Chapter 258: Eve of Departure (3)

Lukas remained standing in the middle of the room for several minutes, his mind weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he let out a sigh, a decision made.

“I’m sorry…”

The four animals looked at him, their attention turning toward his voice.

“You’re staying.”

There was no dramatic reaction. Tilbo merely moved his antennae, a subtle gesture. Astra tilted her head, her bright eyes fixed on him. Prata remained motionless on the web, her legs still.

Rourke, however, climbed out of the suitcase. The little rat ran toward Lukas, climbed up his leg with its characteristic agility, moved through his clothes, and finally reached his shoulder. Then he pressed his head against the boy’s neck, a gesture of affection that said more than words.

Lukas remained still, surprised by the gesture. A smile slowly appeared on his lips.

“Are you trying to make me change my mind?”

Rourke simply rubbed his head against him again, his soft fur against Lukas’s skin.

Lukas laughed, the sound echoing through the silent room.

“It’s not going to work.”

He paused, his voice becoming softer.

“Maybe it will a little.”

He sat down on the bed, his body sinking into the soft mattress. Rourke remained on his shoulder, his small weight comforting.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.” Lukas looked at the others, his eyes moving over each of them.

“But you’re staying here.”

He pointed at Tilbo, his voice firm.

“You especially. Take care of the mansion.”

Tilbo moved his antennae, a gesture Lukas interpreted as acknowledgment.

“The servants will continue feeding you.” He pointed at Rourke, his tone becoming more serious.

“And you can’t go around following just any rat.”

Rourke blinked, his bright eyes fixed on Lukas’s.

“I’m serious.” Lukas’s warning was gentle, but carried meaning.

Astra let out a short chirp, a sound Lukas interpreted as understanding.

Lukas smiled, his voice becoming softer.

“I’ll come back.”

This time, his voice was lower, almost a whisper.

“I promise.”

He remained there for several minutes, feeling the warmth of Rourke’s small body against his neck. Perhaps his companions did not completely understand his words, did not understand the reasons behind his decision. But talking to them made Lukas feel better, as if sharing his thoughts made them more real.

Then he began packing his things, his movements slow and methodical. He opened the wardrobe, his eyes scanning the hanging clothes.

He set aside enough clothes for a long journey, ten different outfits. Light tunics for hot days, sturdy pants for difficult terrain, training clothes, and some warmer pieces in case the frontier was cold. Simple shirts, each one inspected before being folded.

He carefully folded each piece before placing it in the suitcase, smoothing out the creases with precision. Every item had its place, its purpose.

Then came the equipment. The wooden sword that had accompanied him so much during training, its familiar handle. The small dagger he had received as a gift, its blade sharp. A whetstone to keep the weapons in good condition. Strong ropes, useful in various situations. A small sewing kit for emergency repairs. Some dried herbs that Aurora always insisted he carry, each with its own specific use.

Finally, he checked everything twice, inspecting every item, every piece of clothing. Half an hour later, the suitcase was ready, its contents organized and secure.

Lukas lifted it, feeling the weight in his hands. It was heavy, but not enough to bother him. His physical strength was far above what would be normal for someone his age, mainly due to the strength gained from Tilbo, but also thanks to an advantage he had earned through weeks of training.

He carried the suitcase down the hallway, his footsteps echoing through the silence. When he reached the stairs, he encountered Judite, who was doing exactly what Lukas had expected.

Three suitcases floated behind her, one large, another even larger, and a third slightly smaller. Everything was sustained by magic, the objects hovering in the air with an ease that spoke of practice.

Lukas looked at them, then at her, an expression of disbelief on his face.

“You’re taking all that?”

Judite raised her chin, a defiant gesture.

“They’re important things.”

“How many books are there?” Lukas’s question was direct.

“A few.” Judite’s answer was evasive.

“That didn’t answer the question.” He crossed his arms.

“A lot.” The admission came with a smile.

Lukas laughed, shaking his head.

“Good luck carrying all that.”

“I don’t need to carry it. I can use magic.”

She continued down the stairs, the suitcases floating behind her like a procession.

Lukas merely shook his head, a smile on his lips.

Outside, the familiar carriage was already ready, its horses prepared. But there was a difference, a second, smaller wagon was attached behind it, intended for the luggage.

Lukas handed his suitcase to one of the servants.

“Put it there, please.”

“Yes, young master.” The servant carefully took the suitcase, placing it together with the others.

Lukas watched, his eyes scanning the scene. There were several suitcases, Judite’s, Aurora’s, Clavor’s, as well as supplies, clothes, and equipment. All of it made the journey much more real, transforming the abstract plan into something tangible.

Tomorrow they would really leave.

Lukas went back inside, climbed the stairs to his room again, and closed the door behind him. For a few seconds, he remained silent, simply breathing. Then he threw himself onto the bed, his body sinking into the soft mattress.

His body still ached, the Lunar Source continued recovering slowly. Outside, the sounds of preparations filled the mansion, footsteps, voices, boxes being moved, and doors opening and closing. The distant sound of the horses, restless because of the commotion.

Lukas turned his face toward the window, watching the sunlight beginning to descend. Somewhere in the house, his family continued preparing, each busy with their own task.

Tomorrow, that mansion would be left behind. Perhaps for a few weeks, perhaps months, perhaps much longer.

Lukas closed his eyes, feeling sleep approaching. That night, they would have their last meal together before departing. The last dinner at Dmond Mansion for quite some time.