Around six in the morning the next day, the Lumberjack family checked out of the inn and made their way to the teleportation array built outside the city.
Even in the early morning, pillars of light flashed every now and then from the multiple teleportation arrays along the city wall as people entered and left the city.
"Eat and sleep on time," Elaria said in a low, calm tone.
"Hmm," Vlad answered.
"Don't push yourself too hard. Take proper rest as well," Elaria added, her voice growing even softer.
"Okay," Vlad replied.
"A-and enjoy your academy life... along with the training."
"Hmm."
"A-and send letters... sniff-sniff... to your parents as well." She could no longer keep her voice steady as tears trickled down her cheeks.
"I heard you, Mom," Vlad answered with a sigh. "Now, could you let me go?"
She had been hugging him for a while now, her arms wrapped around his head, which was nestled just below her chin in a firm embrace.
