Killian waited for Rodine's next words but came out nothing.
"…what?" He asked, dumbfounded. Killian thought maybe the Headmaster had already gone senile or probably just being goofy as always.
The smile on Rodine's face aroused a premonition on him.
"That's the compensation. It's a little thing, right?"
"I'm good with it. However, the final decision would still be at my sister's hands so goodluck with that."
It's true. Aside from the fact he thought Rodine would ask for something big regardless of their deal, he thought it would be a good thing as well for Zaria.
But if luck would have it, monsters that were different than he used to subjugate before, ran rampant at his territory like insects.
Killian was enraged and pissed at the same time. He can't even spend time with his wife—Resmee, or even check on Wolstice's manor.
His left and right reports kept him all night and the daily monitoring of the territory took a toll on his schedule.
It even adds to his concern the emperor's constant pressing on his influence.
"Why did you call for me through Lucas? Aren't you busy that a spar like this eats up your time?"
"Well.. aren't you a curious soul? Anyway, you know how my sister arrived last night?"
"What about it?"
"If you beat me in our spar, I'll let you take my sword."
"Don't make me a fool. You're going to win if you're betting even the sword of Acantha!"
"I'm at a loss here, you know. After all, if I beat you, I'll only make you fetch my sister at your Grandfather's manor. So.. will you do it or not?"
In the end, for a short period of time, Killian was able have someone go over at Rodine's estate. He felt upset to have someone do it but it's not like he had a choice.
That day, his student's eyes—Ashercian's, which only avoids people's gaze glared at him with grudge.
"What…? What are you talking about?!"
Killian's hand was gripping Lucas' collar who only delivered a news he heard on the way, several hours after Ashercian left.
"Hey, it's not my fault! That's why I'm asking, why are you still here?!"
Lucas— the late prince Theodore's son and the child he and his sister grew up with almost shouted.
It's almost night and the news didn't even reach him. It must be grave that they weren't even able to send out news to anyone.
Most importantly… his sister is there as well right now.
The fact that the same unidentified monsters also wreaked havoc at Wolstice's is a major concern.
Rodine, the headmaster is a well-known exceptional magician. Because of his achievements, even the former emperor granted him an estate and authority.
With that, Wolstice is the most secure place to have because of its barriers.
But if even that collapse, then even the empire will be at chaos.
"I also heard an interesting news on the way."
"What is it? Hurry up."
"I heard that the owner of magician's tower from Peronsa Kingdom, returned."
"It's not interesting, I need to check on my sister."
"Even if I tell you that.. the name of the owner is Iarkial?"
Killian felt the tips of his hand cold. He suddenly remembered a child then that has the same name.
Iarkial isn't a common name and the only person he knew bearing the same name is a child he used to be creeped out with.
And the child who used to look at his sister with gaze different than others.
Killian felt the shivers went to his spine and a sense of foreboding. He didn't want to check something to Lucas because he was afraid.
Yet.. he wanted to make sure of his suspicions.
"…When did he returned?"
"Base from my source, he was in and out of worlds. Though, his first appearance again after two years was two months ago…"
The monsters two weeks ago and today, and the owner of magician's tower two months ago.
'It's not a coincidence.'
Days later, on the council of nobles, Killian pulled Rodine in a corner earlier.
"Tell me what happened, headmaster."
"It's just what I told the council earlier…?"
"Uncle, the way you subjugated those things were vague." Lucretius even joined in on them.
Rodine only gave up, especially when his nephew that only likes to observed things, crowded him like a thug.
"Tag along later. I have something very important to tell, most of all, to you Killian and your sister."
Killian felt the dry wind on his body as he looked up at the red-orange skies disappearing slowly into the darkness.
It's almost nighttime.
He's been walking a lot earlier but didn't even spot any traces of his sister.
He also lost Vincent.
"Goodness, should I go back now? She must be inside already."
Killian sighed, although just as he was about to turn his back, the rustling of grasses perked his ears.
His eyes went to find the source of noise and it landed on a familiar yet unfamiliar face not far from where he was standing.
It was a woman with the same red hair and fresh green eyes like his sister.
For a moment, Killian felt a sense of déjà vu when he stared at her. Only then did an obscure image overlapped to the face of the woman in front of him.
'Mom?'
No. He knew it wasn't his mother. But they resemble each other a lot that Killian questioned himself whether it is real.
He doesn't even whether to call this feeling creepy or longing.
"Brother?" The sweet voice coming from his sister that now has grown up to be a pretty and mature woman called him back to reality.
Killian was finally able to move his lips into a smile.
A feeling of relief overwhelmed him, seeing the child he always worried of for years grew up as a lady.
And also.. guilt of not being there for her. The guilt of living freely without anyone attempting harm on his life while his father and sister outside went through hardships.
"Zaria."
A warm embraced surrounded him, contrasting to the cold wind now being brought by nighttime.
Killian catch his sister who ran to hugged him. He tightly wrapped his arms to her as she cried in front him.
"Killy!"
A small laughter escaped his lips from the embarrasing nickname she called him.
"You idiot!" He heard her ramblings. She cried on his arms as he listened to her outburst.
"Is that how you say 'I miss you' now?"
"Hng.. shut up." Killian smiled while still hugging his sister.
The satisfaction of hearing her energetic voice eased him.
Even though he always imagined of reuniting with his sister, he doesn't even know exactly what to feel right now.
Still.. he's happy and contented with how things are now.
Killian looked up and saw stars and the moon lit up in the dark sky. He thought of the people who he knew would be more glad than anyone.
He hoped they could be here as well.
'Mom, Dad.. we're home.'