Volume 5 Chapter 4 Let's Try Teleportation
"How did it come to this?"
Cain leaned back in the carriage, watching the scenery slip past the window as they headed toward the city gate of the new district. Just earlier, after a discussion with Luke and Lydia about the "Teleportation Staff," they had suddenly decided to test it—apparently on Luke's firm suggestion.
"I mean, I brought it up, but... why today of all days?"
He murmured to himself, eyes fixed on the passing buildings and streets.
"What's wrong, Cain? You seem distracted," Lydia asked, noticing his uneasy expression.
"It's nothing," Cain replied, shaking his head. "Just surprised that both Luke's father and Mother Lydia agreed so quickly to try it out."
Since hiding things from Lydia rarely ended well, he chose to speak honestly.
"I understand. I was surprised too," Lydia said gently, smiling as she looked at him. "But Luke seemed really concerned about you, so I didn't want to interfere. He's always cared deeply about all of you."
Up front, Luke was giving quiet instructions to Randolph, who sat beside him. Watching them, Cain realized he might've misunderstood Luke. Until now, he thought Luke wasn't great with kids and liked to keep his distance. But seeing him now, Cain's impression was slowly starting to change.
After a brief exchange with the soldiers stationed at the New City Gate, the carriage passed through Sanroze Territory and traveled along the road beyond. They stopped not far from the gate—just about five minutes away—for safety and privacy. Cain figured this would be a perfect place to activate the "Teleportation Staff" without attracting attention.
"Let's get down. Who's going to try it this time?" Cain asked, turning to Luke and Lydia.
Behind them, Barvish and Gardy followed in a covered wagon that arrived shortly after.
"Let's see," Luke said. "Lydia, Randolph, and I will go. Cain, can Barvish stay behind?"
"No problem," Cain nodded. "Gardy, I'll be back soon. Please keep an eye on the carriage."
Gardy gave a quick nod, staying near the vehicle. Since Luke's carriage was managed by the trusted drivers of House Sanroze, there was no need to give further orders.
Cain led the group a little off the main road, then pulled the "Teleportation Staff" from his magical bracelet. Holding it firmly, he spoke calmly.
"All right. Let's begin."
As Mana flowed into the "Teleportation Staff," a familiar voice echoed in Cain's mind, asking for the number of passengers and the destination. He responded mentally, and once the confirmation came, he gave the activation command.
"Teleport."
A light sensation of floating washed over them—and in the blink of an eye, they arrived. Before them stood the great city wall of the Margrave Shield Territory.
"That's... the city gate of Margrave Shield Territory," Luke said, his voice slightly breathless.
"We really moved in an instant..." Lydia murmured in disbelief.
"This is..." Randolph trailed off, overwhelmed.
Barvish, already used to teleportation, immediately shifted to a cautious stance, eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Do you believe me now?" Cain asked. "If there's no issue, shall we return to Sanroze?"
The sun had already begun to set, and it was growing dangerous to linger outside the gate. The three adults exchanged a few words, then Luke gave the nod to return.
Cain activated the "Teleportation Staff" once more, and just like before, they felt a soft floating sensation before appearing back near the stopped carriage.
Realizing they were back in Sanroze, the group looked stunned for a moment—but soon regained their composure and returned to the carriage. Once everyone—Luke, Lydia, Cain, and Randolph—had boarded, they continued on toward the city.
"Father," Cain asked quietly. "Now that you've seen it, do you believe me?"
Luke was silent for a moment. "...Even after experiencing it, I still find it hard to accept. But... that was definitely the Margrave Shield city gate. I can't deny what I saw. Still, it's difficult to believe something like that is real."
He looked pained, his expression tight.
"It's dangerous," Luke continued. "Having such a powerful magic tool in the hands of one person is no small matter. Normally, something like this would need to be reported to the royal family. But... you're not the rightful owner, are you?"
"No," Cain replied. "I'm just holding it temporarily on behalf of Mr. Zain, the High Elf leader."
"I see. Then you can't hand it over freely. That makes sense... If handled carelessly, it could turn into a diplomatic mess."
Luke sighed as he gave his thoughts.
"Honestly, I'd rather return it as soon as I can," Cain admitted. "What do you think, Father?"
"As a private person, I agree," Luke said, nodding. "But from a national security standpoint... it's not that simple. Cain, would it be possible to meet Mr. Zain after he returns? Ideally, I'd like Margrave Shield to be present as well."
He was speaking not just as a father, but as a public official.
"A meeting with Mr. Zain is definitely possible," Cain confirmed. "When we come back from the World Tree Forest, we'll pass through Sanroze again. If Grandfather is with us then, should we bring him here?"
"That would be perfect," Luke said.
"Why not go pick him up directly with the 'Teleportation Staff'?" Lydia added, clapping her hands as an idea struck her.
Notes:
• 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.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• 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.
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