A letter arrived for Allen.
Dear Allen,
How have you been lately?
In the blink of an eye, it's already been a year and a half since we parted. I wonder, have you grown taller? You always tell me you're only 160cm, but Rudy's letters say you've already grown quite a bit since last year. He also mentioned how your features have softened, and your hair is long enough to tie in the back. Just reading it in words, though, doesn't quite feel real to me.
I'm so curious.
Continuing from where we left off—
I've been venturing through dungeons over and over, and perhaps because I go alone so often, I seem to have made a name for myself. I even received an invitation from the royal family of Shilong Kingdom to become the prince's private tutor.
Honestly, I'm tempted.
Before my last dungeon dive, I took your advice and discussed ways to strengthen magic with Rudy. As expected… he really is a genius. Some of his ideas hadn't even occurred to me. You've both been such a big help.
According to Rudy, Sylphy's magical skill has now officially advanced to upper-level mage, and her hair is shoulder-length now. She seems much more mature and speaks little, but apparently still likes to stick close to you.
Rudy seemed a bit disdainful in his letter, but I imagine it must be quite amusing to see. Hehe… Allen, you really are as charming as ever with girls.
He also said Sylphy once asked you if she should grow her hair into braids like mine, but you refused outright, saying white hair should stay shoulder-length. What do you mean, white hair? Sylphy's hair is green, isn't it?
Ah… I'm rambling. Anyway, please congratulate Sylphy for me. Since postage is expensive, I'll write to her again once my income stabilizes.
Speaking of Shilong, it's a curious country. Some people even ride elephants and wear turbans. I couldn't find a proper gift for you this time, but months ago I noticed something beautiful here. In the capital's river, there are lovely pink flowers that float on green, plate-shaped leaves. They don't grow from soil, but rather float directly on water. They say it's the national flower of Shilong. Well… I was using this petal as a bookmark and thought it looked quite cute, so here it is. I wonder if you'll like it.
Every time I write, I feel like I have so much to say, but when the pen touches the paper, nothing comes out, and the letter ends up short.
When will we meet again?
Send replies to both the Adventurer's Guild and the Shilong palace, in case I miss one.
—Roxy
P.S. Stop calling me Blue Mama!! How rude! You think calling it a "term of endearment" makes me happy? How ridiculous.
——
In the northern region of Asura Kingdom, Fittoa Territory, Buena Village.
Another winter. The snow fell just as it had last year.
Allen set the letter down, his eyes lingering on Roxy's scrawled final words. He smiled faintly, imagining her flustered face.
'They say demons aren't bright… but Roxy is clearly clever. That has to be wrong.'
He turned to the window.
'Another year already. Time flies.'
His growing body bore the signs of his development. His once sharp, childish features had softened, and even sitting down, one could tell he'd grown considerably taller. His hair was longer now, tied into a short braid at the back. His glasses still perched on his nose, giving him a scholarly air.
Allen lifted the petal Roxy had sent. A lotus. Pressed flat and well-preserved. He smiled again, carefully setting it beside Roxy's "figure."
Opening a drawer, he found stacks of letters, trinkets, a carved grotesque wooden figurine, and other odd gifts they'd exchanged over the past year.
'What is this figure supposed to be…' he thought, chuckling to himself.
He picked up a blank sheet of paper, brushed his fingers over a leaf bookmark that bore three delicate words in careful handwriting: "For Allen."
He began to write.
——
Dear Blue Mama,
By the time you read this, it's probably a month later as usual.
You must have already accepted the tutor position by now. Knowing you, you couldn't resist.
That's honest.
I heard Shilong princes can be troublesome. Don't compare their magical talent to Rudy's—it'll hurt their pride. And if they dare cross a line, feel free to scorch them with fire magic.
About Sylphy's hair… You'll see when you return. Her shoulder-length hair suits her. Just like your braids suit you.
As for me being "as charming as ever with girls"… you must be mistaken. There aren't many girls around. You're imagining things.
Thank you for the flower. It seems to be a lotus. The books here say it grows from the mud despite appearing to float. And its root is edible.
You gave me a petal—so I'll send you a flower.
From Buena's winter snow.
Also, about the figure you carved. I like it.
Don't make another.
As for when we'll meet again… perhaps on a summer night, or another spring morning. When the time is right.
That feeling—I call it "anticipation."
—Allen
P.S. I'll keep calling you Blue Mama. It's endearing. Don't you agree?
——
As he sealed the letter, his smile faded slightly. His fingers brushed against a crumpled old paper hidden deep in the drawer. On it, scribbled over and over, was one phrase:
"Future Sight."
Below it, the old words he'd written a year ago had long since been buried.
A baby's cry rose from downstairs.
Allen closed the drawer, stood, and went down to join the others.
The snow outside continued to fall, just as it had the year before.
(End of Chapter)
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