Season 1; Remember Those Who Care For You And Stray Not To Evil.

"How long will it take?" Estella worriedly asked Lawrence.

Yes, just as planned. The next day of Chas's lecture, Lawrence already prepared his most minimum luggage to serve him in the woods for as long as they need to be. Including; a sword, a bow, few dozens of arrows, four sets of clothes, materials needed to survive the wild, a few utilities, and the book.

"I don't know, Mom. But expect a long time." Lawrence fixed his collar.

'Is there such thing as mirror here?' Lawrence thought, frowning.

"But isn't Ropruece a state away from Apple Lands?" Estella added. "Not only that but the biggest of this district." Estella frowned.

"Mom. I'll be fine. I've stayed in the woods for even a month, hunting, hunting, and hunting beasts. What's the worse that could happen?" Lawrence assured.

Although it was true, Estella was still persistent. She thought of some excuse, and when she finally found one, she opened her mouth, "You can't think like that! Ropruece and Apple Lands aren't the same. First of all, you are not familiar with the place, and second, you do not know what lurks in those lands."

Lawrence sighed. Despite wanting to live a peaceful life, Lawrence still wanted to live a life where he could experience swordsmanship again. Knowing that an opportunity like this won't come by in the future, he couldn't disagree. What's more is that the idea of staying in the woods for an indefinite time, practising, honing his skills, and fighting monsters give him thrills.

"Mom. It isn't my decision, too. Although I did agree with it, this was my teacher's choice. And to not follow my teacher's arrangement would mean that I disregard the principles of being a Sage." he excused, checking himself and his belt that carried his heavy sword.

And in rage, Estella fumed out her concern.

"That isn't the problem! For Pete's sake, you're hardly five years old! Despite your overwhelming growth, you still shouldn't overexert yourself!" her voice raised.

Lawrence stood silent towards Estella, shock for the first time. Of course, he would be. Never in his life - well in his three years - did Estella ever raise her voice at him, moreover, be angry.

Estella was poised, never faltering. She was wise and forgiving, not to mention considerate.

Estella realized her pitch and immediately apologized. She sat down on the sofa and started massaging her temples.

"I'm angry because I'm worried." she softly explained. "Please, is there any other options?"

Lawrence sat beside Estella and smiled. He was happy to know that Estella really cared for him. It was a feeling he was addicted to, and he realized that he spoke too harshly towards Estella.

"I'm sorry, Mom." he apologized. "Chas and Father think I'm at least eight years. Although that isn't a compelling excuse, I, too, wish to train myself. I want to be able to protect those I hold dear. And to do that, I must cultivate my strength. Please, Mother, grant me this opportunity." Lawrence softly pleaded.

Estella's eyes started to moisten. She never knew what went on Lawrence's mind. She always went with the flow. Always giving Lawrence what he wanted and what he needed. But at that time, all she wanted was to be selfish and keep Lawrence from further danger.

Before all these training sessions, Estella was already worried for Lawrence. The fact that he became obsessed with becoming stronger without knowing the reason silently tormented Estella. And the first time she heard that Lawrence joined an expedition to clear a wave of enemies in their lands, her heart stopped for a second. At those moments, she was far from the Apple Lands, not in their district, but in another region.

But soon after her arrival, her terrified heart eased when he saw the face of Lawrence coming home from their week subjugation, exploiting the brightest expression she'd ever seen. A look that explicitly stated accomplishment. So she let it go and hid her worries. Allowing Lawrence to continue as he pleases.

Now, hearing Lawrence words eased her mind. Despite her unwillingness to place Lawrence in danger, her doting mother personality still wanted to give her son what he wanted.

"Return as fast as you can." almost mumbling, she answered Lawrence.

Lawrence beamed and hugged Estella.

Lawrence gave Estella a kiss of assurance and said, "Thank you, Mother. You're always the best." then left.

As soon as the doors shut, Estella wept. She then wiped her tears off and smiling. She mumbled to herself, "They just grow so fast, don't they?" her weeping voice turned into a joyous chuckle.

.

"So, how long are our estimated days there?" Eugene asked out of the blue.

They were already moving and were out of Muelaemoar. They were on their way to Winesap Forests but not the same road they usually they. The trail they took was another and far from the other, at the southeast end of Winesap Forests.

Their destination was further southwest. And it would take at least two days to arrive at their stop if they advance continuously with the Sleipnirs. But that's impossible, considering that they didn't use Sleipnir horses. Not only that is the problem, but they also have to travel to three different states to arrive at the district Ropruece.

As you know, the Kingdom Laplace & Sage has four different regions, with each having numerous districts. The four are; Principality of Juvinile, The Republic of Revolution, Motherland Sage, and Fatherland Laplace.

The Republic of Revolution, where Lawrence was birthed and raised, had different districts. One being Weassorthurd Side, where Lawrence resides.

Weassorthurd Side has eight different states, including Apple Lands, Winesap Forests(Next to Apple Lands), Aclieburg Acres(Where the Emperor's Estate is and where the city of Muelaemoar is located), Stoiy Fields(Beneath Winesap Forests), and other states.

And the path that they took had to pass three states, including Winesap, Stoiy, and another. Furthermore, they have to take a ship to sail across Stoiy to the other state. Although, they did bring the most resilient and dependable horses.

Chas looked at his finger and started counting. He then stared at Eugene for a moment before replying, "Well, if you include the traveling days, I'd say at least two months." Chas replied. "I doubt it'll only be two months," he added smiling.

Lawrence sighed at what he heard and continued to read the books he carried along with him in the carriage. It was the books that Chas chose and some new ones that Chas collected. Now he had a horde of books to read before they reach their destination. Which was perfect to past time.

He was alone inside the carriage while the others, two knights and three handymen, excluding Chas and Eugene, were outside of the carriage on their own horses.

Despite being in the carriage, Lawrence opened the windows to hear the conversation outside to feel eased. He liked the jokes and stories they were telling each other. And it made him more eager to read. Basically, multitasking by listening and reading.

"It's likely that we will encounter some nuisances. That'll serve as good training too. And if we do meet 'some,' it would be a good opportunity for me to evaluate prince Lawrence's performance." Chas stated.

"Since we're on the outskirts of who-knows-where, you can drop the honorifics until we return back to the city. Call me Elijah, perhaps Lar would suffice." Lawrence announced. He didn't shift his head but still facing his books.

"Well, you heard that." Eugene jokingly points at Chas.

"Then we shall!" Chas cheered enthusiastically, making Lawrence chuckle.

Now Lawrence was indulged in reading "Remember Those Who Cares For You And Stray Not To Evil." A book that was given by Kanon before they left Muelaemoar.

'I wonder if Kanon follows the Emperor around. I thought he was the butler of his majesty's estate. Guess not.'