Chapter 104 104 – The Merchants

I had only been flying for a few hours, but the pain in my wings was unbearable. Using the fast-forward feature is not an option because it will torment me more.

So, I decided to continue my journey on foot. However, just to do that, I find it very difficult. The burn hit my leg too, after all.

At this rate, how long can I go to Scyonia, the country of the elves?

I've been walking in a vast meadow for about two hours. My ears heard the horses galloping and the sound of wheels from behind me.

Because I was too tired and in pain, I raised my hand to the carriage. There's no point in maintaining prestige. For now, I really need help.

The driver stopped the carriage right near me.

Seeing that the driver and the individual sitting next to him had a slender frame, a long neck, and pointed ears, I hesitated to ask them. They are elves.

However, I'm not sure I'll ever get another chance like this.

"You guys are going to Scyonia, right?" I asked them. "Can I come with you? I will pay. How much do you want?"

The driver, thick mustache and silver hair smiled.

He still looked very young, but you couldn't tell an elf's age. They can live up to 200 years, after all.

"Sit next to me." The driver answered, then spoke to his partner, who had bright blue hair. "Rhys, you sit in the back."

The elf named Rhys raised an eyebrow and whispered. "Are you sure, boss?"

"He had no weapon, and from how he walked, I could tell he was seriously injured." The driver answered confidently. "He's not going to rob us."

After a pause, Rhys comes down with a bow and quiver on his back, looks at my face for a moment, then moves to the back.

"Thank you." I climbed next to the driver.

If I sat in the back, they would have difficulty keeping an eye on me. I could easily sabotage their horse carriage. Although I have no such intention.

And the driver knows that I don't have any weapons with me. He definitely has abilities that I can't underestimate.

"My name is Ethan." I introduced myself first as a friendly gesture.

The driver moved the reins, making all four horses move. "I'm Elred. Just call me El."

I turned my head back, staring at the small window on the carriage. There were many wooden boxes of various sizes in there. "Are you a merchant?"

"We sell our agricultural products in another country, then buy some man-made goods to sell on our place." He's still smiling. "Because our agricultural products are plentiful and of high quality, we depend on them for our livelihood. We become too lazy to produce other goods ourselves."

"But you have many fine manufacturers of musical instruments and potions." I continued. "That's what brought me to your country, sir. I need potions to ease my pain, the kind that doesn't make me dizzy and sleepy."

Before leaving, Faye had already given me a briefing about things like this. Hence, I can come up with a plausible excuse in a situation like this.

"Ah, the silver potion." El shook his head. "I've asked the manufacturers many times to make lots and sell them out, but they always refuse. They say it's a tradition not to make many, but I know it's because they're just lazy."

I chuckled slightly at his child-like angry expression. "And I'd like to buy a lute from there, sir."

"Well, that too. They only make a few musical instruments and only sell them within our country." He snorted again. "Though their products are very high quality."

"The sound the lute they make is clear and beautiful, sir. That's why I wanted to gift it to my girlfriend."

Laughter came out of El's mouth. "Nice choice! But you have to spend a lot of money on it!"

I smile. He seems to have taken my bullshit.

***

That night, I pretended to be asleep by leaning against a tree. The one on guard duty is El, but I wait a few moments for Rhys to fall asleep.

I could attack them during the day, but I must be careful. They only traveled together without guards, despite carrying a lot of goods.

That means they are confident in their own abilities. Maybe they will fight back and give me trouble. Perhaps I'll win, but my wound might get worse, even though I still have to fight that fairy in the land of Scyonia.

Hence, I was waiting for them to let their guard down.

I flew straight and choked El from behind. However, to my surprise, Rhys got up and immediately aimed at me with his arrow.

"Don't shoot!" El gave his partner an order, then asked me, "What do you want, young man?"

Rhys snorted. "Can't you see!? He has wings and horns! He is a demon! He will kill us!"

"I just need the silver potions you guys have." I hissed. "Every trip, the elves always equip themselves with those things, right?"

"Yeah, each of us did have two," El responded, and strangely he didn't show any fear. "Rhys, give him your share too. We'll hardly ever use it."

Rhys had already opened his mouth as if he wanted to argue. However, he restrained himself, then took out two vials of silver-colored liquid from his waist bag.

"Honestly, you could have asked us without doing something like this." El chuckled, holding up his potions. "I know you're in a lot of pain but don't want to commit a crime. Otherwise, you'd have robbed us long ago."

Yes, I don't want to attack them. But that's because I still want to minimize impact in this era. I've wreaked havoc on a rich man's house, and soon I might destroy a country.

Just because I've done many things like that doesn't mean I can still do whatever I want.

I took El's two bottles, then released him. After taking Rhys's, I walked to get my bag near the tree.

And they showed absolutely no signs of wanting to attack me.

"I hope you have a good trip, young man." El is still smiling at me again.

"Thank you." After ensuring those potions matched Faye's description, I drank one of them, leaving my mouth with a disgusting sour taste. "And sorry."

I'd be lying if I said the behavior of the elves didn't touch my heart. As Faye said, they were known for their friendliness and kindness in this era.

And I'm going to destroy their lives.

The pain in my body disappeared, but I felt a bit numb. I then took my backpack and flew into the night sky.