* * *
“How are you feeling, Ed? Is your stomach unsettled, or is the carriage moving too fast?”
Ed, sitting beside the Grand Duke, adjusted the fox-shaped cushion that Ronen had lovingly crafted and placed it behind his lower back.
“No, I’m fine. We could go faster, and I’d still be okay.”
“But…”
The Grand Duke’s gaze lingered on Ed’s lower abdomen.
Realizing the reason for his concern, Ed placed a hand on his belly and reassured him.
“The child’s fine too. If I feel even the slightest discomfort, I’ll let you know right away.”
“You must. It’s your body, Ed, and if you don’t tell me, I won’t know.”
The Grand Duke placed his hand over Ed’s, which rested protectively on his abdomen.
In the privacy of the carriage, the intimacy made Ed feel a sudden flush of warmth.
Trying to diffuse the moment, he smiled brightly and nodded.
“Of course. And honestly, I don’t find carriage rides suffocating anymore, probably because I’ve done it before. Oh! And this cushion keeps my back from aching too.”
Ed gestured toward the cushion with a cheerful laugh.
“Brother, don’t worry about the North. Have a safe trip!”
Thinking of Ronen, who had seen them off, Ed’s lips curled into a fond smile.
The boy had matured so much.
Though he’d panicked a bit when a dragon suddenly perched on his head, his composure had been impressive.
The carriage slowed and then came to a stop.
The Grand Duke, who had been gently rubbing Ed’s abdomen, glanced at him.
His lips curled into a smile.
“We should take a short break.”
“Yes.”
Stepping out of the carriage, Ed stretched his arms lightly, enjoying the fresh air.
In contrast, the knights remained vigilant, efficiently tending to their duties.
Watching a group of them lead the horses to water, Ed shifted his gaze.
The Grand Duke stood with Irthel, poring over a map and discussing something.
The sky was overcast with heavy gray clouds, and puddles of mud littered the ground, making the path ahead treacherous.
‘The ground’s already soaked. If it rains, it’ll be a real problem.’
The Grand Duke had deliberately kept their group small and quick-moving.
‘The Emperor’s banquet is five days away.’
They had enough time to reach the capital, but the Grand Duke wanted to arrive early to prepare for any traps the Emperor might have laid.
Being delayed by rain would complicate things.
As he awaited the Grand Duke’s decision on whether to take a faster route or avoid the rain, Ed moved toward a large tree.
A knight followed closely, scratching the back of his head.
“…I’m just going to relieve myself. Surely, you’re not planning to come with me?”
“His Grace ordered me to stay by your side at all times.”
“Well, His Grace also provided me with this protective artifact, so I’ll be fine going to the bathroom alone.”
Ed held up the bracelet adorning his wrist.
Seeing Ed’s earnest gaze, the knight hesitated before relenting.
“Then I’ll stay ten steps away.”
“Please face the other direction too.”
“Understood.”
Nodding, Ed turned his back to the knight and crouched near a small puddle.
After ensuring no one could see him, he moved his fingers.
Since learning to manipulate water alongside healing the Grand Duke, Ed had been practicing in secret. He could now wield his power with some control.
‘The ability to heal and control water—those are the two powers I possess.’
At first, he had wished his strength would grow faster, but now he was more patient.
“As long as you can wield your power, you have nothing to fear from the Emperor, Ed.”
The Grand Duke’s warm presence and reassuring words gave Ed the motivation to focus.
His skill steadily improved, and he smiled at the progress.
Watching the puddle ripple like crashing waves, Ed let out a small sigh.
‘I barely used any power, yet I already feel drained.’
Determined to build his stamina, he murmured to himself,
“…Is this how His Grace feels when he uses his power?”
The thought of sharing this sensation with the Grand Duke filled Ed with a strange satisfaction.
Rubbing his belly, he whispered as if seeking permission,
“I’ll practice one more time, then rest.”
After finishing his covert practice, Ed stood, only to find the knight running back to him.
When Ed returned to the main group, the Grand Duke was nowhere to be seen.
‘He must have gone to check the road conditions.’
Scanning the area for a rest spot, Ed’s attention was drawn to a tilted cart.
A wooden block meant to support the wheel had cracked under the weight.
The cart was teetering dangerously, and beneath it, Tens was leaning against a tree.
“Damn it! Tens!”
The knight beside Ed shouted, but they were too far to intervene.
Other knights noticed as well, but they were equally distant.
Tens was moments away from being crushed.
‘This is dangerous!’
Biting his lip, Ed thrust his hand toward the nearest puddle.
Focusing all his energy, he imagined a hook and directed the water toward Tens.
‘Please…’
A column of water shot through the air, wrapping around Tens.
Gritting his teeth, Ed poured his strength into the connection he felt through his fingertips.
‘I have to save him!’
Heat surged through his body, and his hair floated as though charged with energy.
Though he’d never attempted this before, the method felt instinctive.
The water moved according to his will, pulling Tens away from danger.
Tens skidded across the ground, leaving a long trail, just as the cart crashed with a loud thud.
Wide-eyed, Tens turned to see the distance now separating him from the fallen cart.
Ed exhaled deeply, his legs giving out as he collapsed.
‘I saved him. I actually saved Tens.’
It was only then that Ed noticed the sweat beading on his forehead and the sound of the cart groaning under its weight.
Tens called out his name.
“Ed, are you okay?”
The knight tried to check on him, but Ed shook his head.
“I’m fine. Check on Tens…”
Before he could finish, Tens rushed over and knelt beside him.
“What was that, Ed?”
“…Are you okay?”
“Of course, I’m fine! What about you?”
Still shocked, Tens glanced down at the tendrils of water encircling his body.
The liquid strands, woven like threads, stretched back to the puddle where they originated, responding to Ed’s subtle movements.
“…Ha, yes. I’m fine.”
“Thanks, Ed. You saved my life. But what was that just now? Was it magic? When did you learn it? Ah, I bet His Highness taught you!”
Tense’s gaze finally shifted away from the now-calm water, and a sly grin spread across his face.
It was hard to believe this playful expression belonged to someone who had just been in serious danger moments ago.
Ed, still tense from the fear of not being able to save Tens, sighed softly in exasperation.
“You almost got into real trouble back there, Tens.”
“Well, sure, but look—I’m fine, aren’t I?”
Tens clapped Ed on the back with a few hearty pats and continued with a grin.
“I’m Tense, the guy who’s always blessed by the goddess of luck.”
“…”
“And this time, she showed up again! Ed, I had no idea you had the makings of a mage. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“I’m not exactly a mage…”
Ed trailed off, visibly reluctant to elaborate.
Tens tilted his head and gave a subtle signal to the surrounding knights to step back before pivoting the conversation.
“Wait, does Jaynon know about this? No, he can’t. If he did, he’d definitely brag about it nonstop! You’re keeping a secret from him, aren’t you, Ed? I’m right, aren’t I? I saw your powers before Jaynon did!”
Even in this situation, Tens managed to take a jab at Jaynon.
Ed narrowed his eyes at the mention of the name, while Tens rubbed his own stomach where the water had touched.
Though it had been cold, the sensation had been oddly gentle.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Tens grinned and spoke.
“By the way, Ed, can I ask you for a favor?”
“…What kind of favor?”
“Could you surround me with water again?”
“…”
“I’ve always dreamed of lying down on water and falling asleep!”
Seeing Tens’s carefree demeanor, Ed shook his head in disbelief.
“Can I hit you just once, Tense?”
“Of course! You’re my savior, so I can let you do that much. But how about this? You hit me once, and in return, you surround me with water for, say, an hour?”
Tens’s antics were so ridiculous that Ed, who had been on edge just moments ago, couldn’t help but crack a smile.
Tens, noticing this, stood up and offered his hand.
“Alright then, I’ll handle the cleanup here. You, my lifesaving hero, go rest in the carriage.”
* * *
Thank you for the update ❤️