X774, Brago. Inside the headquarters of the Magic Council's Sixth Enforcement Unit, the atmosphere was bustling with activity.
"Your Highness Arlen, thank you for your help. Because of you, these children were spared from falling victim to evil forces," said Iharu, captain of the Sixth Enforcement Unit, his expression solemn as he offered his gratitude.
"It was nothing. I merely happened upon it," Arlen replied calmly, though a trace of anger lingered on his face. "It's a pity I didn't catch the one responsible—that man named Brian."
He had waited at the Magic Development Bureau for quite some time the previous night, but Brian never returned. In the end, worried that the children—especially Ultear—would freeze in the cold, Arlen used Gravity Magic to bring them all here.
"Please rest assured. I've already reported the human experimentation conducted by the Magic Development Bureau to the Council. Brian has now been placed on the wanted list," Iharu said respectfully.
Arlen didn't dwell on the matter. To him, enemies were simple—once identified, they were meant to be eliminated.
He waved his hand, signaling Iharu to continue handling the children's arrangements.
He had no intention of helping each child find their family—that was the Magic Council's responsibility. He still had his own objective: finding Deliora.
Yet at his side stood a small girl who refused to leave.
With shoulder-length black hair, delicate features, and large, dark eyes like black pearls, Ultear followed him step by step. Wrapped in a thick coat, she stayed close, never straying.
"Ultear… aren't you tired, following me like this?" Arlen sighed, turning around to meet her gaze.
"I'm not tired. Are you tired, Lord Arlen?" Ultear replied, her voice soft but resolute. There was no fear in her eyes—only determination.
Arlen paused slightly at the unwavering look in her eyes, then said helplessly:
"…Fine. If you want to follow me, then follow. But don't call me 'Your Highness.'"
"Yes, Lord Arlen!" Ultear beamed, her eyes curving into crescents as a bright smile spread across her face.
She had finally caught up to the light she longed to follow.
And so, from that day on, aside from his training, Arlen was no longer alone. There was always someone by his side—someone who would follow him without hesitation, no matter where he went.
—
After staying at the Sixth Enforcement Unit for a day, Arlen left with Ultear.
Before departing, Iharu glanced at the girl beside him and blinked.
"Your Highness, won't you stay a bit longer?"
"No. I'll leave the rest to you," Arlen said simply. "Let's go, Ultear."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
Iharu opened his mouth as if to speak, but in the end only managed:
"May fortune favor you, Your Highness."
—
"Lord Arlen, where are we going?" Ultear asked as she followed closely beside him, looking up curiously.
"To find your mother. You must want to see her, don't you?"
Arlen kept his gaze forward, deliberately slowing his pace so Ultear could keep up.
"…Yes. I miss Mama," she said softly.
No matter what she had endured, she was still just an eight- or nine-year-old child. After everything she had suffered, it was only natural she longed for her family.
"Where is your home?" Arlen asked.
"On the ice plains outside Isvan. Near the forest—there's a wooden house. That's where Mama and I lived."
"Alright. Let's go."
Having already memorized the map, Arlen quickly determined the direction and led her onward.
This time, he didn't use Gravity Magic to carry her.
Instead, he let her walk.
If she was going to stay by his side, she needed to grow stronger. While her body wasn't ready for intense training, building stamina was a good start.
And so, the two walked through the snow-covered wilderness—occasionally talking, though more often it was Ultear asking questions and Arlen answering.
—
After a long journey, they finally arrived at the wooden house Ultear had described.
Arlen glanced around. A cabin in the middle of a frozen forest—it had a certain quiet charm.
"Go on," he said softly.
Ultear pursed her lips and stepped forward, pushing open the door.
It wasn't locked.
Inside, everything looked just as she remembered.
She searched eagerly—but her mother wasn't there.
Entering the bedroom, she saw a large bed by the window, a vanity, a bookshelf, and a wardrobe.
On the vanity sat a photo frame.
Inside it—a young woman with short hair, smiling brightly as she held a little Ultear in her arms.
Tears streamed down Ultear's face instantly.
—
Outside, Arlen stood quietly.
His gaze shifted toward the direction they had come from.
Through the snow, three figures approached—carrying food and supplies.
A woman led them.
She had short black hair, a well-built figure, fair skin, and sharp, refined features. Dressed in a leather jacket and black pants, she carried a capable and confident aura.
Beside her were two boys—one with white hair and narrow eyes, the other with black hair and a more irritable expression.
They chatted as they walked.
Sensing his gaze, the woman stopped.
"…Ul? What's wrong?" the black-haired boy asked.
"Hey, look over there," the white-haired boy said, tugging his sleeve and pointing at Arlen.
Ul narrowed her eyes slightly.
She was certain—she had never seen this boy before. With his appearance and bearing, he wasn't someone easily forgotten.
"You are…?" she asked cautiously.
"Go inside," Arlen said calmly. "Your daughter—Ultear—is inside. You'll understand everything once you see her."
At the mention of that name—
Everything in Ul's arms fell to the ground.
Without a word, she rushed past Arlen, her face filled with shock, hope, and fear.
The two boys exchanged glances, quickly picking up the fallen supplies before turning back to Arlen.
"Who are you? Why are you at our house?" the white-haired boy asked.
When Arlen didn't respond immediately, the black-haired boy snapped:
"Hey! I'm talking to you! Why aren't you answering?"
Arlen raised an eyebrow slightly. "Before asking someone's name, shouldn't you introduce yourselves first?"
"Tch… what a guy," the black-haired boy muttered, annoyed.
"I'm Lyon. He's my junior, Gray. We're both Ul's students," the white-haired boy said straightforwardly.
"Arlen. Arlen Viviamilio," Arlen replied with a nod.
"Hey, Arlen—do you know our master?" Gray asked bluntly.
"I don't. But I do know her daughter."
"…Her daughter?"
"…Her daughter?!"
Both boys stared in shock.
They had only heard Ul mention her daughter once—and never where she was.
—
Creak…
The door opened.
Ul stood there, holding Ultear's hand.
Both of their eyes were red—they had clearly been crying.
"I'm sorry, Arlen. And you two—Gray, Lyon—come inside quickly. It's cold out here," Ul said with a warm smile.