The next morning, dressed for travel, I headed to the village to bid farewell.
To my surprise, the entire village had gathered to see me off.
"Matthew! Is it true you're heading to the royal capital?"
The village chief stepped forward as their representative, his voice laced with concern.
"Yes. It's my father's last wish. He told me that if anything happened to him, I should seek out a friend in the capital."
"I see… Your family has done so much for this village. In such a small place, there's hardly anyone capable of anything beyond basic life magic. Sending a child who isn't even ten years old on such a journey… It worries me. Can't you stay here at least until you turn ten?"
"No… If I stay, I might never leave. I'll turn ten on the road anyway, and I intend to follow my father's wishes and head to the capital."
"I see… very well."
Before the village chief could say more, a voice rang out from behind him, trembling with emotion.
"Don't go!"
A girl stepped forward, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Matthew! It's too dangerous to go to the capital alone! Stay here and live in the village instead!"
"No, Agatha. I'm going to the capital. It's painful to leave you, but if I go, I might be able to continue learning magic. I can't become a better mage if I stay here."
"Who cares? You're already good enough at magic, aren't you?"
"No, I'm still half-baked. I need to learn more."
"…Even if it means being apart from me?"
"…I'm sorry."
"…!"
Agatha turned on her heel and ran off without another word.
Her parents, who ran the village's general store, sighed as they watched her go. "Agatha's got feelings for you, you know," her father said softly.
I know. Of course, I know.
I like Agatha too.
Her smile warms my heart, and seeing her cry twists it painfully.
But the thought of spending my entire life in this village fills me with dread.
I swore to my father that I would live my life as a mage.
Becoming a great mage is my life's goal.
In my ideal world, Agatha would be by my side.
But… oh, how foolish I am.
Because I've decided that if pursuing the heights of magic means never seeing Agatha again, so be it.
"I'm sorry, everyone. This is goodbye."
"Wait, Matthew," the village chief called, handing me a long object wrapped in cloth. "Take this. It's a small token from all of us."
Curious, I unwrapped it—and found a short sword.
"A mage might not need such a thing, but keep it at your side. If you look unarmed, people might underestimate you."
"Thank you."
I accepted it gratefully.
Judging by the craftsmanship, it must've been made by the village blacksmith.
The sheath was brand new, and the steel blade, peeking slightly from its scabbard, shone brilliantly.
This wasn't a cheap item.
"Well then… I'll be off."
With the short sword secured to my belt, I stepped onto the road and left the village behind.