Chapter 24 – Parting
Chapter 24 – Parting
“Breakfast is ready—!”
“Coming!”
As I worked on breaking camp—dismantling the walls and bath we’d built, leveling the ground, and regrowing the plants—I heard the call that breakfast was ready.
Heart scooped me up
and gently set me down in a chair sized just for me, at the right height.
It was the usual scene.
But something felt… off.
“Marie. Listen while you eat.”
“Yes.”
“When Fernet went to Grandfather’s house, Holy Knights were waiting there. Those were the Holy Knights chasing us.”
Gain’s voice trembled.
Why would Holy Knights chase us?
Master gently stroked my puzzled head, managing a pained smile.
“Your mother asked the Pope to shelter you at the church until you come of age. Once we reach the capital, the Holy Knights will take you with them.”
No way!!
Does my will mean nothing…?
I drew in a deep breath and gazed up at the sky.
In the corner of my vision, Gain clenched his fist in frustration.
We’d finally made it this far, only to be confined to the church for nearly ten years until adulthood.
This time, they’re stealing my freedom. I even started pitying myself—is there no God out there?
But if I resisted here, it’d cause trouble for everyone.
They’re not family, after all. No one can defy your real parents.
They know that, so they have no choice but to tell me to go to the church.
They’ve treated me so kindly already—that alone is more than enough happiness. What am I even hesitating for?
I straightened my posture perfectly, flashed a forced smile for the first time in a year, grinned brightly, and said, “Understood.”
From then on, I wore that emotionless fake smile all the way to the royal capital’s outer gate. There, Holy Knights welcomed us and escorted me to the Adventurer Guild to complete the quest formalities before heading straight to the church—without seeing Grandfather even once.
“You’ll be fine, Marie,” Heart said with a kind smile.
“Don’t forget your assignments,” Master said, his face full of pain.
“Hang in there,” Fernet said with a wink.
“Live strong,” Gain said, already in tears.
As they led me away, I turned back and waved over and over.
I kept it up the whole time, desperate for them to remember only my smile.
After we’d walked a little ways, the Holy Knights’ vice captain picked me up.
And we passed through the magnificent gate of the massive royal capital church—a stunning structure of white marble adorned with lavish sculptures.
And with that, Part 1: The Journey Begins arc comes to an end.
Thank you so much for reading.
Deepest gratitude to everyone who left ratings, likes, and bookmarks.
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thanks for the chapter