, it was somewhat unexpected.

Honestly, I thought she’d manage it in just one day.

“And also!”

“Okay, okay, calm down first. Alright?”

To calm her down, still unable to control her emotions, I lightly tapped her head. 

As soon as I stopped her, I noticed her face turning red, realizing she had been overly excited.

But just to make sure she didn’t get discouraged, I patted her head. 

After a few times, she quickly pulled her head back.

She’s so cute, even when I do that.

Anyway, it was time to move on to the next stage.

“Well then, should we start trying magic?

Do you remember what I taught you last time?

Can you do it again like before?”

“Ah… 

Do I have to…?”

At my words, Serena’s complexion turned pale, and fear spread across her once-bright face.

Yeah.

From her perspective, it made sense to be scared after experiencing the excruciating pain the last time.

Not being able to breathe, losing control of her limbs, and feeling consciousness slip away—having gone through that experience myself, I understood just how terrifying it was.

I didn’t want to put her through such risks again. 

At one point, I even wondered if teaching her swordsmanship might be better.

However, magic was what I could teach her best.

It would be far more useful in the future, and more importantly, I couldn’t just keep protecting her without teaching her how to face danger and fear herself.

So, to reassure her, I kneeled down to her level and gently placed my hand on her shoulder.

“I know what you’re worried about.

But don’t worry, there are safety measures in place.

My friend made them for you, so you can trust it.”

“I don’t want to. 

I was really scared last time. 

I thought I was going to die.”

Shaking her head, Serena’s eyes started to fill with tears.

I felt a small shiver through her body as she recalled the memory of that day.

“…I know. 

I’m sorry. 

I shouldn’t have asked you to do something so risky. 

But I swear, there’s one thing I can promise you.”

I extended my pinky finger and smiled to reassure her.

“If anything goes wrong, I’ll die with you. 

I promise.”

Putting someone, especially someone you love, in such a dangerous position is something no one should ever do. 

I couldn’t, and I shouldn’t.

 As an adult, I would have no excuse for putting a child through such a ridiculous situation.

That’s why I was willing to risk my life for her. It was the least I could do.

I was prepared to do it for her, anytime.

“…Really? 

Are you sure? 

You’re not lying, right?”

It was clear that she wasn’t easily convinced.

Of course, a liar tends to make grand and pleasant promises. 

Serena’s doubt was understandable.

But all I could do was nod and assure her that I meant every word.

Even with a life-on-the-line promise, if Serena didn’t want to do it, I would give up, and I wouldn’t force her.

The choice would always be hers.

In the silence that followed, Serena slowly raised her hand.

“…!”

From her hand, a faint flame like a candle’s light appeared.

It was a tiny, bright light, a bit too hot to look at directly, but still, it was clear—it wasn’t about the magic itself, but rather ensuring she was alright after casting it.

“How does it feel? 

Do you feel anything unusual in your body?”

I asked, swallowing dryly.

Serena slowly shook her head.

Her face was calm, and her breathing was steady.

The gemstone on the collar she was wearing was emitting a faint glow, confirming that the safety device made by Keira was functioning properly.

She was safe.

I was relieved, and just as I was about to embrace her in joy,

“Ah!”

Serena jumped into my arms first.

It was sudden, and I could feel the same tremor from her small hands that I had felt earlier, so I paused for a moment.

“…Don’t say that kind of thing, even if it’s a lie, alright?”

I couldn’t see her expression because she had buried her face in my chest, but knowing her, she was probably trying her best not to cry.

I wanted to see her face, but I decided to just leave her as she was, patting her back gently as I replied, “Okay.”

I really couldn’t even say something as simple as “I’m willing to die” in front of her.

After confirming that the key safety measure was functioning properly, I decided to start properly teaching her magic tomorrow. 

She hadn’t physically tired herself out, but I knew it must have been mentally exhausting.

So, as a celebration for becoming a mage, we decided to go out and have some fun.

…There shouldn’t have been a problem with that, right?

“Do we have to wear this?”

The problem was the collar Serena was wearing around her neck.

It felt unsafe to remove it temporarily, but if we went out with it on, rumors would surely spread.

Ah, I could already hear it. 

The whispers about how I was treating her like a pet, being a wicked lord.

“…I guess there’s no choice. 

I’ll do my best to explain it.”

But since Serena’s safety came first, I decided to bear the burden of my reputation and take her out.

Of course, even though I was mentally prepared, the eyes of others would still be incredibly uncomfortable.

“Hey, look at that girl.

Is that thing around her neck what I think it is?”

“I thought she was a good person, but I didn’t know she had that kind of preference.”

“Hey, go call the guards.”

This is driving me crazy.

I wanted to yell at them, asking where they were looking, but I wasn’t in a position to do that.

By the way, Serena, why are you acting so unaffected? 

Am I the only one concerned?

“I want to try that.”

She casually tugged at my sleeve and started begging for something, so I guess I really was the only one paying attention.

Since Serena pointed to a street food stand, I decided to fulfill her request.

“Welcome… Oh! L-Lord!”

The vendor, who had been about to greet us, recognized me and quickly bowed his head.

It’s normal for about eight out of ten people to act like this when they see me, but I didn’t want to make a scene in front of Serena, so I told him to stop.

He then looked at Serena, who was standing beside me, staring intently at the collar around her neck.

I had to act fast before any misunderstandings arose.

I immediately started reciting the script I had prepared in my head.

“What do you think?

Doesn’t it suit her? 

But don’t get the wrong idea. 

I heard these kinds of accessories are in style lately. 

I’m not crazy enough to make this cute girl wear a collar in broad daylight.

 It just looks like that, but it’s actually something completely different. 

So please don’t misunderstand.

Got it?”

“Y-Yes, of course.

 Haha.”

Phew. 

With a little bit of power and eloquence, I managed to get past this one.

We received our snacks and decided to walk down the street while eating.

But why does it keep stretching like this? It’s chewy, kind of like rice cakes, so is it that?

“Ugh…”
Seemingly surprised, Serena mumbled with the snack in her mouth.

I was laughing at her adorable, funny expression when…

“-Lord, please stop for a moment.”

I heard a voice calling me from behind.

The tone was formal, and I felt like the inevitable had finally come. I turned around.

Of course, the ones calling me were the guards, and their eyes were filled with suspicion, as if they were looking at a criminal.

“…Who are these people?”

“Very good people,” I answered.

As the strangers with solid, muscular builds approached, Serena hid behind me and asked.

I wasn’t wrong.

Although they were here to arrest me, they were indeed doing their duty.

I knew why they were here, but I decided to keep my calm and pretend like nothing was wrong. I opened my mouth.

“What’s going on? 

I’m just out here having fun with my little sister.”

“…Your little sister?”

The guard’s eyes narrowed sharply, and it seemed I had made a mistake in my wording.

After all, no one would expect someone to put a collar on their sister, so the suspicion would be worse.

“So, is there something you need?”

“People reported that Lord was walking around with a person, treating them like a pet, so we came to check, but… honestly, I don’t even know what to say.”

“Oh, really?

Well, I can see how it might look like that, but there’s been a misunderstanding.

The thing my little sister is wearing is just an accessory that’s in fashion these days.”

“Accessory?”

“Yes. If you look carefully…”

The situation wasn’t ideal, but I had to keep making excuses to avoid being arrested.

I was about to show Serena as proof and a witness, but…

She was gone.

“…Serena?”

She was right beside me just a moment ago, but now, suddenly, she was nowhere to be seen.

In a panic, I called her name loudly and started running through the crowds in search of her.