“So? Didn’t you say the kingdom always announces ‘We caught them’ whenever they give up on a chase?”

He was right.

That was how the kingdom kept their so-called 100% success rate in catching runaway magicians. To the outside, it made them look powerful. On the inside, it put pressure on everyone.

“Plus, they failed to search the north.”

“That’s true... but I think the Magic King spread that news just to make me and everyone around me let our guard down.”

Khalid frowned a little.

I understood the Magic King’s ways well. I also knew from my own memories that he would never really give up.

“So, won’t he try something in secret behind the scenes...?”

“...Ah. In secret.”

Khal gave a crooked smile.

He thought for a moment, then mumbled, “Allen... should... probably do it.”

Allen?

I pressed the wet cloth to my eyelids, thinking about it, but didn’t ask.

“Anyway, it’s true the kingdom has slowed down. So I need to use this time and get things done!”

I clenched both fists.

“I will definitely find a way to erase this mark!”

Luckily, the ‘Seventh’ in my dream wasn’t as young as me.

‘She looked about twenty.’

Maybe even a little younger.

That meant I still had some time left.

‘I am Rubian Zebert.’

I reminded myself again.

‘I’ll be a child who isn’t ashamed of that name.’

I will protect my dad, and this family. I’m the only one who holds the key to change.

I’m not powerless anymore, not like in my last life.

I’m not the little kid who cried under the orphanage blanket after seeing Leviathan die.

‘I will defeat the Magic King with my own hands.’

Not Dad—me.

‘So... wait for me, Father.’

Until I break the chains of this mark, and finally point my sword at the Magic King’s neck.

Until I can stand tall, leaving behind the ruined past you gave me.

The Sword Planted on the Ruins.

Now, I finally understood the meaning of that novel’s title.

Ch.11

Khal and I talked about the mark.

Where should I even start researching? My own memories still refused to help.

We kept asking questions with no answers when suddenly there was a small knock, and the door opened.

“What? Why are you here?”

Dad’s sharp eyes narrowed at Khal. He walked in without hesitation.

“Aren’t you going to pack? I’ll leave you behind.”

Oh, that’s right—today we leave Ipsen!

We’re going back to Zelox.

“We’re leaving in the afternoon anyway.”

“Oh, talking back now?”

Dad’s big hand messed up Khalid’s hair. Khal pouted and stepped away.

But he didn’t get far. A dark shadow fell behind him.

“Kaaal—”

It was Grandpa’s growling, sing-song voice.

Even Khal, who’s never afraid of anything, froze like ice right then.

“Didn’t I tell you not to go in my granddaughter’s room?”

“...Just for today...”

Creak, creak.

Khalid backed away like a wind-up doll.

“Next time, behave yourself...”

“You little brat.”

Grandpa grabbed Khalid by the head and tucked him under his arm.

“Bring Void and Liam! All of you, let’s roll around the training ground together!”

“...I’m going, I’m going now!”

Khal finally ran away to escape Grandpa’s attacks.

“See you, Ruby!”

He didn’t forget to say goodbye.

“Bye, Khal...”

I waved my hand.

That kid... he really goes through a lot.

Grandpa looked disappointed and turned to me.

“Hey, where’s my little booger?”

He waved his hands in the air, looking for me. I thought we made eye contact... or did I imagine it?

“Grandpa, I’m here...”

I raised my hand. Grandpa grinned and lifted me up high.

“Eh? Not a goldfish?”

“What!”

Shocked.

“Why do you tease me!”

I hit Grandpa’s shoulder, and he burst out laughing.

“Ha ha ha! I got caught.”

But suddenly, Grandpa’s eyes turned serious.

“So... I heard something big happened last night.”

Grandpa had only just heard about last night’s trouble, since he was staying in the guest house.

He sighed deeply.

“Really, kid. Why’d you go after that guy out of nowhere? It’s lucky the Emperor covered everything up, or you could’ve gotten in real trouble.”

From what I’d heard from Khal, the Emperor had explained last night’s event as just a sudden magic explosion.

Duke Zebert (Dad) was said to have been injured in the blast, but I wasn’t mentioned at all.

‘Did the Emperor do that to protect me from rumors?’

Maybe the Emperor... is a good person.

“Sorry...”

I bowed my head in apology.

Even though there were reasons for last night, I still made my mom and family worry...

Grandpa’s wrinkles deepened even more.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to make you so sad... Wait.”

His big hand pointed to Dad, who was opening the window.

“Really, it’s his fault for running out first! Right?”

“No, it was my—”

“Nope. My Ruby did nothing wrong.”

Of course!

Grandpa made up his mind and came closer to tickle me with his beard.

“Aah, my face is going to explode—!”

Right then, I was suddenly lifted up.

And landed in a familiar lap.

“Since my daughter’s eyes are swollen, go bring some ice.”

“You’re just bossing your dad around!”

“And you’re old!”

Grandpa stomped out, unable to stand the sight of my puffy eyes.

“Morris! Let’s go get some ice from the basement!”

“Oh dear, why would you do that, sir?”

“Because it’s for my precious granddaughter!”

Bang.

The door closed. My yellow slippers slipped off my toes.

Dad flopped down on the sofa and sat me on his lap. Warm spring air filled the room.

“Look at your eyes. Can you see anything?”

“Stop teasing me!”

I didn’t cry on purpose! 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

“It’s already noon and you’re just getting up. You’ll turn into a goldfish for real if you keep this up.”

I was about to hit ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) Dad’s shoulder, but stopped.

“Dad... your arm?”

“It’s all better.”

But when I saw the white bandage under his sleeve, I felt sad again.

“Wait... I’ll make you some ointment. Something that works really well...”

I mumbled, thinking I could mix a little magic into it.

But Dad just looked down at me quietly.

Then he let out a small sigh and gave me a teasing smile.

“No. Don’t do anything. What if I use ointment my goldfish daughter made and turn into a goldfish too?”

“I’m not a goldfish!”

Dad gently stroked my cheek.

“Rubian.”

“Hm?”

“Remember how I told you to come to me anytime you have something to say?”

His calm purple eyes looked right at me.

“...Yeah.”

“That’s forever, so tell me if you ever need my help.”

His voice was so soft and kind. It sounded like a promise that he would always wait for me.

Forever.

I repeated the word in my mind.

“So for now, don’t think about anything. Just play. Eat lots of good food, run around, laugh and cry all you want.”

“That’s your job. To grow up big and strong. Okay?”

His quiet voice filled my ears and my whole heart.

“Okay.”

I hugged Dad and answered. That was all I needed right now.

Just then, noise exploded outside the door.

“Young masters, the Lord is inside—!”

“Rubyyyy!”