Chapter 159 - 2-41 Louis's Perspective
Theodore raised his index finger toward the empty air. With every movement of his finger, lines of yellow light appeared. He moved his hand with practiced ease, beginning to draw the magic circle that would connect the Office to the Land of Light Spirits.
「We’ll be using Van’s power, so we should be able to depart exactly at midnight in ten minutes. Louis, make sure you’re mentally prepared.」
「I am.」
While skillfully drawing the circle, Theodore kept his eyes fixed on his work as he pulled a pendant from his pocket.
「Also, I’m borrowing this pendant until we get there.」
The pendant was the one I usually wore, the artifact that linked me to Van. According to what Theodore had heard from Van, the pendant was connected to the Land of Light Spirits through Van’s magic. This time, three of us—Theodore, Van, and I—were heading to the Spirit Land. As a result, we needed a larger circuit than usual. Theodore claimed that while the task was precise and difficult, it was an application of the teleportation magic he used regularly, so it was within his capabilities.
As Theodore’s incantation caused a faint light to leak from the pendant, Cyril took a step toward me.
「Your Highness, I pray you return safely to your original world.」
「Cyril, you’ve been a great help. Having you here was a source of strength. Also, please convey my gratitude to Miss Carroll.」
「I understand. I will be sure to tell her.」
Cyril nodded with a solemn expression. I hadn't been able to see Miss Carroll since the Spirit Summoning Ceremony, but I knew Cyril would deliver my words faithfully. However, one thing still nagged at me: the difference between the Miss Carroll of my world and the one here.
「As a token of my gratitude, I want you to bring some sweets to Miss Carroll. ...There is a royal chef named Samuel Emonier.」
「The fifth son of Baron Emonier, yes? I recall he is a chef who specializes in unusual creative cuisine, and one whom Your Highness particularly favors.」
「That’s the one. Arrange for him to make some sweets and have him deliver them to Miss Carroll personally.」
Cyril furrowed his brow in confusion. 「...May I ask why?」
「It is my way of showing gratitude to Miss Carroll.」
「With sweets...?」
「Both.」
Rare and delicious sweets. And a chef with a calm, warm personality to make them. I don't know what will become of them in this world. Even so, if they have a point of contact, perhaps it will lead to something. I didn't know if their futures would intertwine, and I knew it was a self-indulgent act. Yet, I found I had grown far more attached to those two than I had realized. The thought brought a natural smile to my face.
Just then, Theodore’s incantation ceased. In the sudden silence, I looked up to see Theodore standing in the center of the magic circle on the floor, holding Van.
「Louis, everything is ready on this end. Get over here before the light fades.」
「Right. Cyril, take care of yourself.」
「Y—Yes! Your Highness, please... please stay well!」
As I stepped into the center of the circle and spoke to Cyril, he offered a smile tinged with sadness. I raised a hand in farewell. The light from the magic circle intensified, and Cyril’s figure gradually vanished into the brilliance.
「The light is getting stronger. Close your eyes and count to ten slowly.」
Following Theodore’s instruction, I closed my eyes and counted. One, two, three...
When I reached ten, I slowly opened my eyelids. The scene of the Office was gone. The lush scent of vegetation filled the air. I stood in a place where the moonlit trees rustled with a gentle sound. As I turned to survey my surroundings, the soil crunched beneath my boots.
「Is this... a forest?」
「Yeah. This is the Spirit Land where the light spirits dwell.」
Theodore’s voice came from beside me, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he patted my shoulder.