Rudeus did not wake until the following day.
"Thank you, Cain. If you hadn't been there, I might really have died..."
In the inn at West Port, Rudeus bowed deeply to Cain. Cain waved it off. He had serious doubts about Rudeus's fighting ability, but Rudeus was a mage. Once a swordsman got close, a showing as poor as last night's was hardly surprising.
"It's fine. I said I'd help you, and I wasn't going to break my word. Besides, I made sure to fulfill someone's request."
"Someone? A request?!" Rudeus blinked. He didn't think he knew anyone in the Three Magic Nations.
Cain folded his arms and explained with a faint smile.
"It was Sylphiette. She's studying at the Magic University now, and she was overjoyed to hear you were still alive."
"Really?!" Rudeus's eyes widened, delight spreading across his face. With his family's fate still unknown, hearing that Sylphiette was safe was wonderful news.
"Really. We saw her at the Magic University, where she's studying now. You should come back with us this time, Rudeus. I can tell she wants to see you very much."
Cain spoke casually, his arms folded around a cup of warm milk.
Of course, anything concerning Ariel was strictly confidential. The fewer people who knew, the better; her life was at stake.
"Can I really study at the Magic University too?"
"Of course. I can arrange a place for you and get your acceptance letter."
"Thank you, Cain."
Rudeus was delighted that Cain was willing to look after him. But just as he was about to agree, his expression froze.
"What's wrong, Rudeus?"
Cain took a sip of sweet milk, his expression calm. It was Roxy's favorite. Rudeus, however, looked troubled, as though something was weighing on his mind.
"Um, Cain, I don't