12. The Lion and the Dreaming Bird (2)
#12
An oppressive mana that seemed to oppress the five senses was pulsating inside the sphere. She had experienced a lot of mana before but she had never felt anything quite like this.
Varen continued speaking with difficulty.
“Marfez what on earth are you….”
“Damn it what the hell is this? “It’s not like it suddenly explodes or something right?”
“First of all what I can clearly explain is that…it is Marfez’s egg. But looking at the mana I can feel I can’t possibly guess what will come out.”
“You can’t guess?”
-Peeeeee… Peeeeee….
Marfez was dozing off on Ronan’s lap. Ronan who was kneading the fluffy feathers frowned.
“No I said it was an egg. Then doesn’t it just come out as a blue ball of fur that looks like this? “Watermelons don’t suddenly grow where you planted beans.”
“So that’s the problem. “It is possible to dream.”
“yes?”
“Not only can you grow watermelons but you can also grow water buffalos and forest palaces.”
Varen’s explanation continued. In short this strange bird is said to conceive and lay eggs by absorbing mana from a specific object or its surroundings.
Because they lay eggs only once in their life their population was small even among fantastic species.
“Because of these characteristics no two dream birds have the same appearance. I have even seen dreambirds with beaks of steel and feathers of fire.”
“It’s so cool… I think that’s what I would have targeted even if I were a poacher.”
Varen said that he met Marfez in an egg state at a mysterious lake in the north.
It is said that it is highly likely that the blue feathers and ability to run on water also come from the mana of the lake.
“But this is my first time experiencing something like this. In general the dream bird’s unique mana is 70%. The rest should feel like 3%… but this is a mixture of all kinds of mana. “Like a furnace filled with molten iron.”
“What does ‘all kinds’ include?”
“Uhm…so….”
Varen who was examining the egg fell asleep. Even if I were to explain an imaginary painting drawn by a madman I don’t think it would be any more difficult than this. What should we call this?
Flames flowing through the riverbed. Shadows swaying as if dancing and a torrent of fresh blood rising into the sky. Pale starlight. A dream bird flying along the border of the world.
Varen eventually lowered her head as if she was ashamed.
“sorry. I can’t give you a definite answer. “I can’t explain it to you with my skills.”
“Hey what on earth did you give birth to?”
Ronan nudged Marfez. After she woke up for a moment Marfez looked around her with his eyes wide open then laid his head on her chest and fell asleep again.
She laughed as if Ronan was dumbfounded.
“Huh have you seen such a shameless guy?”
“…Could you please take care of that egg?”
“Hmm?”
The sound was so unexpected that Ronan raised her head. Varen was staring at him with the most serious expression on his face.
The fact that he had both hands on his knees reminded me of my father-in-law asking for her daughter.
“I know this is a sudden request. But I think there is a reason why Marfez laid her eggs in front of you.”
“Isn’t it just because it was the right time to give birth?”
“no. “Dream birds don’t lay eggs just anywhere.”
Varen shook his head resolutely. His well-combed mane waved gentlemanly.
He continued speaking as if he was reciting an undeniable prophecy handed down from time immemorial.
“Just as most animals lay their young in safe places dreambirds lay their eggs in places where possibilities abound. “I would like to honor the wishes of my friend who made Marfez her companion for over 40 years.”
“Uh… honestly it doesn’t really matter but is it okay?”
“Of course. “I’m just grateful that you accepted my unexpected request.”
“When will I wake up?”
“I don’t know about that but…I know a place that might be helpful.”
Varen suddenly got up and walked to the desk. When he returned he held two sheets of luxurious paper and a piece of parchment in his hands.
Ronan tilted her head.
“I was thinking about what to give in return for saving Marfez… and it just worked out.”
“What is that?”
“First of all this is a map to Penardo Spring.”
Varen held out the parchment first. On the rough surface was a crude map that looked like he had drawn it himself. He stretched out his ring finger and pointed to a place marked with a star.
“Among the ley lines it is the one closest to the islands. “It is a place where the mana of the earth gathers so phantom species often visit.”
“Oh my god a ley line? really?”
Varen recommended taking the egg and visiting Penardo Spring.
He said that he could also expect side effects such as speeding up hatching or increasing his mana sensitivity but instead asked that the location be kept secret.
Ronan who took the parchment nodded.
“Of course. “How can I thank you for giving me such a precious thing?”
“It’s not over yet. Now take this too.”
Varen this time placed two pieces of luxurious paper down on the table. There was a lot written on it but he couldn’t read it because it wasn’t his native language.
“Is this…?”
“This is a letter of recommendation for Phileon admission. “I thought I would never use it in my life but I’m finally getting it out there.”
The boys’ eyes widened. Varen picked up a fountain pen almost as big as a baton and began to scribble. It was Ronan and Asher’s names and his own signature written in cursive.
“As far as I know applicants who have received a letter of recommendation will only have to undergo a simple interview without a separate test. Of course scholarships are also provided. There are other perks as well…”
“No need.”
Varen was startled and raised his head. Ronan was stroking Marfez with a sad expression.
“…yes?”
“I said it’s not necessary. “Please write only this one.”
“I’m fine too!”
Asher also waved his hand. Even when Ronan poked him in the side he just stubbornly fought back.
“Don’t fool around and take it man.”
“I want to pass with my own strength…!”
“Huh.”
Ronan chuckled. He ruffled Asher’s hair as if it were a blessing and then placed Marfez down on the table.
“That’s right. “I think the same thing.”
“Now wait a minute! Are you serious?”
“This is enough. “I enjoyed my tea.”
He waved a piece of parchment with a map in front of him. Ronan took his coat and stood up. Varen who followed stood up and asked in confusion.
“It’s hard for me to say this but Phileon’s letter of recommendation for admission has a special meaning. “There is only one student every three years who is admitted through a letter of recommendation…!”
“I have no intention of making a campaign just because I saved one animal. And honestly I wanted the egg from the moment I thought about the steel beak.”
Ronan walked toward the door without hesitation. Varen who was restless jumped forward and blocked their path. Because it was so large there was no way to escape.
“Wait a minute! “I can’t let you go like this!”
“Now you’re showing your true colors. That dwarf would be enough for one meal. “I’m done.”
“Hey!”
“It’s not like that. “You saved Marfez and took care of the egg but I can’t send him away empty-handed!”
The boys’ bangs fluttered as Varen let out his breath. Just looking at the momentum it seemed like at least one unnecessary organ would be taken out on the spot.
I can’t believe you say something like that even after giving me a map with ley lines drawn on it. He seemed quite grateful.
“Tell me anything! “If there’s anything I can give you…”
“WeareLion leather carpet.”
It was a grave voice. Silence enveloped the office. Ronan scoffed after seeing the two people’s pale faces.
“I’m kidding.”
“Fuuuu…thank goodness. I was really…really surprised….”
“I don’t have anything in particular that I’d like to receive… Then can you do me a favor later?”
“Please…are you saying this?”
The corners of Ronan’s mouth turned up sinisterly. Asher who had already nearly stopped her heart from her carpet remarks bit her nails.
Eventually when his demands were presented Varen and Asher tilted their heads almost simultaneously.
“Uh…um…is that really okay?”
“yes. Instead you must follow it clearly. “Is it possible?”
“Of course but….”
“Then that’s it. “I’ll see you on the entrance ceremony.”
After finishing speaking Ronan left the office without hesitation. thud. Marfez woke up to the sound of the door closing and looked around.
Varen who had been standing blankly returned to his desk after a while. he mumbled scratching his mane.
“That’s right.”
****
The two people left Varen’s office and headed straight to the market. The purpose was to stock up on goods and ingredients but the biggest reason was to meet Marya.
While walking among the sophisticated buildings Asher opened his mouth.
“Hey Ronan.”
“ok?”
“Just now…why did you ask me that?”
“Oh that?”
The request he made to Varen was to be the leader or advisor of the club he would create.
While investigating Phileon Academy Ronan learned that there was something called a ‘club’ a group where students participated in autonomous activities.
As in the military the role of the person in charge was very important in these meetings. Baren who seemed to have a high status even at first glance was the perfect fit.
Ronan smiled clasping his hands behind his head.
“I have something in mind.”
“I might be able to pass… but what if I don’t?”
“Are you saying that? “I have to run back right now and beg for my letter of recommendation back.”
“…Ugly.”
“Don’t worry man you’ll be caught as long as you show me your telekinetic ability to pull down your pants.”
Asher said ‘Then what about you?’ There was no need to ask the same question. Actually I just asked this question out of anger but I could never imagine Ronan falling.
Even the violent Luna Goblin was no different from a carrot on a chopping board in the face of his sword attacks.
“Anyway this is really good. “It feels so good to hold it because I know it’s not poop.”
“Joe be careful…! And then if you fall….”
“It’s harder than mithril so what if I drop it?”
Ronan had been throwing eggs into the air and catching them repeatedly.
Since I thought it was completely mine I had no hesitation any longer. He said hurrying his steps.
“Let’s go see that girl quickly. “My shoulders hurt from books.”
The island’s comprehensive market was incomparably larger than the Marbas market.
After wandering around for a while the boys were able to find a caravel top with a stall in the center of the market. Marja who made eye contact with Ronan waved her hand happily.
“You idiots! “You’re here!”
Marja was wearing a skirt for serving guests. Her hair was neatly braided and now she looked a bit girlish. Her boys returned her books that they had borrowed from her.
“Honestly I was worried but how did you find it? “When did you come to the islands?”
“In the morning.”
“What did you do when you came?”
“I had tea with a talking lion at Phileon.”
“You don’t want to talk to me?”
“no.”
Marja opened her eyes and glared at Ronan. It was just unfair for Ronan who only answered her truth. She frowned as she looked at her egg in Ronan’s hand.
“What is that round thing? Ugh that’s not what I think is it?”
“Something inexplicable that not even the Talking Lion can explain.”
“You…really….”
“Oh hi! Marya!”
Asher sensing her crisis intervened. Marya’s expression softened. She snorted at Ronan and then looked at Asher.
“Hello cutie! “Do you think you’re a little tall?”
“This dwarf has been talking about you all day. “He sang so much that he missed me…”
“Not until the song…!”
“If you want to see something just tell me. “Come here!”
Marya held Asher in her arms and spun him around. It was as if her older sister was playing with her younger brother.
While Asher blushed with shame Ronan exchanged greetings with Duon and her.
“It’s been a while mister.”
“Oh sir! “How have you been?”
“I always get along well. “I was sorry about last time.”
“Oh no sir. Even though things have happened I’m just thankful that I’m still close with my daughter. “He is a child who suffers from loneliness quite often.”
Duon lowered his voice in case Marya heard him. Ronan chuckled and nodded at her. He purchased a bag of southern tobacco from Caravel Top.
When I turned my head I saw two people chatting after playing. Ronan pushed her head towards her holding the pipe in her mouth.
Marja opened her mouth as if she had remembered something important.
“Did you guys hear the news?”
“I bet you didn’t hear it.”
“This time the eldest son of the Duke of Grancia is taking the Phileon entrance exam. “With us.”
“Duke of Grancia?”
Ronan recalled her memories. I couldn’t remember because I had no interest in aristocratic society.
It was still the same now so Ronan shrugged his shoulders carelessly.
“What do you really not know? “Is this a bit harsh?”
“What are you doing making such a fuss?”
“The whole empire was in an uproar about this genius appearing for the first time in two hundred years. Schlieffen Sinivan de Grancia. I don’t know?”
Ronan didn’t answer. Marja interpreting her silence as ignorance let out her sigh. To this extent he couldn’t believe that there were dark people in the world.
There was no one at least within the system who did not know Schlieffen. A genius who developed his Aura at the age of eleven and is now on the verge of awakening.
Moreover isn’t he the eldest son of the Duke of Grancia a great family that stands on the same level as the Acalusia family?
But Ronan didn’t answer because he didn’t know.
“Schlieffen…? “Did you just say Schlieffen?”
“okay. Have you really never heard of it? Never? Schlieffen. Shiniban. place. “Grancia.”
Why have I never heard of it? Ronan continued to believe his ears. Mixed in the list of words that sounded like incantations were names that could never be forgotten.
Slayer of the Winter Witch. An imperial swordsman who once wielded a sword together. A tragic genius who ultimately died without being able to cut down a giant.
“Why are you looking like that? “Where does it hurt?”
“Um no. You know. Schlieffen.”
“right? Honestly this was worse than the mana sensitivity.”
Ronan who had been looking through the past for a while smiled bitterly. Although the time we met was short the impression was strong. He remembered Schlieffen’s aura covering the battlefield.
“He was a great guy. “There were some corners where it turned slightly.”
“You speak as if we’ve just met?”
“I’ve met you. “Let me tell you one more thing: that nobleman can’t urinate when someone else is next to him.”
“…I guess so. By the way I’m hungry. “Let’s go eat.”
Marya held the boys’ hands and headed toward the restaurant. They ate one of the island’s specialties ox steak served with raspberry juice.
The three people traveled around the island as a tourist during the day and trained for the practical exam at night. Two days passed by in an instant.
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