Chapter 257: Eve of Departure (2)

Then Lukas stood up, his movements slow and calculated. The trail back to the mansion seemed longer than it had that morning, every curve and every tree stretching farther than he remembered. Perhaps because now every step demanded something from his body.

As he walked, however, his mind began to drift away from the fight, from the strikes and blocks, from the mana that had flowed through his body.

The journey. Clavor had spoken about it several times over the past few days, but now that only one night remained before their departure, the reality was finally beginning to become concrete, as solid as the earth beneath his feet.

They really would leave the next day. And Lukas did not know when they would return.

During one of their recent conversations, Clavor had made that clear. They could be away for a few weeks, perhaps a month, two months, or five. Even a year was not completely out of the question. Everything would depend on the situation at the border and, most importantly, on the recovery of Marquis Slyr.

Lukas frowned, a crease of concern appearing on his forehead. The marquis’s illness apparently was not something simple, something that could be cured with a few herbs and rest.

If it were, the kingdom would have no need to send Clavor. Even though he was only a baron, his father was recognized as one of the most powerful warriors in that region. His strength was enough to make a difference at a border that, according to Clavor, never truly remained peaceful.

Lukas did not like that part. He was not afraid of traveling; in fact, he was quite curious to see a new region, visit other cities, and meet different people.

But the possibility of Clavor entering combat far from home made him uneasy, a concern that nestled in his chest.

He knew his father’s strength, knew that Clavor was powerful, capable of facing threats that others could not. Even so, no strength was absolute. Even the most powerful warrior could encounter an opponent capable of matching him.

Lukas shook his head, pushing the dark thoughts away.

“There’s no point thinking about that now.”

He continued walking, his steps becoming firmer. Not long afterward, the trees began to thin, the forest opening into familiar clearings. The silhouette of Dmond Mansion appeared in the distance, its dark rooftops outlined against the blue sky.

But something was different. Even before arriving, Lukas noticed the movement, the commotion that had taken over the estate.

Servants crossed the gardens carrying boxes, their steps hurried. Others carried sacks of food, blankets, and clothes, everything being organized with an efficiency that spoke of experience. There were voices everywhere, orders being given, and questions being asked.

The carriage was being prepared, its horses being fed and equipped. The animals seemed to understand the importance of the moment, remaining calm as they were tended to.

Everything indicated that the departure was truly close, that the journey that had been planned was finally becoming a reality.

Lukas entered through the gates, his steps firmer now. A servant greeted him with a bow.

“Young Master.”

“Is everything ready?” Lukas’s question was direct.

“Almost. Lord Clavor is still checking some equipment.”

Lukas nodded, satisfied with the answer.

“Good.”

He climbed the stairs, his feet finding the familiar steps. On the way, he passed Judite, who was carrying several books in her arms, her expression extremely busy.

“Lukas!” She stopped, her eyes widening.

He stopped, turning to face her.

“What?”

“Have you packed your things yet?” The question came quickly, almost accusingly.

“Not yet.” Lukas’s response was calm.

Judite’s eyes widened, indignation written across her face.

“Not yet?!”

Lukas let out a laugh, the sound echoing through the corridor.

“I’ll do it now.”

“Do it quickly! We’re leaving early tomorrow!” She was already turning around, ready to continue her task.

“Yes, yes.” He shook his head as she hurried down the corridor again, her books bouncing in her arms.

“She’s more excited than she should be…”

He entered his room, closing the door behind him. The first thing he saw was a large suitcase positioned in the center of the room, empty and open, waiting to be filled.

Lukas stared at it, his eyes scanning the empty interior.

“Is this mine?” Probably.

He approached, his steps slow. Before he could touch it, a small shadow raced across the floor. Rourke. The rat entered the suitcase almost immediately, its little paws moving with surprising agility.

Lukas blinked, surprised.

“Hey.”

Rourke began sniffing every corner of the suitcase, its tiny snout moving from side to side as it explored the empty interior. It seemed fascinated by the new space.

Lukas let out an amused laugh.

“You like it?”

Rourke did not answer, naturally. He continued investigating, examining every corner with insatiable curiosity.

Lukas watched his little companion for several seconds, his smile widening. Then his smile slowly disappeared, replaced by a more serious expression. His gaze swept across the room, settling on each of his companions.

Tilbo was in the corner, his enormous form seeming even larger than it had weeks ago. The ant seemed to have grown with time, its carapace gleaming beneath the light from the window.

Prata had just returned through the window and was now beginning to rearrange one of her webs, her legs moving with precision. Astra was on top of the wardrobe, watching everything with those sharp eyes, her head moving to follow every movement.

And Rourke was still inside the suitcase, happily sniffing around.

Lukas stood motionless, a question he had been avoiding for some time finally appearing in his mind.

‘Should I take them with me?’

The idea seemed simple, but the more he thought about it, the more complicated it became. The journey would be long, probably dangerous, and filled with uncertainties. If it were only a few days, perhaps there would be no problem. But they could be gone for months, and he did not know what they would encounter at the border.

Taking four creatures with him meant putting them in an unfamiliar situation, exposing them to dangers he could not predict.

Besides, he did not know what the border would be like. Would there be monsters? Battles? Armies? Dangerous territories? He did not want to risk their lives.

But he also did not want to be away from them.