# Chapter 127
—
Arthur’s misunderstanding was reasonable.
After all, who would write a letter to a friend and begin it with the phrase *\[Beloved]*?
It was only natural to mistake it for a love letter.
Because of that, Arthur was restless the whole way back home, only to soon realize it had been a misunderstanding.
*\[Arthur, you didn’t get flustered, did you?]*
The first line of Elin’s letter.
Arthur blinked.
“Huh?”
Scratching his head, he quickly read the next sentence.
*\[In the northern parts of the Empire, when writing letters, we always start with ‘Beloved.’]*
*\[So I also wrote it that way. You didn’t get flustered, did you?]*
Arthur let out a sigh.
‘Elin… what a terrifying woman.’
To think she would toy with someone’s heart like this.
And yet, it didn’t feel all that bad.
With a faint smile on his lips, Arthur continued reading.
*\[After our sparring match, you said you’d come see me. Where on earth did you go?]*
Elin’s reproach widened Arthur’s eyes.
‘Come to think of it, that’s true. After the spar, I did say I’d visit her, but I never saw her again after that.’
Clicking his tongue, Arthur kept reading.
The letter was fairly long, and Elin’s emotions shifted from line to line.
At first, she expressed hurt over him not showing up after their spar.
Then, concern over the chaotic situation around them.
And finally, regret at not having been able to see him in the end.
‘So Elin was thinking the same as me.’
With that thought, Arthur read the final lines she had written.
*\[Sorry for being sulky at first.]*
*\[But you understand, right? It was Arthur who was at fault first!]*
*\[So tell me… how did you feel when you saw the words “To my beloved Arthur Bayern”?]*
*\[When you reply to this letter, make sure you write down your feelings about it. I’ll be waiting eagerly.]*
Arthur’s lips curved into a smile.
“Of course I was flustered, Elin.”
After all, hearing the word *beloved* from someone as wonderful as her…
After a brief pause, Arthur pulled open a drawer and took out a sheet of pure white stationery.
‘Hmm… how should I begin the greeting?’
He realized this was the first time he had ever written a proper letter.
After some thought, his eyes lit up.
*\[To my beloved Elin Leverkusen.]*
Completing the first line, Arthur nodded with satisfaction.
“I can’t be the only one to fall for it, Elin. Now it’s your turn.”
The rest came easily.
He began with an apology, moved on to an explanation, and closed the letter with longing, just as Elin had.
When he finally sealed it, he murmured,
“What a pity… I wish I could have seen Elin before leaving.”
But he quickly shook his head.
“Well, I’ll see her next semester anyway.”
After all, once break was over, he would be back at Arcane University.
It wouldn’t be too late to make up for today’s regrets then.
Satisfied with that thought, Arthur sealed the envelope.
—
—
And the next day—
*\[Son! You’re coming up to the capital!?]*
Arthur smiled softly at the sound of his mother’s voice—Yonnel Bayern’s voice—after so long.
“Yes, Mother. I’ll be in the capital tomorrow.”
—
When she received the call, Yonel was at a loss.
*\[You’re not making too long a journey just because of me, are you?]*
Arthur chuckled in response.
“Come on, Mother. I’m just taking the train. That’s hardly a long journey.”
*\[Even so… long trips can be tiring, can’t they?]*
“Being tired doesn’t mean I won’t see you. And besides, I want to see Irene too.”
Yonel burst into laughter at her son’s words.
*\[Shall I put Irene on?]*
“Irene? Of course, I’d love that.”
The sound of Yonel’s voice faded beyond the crystal sphere.
Arthur smiled as he savored the wait.
A moment later, a girl’s voice rang out from the sphere.
*\[Brother?]*
Arthur answered with a smile.
“Yes, Irene.”
*\[Is it really you, Brother?]*
“Yes, it’s really me.”
*\[…Uwaaaahh!]*
The sudden sound of Irene’s sobs widened Arthur’s eyes.
Through the sphere, Yonel’s voice followed.
*\[Goodness, Irene. Didn’t I say your brother would be here soon?]*
*\[But… I just missed him so much, Mother.]*
*\[Hush! He’s not off wandering somewhere. A daughter of the Bayern family shouldn’t throw a tantrum like this!]*
Hearing their exchange, Arthur let out a quiet sigh.
‘Irene… you must have missed me a lot.’
Indeed, around this time, Irene had been especially attached to him.
Most siblings weren’t that close, but it had been different with the two of them.
‘We both lost Father so early.’
That was why they had relied on each other far more than ordinary siblings would.
Of course, Arthur was no longer the same as before—he had matured greatly—but Irene would be different.
A smile escaped him before he realized it.
‘I want to see them… both Irene and Mother.’
It hadn’t been that long since he left, but now that he was returning, an unexpected wave of longing welled up.
He let himself savor it as he spoke.
“Irene?”
*\[…Yes?]*
“What should I bring you as a gift?”
Sniffling, Irene replied,
*\[I just want to see you, Brother.]*
“Really? So I can come empty-handed?”
*\[Yes. Just… just come back to me, Brother.]*
Arthur scratched his head.
At that moment, Yonel’s voice chimed in.
*\[Forget about gifts. Just come back safely, Arthur. That will be the greatest gift to us.]*
Her words made Arthur beam.
“Oh! But Mother, I already prepared a gift for you.”
*\[…You did? A gift for me?]*
“Yes. You’ll be very surprised when you hear what it is.”
Through the sphere, Yonel blinked.
‘My son… prepared a gift?’
She pondered a moment, then her eyes lit up.
‘Could it be… he did well on his Arcane University midterms this time?’
That was the only kind of gift that came to mind which would truly surprise her.
Her lips curled into a smile.
*\[Well, well… is that so? Then I’ll have to look forward to it, won’t I?]*
“Of course. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
After some casual chatting, Yonel regretfully said,
*\[Oh dear… I need to go take care of some work now.]*
Arthur too felt reluctant, but he didn’t let it show.
If he voiced his own reluctance on top of his mother’s, neither of them would be able to hang up the crystal.
“Then I’ll see you in a few days, Mother.”
Yonel whispered softly,
*\[My son.]*
“Yes?”
*\[I’ll always love you.]*
Arthur’s eyes widened.
“Uh…”
He scratched his head, at a loss for words, before finally managing a reply.
“Me too, Mother.”
A gentle smile spread across his lips.
“I love you very much, Mother.”
—
—
On the day of departure from Arcane.
Jeannie, who had been away on holiday, returned.
She wore black sunglasses and a shirt patterned with palm trees.
“What on earth is that ridiculous outfit, Jeannie?”
“Ridiculous? Young Master, I went to a resort! Isn’t this exactly how I should be dressed?”
Arthur chuckled.
“As always, your fashion sense is hopeless.”
Jeannie scowled, but Arthur had already turned away.
Anna was busily packing.
“This has to go, and don’t forget that! Oh, this is for the Duke, and this is for the steward…”
She was more enthusiastic than ever, and Arthur watched her with quiet amusement.
At that moment, Jeannie slipped up beside him.
“You’re leaving?”
“Of course.”
“To the Imperial Capital?”
“Yes.”
Jeannie hesitated, then shrugged.
“If I’d known, I would’ve stayed at the resort a bit longer. What a shame.”
“Why?”
“What am I supposed to do all alone here if you and Anna are gone?”
Arthur blinked.
“What are you talking about, Jeannie? You’re coming with us.”
“…What?”
“You’re our maid, aren’t you? You should meet my mother and be formally introduced to the family.”
Jeannie’s mouth fell open.
“Y-you’re serious, Young Master?”
“…Of course I’m serious.”
She fell silent.
‘He really intends to take a back-alley girl like me into the Bayern household?’
In a ducal family as old as Bayern, even maids were chosen for pedigree and skill.
Her thoughts tangled, leaving her unable to decide. As her ears twitched in turmoil, Arthur declared,
“So take off that ridiculous palm-tree shirt and pack your things. Don’t complain later about forgetting something.”
Flustered, Jeannie scurried upstairs to her room.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Bayern household and Anna raised their arms in cheer.
“All done, Young Master! We can leave now!”
Arthur nodded.
“Let’s head to the station, everyone.”
With that, Jeannie hurried back downstairs, and the Bayern household boarded the carriages and limousine.
Arthur lingered a moment, turning back to gaze at the now-empty mansion.
“……”
It was only a temporary farewell, but leaving still made his heart feel strange.
So much so that he couldn’t bring himself to step away right away.
“Master! We need to leave now! Please hurry!” Anna’s voice called.
Arthur turned.
At that moment, the Bayern family banner fluttered in the wind.
Flap—!
With that banner leading, the long procession of the Bayern family departed for Arcane’s station.
*Bwooo—!*
The long whistle of the train bound for the capital echoed.
When Arthur stepped out of the limousine, a man who appeared to be the conductor bowed.
“I’ll be your conductor for this journey. Did you enjoy your time in Arcane?”
Arthur smiled softly.
“Yes. Very much.”
“I’m glad. Please allow me to show you to your compartment.”
He was guided to a VIP cabin.
The spacious seats and wide glass windows offered a splendid view.
Jeannie, following behind, couldn’t contain her awe.
“My goodness… I’ve never sat in a seat like this before.”
Anna grinned playfully beside her.
“Don’t be too surprised, Jeannie. The capital has even more wonders than this!”
“…Really, Anna? I’ve never been to the Imperial Capital before.”
“Then you can look forward to it! Arcane is big, but the capital is far bigger!”
Jeannie’s mouth fell open in amazement.
Anna laughed inwardly at her reaction before turning toward Arthur.
“Young Master, shall I bring you some coffee?”
“Hmm? That’d be nice.”
“With five extra shots, as always?”
“Make it three more on top of that today.”
Anna’s eyes widened slightly.
‘As always, it amazes me… how can anyone drink coffee with eight shots in it?’
Shaking her head, she turned away.
Across from her, Jeannie exclaimed,
“Young Master, the train’s starting to move!”
Arthur looked out as well.
*Bwooo—!*
With a long whistle, the massive iron horse rumbled to life.
Arthur watched the scenery of Arcane grow distant and murmured,
‘When I first came here, I never imagined it would turn out like this.’
Memories surfaced naturally.
Meeting Elder Willet and completing various requests.
Encountering Yenika Hazel, the fanatical leader.
Crossing paths with Leon, the sinister imperial prince.
Each had been an unforgettable event, a treasured memory.
Through them, he had experienced things he never could before and forged new bonds.
He didn’t know how those bonds would unfold, but for now, Arthur felt deeply satisfied.
‘And I accomplished my true purpose as well.’
His greatest reason for coming to Arcane had been to gather new bloodlines for his revenge.
But he had gone beyond that—he had slain Ian Dormund, the enemy he had failed to kill in his past life.
‘And not just him. The Monkey, Ares Arekis, Hamburg Erison… I killed all the ones I had to kill in this life.’
He had completed his revenge, and fulfilled his original goal.
And yet, what was even more astonishing—this was not the end.
Arthur recalled the promises he had made before leaving Arcane.
‘I want to meet Yenika again. Learn to drink from Elder Willet. Work as Professor Chizzy’s assistant. And teach Julie about bloodlines.’
Besides, countless enemies still remained in Arcane.
Arthur’s lips curved upward.
‘I look forward to it. What new things will unfold when I return to Arcane?’
His heart throbbed with excitement as he turned his head—
And saw an old man with a long white beard down to his chest sipping tea.
“Greetings.”
“Hello?”
At Arthur’s greeting, the old man chuckled.
“You’re not surprised this time either, are you?”
Arthur scratched his head.
“No, I am surprised. Honestly.”
“Really? You don’t look it.”
“I mean it. I never expected Whitebeard to show up now.”
The old man, called Whitebeard, laughed again.
Then he lifted the fedora from his head.
Arthur’s eyes widened.
Incredibly, where Whitebeard’s sockets had once been empty, a new pair of eyes gleamed.
Arthur exclaimed,
“Oh… you’ve gotten new eyes?”
“I brought out something I had been saving—just for you.”
“For me? Come on… you didn’t need to.”
“No, I did. My time is nearly up. The time has come.”
Arthur tilted his head.
“Time? What time?”
Whitebeard smiled faintly.
“To collect what is owed, little angel of Bayern.”
—
