“Until you come back? Are you going somewhere?”

“There is something I need to know.”

“What do you mean…”

“And there is something I need to find too.”

“What is it? Is it important?”

“Yes, it’s very important.”

A regretful expression appeared on her face in an instant. Sezh hadn’t seen him in a few days, and now she’s suddenly given the news that Eton is leaving her. Her heart was heavy.

“Is there something I can do to help you? It’s not going to be anything huge, but at least to some extent… Then this, if it’s okay, I can give you some of my jewels…”

“No, it’s something I have to go and collect by myself. It can not be bought or sold,” Eton said, staring at the half stone that contains sealed magic.

“I have one more,” he muttered.

If he just put it in his hand, if he could just absorb the power of the other half of the stone… He could go back to being what he used to be. The power that boiled beyond anyone’s control. The power that was able to get rid of everything and wipe it out of existence.

“However, you’re a good kid, Sezh.”

Eton smiled affectionately and stroked Sezh’s hair. Sezh stared back at Eton, who looked down at her. She then opened her pouting mouth.

“How do I learn magic if you’re absent, Uncle? I’m clueless about everything.”

“That’s easy.”

Eton grabbed her wrist and then raised Sezh’s arm towards the open window.

What is he doing? Sezh’s eyes, which were previously frowning, widened. She was feeling weird. It felt like something hot was squeezing through each nerve in her arm. Her arms, her chest, her whole body got too hot.

Eton looked down at Sezh’s rigid form.

He whispered with a low voice in her ear, “A wind, a fresh breeze, a freezing gale, a destructive typhoon… You can make anything.”

“Uncle…?”

“But it’s spring, right? The weather is sunny, delicate flowers bloom in splendor, and the beginning of all life awakens. In spring, the gentle, tickling wind will be part of the harmony.

“The wind is coming out the tip of your fingers. Imagine it: It’s lightly caressing your hair, bringing the smell of the warm shining sun, tickling the tip of your nose, and carrying the dancing butterflies and birds… That kind of wind.”

Eton’s voice was like a spell sweetly soaking into her ears. Sezh pondered his words and closed her eyes tightly as she recalled some memories.

When she got closer to the library and could sniff the delicious smell of strawberry cake; when she slowly walked side by side with Raytan and the hem of her dress ruffled with the rhythm of a light breeze; when she saw Raytan’s dark hair flutter as he sat in front of the window.

Those winds were… pleasant to her heart.

“Look.”

“Yes?”

“Told you, you can do it.”

Before Sezh could fully comprehend his words, there was a warm breeze blowing. The soft breeze soon reveals her forehead hidden by her blonde hair. The strands shone brilliantly under the moonlight, fluttering as if destined to dance.

“Oh, oh!”

Amazed, Sezh quickly turned her head and looked at Eton.

“But this time, it was only possible because of my help. If you practice hard to replicate what you did today, you’ll someday be able to produce as much wind to your heart’s content. When I come back and when you have finally acquired that ability… Hmm, tell me one of your wishes. I will grant whatever wish you want.”

Eton once again flashed her a bright smile.

Sezh blankly looked down at her hand. Now, she couldn’t feel the hot energy in her hand anymore. She tried to turn her hand over and over, but it didn’t change anything. She honestly couldn’t believe what had happened. However, since Sezh saw it with her own eyes and experienced it herself, she can’t think that it was just a coincidence.

…What a mysterious man. Eton was a mysterious man. Sezh didn’t know his age or his real name. Despite that, she didn’t hate him. Of course, she was very weary because of those unknown facts, but it was fun, and she secretly loved joking and playing around with him. But they have to part ways now. Sezh still didn’t know who Eton was…

She was also worried. Looking at the situation right now… Eton is honestly… very suspicious. What if he was caught walking around the Imperial Palace for no reason and became detained?

“Eton, can’t you go after a few more days?”

“Hm?”

“The founding ceremony begins the day after tomorrow. Not only the royal family but all the noble families will gather in the Imperial Palace. Before and after the ceremony, the guards will be very vigilant.”

“What do you guys do?”

“Luna told me they all gather and celebrate together. Last time, she heard some of the maids gossiping about how all the items and foods served were expensive and rare. There are many sayings that the founding celebration is just an excuse to sit in the lap of luxury.”

“Hmm…”

“If you celebrate the event with such magnificence, it is possible to impress God. Um, what is it… When God is satisfied, the golden rain will fall. Golden like the color of my hair. Well, that’s only a folk tale, and there’s never been a golden rain.”

“So, have you ever been there?”

“No. Things like me can’t go to such a place. My mother doesn’t like it very much. The same thing applies to Brother Raytan… Sister Lillian and Brother Bern will attend it but… “

“You don’t have to go to such a stupid place.”

“Eton?”

“Denhelder’s founding ceremony wasn’t such a stupid party. It was originally a small ceremony. It was much less than you described.”

“But it is said you have to do such an extravagant celebration so you receive God’s blessing… “

“If it’s your god, then Herace I?”

“Yes, maybe… “

“No matter how splendid a celebration you guys offer, Herace I can’t give you a golden rain.”

Eton spoke as if he had just heard something ridiculous.

“That’s something done by another god.”

“Another God?”

“However, that God doesn’t bless Delhender anymore.”

“What?”

“And he never will.”

“…Why not?“

“That’s not one of the god’s jobs. So don’t be disappointed. Yeah, that’s right… The path you use every time you come to Lize’s palace. If you walk a little past it, there is a hill behind the path. Go there.”

“What’s up there?”

“All you have to do is go there and bring one wheat bread and a glass of clean water. Then, a god will give you a gift.”

‘What crazy talk he is spitting’ was written all over Sezh’s face.

“That god doesn’t bless Denhelder anymore, but he still loves children with guts.”

Eton put a meaningful smile on his face while stroking Sezh’s hair for the second time.

“I have to go now.”

Earlier, Eton standing on her window made Sezh reflexively grab his collar and pull him into her room, but now she doesn’t feel the same urge. Somehow… Eton looked like he wouldn’t get any injuries if he jumped out her window, even if it was this high.

Sezh stared at Eton. She then said the words weighing on her chest, “Uncle, then…”

“Brother.”

“Yes, Uncle… Then we really can’t see each other for a while?”

“…It’s ‘Brother’,” Eton sighed and soon grinned at her.

“Hold on and stay strong until we meet again.”

Before she could say anything, Eton jumped down out the window without any hesitation. Sezh walked toward the window and scanned below. She couldn’t see anyone.