Chapter 32: Departure
The morning sky above the Augustine estate shimmered with soft hues of pink and gold as the sun slowly began its ascent. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of freshly dewed grass and the quiet rustle of the breeze through the trees. Today was the day Argus would leave for the academy, and while the mansion was buzzing with activity, there was a sense of quiet anticipation hanging in the air.
Argus stood in the courtyard, his belongings packed and neatly arranged beside him. His gaze lifted to the massive skyship slowly descending in the distance. It was a luxury mode of travel reserved for the noble and wealthy, a privilege of his birthright, but for Argus, it was simply his means of reaching the next stage of his journey. The sails of the skyship glowed faintly with magical energy, enchanted to ensure safe passage as it glided effortlessly through the sky.
"You're all set for the journey, young master," came Iris's soft but steady voice from behind him.
Argus turned to find Iris standing just a few paces away, her posture rigid and her hands folded neatly in front of her. She was one of the younger maids at the estate, recently chosen to be his personal maid for his time at the academy. Iris was here to ensure Argus's needs were met during his studies, though their interactions had been minimal so far. Her reputation for loyalty and discipline preceded her.
"Yes," Argus replied with a nod. "I suppose it's time."
Iris stepped closer, her movements precise and efficient, as she surveyed the luggage. "I've packed everything you'll need for the journey, including your mother's cloak." She gestured toward the neatly folded black cloak resting atop one of the bags. "If there's anything else, now would be the time to mention it."
Argus offered a small smile. "Thank you, Iris. I trust everything is in order."
Her eyes briefly flicked up to meet his before she dipped her head in acknowledgment. "It's my duty, young master."
Just then, the sound of purposeful footsteps echoed through the courtyard. Argus turned to see Celeste, the head maid, approaching with her usual poised demeanor. She had been a steady figure in the Augustine household for as long as Argus could remember, always overseeing the estate's affairs with diligence and care. Today, her presence felt especially significant.
"Leaving us already, Master Argus?" Celeste said warmly as she approached, though there was a slight hint of emotion in her voice.
"Yes, Celeste," Argus replied, smiling at her. "The time's come."
Celeste turned her sharp gaze to Iris, who immediately straightened at the attention. "I trust everything has been prepared for the young master's journey?"
"Yes, Lady Celeste," Iris answered quickly, her tone respectful. "Everything is in place."
"Good," Celeste replied, her eyes narrowing slightly in that no-nonsense way she had. "But remember, Iris, this isn't just a simple assignment. You are to look after Master Argus with the utmost care. He may be headed for the academy, but that doesn't mean he won't require your attention every day. Ensure his needs are met promptly, and remember to keep an eye on his well-being, especially when he's overexerting himself."
Iris bowed her head deeply, taking the lecture with utmost seriousness. "Understood, Lady Celeste. I won't let you down."
Argus smiled at the interaction. Celeste always had a way of keeping things in order, and it was clear that Iris would be no exception.
Celeste turned back to Argus, her expression softening slightly. "We'll miss you around here, Master Argus. Don't go forgetting about us while you're off becoming a prodigy at the academy."
Argus chuckled. "I could never forget you, Celeste."
The sound of Evangeline's approach caused everyone to turn as she stepped into the courtyard, her presence as commanding as ever. Her eyes immediately found Argus, softening as she drew near.
"You're all set for your journey," she said softly, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. Her gaze flicked briefly to Iris, who bowed respectfully. "And I see you're well looked after already."
There was a brief pause as Evangeline's eyes lingered on Iris before returning to Argus. "The academy is just the beginning, my son. I know you'll excel."
"I'll be back during the academy breaks," Argus reassured her. "This isn't goodbye for long."
Evangeline's eyes softened, though the intensity of her gaze remained. "Good," she whispered, her grip on his hand tightening slightly before releasing him. "You'll always have a place here, Argus. Always."
As the skyship's engines hummed softly in the background, Lily came darting into the courtyard, her brown hair bouncing as she ran toward Argus with wide eyes. "You're really leaving now, aren't you?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Argus knelt down, pulling her into a warm hug. "Only for a little while, Lily. I'll be back before you know it."
Lily clung to him tightly, her small hands gripping his cloak. "You better come back soon," she mumbled, her voice muffled against his chest. "And don't forget to bring me something cool from the academy!"
Argus chuckled softly, pulling back to ruffle her hair. "I'll bring you the best thing I can find. Promise."
Rhea arrived shortly after, her calm and serene presence grounding the moment. She approached with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting quiet pride. "We'll all miss you, Argus. It won't be the same around here without you."
"I'll write whenever I can," Argus promised, his voice warm as he embraced her briefly.
The attendants from the skyship moved into the courtyard, their appearance signaling that the time had truly come. They began loading Argus's belongings onto the vessel, their movements quick and efficient.
Evangeline's hand brushed his arm once more, pulling his attention back to her. "Remember," she said, her voice low but firm. "You are always mine, no matter where you go. Do not forget that."
"I won't," Argus replied with a faint, wry smile. "I doubt I could even if I tried." Their bond transcended distance and circumstance—something no time or space could sever.
Evangeline's lips curled into a soft smile at his response, though her gaze still held its possessive glint. She stepped closer, pulling him into an embrace that was both tender and protective. "Good. Because you are my world, Argus. Never forget that."
"I won't," he repeated, this time his tone soft, though the weight of the moment settled between them.
Lily tugged at his arm once more, her face filled with concern. "Don't forget your promise!" she insisted, her voice growing slightly anxious now that the moment of departure was upon them.
Argus crouched down and kissed her forehead. "I won't forget, Lily. I'll be back before you even have the chance to miss me too much."
Lily sniffed and nodded, doing her best to hold back her tears. "Okay… But write to me too. Not just Mother."
"I'll write to you," Argus assured her. "I'll send you letters with stories of everything I see."
Satisfied with his answer, Lily released him reluctantly, stepping back to stand beside Rhea. The pair watched as Argus began boarding the skyship, his belongings now fully loaded.
Celeste, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, stepped forward for a final word. "Take care of yourself, Master Argus. The estate will be much quieter without you, but I expect you'll bring back plenty of stories."
Argus smiled at the thought. "I'll have plenty to share."
He glanced at Iris, who had been silent throughout the goodbyes, standing by his side with a composed and serious expression. She met his gaze with a nod, stepping onto the ship behind him. Though their relationship was still new, he appreciated her quiet loyalty. There would be time to get to know her better during their journey and at the academy.
The ship's engines began to hum louder as the crew made their final preparations. Argus took one last look at the estate, his family gathered below, watching as the skyship slowly lifted from the ground.
His heart swelled with a mix of emotions—excitement for the challenges ahead, gratitude for the family he was leaving behind, and an undeniable sense of pride. He knew this was the beginning of a new chapter, one where he would forge his own path, but he also knew that no matter how far he traveled, he would always be tethered to this place.
As the ship ascended higher into the sky, the Augustine estate grew smaller and smaller below him, until it was nothing more than a distant speck on the horizon. Argus turned away from the view, focusing instead on what lay ahead.
Iris stood quietly beside him, her hands clasped in front of her as she maintained her professional demeanor. Argus glanced at her, breaking the silence.
"I suppose this will be a new experience for both of us," he said, his tone light but genuine.
Iris met his gaze with a slight nod. "It will be, young master. But I'm ready for whatever comes."
Argus smirked slightly, appreciating her composed attitude. "I'm sure you are. Just try not to take things too seriously all the time."
Iris blinked, clearly not expecting the casual remark, but she offered a small smile in response. "Of course, young master. I'll keep that in mind."
With that, the skyship sailed steadily toward the horizon, carrying Argus toward the academy and the unknown challenges that awaited him there.