The scene shifts as Kazuki sat quietly inside a royal cart, his gaze drifting over the endless stretch of countryside that passed by outside the window. The occasional cluster of trees, far-off mountains, and scattered villages blurred together as the cart moved steadily along the dusty road.
His quiet moment was broken when a figure approached the side of the cart — it was Darius.
Kazuki blinked in surprise. "Wait… wasn't big brother Sazuki supposed to come and take me to the Elf Kingdom today?" he asked, his brows furrowing.
Darius gave a small, apologetic smile. "He received urgent orders from the frontlines. As a knight, duty comes first. He couldn't leave the camps right now. So, I'll be escorting you to the Elf Kingdom in his place."
Kazuki tilted his head, clearly not expecting this change in plan. "I see… Well, it's fine, as long as someone trustworthy comes along."
Darius chuckled softly. "Don't worry. I've been through more battlefields than you've seen birthdays, young master."
Kazuki let out a small laugh before settling back into his seat. Darius turned to the cart owner. "Start the cart."
With a flick of the reins, the horses began their steady trot, pulling the cart forward. Inside, Kazuki and Darius exchanged idle conversation. They spoke about the recent battles at the border, the resilience of South Ryehem's soldiers, and how Kazuki's training was progressing.
After about an hour, Kazuki, feeling a little restless, leaned forward and asked the cart owner, "How much longer will it take to reach the Elf Kingdom?"
The cart owner glanced back. "Roughly seven more hours, young master."
Hearing that, Kazuki sighed softly and leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur past. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the gentle swaying of the cart lulled him into a light, drowsy state.
As his eyes grew heavier, Kazuki's thoughts wandered. I wonder what the Holy Spirit Room looks like… He remembered the lessons from school. A room created by an ancient elf, blessed with foresight strong enough to glimpse fate itself… even the powers of Julius might be challenged there.
He recalled the old stories: the room constructed in a sacred glade, its walls engraved with runes of future sight, and a sacred artifact at its center — the Mirror of Echoed Time. It was said that those who peered into it would see not just their future, but also fragments of other possible destinies. Some claimed to have gone mad from the visions.
A faint voice echoed in his mind — Elsa's voice.
"That Chaos Spirit can kill Julius too… so how can you tell that the Elf God's foresight will be any different?"
Kazuki smirked to himself in the half-sleep. I'm not going there just to see that… There's something else I need to confirm.
He didn't bother replying to Elsa this time. The cart rocked gently, and his consciousness faded into a light sleep.