"Check them. Use everything you have—even the slightest trace of injury."
The mage began examining both Serenia and the baby. After confirming that neither had sustained any physical injuries, he started casting basic healing and detoxification spells, just to be safe.
Edric then turned to the beast and began chanting magic words, finishing with: Fire Magic, Level Four—Blaze.
An enormous fire erupted from Edric's hand, striking the beast's body. Within a minute, there was nothing left but ash.
As the mage was about to finish healing Serenia, her body twitched, and clear movement could be seen. Seeing this, Edric rushed to her side and helped her sit up.
Serenia slowly began to open her eyes and looked at Edric, who was right beside her, supporting her. She took a few moments to process what had happened and why she was in this state. Finally, when she became fully conscious, her eyes locked onto Edric's with panic.
"Edric, where is my baby?" she asked loudly.
"He's fine. Look, the mage is healing him," Edric replied gently, trying to calm her.
She looked to the side and saw the mage working over her baby, but she wasn't satisfied just seeing him from a distance. Crawling closer across the grass, she picked up her child and held him tightly to her chest.
Now sitting on the grass, she kept him close while the healer silently resumed his spell on the baby.
Edric didn't stop her from holding him during the healing. He knew nothing would stop her now.
A moment later, the healer finished and began to rise. He was about to speak to Edric, but Serenia turned to him first.
"Why did you stop healing my baby?" she demanded.
"My lady, the baby is safe. It appears he used more magic than his body could handle. He simply needs some sleep," the mage explained calmly.
Hearing this, Edric turned to the squad.
"Everyone except the captain, leave. And knight Sergeant—call Squad Four-Nine for cleanup in the capital and at Everhart Hall. Send some knights to guard Everhart and ensure that the families of the fallen are compensated for their service to the land," he said with commanding authority.
The Knight Sergeant bowed. "As you command, my lord. I will ensure all tasks are handled properly." With that, the squad began to leave—only the captain remained.
Serenia, who was quiet, looked at Edric.
"Edric… I think you should call for a Healing Archmage. I want my baby to be safe—no matter what."
"Serenia, he is going to be okay. The healer was the First Mage of our estate. They're the best of the best. I'm worried too, but he's right—there's no harm. I checked myself. Our baby is just too tired to wake up. He needs rest," Edric tried to explain.
But Serenia protested with all her strength.
"Edric, I don't want to hear that! If he's okay, he should be awake! I want you to call a Healing Archmage—and I don't want to hear anything else!" Her voice was firm, unwavering.
Edric couldn't say much in return. To a mother, her child meant everything. He turned to the captain.
"Captain, send a knight on the fastest horse to bring a Healing Archmage to Everhart Hall—immediately," Edric ordered.
"Yes, my lord. I will personally see to it that a Healing Archmage is brought to you," the captain said with a deep bow.
"And most importantly…" Edric added, his voice serious,"I don't want anyone knowing what happened here. Especially not that Dark Magic was used. Make sure that information stays hidden."
"Yes, my lord. No one shall learn of this. Is there anything else?"
"No. You may go now," Edric replied.
As the captain turned to leave, Edric looked toward Serenia. After a brief pause, he finally spoke.
"Serenia, we should go inside. The Archmage will be here soon."
"Okay… but bring him quickly," she said softly.
"Yes. But I still think… before he even arrives, our baby will wake up. So let's go inside. Let him rest—and tell me everything that happened after I left."
.....
"...Oh, so that's what happened…" Edric muttered after hearing Serenia's account. He fell silent, lost in thought.
Could it be…?
Hm… I think when Serenia was about to sacrifice herself, the baby used magic to protect her.
He recalled that moment vividly—the overwhelming presence of mana and the unmistakable aura they'd sensed.
That's when the captain and I felt it… That wasn't just any surge. It was: Dark Magic, Level One—Sleepy Night.
The spell's property was simple, yet dangerous—forcing the target into sleep if they lacked strong magical defenses. And Fenrirs? Known for their brutal strength and relentless endurance, not their magical resistance. They relied on a single buffing spell before draining their mana reserves in battle.
And since only Everharts can use Dark Magic… and I wasn't there… then that little boy used it. On his own. To protect his mother.
Edric's gaze drifted toward the resting child in Serenia's arms.
The Everhart Dark Magic—there's no doubt. If it wasn't me, then It had to be him. My little boy just used Dark Magic… and he's only a month old. No teaching. No incantation.
He exhaled slowly, awed and shaken.
I wasn't even able to do that at his age. And casting without incantation? That's supposed to be near impossible…
A soft, proud smile tugged at his lips.
He's the future of Everhart. I'm sure of it.
His thoughts turned serious again.
But this can't be made public. Not yet. He's too young—and the world isn't ready. When the time is right, the truth will be known.
Breaking the silence, Serenia's voice pulled him back.
"What is it, Edric? What are you thinking?" she asked gently.
Edric looked at her, then down at the baby in her arms.
"Nothing serious. Just… thinking how far you were willing to go to protect our son," he said softly, choosing to keep his deeper thoughts to himself—for now.
Serenia smiled, gently stroking the baby's soft cheek.
"Well, he is my cute little baby. How could I ever let him die in front of me? I'll protect him again if the need ever comes."
Edric's smile lingered, but his gaze turned thoughtful again.
Yes, I know… and he's also willing to do anything to protect his mother. I wish I could tell you, Serenia—tell you what he's already done… but now's not the time. I'm sorry, he thought to himself.
The only person I can tell now… is the King. He must be informed—either by me personally or through one of my generals. This isn't something I can keep hidden from him for long.