Departure

"I'm sorry. I promised I wouldn't use magic."

I lower my head meekly and apologize to my parents.

Still staring at the floor, I curl my fingers into small fists.

I let my shoulders tremble just a little, to look like a five-year-old child.

In truth, there's no need for me to cry.

If anything—I'm just a little relieved deep down that I can finally get out.

But I absolutely can't let that show on my face.

"It's all right. Noah, you haven't done anything wrong."

Mother gently takes my hand.

Her grip is a little stronger than usual.

When I look up, Mother is wearing a stiff smile.

Her eyes are faintly red.

"You used it to help your friend. I'm proud of you."

Father smiles, too.

But his smile is strained somehow.

Outside, the priest and the adventurers escorting me are waiting.

When they said they were taking me to the church, my parents exchanged a brief glance.

They didn't look surprised.

It was more like they were confirming something they'd known all along.

—Ah, I knew it.

They must have braced themselves for the fact that they could no longer keep my power hidden in this village.

"...Take care of yourself."

Mother tries to smile.

But she can't quite manage it.

"I'm sure they'll raise you well at the church."

Saying that, she strokes my head.

Father clears his throat.

"Noah is a clever child."

His hand, hardened by farm work, rests on my shoulder.

"Listen carefully to what the priest says. And make sure you study hard at the church."

Mother doesn't say anything.

She just keeps holding my hand, unwilling to let go.

How far away is the town?

Could a farmer even make it there?

All three of us knew the answers to those questions.

That's why no one said anything.

I give a small nod.

"Yes."

A five-year-old is being separated from their parents.

It would look strange if I didn't seem sad.

—As far as acting goes, I think I did well enough.

Mother crouches down and hugs me tightly.

"Be a good boy."

"Yes."

When I answer obediently, Mother's face crumples a little.

When Mother lets go, I bow my head politely.

"I'm off."

I start walking without looking back.

If I look back, Mother will surely cry.

That would be a hassle.

So I don't look back.

When I open the door, the spring breeze gently brushes my cheek.

Everyone has gathered in front of the gate.

"Noah... I'm sorry. Take care."

Gelt says quietly, seeming a little nervous.

I smile and give a small wave.

"Take care of yourself."

So saying, Mark and Tom wave.

Lisa is staring at me, clutching the hem of her clothes in her small hands.

"Noah...!"

I can tell she's desperately holding back a shout.

"...I'll be waiting for you."

Lisa says softly.

"When I get stronger and become an adventurer..."

"Yeah."

"We promised we'd go on adventures together."

Lisa's eyes are a little moist.

I nod.

"I remember."

"...Really?"

"Really."

Lisa smiles just a little.

"Then I'll get stronger."

"Yeah."

"I'll get stronger than you, Noah!"

Lisa clenches her fist.

"Wait for me."

I smile faintly.

—A promise.

I don't know if I'll keep it.

But I silently nod.

The village chief stops me.

"Noah."

"Yes?"

"Thank you so much for saving Gelt."

The village chief bows deeply.

"I won't forget what you've done for us."

"It's all right."

I shake my head.

"We're friends."

The village chief looks up.

"...You're a good child."

Saying that, he hands me a small cloth pouch.

"This is a parting gift. Use it on the way."

Inside are some coins and food.

"Thank you."

"And—"

The village chief speaks with a serious expression.

"If you ever come back someday..."

"Yes."

"This village will welcome you."

I nod.

"Thank you. I'll remember that."

"Yes."

The village chief holds out his hand.

I take it.

I wave to everyone one last time, then set off.

The road leading out of the village.

The priest and the adventurers escorting me.

And—the world I've never seen before.

My heart gives a faint flutter.

Of course, I don't let that show on my face, either.