Volume 6 Chapter 16 Second Visit
At the grand entrance of the Sanroze family's mansion, a group prepared for departure. Four carriages stood waiting, surrounded by quiet bustle. Luke Sanroze, Randolph, Zain, Cain, Barvish, Gardy, Lala, Sasha, the Knight Order Commander Argyle, and three knights, along with three civil officials, were all gathered for the journey ahead.
It was the day before the quarterly expedition to the Village of the World Tree. Once they passed beyond the outer walls of Sanroze Territory, they would use a Teleportation Staff to transfer directly to Margrave Shield Territory. There, they would regroup with Margrave Shield himself and head to the sacred village before the day's end.
"Dear, Cain... be careful," Lydia said, her voice soft but firm. Her gaze moved between Luke and Cain, eyes filled with concern. "We await your safe return. Randolph, I leave them in your hands."
"Yes, ma'am," Randolph replied with a respectful nod.
"Lydia, we will be off," Luke said, offering a calm smile.
Cain gave a quick bow. "Understood."
With that, the three boarded the first carriage. Behind them, the butlers and maids of the Sanroze household stood lined in formation, their voices overlapping as they offered a heartfelt farewell.
"Safe travels."
The carriages rolled out slowly, wheels creaking as they passed through the mansion's gates and headed toward the town. Leading the way were the knights, their armor catching the morning light. As they moved through the streets of Sanroze Territory, townspeople paused in their errands. Recognizing the procession, they respectfully bowed their heads.
Seated inside the first carriage, Zain glanced out the window and spoke with quiet admiration.
"Sir Luke, this land is... truly beautiful. The town feels alive, and the people—smiling. It's clear the people of Sanroze deeply respect you and your family."
Luke offered a humble smile at the words.
"That means a lot, coming from you, Mr. Zain. Honestly, the town wasn't always like this. It wasn't prosperous before. We're still far from perfect... but I think it's slowly getting better. Bit by bit."
He turned his gaze to the window, watching the streets go by. Beside him, Randolph gave a quiet nod in agreement.
"A large part of that progress is thanks to Cain," Luke added, his voice lowering slightly as he looked toward Randolph. "But the rest of us can't rely on him forever. The adults have to step up, too."
"That's right," Randolph replied with a small smile, sharing the same thought.
Zain listened in silence, his expression thoughtful.
Sanroze Territory... might be the better place after all, he mused to himself.
Eventually, the four carriages passed through the town gates and came to a stop just beyond, where a stretch of farmland greeted them. The shaded edge of the forest lay nearby, and vast wheat fields—ones cultivated under Cain's leadership—swayed in the breeze.
After the escort knights ensured the area was secure, everyone began disembarking. Under Zain's guidance, the group assembled in three rows, stepping slightly away from the carriages. Zain then reached into his enchanted bracelet and retrieved the Teleportation Staff, its form gleaming with magical etchings.
Facing the group, he raised his voice.
"All right, we'll now teleport to Margrave Shield Territory. The Margrave and his party are already waiting for us outside the walls, so once we arrive, don't stray too far."
The group gave quiet nods in understanding. Zain infused Mana into the staff, and it began to emit a soft glow. A ripple of magical energy spread through the gathered travelers. As the spell took hold, Zain gave the signal.
"Here we go."
The world around Cain distorted. The familiar sensation of teleportation—a pull on his senses and a shake in his core—overtook him. In an instant, the forest and wheat fields vanished.
When Cain opened his eyes again, he stood in an open meadow. In the distance rose the outer walls of the Margrave Shield's town. Barvish and Gardy flanked him, already scanning the area with sharp eyes.
Nearby, the knights and civil officials who had never teleported before had dropped to their knees, overwhelmed by the aftereffects. Some clutched their stomachs, trying to stay upright. The Knight Order Commander, Argyle, though pale, kept himself composed, eyes alert.
"By the fifth time, you start to get used to it," Luke said with a slight shake of his head. His gaze shifted to the horizon. "Ah, they're coming."
From the direction of the town, a mounted group approached. At the front, one cavalryman broke formation and advanced alone. He stopped at a distance suitable for conversation and raised his voice.
"This is Margrave Shield and his escort. Are you the delegation from Sanroze Territory?"
Argyle stepped forward, posture firm.
"Indeed. I am Argyle, Commander of the Sanroze Knight Order. We are the delegation under Viscount Sanroze. Thank you for receiving us."
"Understood," the cavalryman replied, giving a crisp nod before turning back to his group. Moments later, a carriage—distinct in its fine craftsmanship—rolled toward them and came to a halt.
The door was opened by an attendant, and from within stepped a man clad in travel attire. His stature was strong, his voice booming even before he reached them.
"It's been three months, hasn't it?" he called out with a broad smile. "How have you been, Viscount Sanroze? Cain?"
Margrave Shield approached with his usual bold presence and hearty laughter, the atmosphere around him warm and commanding.
Notes:
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Argyle - The knight captain leading the soldiers.
• Sasha - Female. A young and energetic warrior. She has a confident demeanor and wears a short sword at her waist. Her appearance is typical of an elf, with pointed ears and a slender build. She is determined to prove her strength and has a playful rivalry with her seniors. She admires Sir Cain and is responsible for waking him gently in the morning.
• Luke - Cain's father.
• 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.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Lydia - Cain's Stepmother.
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