Ronan instinctively looked for Vinicia. She stood about seven or eight meters away under a yellow pine tree, her head bowed so low it nearly touched her chest, her hands tugging nervously at the hem of her robe.
She seemed overwhelmed with shame and self-reproach.
When she realized Ronan was looking at her, Vinicia's face turned red all the way down to her neck.
Despite her dark and rough skin on her face and hands, the small patch of skin visible below her collarbone was as white as the milk they had for breakfast.
Seeing her like this, Ronan felt a bit exasperated.
His anger was primarily due to the academy's decision to halt admissions, which shattered his next steps.
He was frustrated and irritated, compounded by the house agent's rudeness and condescension.
It had nothing to do with Vinicia; he never expected her to handle the hassle of finding a place on her own.
"Of course not," Ronan assured Sherrill, shaking his head.
"Then it's because of me," Sherrill sighed like an adult, her mood sinking, "I know I'm always a burden to you all. I'm so useless, I can't do anything, and I always hold everyone back."
Ronan couldn't help but wonder: Are women always this fragile and sensitive? Comforting one, and now he had to comfort the other?
Feeling a headache coming on, Ronan thought for a moment before asking Sherrill, "What do you think makes someone useful?"
Sherrill counted on her fingers, "Either you know everything like Grandpa Wills, or you're as strong as you are, always getting everyone out of danger. Or you're like Sister Vinicia, beautiful and kind-hearted."
Ronan couldn't help but chuckle, patting Sherrill's head gently, "No one is born knowing everything or being useful."
After speaking, Ronan suddenly paused, lost in thought, and slowly stood up.
"If you ever feel like you're becoming a burden to others," Ronan said, his gaze shifting toward Hoddam Wizard Academy, his eyes filled with determination.
"Then strive to become stronger."
Saying this, Ronan exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of his earlier frustrations lift.
What was meant to comfort Sherrill had inadvertently guided him.
Feeling refreshed, Ronan looked down to see Sherrill's face, a mix of understanding and confusion.
With a slight smile, Ronan picked up Sherrill and walked forward, with Vinicia following behind.
As they walked, he chatted with Sherrill.
"Do you have the talent to become a wizard?"
"Of course, Grandpa Wills said my aptitude is much better than his."
"Maybe he's just being nice."
"No, Grandpa Wills never lies!"
"Then I'll teach you how to meditate tonight."
They waited at the designated spot until the afternoon, finally seeing Old Wills hurrying toward them.
Though they didn't see Andre and his sister, they did find Jacob, the blond chubby boy they'd been missing.
Upon seeing Ronan, Jacob excitedly rushed over.
"Master Ronan, it's so good to see you again!"
Ronan was also pleased.
In the treehouse district, aside from Old Wills, Jacob was probably the closest to him, having patrolled together for several months.
He had been worried when Jacob didn't show up during the escape.
"Where were you? Why didn't we see you yesterday?"
Ronan asked, and Jacob looked a bit sheepish, scratching his head, "I was out buying supplies for someone, came to town early. By the time I'd finished, I heard the black robes had attacked, and the treehouse district had fallen."
What incredible luck.
Ronan marveled at how many gray robes had died in the forest yesterday, while the timid Jacob had inadvertently avoided the danger.
"...But all my belongings are still in the treehouse, and I spent all my magic stones on a bunch of useless stuff."
Jacob looked crestfallen, pulling some feminine sanitary cloths from his backpack to illustrate his point.
Everyone was momentarily speechless, and Ronan could only reassure him that, given the current situation, he could probably sell those items later, maybe even at a profit.
Jacob seemed a bit cheered by this.
"Andre and his sister are living in a cave outside the town. They're not used to city life," Old Wills said, producing a slip of paper, "They gave me the address of where Jolin and his wife are staying. Should we go find them?"
Everyone looked at Ronan.
The mutual aid group initiated by Old Wills had become unnecessary after leaving the treehouse district.
Whether to continue maintaining it now depended entirely on Ronan.
After considering for a moment, Ronan decided that since his plan to enroll at Hoddam had been disrupted by the halt in admissions, staying in town with the group was more sensible.
Living alone wasn't as beneficial as staying with the group, where they could support each other.
"Let's go," Ronan said, "Jolin lost an arm, and it's a difficult time for him. We should check on them."
Hearing this, everyone visibly brightened.
After all, Ronan was now the core of the small group.
"What about Linus?" Ronan asked.
Old Wills, having learned about Linus's actions from Andre, replied with a complex expression, "He parted ways with Andre after leaving the forest. We don't know where he is now."
Ronan nodded, unconcerned.
As long as Linus wasn't around to cause trouble, it didn't matter where he went.
Guided by the address Andre provided, the group made their way to the town's edge, nearing the residential area bordering the wilds.
In a dim, damp little house barely touched by light, they found Jolin, pale and bedridden, being cared for by his wife.
Seeing everyone, the couple was so relieved they nearly cried.
For a wizard, losing an arm wasn't a major issue.
Wizards pursued the immortality of the soul, viewing their physical forms as mere vessels. Missing or extra limbs were inconsequential.
Even if one found a single hand inconvenient, the wizarding world offered solutions.
However, given Jolin's current financial state, acquiring a new arm anytime soon seemed unlikely. They would have to make do.
After finding Jolin and his wife, the group discussed and decided to find nearby housing.
The area offered cheap rent, and besides Ronan, everyone was financially constrained.
Living there also provided easy access to the town, simplifying food procurement.
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