The Elven Country (7)

'I am glad to know you are safe.

I pity you for walking a path you do not wish to take.

Yet I am proud of you for being able to do what must be done for the sake of your fellow elves.'

This was how the reply to the letter I sent to Maios-sensei, Count Marmaros of Siglea, asking for advice began.

The rest was filled with detailed instructions on what I should do, along with explanations of their meaning and significance. It was just like the serious Maios-sensei, but...

Ah, what a nostalgic feeling.

Even when I was learning sculpture, he taught skillfully, but strictly.

By now, surely he had passed his title on to his son, retired, and was spending as much time as he pleased on the art he loved.

He was glad for me, pitied me, and was proud of me.

Those words, so characteristic of him, made me very happy...