Volume 4 Chapter 21 Let's Build A Bridge
The sun had barely risen over Bridge Village. Outside the biggest inn, a few carriages waited, ready to go. The drivers kept their voices low, but the horses couldn't stay quiet. They snorted and stamped, making soft, busy sounds in the quiet dawn.
"Sir Cain, I've returned," Barvish said.
"Welcome back. Can we leave now?"
"Yes. The advance group gave the okay. We'll go soon. Please board."
Cain nodded. "Thanks." He climbed into the back of the wagon.
The day before, they'd reached Bridge Village without trouble. Will had asked Cain to ride in his wagon, but Cain saw it was packed with papers. Since he planned to focus on bridge-building magic, he turned Will down.
Will's face had drooped with tired disappointment. Cain felt bad and cast [Heal] on him. Will gave him a lopsided smile—half thankful, half resigned.
When they got to the village, the chief and some locals greeted them warmly. Because it was Will's project, they were treated to dinner at the chief's house. The meal was full of White Trout dishes. They talked about the bridge, the land, and the people.
After dinner, Cain moved to the inn they used last time and went to bed early to be ready for today.
"Sir Cain, sorry to keep you waiting. Breakfast is ready,"
Lala called out.
She had set up a small table on the wagon's cargo bed. On it were breakfast sandwiches and warm tea that smelled sweet and sharp.
"Thanks. What's in the sandwich?"
Cain asked. He sat down and took a big bite.
The bread was firm. Then came the strong taste of dried tomato, followed by the salty, rich flavor of roasted white trout.
"Mmm. This is good. Dried trout and tomato go well together. I want to bring some home. If I store them in my bracelet's magic bag, they won't spoil. I bet Mother Lydia would love this."
He smiled, picturing Lydia's happy face.
After the tea, the sound of flowing water reached his ears. It grew louder as the wagon moved. The trees thinned, and the view opened up. Though he'd been here recently, the sight of the river made his chest tighten. The work ahead was serious.
"Sir Cain has arrived. No signs of danger nearby."
Barvish reported, eyes scanning the land.
Cain didn't fully trust Barvish's detection skills, but Lala and Gardy stayed alert.
"Alright."
Will said.
"Let's check the ground on both sides of the river. It's safe to get off, right?"
Cain stepped down from the wagon. The bridge area was quiet. No travelers or merchants were around yet.
He walked a bit away from the old bridge and closed his eyes. Slowly, he breathed deep and pushed mana through his body—once, twice, three times. Each time, the flow grew stronger, clearer, more steady.
Then he placed his hand on the ground.
"Let's begin. [Grand Search]."
Mana poured out from his palm. It sank into the earth. Images and shapes of the ground below filled his mind. Some rocks, yes—but the strong bedrock started about ten meters ahead. He could work with this.
"Sir Cain."
Barvish called out.
"How's the ground? Any strange things buried again?"
Barvish looked nervous. Cain smirked.
"Strange things don't show up every time."
"Right, Sir Cain?"
Gardy added. Cain gave a small shrug. "No, nothing weird."
Barvish and Gardy both sighed with relief. Cain looked at them and thought, I hope that didn't just set a flag.
Character Notes:
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• 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.
• Lala - Cain's companion, likely a servant or minder, cautious and protective.
• Lydia - Cain's Stepmother.
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