Volume 6 Chapter 17 Second Visit 2️⃣
Margrave Shield, who had transferred from Viscount Sanroze's domain to his own using the Teleportation Staff, approached Cain and Luke with his usual thunderous laugh echoing across the clearing.
Cain, already used to the man's energetic nature, responded with a smile.
"It's been a while, Grandfather."
Luke, glancing at the six heavily loaded cargo wagons trailing behind Shield's carriage, raised an eyebrow.
"That's quite the haul, Margrave Shield. You came fully stocked, I see."
"Well, we can't predict what kind of demand there'll be in the Village of the World Tree," Shield replied with a hearty grin. "So I coordinated with the local officials and brought a variety of goods. If we can manage to strike even a slightly better trade deal, all the better."
Luke gave a short nod.
"We brought some monster materials from the Great Deep Forest too, beyond the original request. I've heard the village has processing methods humans aren't familiar with."
Cain quietly observed the two, noticing the subtle gleam of anticipation in their eyes.
"It'll take a bit to switch out the cargo. Why don't we talk inside my carriage in the meantime? Zain, how about some tea?"
Margrave Shield glanced toward the soldiers unloading supplies from his territory's wagons as he extended the invitation.
Zain gave a small, amused smile.
"Don't mind if I do."
He turned ahead and made his way toward the carriage.
With a light sigh, Shield followed behind and gave instructions to a maid waiting outside.
"Tea for four."
The interior of the Margrave's personal carriage was luxurious, easily seating six. The plush velvet cushions were so soft, Cain thought they might even beat the living room sofa back at the mansion.
Margrave Shield settled at the far end, while Zain and Luke took seats opposite him. Cain sat down beside Shield.
Once everyone was seated, the maid entered with a tray and served tea on a small table placed in the center. Cain glanced at the setup and thought to himself, This kinda feels like a camper van.
"John, shall we get started?" Zain asked as he placed his teacup down with elegant grace. "If we take too long, the soldiers will finish without us."
Margrave Shield let out a chuckle.
"Zain, even if it's just family here, your speech is way too casual. Look at Luke—he's wide-eyed."
Indeed, Luke, seated beside Zain, had widened his eyes slightly, though he said nothing.
"It's fine, isn't it? Sir Luke and Sir Cain won't mind such things, right?"
Luke gave a stiff smile, sweat beading at his temple.
"Um, no, well... I do kind of mind. Being addressed so informally feels... awkward."
"That's tricky. If I suddenly speak formally with John, it's going to feel stiff. But then again, Sir Cain is your grandson... hmm..."
Zain furrowed his brow, visibly struggling to smooth over the tension.
"Alright, enough. Luke, just don't worry about it when it's just the four of us," Shield said, waving a hand. "But when others are around, stick to proper etiquette."
"Yes, yes," Zain replied quickly, relaxing into his seat.
"Now then, onto the main matter," Shield said, setting his teacup down. "The other day, Zain, William, and I gave a full report to His Majesty about everything so far. Regarding the Teleportation Staff—since it's Zain's personal property—the royal court has decided not to intervene. However..."
He paused, glancing at each of them before continuing with a weary sigh.
"After the audience, we were summoned to a separate chamber. And there, His Majesty said something unexpected... He wants to travel around the kingdom using the Teleportation Staff."
Luke and Cain both froze, unable to speak for a moment. The ruler of the nation had expressed a personal desire, and as his subordinates, they could only accept the command. Cain's mind raced with doubts, But still...
"If His Majesty wishes it, we must comply," Luke said slowly. "But... what about all the daily duties and responsibilities?"
"Of course I raised the same concern," Shield said, scratching his head. "But His Majesty said he's done enough work and intends to abdicate the throne."
The carriage fell into stunned silence as the weight of those words settled over them.
Notes:
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Luke - Cain's father.
• 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.
• 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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