"This magic cellphone has a transmitter that can track its owner. I can't take that risk. A radio is much safer and can't be traced. If Dad wants to give me a communication device, give me a radio," Ryan replied, lifting his gaze to meet his father's eyes directly.
Reynold fell silent, taken aback by Ryan's resolve. Behind the silence, Reynold realized something he had never suspected before—that Ryan had long studied radio not just for entertainment, but to understand its weaknesses and strengths, perhaps as preparation for moments like this.
"Alright," Reynold finally said, surrendering to his son's logic.
"Next time, I will give you a radio, not a magic cellphone." With some reluctance, Reynold pulled back the magic cellphone.
However, before Ryan could take another step, Lyana approached. Lyana's large, clear eyes looked at Ryan with a longing that had begun to emerge even before the departure occurred.
"Brother..." Lyana's voice trembled, filled with restrained emotion. Their relationship may always have seemed ordinary in the eyes of others, but for Lyana, Ryan was more than just a brother.
In the silence that enveloped them, Lyana realized something that had long been hidden behind Ryan's cold demeanor. That even though Ryan rarely showed expression, it didn't mean he didn't have any. Ryan held many emotions within himself; he just wisely chose when and to whom to show them.
The closeness that slowly grew between them made Lyana realize one thing: Ryan's departure left a void that no one else could fill.
There was a push within Lyana, a deeper desire, something she had never imagined she would feel, a wish to be a part of Ryan's life, perhaps even... to have children with Ryan. But now, the inevitable moment had come. Ryan was leaving, and there was nothing Lyana could do to stop him.
"Take care of yourself," Lyana said, her voice barely audible, but the weight of her feelings could not be hidden.
"Haaahh..." Ryan sighed deeply, as if trying to dispel an invisible burden. With steady steps, Ryan approached Lyana, who was still frozen in place.
Without warning, Ryan grabbed Lyana's shoulders and gently kissed her forehead. The surprise was so sudden that it made Lyana freeze for a moment, as if time had stopped.
The warm touch on her forehead sent feelings through Lyana that she had never anticipated. After that, Ryan gently brushed Lyana's hair, his fingers tidying the strands that had fallen across her face.
"Eh?" Lyana was taken aback, her voice caught in her throat. She looked at Ryan with wide eyes, confusion and happiness blending into one.
"Take good care of yourself, okay?" Ryan spoke in a soft voice that was rarely heard, before finally turning and walking toward the waiting carriage.
"Brother... stupid brother..." Lyana murmured softly, her face flushed with embarrassment, but a small smile could not be hidden from her lips.
A warmth filled Lyana's heart, a feeling she would cherish and remember while Ryan was away.
Not long after, Ellina and Charlotte followed Ryan into the carriage. Without much conversation, the carriage began to move, leaving their home and taking them to their next destination... the Magic Airship Station in Starsteel City.
Starsteel City is one of the centers of civilization in the Allen Empire, ruled by the Blackstar Family, one of the most influential Grand Duke-level nobility. In the midst of the city's grandeur, the Magic Airship Station stood towering at 500 meters, like a tower connecting the land to the sky.
Upon arriving at the station, Ryan, Charlotte, and Ellina got out of the carriage wearing long black cloaks. The hoods they wore concealed their faces, hiding their identities from any spies that might be lurking.
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