Chapter 9 – A Mother's Fear, A Son's Resolve
The grand corridor leading from the Duke's study echoed softly with Chris's footsteps. The scent of polished wood and arcane incense lingered in the air, but his mind was elsewhere—focused on what lay ahead: the Arcana Library.
He had just received Duke Reinhardt's approval.
The key to ancient knowledge was now in reach.
But before he could take another step, a soft voice called out behind him.
"Chris."
He turned.
It wasn't the Duchess of Celestrius standing there—it was his mother.
Elara von Celestrius, first wife of the Duke, was a vision of grace and dignity. But now, that usual regal calm was replaced by a mother's raw concern. Her ocean-blue eyes shimmered with quiet worry.
"I heard," she said softly, approaching him. "Your father has granted you permission to enter the Arcana Library."
Chris nodded, offering a polite bow. "Yes, Mother. I need it more than ever."
Elara took a deep breath, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "Not as the Duchess. Not as a noble. But as your mother… let me say this: The Arcana Library is no ordinary archive. It was built by the First Duke Celestrius, atop one of the world's most potent magic veins. Even High Mages of the Fifth Circle struggle to breathe inside for extended periods."
Chris didn't flinch.
"You're still Second Circle, my son. And your magic circuits…" she trailed off, her voice faltering for a moment, "...they're damaged. You could suffer magic burn, soul corrosion, or worse."
"I know," Chris said calmly. "But I'm not doing this recklessly. I have experience… even if you can't see it."
Elara searched his gaze. "You've changed," she whispered. "You're not the same boy who cried when he scraped his knee."
Chris smiled faintly. "Because the world changed me."
She didn't press further. Instead, she reached into the folds of her robe and pulled out a silver charm—a small pendant in the shape of a winged flame.
"This was mine, when I was studying as a court mage in the Imperial Academy. It can ward off ambient mana pressure for a short time. It may buy you a few hours, maybe more… but once it runs out, you're on your own."
Chris accepted it with a quiet nod, fingers curling around the charm like a lifeline.
"I'll survive," he said. "And when I return, I'll be stronger. Strong enough to protect this family… and this world."
Elara looked away for a moment, brushing away a tear before it could fall. "Then go. But come back to me. Promise me that."
"I promise."
And with that, Chris turned toward the forbidden path—toward the Arcana Library, its truths, and its dangers.
Behind him, a mother watched in silence, her heart torn between pride and fear.