The Distant Trail Of Ciara Badvia

Prologue: In the Depths of the Lily Mountains
Part 3: A Tale That Began on a Stormy Night

MOTHER’S NAME

“Miss Tyril’s mother is the renowned Miss Ciara Badvia.”

He spoke slowly as he placed the cup on the saucer. The sound of it somehow echoed throughout the room. The din of the storm outside should have overpowered it, yet that suddenly felt faint and distant to Tyril.

Ciara Badvia. The most remarkable legend in the long history of the Enea continent.

Her legend began in the course of the Enea Continental War, which involved thirteen nations and spanned decades. In the middle of that quagmire of a war, Ciara suddenly appeared at the forefront of the Solt Alliance’s army led by the Solzarand Kingdom. Wielding immense magical power, she defeated the enemy forces one after another until she finally brought the war to an end. Then, just as soon as it concluded, she vanished into thin air, becoming a mythical figure.

Even a rural girl like Tyril knew the name, legends, and historical facts like they were common sense. And just as with any other child, she had admired Ciara and dreamed of becoming a mage of her caliber someday.

But…

“T-there’s no way…”

“With this being dropped into your lap so suddenly, your reaction is understandable. However, according to the investigation by the royal palace, it is the truth. Miss Ciara Badvia married Yuis Noll Zeeland after participating in the war, then retired in seclusion at a mountain house near the town of Lily.

Finally, the familiar name of her father popped up, and Tyril could only remain silent.

Her mind was in turmoil. The man’s story certainly was consistent, but taking that story as truth was a different matter altogether. It was a grand tale, far beyond what she could have ever thought up, and the suddenness of the circumstances made it a lot to take in.

“I… I’m sorry. It looks like I misunderstood and explained things the wrong way. I’ve troubled you.”

“No, no… Thank you for telling me. If it weren’t for you, I probably would have lived without even knowing about my mother.”

Somehow, Tyril managed to still her heart enough to thank him.

Clancy smiled in relief and sighed. “Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease.”

“My apologies for causing you confusion, Miss Tyril,” he continued. “Let us return to our original topic: your admission to Saria Magic Academy. It might not be a decision you can make right away, so I was thinking of staying in the town of Lily for about a week while you take the time to decide. What do you—”

“Wait!” Tyril cried out. Her fists were on her knees and she was staring at them intently, her head bowed. She tried to keep her emotions tightly controlled.

“I’ll… I’ll go,” she declared firmly. “Please let me go to the Magic Academy.”

Instantly, Clancy’s expression brightened, but he didn’t rush to end things there.

“You’re certain? There’s no need to decide so hastily. It’s better to come to terms with your own feelings first and think carefully before—”

“I’ve never thought about my future before. I’ve imagined becoming a mage, but I never seriously considered it or thought I could be one. But if I really can be one, I want to go to the school in Saria. I want to learn and grow and be able to use magic! That’s what I feel.”

Her determination was real. Even though she was reserved, timid, and indecisive, she could say with full confidence that her words to the man were no lies.

It was then Tyril realized something. She glanced to the side and noticed Rosa looking at her calmly—and her heart dropped. “Ah…” Right. I’m not alone here.

“What’s wrong?” Rosa peered into Tyril’s face as she trailed off.

“Um, I…” Tyril murmured. Rosa’s gentle, if fleeting, smile dampened her determination. “I’m sorry… I got ahead of myself. I can’t just leave you alone and go to the capital…”

That was right. This current life shared between just the two of them after Well’s departure was somewhat challenging due to their daily chores. If Tyril were to leave as well, Rosa would be burdened with all the work. It was clear how quickly she would exhaust herself.

What was I thinking? Tyril reflected, her head bowed. And what about what she thinks?

Rosa gazed at Tyril, softly placed a hand atop hers, and called out her name.

“Tyril.” Rosa gripped the small hand tightly. “Didn’t I tell you before? Follow the path you desire. I don’t want to be an obstacle to that. Just the thought of it makes me shudder.”

“Aunt Rosa…”

“If you want to go and become a mage, then go to the academy. It’s not every day you get support from the king. And don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine alone. When the day comes when you become the mage you aspire to be, or if you lose your way, come back then. That will be enough. As a mother, I must see my daughter off properly.

“Or maybe you don’t need me anymore now that you know about your real mother?” Rosa lightly concluded her warm speech with such a tasteless joke.

Tyril was puffing out her cheeks inwardly. No way that’ll ever be true.

However, she couldn’t bring herself to complain about Rosa’s horrible words. Instead, her face scrunched up at the joy she felt from Rosa’s warmth and affection.

“… Auntie, I’m really sorry. I promise I’ll become an amazing mage and come back. I’ll definitely come back.”

“Yes, yes. I’m looking forward to it.” Rosa chuckled.

Aloof and difficult to approach, yet kind and compassionate. She also had a bashful side to her and would try to cover up her compassion by weaving in bad jokes. That was the kind of person Rosa was.

Tyril’s vision gradually blurred, and Rosa’s face turned hazy. Finding herself on the verge of tears, Tyril hurriedly wiped her face with her sleeve.

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