Departure for the Imperial Capital
Shortly before Charlotte and Ian's departure for the heart of the Empire alongside Adela and Dorothea, the inner courtyard of the Handler family mansion was filled with a bittersweet warmth.
Ian and Charlotte took turns embracing their grandfather and grandmother.
Despite their demanding schedules, the elderly couple had made time to personally see their beloved grandchildren off.
To them, moments like this were far more precious than any matter awaiting their attention elsewhere.
In truth, Martin, one of the highest pillars of the Merchant Union, was currently occupied with countless affairs that demanded his full attention.
The old man bore the responsibility of reviewing every preparation alongside the city lord in anticipation of the arrival of Count Flammenberg's convoy and the official delegation from Duke Glutstein's territory.
The schedule was so packed that it would normally consume nearly all of his time and energy.
Yet amidst the mountain of obligations that never seemed to diminish, Martin had still chosen to come in person.
After all, seeing his grandchildren off was not something he intended to miss.
A short while later, Charlotte's cheerful voice broke the warmth of the moment from within Marianne's embrace.
"Please take good care of yourself, Grandmother. Charlotte is going to miss you terribly. If I have any free time between academy activities, I'll come home to visit."
"Oh, my dear."
Marianne gently patted her granddaughter's back, her touch filled with the same affection as a mother sending her child far from home.
"I should be the one worrying about you. You're the one who'll be living far away from your family. So take good care of yourself there. And remember your promise—don't forget this old woman after you've settled in the capital."
Charlotte immediately shook her head.
"That's impossible! Charlotte could never forget Grandmother, not ever!"
A warm smile blossomed across Marianne's aged face.
"Very well. I'll hold you to those words."
Slowly, she loosened her embrace and guided Charlotte back just enough to look directly into the girl's obsidian eyes.
"And you and Ian must not ignore your parents' advice. I'm certain your father and mother have already reminded you countless times to look after one another while you're away from home."
A stiff smile appeared on Charlotte's face.
She could already guess where this conversation was heading.
As expected, her grandmother showed no intention of ending her lecture anytime soon.
"Make sure you eat your meals regularly."
Charlotte remained silent and listened.
"Study diligently, but do not overwork yourself. And do not argue with your professors or academy instructors unless you truly have a proper reason."
Charlotte obediently nodded.
"Manage your rest well. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Yes, Grandmother."
"And keep your appetite under control, especially when it comes to sweets."
Charlotte's smile faltered slightly.
"Do not go looking for trouble with other students, and certainly do not start any fights."
The girl's shoulders gradually drooped.
"Do not involve yourself in matters that do not concern you."
Charlotte could only nod once more.
"And most importantly, you are absolutely forbidden from wandering about at night. Do you understand?"
"Ah... of course, Grandmother. Charlotte understands perfectly," she replied, her defensive tone impossible to miss.
"Good girl."
The speed with which his elder sister answered caused the corner of Ian's lips to twitch upward.
He nearly chuckled at Charlotte's expression.
To him, she looked like someone who had just been handed an entire book of regulations that would continue watching over her from thousands of miles away.
Their parents had given them much the same advice before.
Yet Marianne always possessed a unique talent for making every word sound far more significant—as though each piece of advice were a rule that must never be broken under any circumstances.
For that very reason, more than anyone else's reprimands or warnings, their grandmother's advice was always the most difficult thing for Charlotte to ignore.
Once their brief farewell had come to an end, Marianne's attention shifted toward Ian.
Catching the unspoken cue, Ian immediately stepped forward, while Charlotte moved away to join Martin, who was standing nearby.
As soon as the distance between them closed, Ian wrapped his arms around his grandmother in a respectful embrace.
The faint fragrance that always lingered upon Marianne's robes drifted into his senses.
It was a scent he had known for as long as he could remember, one that instantly brought with it a feeling of comfort and peace.
Without realizing it, Ian tightened his embrace for a few moments.
"You must take care of your health as well, Grandmother. Please don't overexert yourself by handling too many family matters. Make sure you rest more often. And if anything urgent arises, or if you're not feeling well, ask Lucas for assistance."
Marianne gently patted his shoulder, conveying the same warmth she had always given to each of her grandchildren.
"Now listen to who's giving me advice," Marianne replied with a soft, affectionate laugh.
"You've grown far too quickly, Ian. And you've become quite wise as well."
A gentle smile rested upon the elderly woman's face.
"But thank you. I shall remember your words."
A few moments later, Marianne fell silent.
The look in her eyes gradually deepened, becoming more thoughtful and serious.
"Unlike your sister, I am not particularly worried about your ability to take care of yourself."
Ian wasn't sure whether to take that as praise for his maturity or as a responsibility quietly being entrusted to him.
"However, there is one thing you must always remember."
"What is it, Grandmother?"
"Always be your sister's shield."
Ian nodded without the slightest hesitation.
Even without being reminded, that had long been one of the greatest priorities in his life.
Yet hearing those words directly from Marianne only strengthened the resolve that had always existed within his heart.
"Even so," Marianne continued softly, "do not forget yourself simply because you are too busy standing at your sister's side."
The words sounded simple enough.
Yet for some reason, they struck far deeper than he had expected.
"I understand, Grandmother."
"Good."
Marianne's fingers moved gently through Ian's hair, just as they had when he was much younger.
"And be sure to follow your aunt's guidance during the journey to the capital."
"..."
"Although Adela will not remain there long enough to accompany you both, everything she does—every precaution she takes—comes from genuine care."
"Yes, Grandmother."
After saying that, Marianne turned her gaze toward Dorothea, who stood quietly beside the carriage wheel.
The young girl's face was brimming with excitement she could hardly conceal.
Not only because she would finally be visiting the capital, but also because she would have the opportunity to spend more time with her cousins.
Especially at Charlotte's side.
Seeing that sight, Marianne slowly released a long breath.
Her gaze softened, carrying the wisdom born from many years of life experience.
"And there is one more thing."
Ian followed the direction of her gaze.
"Dorothea?"
"Precisely."
Marianne gave a small nod.
"I know you still feel somewhat awkward around her."
Ian remained silent.
He made no attempt to deny it.
Because it was true.
There had always been a distance between himself and Dorothea, one he found difficult to explain.
It was not born of dislike, nor was it because they lacked opportunities to become closer.
The awkwardness came entirely from Ian himself.
He often found himself stiff and uncertain even when speaking with Karina, let alone Dorothea, who was gentler, kinder, and far more obedient in temperament.
His grandmother continued.
"However, before your aunt takes Dorothea back from the capital, I would like you to help her become more involved."
Marianne paused briefly before continuing.
"Ask Charlotte to spend time with her. The two of them are as close as sisters already. Help that little girl enjoy her days there."
The elderly woman's gaze returned to her granddaughter standing near the carriage.
"Give Dorothea enough happy memories to carry home with her. Let her enjoy the atmosphere of the Imperial Capital and experience things she may not have the chance to experience often in the future."
Ian listened quietly to every piece of advice his grandmother offered, allowing each word to settle gradually within his mind.
"I know she will be heartbroken when the time for parting finally comes."
"..."
"But children's hearts are often far stronger than adults give them credit for. They may cry today, yet by tomorrow they are smiling again because they have discovered a new source of happiness."
"..."
"Sometimes, their ability to rise again is far more remarkable than our own."
Ian watched Dorothea for a few moments, contemplating the meaning behind those words.
The young girl still stood beside the carriage with excitement written plainly across her face, completely unaware of the sadness that awaited her when the time came to say goodbye.
After a moment, Ian gave a slight nod.
"I'll do my best, Grandmother."
"That is more than enough for me."
Marianne smiled warmly.
Then, as though unwilling to let the farewell become too heavy-hearted, she abruptly shifted to a lighter tone.
"Oh, I nearly forgot. Buy something for me while you're there. And make sure to remind your aunt not to forget."
Ian blinked in surprise at the sudden change of topic.
"Something? What would you like?"
"My favorite food. Your aunt already knows what it is, so you need only remind her."
A broad smile spread across Marianne's face.
"Ah, and some fresh fruit as well. It has been such a long time since I last tasted fruit from the orchards surrounding the capital."
"Very well, Grandmother. I won't forget."
"Good."
Marianne nodded with satisfaction.
"Now go and speak with your grandfather. He has been waiting patiently for his turn."
"Yes, Grandmother."
Ian's obedient reply brightened Marianne's expression even further.
Little by little, the melancholy atmosphere that had lingered throughout the mansion courtyard began to fade, replaced by the familiar warmth of a family bidding their loved ones farewell.
Ian then made his way toward Martin.
Unlike Marianne, who never hesitated to express her feelings through words and expressions, Martin was the sort of man who showed his affection through actions.
Giving gifts or quietly providing for those he cared about was his own way of expressing love for his family.
He rarely spoke at length, yet every gesture of care he offered carried unmistakable sincerity.
Though they shared no blood relation, Martin had long since filled the role of a grandfather in the hearts of James and Irene's children—a grandfather they loved and respected with all their hearts.
Because he had been so focused on speaking with Marianne earlier, Ian had not been able to hear the conversation that had just taken place between Charlotte and Martin.
The old man regarded Ian in silence.
His expression scarcely changed.
Yet the sapphire-blue eyes beneath his aged brows softened ever so slightly as they rested upon his grandson.
Silence lingered between them for several moments before Martin finally spoke.
"I do not have much advice to give."
His voice remained as calm and steady as ever.
"Like your grandmother and your parents, I simply pray for the best for both of you."
"Grandfather..."
Martin's gaze never left Ian.
"Take care of your health. That is more important than anything else."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Do you understand, Ian?"
"Yes, Grandfather."
Ian answered without the slightest hesitation.
Compared to lengthy speeches, those simple words seemed to carry far greater weight when they came from Martin's mouth.
Martin gently patted Ian's shoulder before offering him a warm smile.
After spending decades in the fiercely competitive world of commerce—a world filled with negotiations, rivalries, and countless intrigues—Martin's expressions had become remarkably difficult to read.
As the former patriarch of one of Brandenburg's most renowned merchant families, his smiles often left others wondering whether they were witnessing genuine goodwill or merely courtesy displayed for the sake of maintaining a beneficial relationship.
However, that uncertainty never existed when it came to his family.
The affection Martin showed those closest to him was always sincere.
There were no hidden motives behind it, nor any calculations of profit and loss.
Just as he cherished his own grandchildren, he bestowed the same affection upon James and Irene's children.
To the old man, they were all family.
And Martin understood better than most that Ian was different from other children his age.
A lifetime of experience had brought him into contact with countless influential figures from every walk of life.
He had observed nobles, wealthy merchants, city officials, and even men who had built their own power from nothing.
Those experiences had sharpened his ability to judge a person's character.
Because of that, Martin had realized something long ago.
Ian was intelligent.
Adaptable.
Possessed of reasoning comparable to that of an adult—and in certain respects, even superior.
More importantly, he cared deeply for his family.
Martin had recognized that fact long before Marianne or Adela truly noticed it themselves.
For a merchant who had raised the Handler family to its current standing, the ability to read people was among the most valuable assets one could possess.
An accurate judgment was often the greatest investment a person could make, one capable of shaping the future itself.
After a moment, Martin turned toward Lucas, who was standing nearby.
"Come here. There is something you should say to Ian."
Lucas immediately approached them.
***
I spoke with Lucas briefly.
Aside from reminding him to continue studying the training notes I had given him yesterday, I also told him not to neglect his training routine simply because of daily responsibilities.
A Shinobi must make use of every spare moment available for training.
Without that discipline, one's combat instincts could gradually dull and become a fatal weakness in a battle where life and death hung in the balance.
Progress never arrives overnight.
Little by little, the results of consistent training reveal themselves with the passing of time.
At the same time, I asked him to look after Grandmother and keep her company while Aunt Adela was away from home.
The Handler family's workload never truly lessened.
With so many commercial affairs requiring attention each day, having someone by Grandmother's side would undoubtedly be of great help.
As the primary heir of the Handler family, such responsibilities would eventually become part of his future regardless.
I was merely reminding him of it a little earlier than expected.
As a cousin, I had no authority to command him.
At the very least, however, I could offer advice that might prove useful to him someday.
•
•
•
The carriage carrying us gradually departed from Brandenburg.
The rhythmic sound of hooves echoed along the road as the wheels continued turning, carrying us farther and farther away from the towering city gates behind us.
Little by little, the familiar buildings shrank into the distance.
Today's journey would take us to the heart of the Duchy—the city that housed the teleportation gate.
At present, we were seated inside a carriage compartment far larger than the one Charlotte and I had traveled in during our previous journey.
The interior was spacious and comfortable.
The inner walls were adorned with high-quality materials, while plush seats were neatly arranged along both sides.
This carriage belonged to the Handler family.
It was a special vehicle commonly used by Aunt Adela and her family whenever they traveled beyond Brandenburg's borders.
As one of the most influential merchant families in the city, the quality of their transportation naturally could not be compared to that of ordinary carriages.
Overall, the large carriage was divided into three primary compartments.
The rearmost section served as an additional storage area for luggage and supplies.
In truth, the carriage already possessed a fairly spacious exterior cargo section.
However, Aunt Adela had never been the type to allow empty space to go to waste.
For a merchant family such as theirs, every available space possessed value.
As long as it could be put to good use, there was no reason to leave it empty.
That was precisely why the rear compartment had been converted into additional storage, allowing it to accommodate a greater quantity of supplies during long journeys.
It was a simple habit, perhaps.
Yet it perfectly reflected the Handler family's way of thinking when it came to managing everything they owned.
Meanwhile, Aunt Adela occupied the private compartment in the middle section of the carriage, a space that had long been reserved exclusively for her use.
As for us, we had chosen to remain in the front compartment.
The forward section felt considerably more spacious and open.
It had been specifically designed to accommodate several passengers during long journeys.
Along both sides, cushioned benches upholstered with fine fabric faced one another, creating a comfortable setting for conversation or rest during the many hours spent on the road.
I let my gaze wander around the compartment for a moment.
For some reason, Carl suddenly came to mind.
The loyal coachman who had almost always been our first choice whenever Charlotte and I wished to visit Brandenburg or travel to the regions where Mother's friends resided.
Carl was not only skilled at handling a carriage, but also a man deeply devoted to his family.
Judging by the time that had passed since his departure, he should have already arrived in Gluthera by now.
The thought came and went.
A moment later, however, something far more random crossed my mind.
Gold coins.
I inwardly shook my head.
For some reason, my thoughts had suddenly drifted toward the amount of money we were carrying.
In truth, the gold coins Mother had given us were already more than sufficient to cover our expenses during our stay in the Imperial Capital.
Not to mention that I could earn more myself if necessary.
Yet just before our departure, Grandfather and Grandmother had quietly slipped additional funds to both Charlotte and me.
And the more I thought about it, the more certain I became that the amount would only continue to increase.
I was fairly confident Aunt Adela would do something similar once we arrived in the capital.
And then there was Lucas.
My cousin had secretly stuffed an entire pouch of gold coins into my large suitcase before the carriage departed.
Remembering that, I could only release a quiet sigh.
Well, it wasn't as though the money would go to waste.
I could always find another use for it.
My gaze then shifted toward the partition separating our compartment from Adela's private quarters.
Most likely, Aunt Adela was resting.
The exhaustion on her face earlier had been impossible to miss.
She had undoubtedly spent the entire night handling various commercial matters that needed to be settled before leaving Brandenburg.
All of it had been done to ensure that Grandmother would not be overly burdened when temporarily assuming a portion of her responsibilities.
Thinking about it, I found myself understanding a little of what Aunt Adela might be feeling.
After all, no child could feel entirely at ease leaving an elderly mother behind to shoulder such a mountain of work alone.
Especially not someone who loved her mother as deeply as Adela did.
The fact that Marianne had to step in and take over part of her duties undoubtedly weighed heavily upon her heart.
For that reason, I could only hope this journey would provide her with an opportunity to rest peacefully.
Across from me, Charlotte and Dorothea were chatting happily together.
The conversation drifted from one topic to another without pause.
Every so often, soft laughter filled the compartment, making the atmosphere inside the carriage feel far more lively.
Dorothea seemed considerably more excited than usual.
Her eyes sparkled whenever Charlotte spoke about the Green Pine Village or shared stories she had heard from others.
I watched them for a while.
But I had no intention of joining their conversation.
It was better to let them enjoy their time together.
Besides, Dorothea was far more comfortable speaking with Charlotte than with me.
Slowly, I closed my eyes.
Leaning back against the cushioned seat, I allowed my body to relax as the carriage swayed gently along the road.
Little by little, the countless thoughts occupying my mind began to fade.
The journey.
The academy.
The Imperial Capital.
The many things awaiting us ahead.
For the time being, I chose to set them all aside.
Instead, I let myself drift with the steady rhythm of the carriage wheels, listening to the sound of the horses' hooves blending with the whisper of the wind beyond the windows.
Gradually, those sounds merged into a soothing melody, enough to grant both my body and mind a brief respite before the next stage of our long journey truly began.
Then, without warning, the image of two women surfaced in my thoughts.
It had been a very long time since I had last heard any news of them.
Rose...
Cecilia.
The memories lingered for only a moment before I pushed them aside.
And then I fell asleep.