Even after completing every task "Gilbert" had assigned them, Russell and Carpenter still did not understand why time had suddenly become so short.
They did not even have time to go home once.
Despite all the unavoidable compromises and precautions, Russell's and Carpenter's families could already be considered perfect by this world's standards... parents who could spare some energy and affection for their children while pursuing their own interests could only exist in a family like the Hainalson Family.
It was not that Russell and Carpenter had not wanted to visit their families after becoming Official Mages, but the Black Enigma Tower had been far too chaotic back then!
With even Gilbert keeping his distance, the two of them were even less likely to contact their families of their own accord.
That was how cruel this world was. When you could not settle everything in a single decisive move, showing more concern would only bring greater harm.
Humans always knew best how to hurt their own kind.
Felis was a warning to them... they did not want to end up like Felis's mother, forced to abandon her own son to protect herself, unable to make even the feeblest effort.
Although, if they really did fight those people, they would not necessarily be powerless... especially since Gilbert, who stood behind them, did not owe his position in the Black Enigma Tower entirely to Rute's support.
But there was no need for that.
Neither Carpenter nor Russell was the sort to let a little power go to their head. Even if it felt awful... being able to recognize reality was a virtue too.
Even if they won in the end, would the things they lost along the way... perhaps even the lives of people they cared about, not still be sacrifices?
Though