The wizard is reincarnated last Time

Chapter 28

I closed the book I was reading and welcomed the cool night air that blew in at just the right moment.  The languid yet heavy feeling didn’t improve much, but there was no other way.

It was my second day back in Prion. I still couldn’t believe only two days had passed.

As soon as I arrived, I was transferred to the Elvan Medical Center and underwent all sorts of examinations.

The results weren’t much different from what I received at the campsite.

While bewildered, Grain agreed that my problem needed to be solved by a mage, not a holy priest.

The good news was that my physical condition had improved much faster and more significantly than before.  The coughing fits that erupted into seizures were gone, as were the terrible fever and accompanying breathing difficulties.

A more unsightly scar than before remained on my chest. When I placed my hand over it, a heart that didn’t feel like my own beat, and chilling blood circulated.

The thorny magic became clearer and stronger. It was clear evidence that the amount of magic had increased.

I felt like I would be able to use magic once my physical strength fully recovered, but… the problem was precisely that physical strength.

I rested my chin on the windowsill and looked down at the Prion cityscape, glittering in the streetlight.

Even the chirping of birds was absent, as if they too were asleep.  The white walls surrounding the city softly reflected the moonlight, and the north forest carried the scent of the woods on the cool breeze.

Leaning against the cool window, I placed the weight of my heavy heart on the book.  It was the first time I realized I was afraid to fall asleep.

Drowsiness washed over me, but I couldn’t fall asleep easily.

What if I had the same dream as that time…?  The mere thought sent shivers down my spine.  If something like that happened again, who could stop me?

No matter how many times I told myself it would be okay, the anxiety wouldn’t go away.

I created a small light and floated it on my palm.  If I turned on the lights in the hospital room, the nurses would come. I didn’t want to worry them needlessly.

The small light was enough to read a book or two. I had already finished the books my father and friends had brought.

When I got tired of reading, I would rest my head against the window and reflect on the day’s events.

During the day, my mother was always by my side.  I didn’t want to worry her, so I didn’t tell her the details, but it seemed my father had relayed the general situation.

Whenever my mother looked at me, she smiled with a face that looked as if she was about to cry. It was heartbreaking to face her.

Clemen and Wadin visited my room as soon as they heard I had woken up.

“Liv suddenly disappeared in the middle of the night, and out of nowhere, alarms went off, the city became noisy, knights rushed out…!”

“S-sorry.”

“It’s not something you should apologize for!”

I instinctively apologized when Clemen burst into tears, and Wadin scolded me for it.

I had to spend the entire day soothing and comforting them.

From the next day onwards, the two of them visited my room frequently. They brought all sorts of books, game boards, baskets full of flowers, and various snacks from the market, filling the tedious hours with enjoyment.

Shuren also came to check on me almost every day. My mother told me that even though he hadn’t taken his graduation exam yet, he had been constantly by my father’s side, searching for me.

He wasn’t afraid, even though he was still a student and lacked combat experience.

I looked at Shuren, laughing and chatting as usual in front of me, with new eyes.

He might become an excellent knight someday. Though he’s still weak at strategy games.

Because Prion was attacked in the middle of the night, the festive atmosphere was subdued. The alarms that resonated through the city woke everyone up, evoking a fear that had been forgotten in the midst of peace.

In addition, a large-scale mobilization order was issued, forcing the knights who had planned to enjoy the festival to hastily cancel their leave.

Although the White Guard informed the citizens that it was safe after Prion’s barrier was restored, the festival didn’t seem to have been very enjoyable.

As dawn broke, I blinked and opened my eyes at the light filtering through my eyelids.

Did I pass out for a moment because my body couldn’t hold on?

The sounds of the knights’ dawn training drifted in from all over the city.

The sounds of swords clashing as they shouted, and the rhythmic counting as they ran around the castle walls.

As the city awakened, the sounds of footsteps and voices began to be heard one by one here in the medical center.

By that time, I would have returned to my bed, hugging a book and waiting for my mother to come.

My mother arrived at my room around the time breakfast arrived at the medical center.

We ate together, having ordinary conversations about what I wanted to eat or where we should go when I was discharged.

After the meal, my father and Erner cautiously knocked on the door.

It was surprising.

Usually, they would be working at the Blue Guard headquarters and would visit my room late in the evening.

Another difference was that both of them were dressed in their finest knight uniforms.  The clean white uniforms were embroidered with delicate blue and gold decorations, and heavy dark blue cloaks draped over their shoulders and backs.

“It seems the discussion didn’t go well,” my mother said as she cleared the empty dishes and tray, and my father gave a wry smile.

“Lord Klaus insisted, so the White Guard couldn’t refuse.  Don’t worry too much. Erner will be by your side.”

“I’m not worried about that, but…”

My mother sighed softly as she looked at me.

What are they talking about? It’s definitely about me…

My father approached me and gently stroked my hair.

“Liv, how are you feeling?  Are you in any pain?”

“I’m fine.”

I couldn’t say I was in perfect condition since I hadn’t slept properly for days. I swallowed those words and nodded.

“Good. Then get ready to go.  You should choose your clothes carefully.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the Institutional Meeting.”

I widened my eyes and looked up at my father.

The Institutional Meeting?

My father sat down on the bed with a slightly tired face.

“Sage Klaus and the Color Guards of Prius will gather to review the recent incident and discuss countermeasures. I asked them several times to reconsider having you attend, even though you’re directly involved… but Lord Klaus insisted that you must be present.”

“…Is that so?”

I hadn’t seen Ron Klaus since my identity was revealed in the tent at the campsite.

I was planning to visit him after I was discharged, but it seems he beat me to it.

“If you’re not feeling well, or if you don’t want to be reminded of what happened, you don’t have to go. If you tell Lord Klaus, he’ll understand.”

“It’s okay, I’ll go.”

I expressed my willingness, but my father and mother were worried that I would be distressed by recalling the incident. Still, they both respected my decision.

“…Alright, I understand. Let’s get ready then.”

My father swallowed a sigh and forced a smile.

The preparations didn’t take long. I washed my face and changed into the neat clothes my mother had prepared.

I informed Grain, who happened to visit my room, that I would be attending the Institutional Meeting.

He, too, looked worried but nodded reluctantly.

After finishing my preparations, I left the medical center holding my father’s hand.  My mother patted my shoulder, telling me to have a safe trip.

Just leaving the hospital room and walking through the garden under the sunlight made me feel much better.

The worries and anxieties that had been gnawing at me all night seemed to melt away.

My father and Erner’s knight uniforms were quite eye-catching, and everyone who passed by turned to look or greeted us.

My father returned their greetings kindly and politely, but at the same time, he walked quickly toward the White Guard headquarters.

“We must be the last ones.”

My father cleared his throat in front of the grand door and the antique hallway on the third floor of the White Guard headquarters.  It was a solemn and quiet place, where the White Guard’s office and important meeting rooms were located.

Before opening the door to the meeting room, my father adjusted my clothes once more.

“Liv, when you enter the meeting room, you must sit quietly in your designated seat.  You mustn’t speak until you’re given permission, and when you answer or ask questions, you must be polite.”

“Yes, Father.”

Erner, who was watching us from behind, chuckled slightly.

“Liv will be fine, Instructor. And even if she makes a mistake, everyone will understand.”

My father let out a small sigh.

“You’re right, Erner.  It would be harsh to ask that of Liv. Liv, if you don’t feel well or want to leave, tell Erner at any time. He’ll be by your side.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

My father finally nodded, looking slightly relieved.

Pushing open the heavy door, a room larger than I had imagined appeared.

The ceiling was high, and there was a large round table in the center.  Documents and teacups were placed on the table, waiting for their owners.

“Jayden, Erner, and Liveric. Welcome.”

White Guard Petron Lesis, who was standing near the door, greeted us.

Dressed in a white knight uniform, he walked around with a teapot, filling the empty teacups with red tea.

The sight was unexpected yet strangely fitting.

“White Guard.  I hope we’re not late.”

“Not at all. The Sage hasn’t arrived yet. Take your seats. Liveric’s seat is over there.”

The White Guard pointed to where a plush two-seater armchair was placed. It was a position where I could observe the meeting table from a distance.

Before taking our seats, we exchanged brief greetings with the others.

“Jayden.”

“Senior.”

Black Guard Jean Gregor extended his hand to my father in greeting.

He was wearing a much simpler and more practical uniform compared to the others.

“Liveric, we meet again.”

After greeting my father, the Black Guard placed his large hand on my shoulder. I politely greeted him.

Red Guard Merian Cortis was with her husband and adjutant, Colin Cortis.  Merian was in uniform, but without a cloak, and her fiery red hair flowed freely.

They greeted us with a simple wave.

Merian and the Red Guard, which she led, had chased the demonic creatures after driving them out of the campsite, pursuing them all the way to the mansion where I was imprisoned.  She seemed busy, likely preparing a report on the results for the meeting.

“I apologize for being late.”

As I was sitting in the chair next to Erner, sipping the warm tea the White Guard had given me, the door to the meeting room opened and Luwen entered.

Judging by his panting, he seemed to have run all the way here.

And a long while later, Ron Klaus strolled in leisurely, scratching his head.

“My, everyone is so diligent.”

As he entered the meeting room, everyone stood up and greeted him.

The White Guard guided him to his seat and poured tea into his empty cup.

Luwen sat next to Klaus, his expression showing clear signs of exhaustion.  He made eye contact with me and offered a weak smile as a greeting.

“Alright.  Let’s begin the meeting.”

As the White Guard’s solemn voice resonated through the meeting room, the attendees straightened up, their expressions tense.

I looked around at the attendees seated at the table.

My father and the White Guard were sitting in front of me with their backs turned, and Klaus and Luwen were opposite them. Merian and Colin were to Klaus’s right, and the Black Guard was to his left.

The White Guard stood up and cleared his throat with a “Hmm.”

“First, I’ll call the roll. Red Guard Merian Cortis, Adjutant Colin Cortis. Blue Guard Jayden Eldrian and his adjutant, Erner Belliwood. Black Guard Jean Gregor.

And Sage Ron Klaus, and the representative of Artur’s Tower, Luwen Klaus.”

Each attendee bowed their head slightly as their name was called.

It felt strange that such important figures of Prius had gathered to discuss my problem.

“And Liveric Eldrian, attending as a witness. I’d like to thank you for coming.”

I almost jumped out of my seat.  Unsure of what to say, I muttered, “Yes.”

The White Guard gave a gentle smile, and Merian, sitting opposite me, waved playfully.

Her bright face eased my tension a little.

Ron Klaus, who had called me a witness, only glanced at me.  I couldn’t predict what kind of storm he would bring.

“Absent is Silver Guard Hunter Stanis. He is currently on a mission and unable to attend. Then, let’s move on to the first agenda item.  Merian, are you ready?”

“Yes, White Guard. Let’s begin.”

Merian Cortis rose from her seat.  Everyone seated around the table looked up at her.