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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Lion and Dream Bird (2)
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A oppressive mana that seemed to crush all five senses pulsed within the sphere. Ronan had experienced countless manas until now, but he'd never felt anything quite like this.
Baren continued with difficulty.
"Marfez, you... what in the world..."
"Damn it, what the hell is this? It's not going to explode or anything, right?"
"The one thing I can say for certain is... that it's Marfez's egg. But judging by the mana I'm sensing, I have no idea what could possibly hatch from it."
"No idea?"
-Piii... Piii...
Marfez was dozing off on Ronan's lap, nodding drowsily. Ronan furrowed his brow as he kneaded the fluffy feathers.
"Hang on, you said it's an egg. So shouldn't it just be a blue fluffball like this guy? You don't plant a bean and get a watermelon sprouting up, right?"
"That's exactly the problem. Dream Birds can do just that."
"What?"
"Not just watermelons—buffalo, forests, even palaces can grow from them."
Baren continued his explanation. In essence, this bizarre bird conceived by absorbing specific objects or the surrounding mana and laid eggs as a result.
It laid only one egg in its lifetime, which was why it was so rare even among phantom species.
"That's why no two Dream Birds look alike. I've even seen one with a steel beak and flaming feathers."
"That sounds badass... Even I might've hunted that one if I were a poacher."
Baren said he'd encountered Marfez in egg form at some sacred lake in the north.
Its blue feathers and ability to run across water were likely derived from the lake's mana.
"But this is a first for me too. Normally, you'd feel about seventy percent Dream Bird mana and thirty percent from the rest... but this one's a jumbled mess of all sorts of mana. Like a furnace tangled with molten metal."
"What exactly is in that 'all sorts'?"
"Hmm... well..."
Baren groaned as he examined the egg. It felt as convoluted as trying to describe a madman's fantasy painting. What even should he call this?
Flames flowing along a riverbed. Shadows flickering like dancers and a torrent of spurting blood shooting toward the sky. Pale starlight. A single Dream Bird flying along the world's edge.
Baren eventually hung his head in shame.
"Sorry. I can't give you a definitive answer. It's beyond my abilities to explain."
"Hey, you... what the hell did you lay?"
Ronan poked at Marfez. The bird woke briefly, blinked around groggily, then slammed its head back into his chest and fell asleep again.
Ronan laughed in disbelief.
"Hah, what a shameless little bastard."
"...Would you be willing to take the egg?"
"Huh?"
The request was so out of left field that Ronan looked up. Baren stared at him with utmost seriousness.
With both hands on his knees, he looked just like a father-in-law entrusting his daughter to someone.
"I know it's sudden. But I believe there's a reason Marfez laid her egg in front of you two."
"Wasn't it just time to lay it?"
"No. Dream Birds don't lay eggs just anywhere."
Baren shook his head firmly. His well-groomed mane swayed gentlemanly.
He continued in a tone like he was reciting an inescapable prophecy from ancient times.
"Just as most animals give birth in safe places, Dream Birds lay their eggs where potential gathers. I want to respect Marfez—my friend of over forty years—and honor her choice."
"Uh... honestly, I don't really care either way. You sure that's okay?"
"Of course. I'm grateful you're willing to take this sudden request."
"When do you think it'll hatch?"
"Hard to say... but I know a place that might help."
Baren suddenly stood and walked to his desk. He returned with two sheets of fine paper and a parchment.
Ronan tilted his head.
"I was wondering what to give you as thanks for saving Marfez... perfect timing."
"What's that?"
"First, this is a map to Penardo Spring."
Baren handed over the parchment first. Its rough surface bore a crudely hand-drawn map. He pointed to a spot marked with a star.
"It's the leyline closest to the capital. A place where the earth's mana converges, so phantom species often visit."
"No way, a leyline? For real?"
Baren recommended they take the egg to Penardo Spring.
It could hasten hatching or enhance mana sensitivity, with other side benefits too. In return, he asked them to keep the location secret.
Ronan nodded as he pocketed the parchment.
"Of course. Thanks for such a valuable gift."
"Not done yet. Here, take these too."
Baren placed the two fine sheets of paper on the table. They were covered in writing, but not in imperial script, so Ronan couldn't read them.
"These are...?"
"Phileon Academy admission recommendations. Never thought I'd use them in my lifetime."
The boys' eyes went wide. Baren picked up a fountain pen nearly as thick as a baton and scribbled something. Ronan's and Asel's names, followed by his signature in cursive.
"As far as I know, applicants with these skip the exams and just do a simple interview. Scholarships included, plus other perks..."
"No need."
Baren flinched and looked up. Ronan was stroking Marfez with a bored expression.
"...Pardon?"
"Told you, no need. Just write one for this guy."
"I-I'm good too!"
Asel waved his hands frantically. Even as Ronan poked his side, he stubbornly shook his head.
"Quit messing around and take it, you punk."
"I want to pass on my own merits...!"
"Hah, fine."
Ronan chuckled and ruffled Asel's hair like he was proud. He set Marfez on the table.
"He says the same. We're in agreement."
"W-Wait a second! You're serious?"
"This is plenty. Great tea, by the way."
He waved the parchment map in front of Baren. Ronan grabbed his coat and stood. Baren rose in a panic.
"I hate to say it, but Phileon recommendations carry huge weight. They admit maybe one every three years...!"
"Not trying to make a fuss over saving one beast. And honestly, I wanted the egg the moment you mentioned steel beak and all that."
Ronan headed for the door without hesitation. Anxious Baren stepped in front, blocking them with his massive frame—no way around.
"W-Wait! I can't let you leave like this!"
"Finally showing your true colors, huh. That dwarf would make a fine snack. I'm out."
"Eek!"
"That's not it. You saved Marfez and took the egg—I can't send you away empty-handed!"
The boys' bangs fluttered in Baren's hot snorts. His fervor suggested he'd cough up an organ on the spot if asked.
Even after giving the leyline map, he was this grateful.
"Anything! Name it! If I can provide it..."
"Were-lion pelt carpet."
His voice was deadpan. Silence enveloped the office. Ronan snorted at their pale faces.
"Kidding."
"Phew... thank goodness. You really scared me..."
"Nothing I particularly want... but could you do me one favor later?"
"A favor... you say?"
Ronan's lips curled slyly. Asel bit his nails, still reeling from the carpet remark.
When Ronan finally stated his request, Baren and Asel both tilted their heads in unison.
"Uh... um... that's really all you want?"
"Yes. But you have to keep it strictly. Can you?"
"Of course, but..."
"Good enough. See you at the entrance ceremony."
Ronan left the office without another word. Thud. Marfez woke at the door closing and looked around.
Baren stood dazed for a while before returning to his desk. He scratched his mane and muttered.
"What a guy."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The two headed straight to the market after leaving Baren's office. Partly to buy supplies and ingredients, but mostly to see Marya.
As they strolled among elegant buildings, Asel spoke up.
"Hey, Ronan."
"Yeah?"
"Back there... why'd you ask for that favor?"
"Oh, that?"
What he'd asked Baren was to serve as advisor for the club Ronan planned to start.
While researching Phileon Academy, Ronan had learned about "clubs"—student-led autonomous groups.
Just like in the military, such groups needed a responsible overseer. Baren, with his high standing, was perfect.
Ronan clasped his hands behind his head and grinned.
"Got plans."
"You might pass the exam anyway... what if you don't?"
"You call that a question? I'd run back begging for the recommendation."
"...Gross."
"Don't worry, punk. Show 'em you can drop your pants with telekinesis, and you're in."
Asel didn't bother asking what Ronan would do. He'd only asked out of worry—Ronan failing was unimaginable.
Even savage Luna Goblins were just carrots on a cutting board before his blade.
"Man, this thing's great. Knowing it's not shit makes it feel so good to hold."
"C-Careful...! Drop it and..."
"Tougher than mithril. What's the worst that happens?"
Ronan had been tossing and catching the egg in midair for a while.
Now that it was fully his, he had no reservations. He quickened his pace.
"Hurry up and let's go see that girl. My shoulders ache from the books."
The capital's grand market dwarfed Marvas's by comparison.
After wandering a while, they found the Karabel Merchant Group stall in the center. Marya waved happily when she spotted Ronan.
"You idiots! You made it!"
Marya wore a skirt for customer service. Her hair was neatly braided, giving her a girlish air. The boys returned the books they'd borrowed.
"Honestly worried, but you found your way. When'd you get to the capital?"
"This morning."
"What'd you do after?"
"Had tea with Phileon's lion."
"Don't wanna talk to me?"
"No."
Marya glared at Ronan with narrowed eyes. For Ronan, who spoke only truth, it was pure injustice. She frowned at the egg in his hand.
"What's that round thing? Ugh, not what I think it is, right?"
"Something even the talking lion couldn't explain."
"You... seriously..."
"H-Hi, Marya!"
Asel jumped in sensing danger. Marya's expression softened. She snorted at Ronan once more, then turned to Asel.
"Hey, cutie! Grown a bit taller?"
"This shrimp wouldn't shut up about you all day. Singing your praises, missing you and all..."
"I-I didn't sing!"
"If you missed me, say so. C'mere!"
Marya scooped up Asel and spun him around. Like a big sister playing with her little brother.
As Asel flushed with embarrassment, Ronan greeted Duon.
"Long time, sir."
"Oh, customers! Been well?"
"Always am. Sorry about last time."
"No, no. Despite the trouble, I'm grateful you get along with my daughter. She's quite the lonely one, you know."
Duon lowered his voice lest Marya hear. Ronan chuckled and nodded. He bought a pouch of southern mountain tobacco from the Karabel stall.
Turning, he saw the two finishing their play, chattering away. Pipe in mouth, Ronan leaned in.
Marya spoke as if remembering something important.
"Hey, you hear the news?"
"Probably not."
"Grancia Duke's eldest is taking the Phileon entrance exam. With us."
"Grancia Duke?"
Ronan racked his brain. Nobility held no interest for him, so nothing came up.
Same now—he shrugged indifferently.
"You really don't know? That's kinda bad."
"What's the big deal about this guy?"
"The genius appearing once every two hundred years—the empire's buzzing. Schlieffen Sinivan de Grancia. No clue?"
Ronan stayed silent. Marya sighed, mistaking it for ignorance. Unbelievable someone could be this out of touch.
No one in the capital hadn't heard of Schlieffen. He'd awakened aura at eleven and was now charging toward mastery.
And the firstborn of the Grancia Duke house, rivaling the Acalusias.
But Ronan hadn't stayed silent out of ignorance.
"Schlieffen...? Did you say Schlieffen just now?"
"Yeah. Never heard of him? Not once? Schlieffen. Sinivan. De. Grancia."
How could he not? Ronan doubted his ears. Amid the spell-like names was one forever etched in memory.
The Winter Witch's killer. The Sword Saint who'd once swung blades beside him. The tragic genius who died without slaying the giant.
"Why the face? You okay?"
"Nah, fine. I know him. Schlieffen."
"Right? The mana buzz was nothing compared to this."
Ronan smiled wryly, sifting through memories. Their time together was short, but the impression intense. He recalled Schlieffen's aura blanketing the battlefield.
"Impressive guy. A bit unhinged, though."
"Talk like you've met him."
"I have. Oh, and he couldn't piss with others around."
"...Figures. Anyway, I'm hungry. Let's eat."
Marya grabbed their hands and headed to the restaurant district. They had the capital specialty: bull steak with woodberry juice.
The trio toured the capital by day like tourists and trained for the practical exam by night. Two days flew by.