Volume 5 Chapter 11 Let's Go To Pick You Up II
When Margrave Shield mentioned Zain's name, Aisha and the others froze, their faces filled with surprise. Cain quietly waited for the Margrave to continue speaking, wondering to himself, "Could Mr. Zain be someone incredible?"
"Father, do you mean that Mr. Zain?"
Lydia stepped forward and asked Margrave Shield on behalf of the group.
"That's right. Zain—the same man who was once in my adventuring party... I hadn't heard from him in a long time until that letter arrived... Is this fate at work? I'm not sure what kind of fate, but during Cain's stay in this town, he encountered Zain directly. And it was Zain himself who handed him the 'Teleportation Staff.' Truly, even in the past... no, more importantly—what we do with the 'Teleportation Staff' is the real issue now."
"Yes. I used it to travel here with the staff, and I can confirm it—just possessing something like the 'Teleportation Staff' is dangerous, whether its existence is kept secret or made public."
Luke responded firmly to Margrave Shield's words.
"Indeed. However, in this case, the policy has already been decided. Following Zain's suggestion, we've chosen not to announce its existence. I've also decided to report the matter directly to His Majesty, with Zain by my side. Once Zain returns, we'll return the 'Teleportation Staff' to him. That will conclude the matter."
Although the others didn't look entirely convinced by Margrave Shield's explanation, they had placed their trust in him and raised no further objections.
"Now then, Cain. You'll be going to pick up Zain, correct? Since this is a special occasion, I'll go with you. I'd like to settle a little score with Zain. And since we rarely have the chance to visit the World Tree Forest, why don't we all go together?"
Margrave Shield suggested this with a cheerful squint. At the mention of the "World Tree Forest," Aisha and the others began chatting excitedly. Meanwhile, Cain felt a quiet unease stirring in his chest about what awaited them.
* * *
"Um... Grandfather, what are all these items?"
Cain asked as he looked over the various supplies spread out in the entrance hall.
"Hmm. These are souvenirs for Zain's parents—or rather, for the chieftain of the World Tree Forest. I remembered some things Zain used to say. His father has a weakness for alcohol, and his mother collects fabrics. As for Zain himself, he's quite fond of White Trout."
"Grandfather... I don't have an appointment to meet the chieftain today... No, I'll speak to Mr. Zain about it once we arrive."
Cain answered with a respectful tone, explaining that he would try to arrange a meeting since his superior wished for it. With help from Barvish and the others, he packed the lined-up supplies into a magic bag.
* * *
After a short while, Aisha and Lydia appeared in travel gear and came down to the entrance hall. Luke had left earlier to prepare with the Margrave's butler and companions.
Not long after, Luke returned with Will and Diana, who came to see him off. Alongside them were the head butler and two maids. They were informed that even the Knight Order Commander would accompany the journey. Cain sighed heavily, wondering how a simple visit had turned into something so grand.
The group split into three carriages and passed through the gates of Margrave Shield's territory, setting off toward the capital along the town road. After about thirty minutes, confirming that no travelers or merchants were nearby, they disembarked.
"We'll teleport from here. Please line up behind me. Just in case, I ask that the elders stand at the very back. Barvish, Gardy—stand next to me."
Cain drew out the "Teleportation Staff" and turned toward Margrave Shield, confirming the arrangement. He had charged the staff with Mana to full capacity the night before. As the usual system message played and the teleportation candidates were selected, a glowing magic circle appeared beneath their feet—only visible to Cain.
"Now, selecting the destination."
He spoke quietly and selected "World Tree Forest" from the list. Once the selection was confirmed, a new announcement played, showing the faint image of the chosen location.
(As expected. I figured it might be like this... I'll ask Mr. Zain about it later. For now, we proceed.)
In the vision of the destination, Cain could see a dozen high elves gathered near Zain. Without hesitation, he initiated the teleportation sequence as planned.
Notes:
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Aisha - Lydia's mother. Cain's step-grandmother.
• 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.
• Lydia - Cain's Stepmother.
• Luke - Cain's father.
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Diana - Will's wife and Cain's aunt. She is polite and cautions Jody about asking for recipes too casually.
• 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.
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