Two weeks slipped by faster than I thought they would. One moment I was sweating in the training hall with Jason and Mina, the next, it was already the day he had to leave for the capital.
Cloverheart. The royal capital. The heart of the kingdom, the place where the famous Magic Academy stood, where nobles and prodigies alike flocked. Jason's dream. His next step.
Mine? Well, I was still five. Too young, too small, barely starting to play with mana bubbles. Apparently, the academy required you to be at least ten to even apply. Which meant five whole years before I could enroll. Five years. That's practically an eternity.
But today wasn't about me. It was Jason's send-off.
The mansion courtyard was unusually lively that morning. Servants hurried back and forth, double-checking luggage, adjusting the harnesses of the carriage horses, polishing every inch of wood and silver so the young master's departure looked properly dignified. The smell of fresh earth lingered after an early rain, the stones beneath our feet gleaming faintly in the sun.
And there he was—Jason—standing by the carriage like a knight from a painting. His cloak hung neatly over one shoulder, his suit pressed crisp, boots shining. He carried himself with a calm confidence that made him look older than fifteen. I had to admit, he fit the part.
"Did you pack everything you need?" Father's voice rumbled across the courtyard. He stood at the head of the family, as always, stern but steady, arms folded behind his back.
"Yes, Father," Jason replied, bowing his head slightly.
Just a week ago, when Father and Jason had already gone to Cloverheart for his registration. Jason had come back practically glowing, already talking about the classrooms and the training grounds.
Susan fidgeted beside me, her lips pursed. "Are you sure you're going to be alright? Alone?"
Jason gave her a small smile, smooth as always. "Don't worry. There will be plenty of students like me. I'll manage."
I crossed my arms, trying to look unimpressed. "Just don't get into fights."
That earned me a sharp look from Susan. "You're the only one who needs to hear that."
Jason chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "Both of you, stop it. Don't fight on my last day here."
Mother stepped forward then, her hands smoothing down his cloak like she couldn't quite stop herself. Her eyes shone, though her voice was steady. "Take care of yourself, Jason. Study hard, and write letters whenever you can. And—stay away from trouble. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mama," Jason said, smiling softly now. "You don't have to worry so much."
"You too," Father muttered, glancing at them both, "he's grown now. Stop smothering him."
"He is still my son," Mother shot back instantly. "I will always worry."
Jason's lips tugged in a faint grin, though there was warmth in his eyes. He turned to me again. "And you, Lucian—stay out of danger."
I gave a dramatic sigh. "I'll be fine. You just worry about yourself."
He laughed lightly, and for a moment, his calm broke into something gentler.
The driver approached them, bowing. "Young master, the time has come. If we don't leave soon you will not be able to catch the train, we must depart soon."
"Right," Jason said, his expression sharpening again.
Train. Still weird to me. This world, with its magic, swords, and nobles… and yet, trains? I don't know how they work . Do they use magic or coal?
Jason hefted his bag, gave us all one last look, and climbed into the carriage. The driver snapped the reins, the horses let out sharp snorts, and the wheels groaned as they began to turn.
From the window, Jason raised his hand in a final wave.
We stood together at the courtyard's edge, Susan and Mother lifting their hands to wave back. The carriage rumbled down the long stone path, past the tall iron gates and the rows of swaying trees.
Only when the sound of hooves had faded did Susan speak, her voice soft. "It'll be a little lonely without him."
I glanced sideways at her, then puffed out my chest. "Don't worry. I'm still here, you know."
That earned me a faint smile, though her eyes stayed on the empty road.
Mother's hand came down lightly on our head, warm and gentle. "Yes. We still have you two."
Father said nothing, his arms still folded, his gaze fixed forward.
The servants began to disperse, murmuring among themselves, the morning bustle fading into quiet again. One by one, the space emptied, until only Susan and I lingered in the courtyard.
I told myself I wouldn't miss him. That Jason's absence was just another step in his path. That I'd be fine without him around.
But as the quiet settled in, I couldn't quite shake the feeling in my chest—something tight, unfamiliar.
Lonely, huh? Yeah. Maybe Susan was right.
I tilted my head back, staring at the clear sky.