Volume 4 Chapter 12 Temporary Farewell
Barvish, Gardy, and Lala were told about the strange events from the night before—half dream, half real. As the story went on, Lala's smile grew wider. But Barvish and Gardy looked more and more upset.
"...That's how it happened. In the end, I passed out like I was falling asleep. So I wasn't sure if it was a dream or not."
Cain laughed a little. "Haha."
"Barvish, we can't change it now..."
"You're right, Gardy. So let's get ready to leave soon. Lala, please pack up. We'll go after breakfast. Sir Cain, say goodbye to Lord Zain and leave right after, all right?"
Barvish stepped closer with a serious look. Cain just nodded, "Y-yeah."
Cain was still thinking, It's not that bad, when Lala took something out from his pajama pocket and gave it to him.
It was a round thing, about the size of a marble. Cain looked closer and put on the Glasses of Analysis.
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Plant Seed: World Tree Seed
How to Grow: Give it mana once a week. It will sprout in about a month. It takes 200 years to grow into a full tree. Once grown, it will clean bad air and make leaves that can heal wounds.
Please plant it in a pot and keep it in Cain's room after returning to Sanroze (from Gardea).
---
"W-what is this? Goddess Gardea... isn't this too much?"
Cain muttered while reading the info. The three looked at him at once. But when Cain looked up, they all turned away quickly.
"U-uh, everyone?"
"Sir Cain, we'll be late for breakfast if we don't go."
"That's right, let's hurry."
"I'll go check first."
Lala, Barvish, and Gardy cut him off and spoke fast. Then they left the room.
"...Well, fine."
Cain put the World Tree Seed into his jacket pocket and changed clothes.
* * *
After breakfast, they were almost ready to leave when a message came: Zain and Merida had arrived. Not wanting to make them wait, Cain packed the rest of his stuff and went downstairs.
When Cain walked into the living room, Zain and Merida stood up to greet him.
"Good morning, Sir Cain."
Zain smiled gently.
"Good morning, Mr. Zain, Ms. Merida. Sorry it's so early. It was kind of loud outside—was something going on?"
Cain looked confused.
"Well, Sir Cain... how should I say it... The World Tree has been glowing since last night. When I checked this morning, the wounds made by the black Fenrir were all gone. Not only that, but the World Tree's drops—which have been hard to get lately—are now easy to harvest. So it's kind of a festival now."
Zain spoke like he already knew what Cain had done.
"Now that the tree is healed, we can go back in one month like we planned. Sorry, but please come pick us up next month."
"Of course. But I'll just be picking you up—I won't stay, is that okay?"
"No problem. I'll explain that to Dadana and the others."
They had told Luke and the others in advance. Staying the night would be hard to explain, so this was better.
"Ms. Merida, please take care of yourself. I'm sure Mr. Zain will help, but still."
"Thank you, Sir Cain. I'm not young anymore, so I want to take my time and enjoy Zain's hometown."
Ms. Merida smiled warmly, which made Cain feel at ease.
"By the way, Sir Cain. Will you take this bracelet?"
Zain took a silver bracelet with a blue gem out of his bag and handed it to Cain.
"This is a small magic bag. It can hold ten things. That's not many, but they won't go bad, and only you can take them out. So it's safe. Use it for the teleport staff."
"Huh? I can't take something this valuable..."
Cain tried to give it back, but Zain shook his head and smiled.
"It's better than letting people see the staff. Please take it. And give this letter and package to Margrave Shield. If it's from me, they won't ask questions."
Zain's smile was like a kid playing a trick. Cain gave up, took the bracelet, and put the teleport staff and other items inside.
"Alright, I'll walk you to the edge of the forest. Got everything?"
Cain left the treehouse and got into the carriage Zain had ready. It was the same golem carriage as before. Still smooth and easy to ride. Soon they reached the forest's edge—the same place they had arrived the day before.
Cain got out, pulled the teleport staff from the bracelet, and sent mana into it. The staff lit up. A message came up asking for a destination. Cain picked "Barvish x3," then thought about the edge of Bridge Village. The spot appeared slowly.
A message asked, Is this place okay? Cain answered Yes, and the staff said, Start teleport.
"We're ready. Mr. Zain, Ms. Merida, see you next month. Stay safe."
Zain and Merida said, "Yes, you too, Sir Cain." Cain looked at Barvish and the others and gave a small nod.
The world shifted. For a moment, they felt like they were floating. When the feeling stopped, they were standing at the edge of Bridge Village.
Character Notes:
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Lala - Cain's companion, likely a servant or minder, cautious and protective.
• Zain - A man in his 30s with long ears, possibly an elf or a similar race. He works in the basement of Ms. Merida's shop and is highly perceptive, noticing Cain's incredible mana from a distance.
• Merida - The owner or manager of the magic tool shop Cain frequents in Margrave Shield territory.
• Dadana - The leader of the High Elf settlement and Zain's father.
• Luke - Cain's father.
• Will - Margrave Shield's son, Aisha's brother, and Cain's uncle. He is playful and enjoys teasing his father. He is a fan of Cain's 'hamburg' recipe.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
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