SYMDF 15

Chapter 15

 

When Ion heard his acceptance, he caught sight of the edges of Camillus’s ears turning faintly red. The boy lowered his gaze, nodding as he replied softly:

“…Yes. I’ll protect you.”

It was just a stroll in the woods behind the manor. To promise protection over that almost made Ion laugh—especially with the faint blush now coloring Camillus’s cheek.

And yet, as though he truly intended to “protect,” Camillus suddenly glanced out toward the balcony. Raising his hand, he scattered faint motes of blue light into the wind. They drifted across the manor grounds, sparkling as they fell to earth.

Ion blinked, puzzled. Camillus tightened his grasp on Ion’s hand, drawing his attention gently.

“A spell—to lull the nearby people to sleep.”

And indeed—the butler crossing beneath the garden yawned deeply, sagging to nap against a tree.

“It won’t… hurt them, right?”

“It’s safe. On waking, they’ll feel refreshed. Now—come up here.”

Smoothly, Camillus vaulted onto the railing. Ion hesitated. The balcony’s height wasn’t extreme, but the stone came nearly to his chest, and if he slipped climbing—

Camillus noticed. His grip firmed.

“You’re fine. Even if you fall—I’ll catch you. Trust me?”

“A-all right…”

Breathing deep, Ion gingerly followed onto the ledge. At once, beneath his feet, the stone shimmered blue, ice-spun blossoms blooming with frozen petals.

“W… wow.”

Ion’s awed whisper hung on the moonlight. Behind, Camillus slid an arm around his waist, whispering in his ear:

“Step forward. As if walking.”

Ion obeyed—and at once new text flared:

[You stand upon Camillus Valderas Clodel’s “Path of Frost.”]
[Chance of falling: 0%]
[Note: Should the caster release the spell, instant fall will occur.]

Ephemeral blossoms of ice—yet the path proved firm, safe. One step at a time, the conjured bridge extended outward, flurries of mist rolling from its edges. The bluish glow mingled with warm lanternlight from the manor, tinting the night sublime.

Ion’s green eyes shone more awake than they had in days. His chest swelled. He whispered without meaning to:

“…Beautiful.”

Seeing his delight, Camillus beamed.

“If I pour in more mana… perhaps we could run across it.”

“That’s… dangerous—ah!”

Before Ion could finish, Camillus swept him up fully into his arms.

“Then let me be your legs. May I hold you this way?”

“Y-you already are…”

“Forgive me.”

Smiling mischievously, he strode quickly forward, light blooming beneath each step. Flustered, Ion turned his face aside, embarrassed by the close hold—and yet, Camillus’s boyish joy shone so brightly it felt wrong to protest.

The bridge of ice gleamed from Ion’s own balcony, arcing outward. Despite his spell of slumber, not all in the manor could possibly be asleep. Ion’s nerves prickled.

“Isn’t this too long? If someone saw from afar…”

“And what would they do? Send your Duke of a father to capture me?”

Camillus’s unbothered smirk made Ion laugh outright. He was right.

It was awkward, yet—Ion found himself liking the hold, tilting his head to rest tentatively against Camillus’s shoulder. Camillus froze, then hugged him tighter.

Ion could hear the hammer of his heart, loud against his chest, despite his calm face. Whenever Ion peeked up, Camillus forced an awkward smile, ears blooming red beneath raven hair.

Those blue eyes, shining like sea crystals, stayed fixed only on Ion.

“…Why do you keep grinning?”

“Hm? Should I stop?”

Realizing his slip, Camillus shut his eyes, lowered his head, breath rough.

“…Sorry. Being with you—it just makes me so happy…”

Burning with embarrassment, he couldn’t mask the flush. Ion looped his arm loosely around his neck, whispering teasingly:

“You… really like me, don’t you?”

Camillus’s answering gaze said only: Of course. Isn’t it obvious?

“Yes. Because you’re precious.”

His voice trembled. Ion, seeing him near tears again, decided not to prod further. For some reason, this boy loves me to a desperate fault… the Ion Craiger he knew must have been kind indeed.

The frozen path carried them into the trees. Descending at its edge, Camillus lit floating globes. One after another, soft spheres blossomed—red, yellow, green—mixing hues until forest night shimmered like a fairy tale.

Unwilling to spoil it by being carried, Ion slipped down, wandering ahead in wonder as if beneath a cascade of stars. Camillus shadowed him quietly, spell after spell cast only to light Ion’s way.

Finally, Ion turned, bewildered.

“…Why do all this for me?”

Though magic flooded plentiful in him, still—it was wasteful, burdensome, was it not? Yet Camillus only folded his hand into Ion’s, soft smile unwavering.

“Because once—you showed me something like this.”

“Me? What, I… used magic too?”

Camillus’s brows stilled, his voice hushed.

“No. You showed me beauty. When I was trapped in that tower—you taught me the world outside could shine. Before that, my world was only darkness. Only slivers of light breaking through.”

Ion’s lips closed. Questions swirled—Who imprisoned you? Why didn’t you escape? Yet to ask was to wound.

“…You gave me a miracle. And so—Ion.”

He looked down, eyes burning.

“You are my miracle too.”

“…Camillus.”

Before Ion could react further, Camillus gripped his wrists gently—pulled him close. The forest’s magic lights haloed his profile, filling Ion’s sight.

Then, softly, his lips brushed Ion’s own.

Footnotes:

“Path of Frost” (빙결의 길): A signature high-tier spell of Camillus, forming a walkable path of ice suspended in air. Stability is guaranteed only while caster sustains it.