Chapter 78: Returning (3)

Chapter 78: Returning (3)

Dale examined the cape closely. The traces of magical power woven into it were so faint they were nearly imperceptible unless one paid close attention.

A relic? Or perhaps a magical tool?

Whichever it was, it was clear that this was no ordinary high-quality cape. A secret lay hidden within it.

Dale asked Riddel.

This cape, did your ancestor make it himself?

Eh? Oh, no, not at all.

Riddel shook his head.

I heard that it was discovered in the ruins by an ancestor of mine who left home while working as a mercenary and others say it was won in a dice game at a tavern. Well, since it is such an old item, I dont know for sure.

Hmm, I see.

Why do you ask?

Dale spoke honestly,

Theres a certain power residing in this item. It might be more valuable than you thought.

His words were meant to make Riddel realize the capes potential value. Yet, the latter seemed pleased instead.

That would be fortunate!

He then spoke with a smile devoid of greed.

I would be delighted if Sir could make good use of it.

Dale nodded his head in understanding.

Riddel seemed to have no intention of asking for the cape back.

Once again, Dale found himself caressing the cape.

A hidden power.

The secrets that lay dormant within the cape were beyond his current understanding.

It seemed likely that he would need to invest a significant sum to have it appraised by an expert.

Thats a concern for another time.

Besides, he didnt necessarily need to know the capes power. The cape that Riddel gave as a gift had value in itself.

Thats why Dale bowed his head and expressed his sincere gratitude.

I shall make good use of it.

Ah please, raise your head.

Embarrassed yet touched, Riddel listened as Dale expressed his thanks.

Its time I took my leave.

Yes. Ill pray for nothing but good fortune in your future, sir.

Take care, both of you.

With that exchange of gentle well-wishes, Dale left the house.

Riddel and the woman waved goodbye to Dale with smiles on their faces.

But a short while later,

Dale found himself back at Riddels doorstep.

He spoke to Riddel, who looked confused, while slightly avoiding his eyes.

I know weve already said our farewells, but could you possibly guide me to the lords castle?

?

Dale and Riddel had no choice but to walk together to the lords castle while surrounded by an awkward atmosphere.

***

The time for departure had arrived.

Having replenished their manpower and supplies in Kaelum, the caravan was ready to set off for the Fourth Legion.

And so, the contract between Rebecca and Dale came to an end.

Rebecca tried to keep Dale with her several times but he steadfastly refused.

Eventually, Rebecca had no choice but to give up.

On the day the caravan was set to leave,

Rebecca surveyed the members of the caravan with a somewhat pensive expression.

The escort force was reduced compared to before.

But since the area they were now entering was under the influence of the Fourth Legion, bandits and monsters would be less common.

Dale asked Rebecca a question.

Arent you worried about the dangers?

What dangers?

Considering the deserters weve encountered, the situation at the front might be more dangerous than we think. I dont understand why youd want to go there yourself.

Rebecca said with a mysterious smile.

It is part of the duties of the merchants guild leader to visit the front lines and assess the situation and monitor the movements of the generals. Its a task directly ordered by His Majesty.

Cant someone else be tasked with this?

Then my competitors would seize the opportunity to take my place, wouldnt they?

After a moment of contemplation, Dale asked another question.

Do you find it so necessary to hold onto your position? Havent you already made enough money?

A woman who rose from being an orphan without a family to name, to becoming a council member. Thats who I am.

With those words, Rebecca said no more.

It was as if she believed that statement alone was a sufficient answer.

Dale too remained silent.

He watched the caravan accompanied by Rebecca as it moved further away.

Suddenly, he remembered something Rebecca had mentioned before.

The position of a merchants guild leader in the outer district changes unusually often is what she said. Its a role fraught with danger.

A phrase crossed his mind.

Pieces on a board.

Could it be that even the council members of the outer district are merely pawns in a larger game?

Just like when you buy new clothes, you want to try them on, when you get a weapon, you want to use it.

However, the difficulty was that they couldnt be tested on just anyone.

Regardless of Dales feeling of regret, the carriage continued its relentless journey through the mountain path.

They needed to cross the mountain before sunset to avoid the risk of camping midway.

Fortunately, thanks to Harkins swift pace earlier, they had some leeway.

If things continued as they were, they would comfortably make it across the mountain.

Just when Harkin was yawning and relaxing a little while making such calculations.

Oh.

He instinctively thrust his shield forward.

In the next moment,

Thud! An arrow struck the shield before embedding itself firmly.

Harkin who just reflexively defended against the arrow quickly grasped the reins.

The two startled white horses neighed loudly and started rearing up on their hind legs.

Harty who was running next to the carriage also growled.

A group of armed men were waiting ahead.

Whats that?

Harkin narrowed his eyes, while Esther, who had been quietly suffering beside him, turned even paler at the sudden stop.

***

No one is born a thief.

People turn to thievery for various reasons depending on their circumstances and situations.

Some farmers, driven to desperation by hunger during the off-season, might take up thieving with their farming tools, only to return to their main profession when the season changes.

There were also some low-level mercenaries who might change professions just to make ends meet.

A more common case is when criminals who had committed serious offenses in the cities and fled became highway robbers.

This was the case with the band of thieves that Dale and his party encountered right now.

These were individuals who had killed at least one or two people and escaped from the cities to live as criminals.

As they aimed their arrows at Harkin, one of the bandits declared,

Alright. This here is our territory. So, youre going to have to pay a toll.

Harkin scowled in response,

What nonsense are you spouting? Since when did this mountain have an owner?

We planted our flag on this empty land, so now it belongs to us. And curly hair, shut your mouth before we cut off your tongue.

.

Harkin was so dumbfounded by the absurdity of their words that he was rendered speechless.

However, the bandits interpreted his silence as intimidation taking effect.

They snickered among themselves,

Big brother, what do you think? Looks like well make a good profit this time.

Its not just good; it seems weve hit the jackpot.

Really?

The man referred to as big brother pointed towards the carriage before speaking,

Look at that. Just by the looks of it, isnt that the kind of carriage high-ranking folks would use?

Right. Its quite lavish, the kind high-born ladies might ride in. And the pure white horses seem rather luxurious.

And look at the two sitting on the coachmans seat. That curly-haired one might look like just any other idiot, but the woman beside him

At this point, one of the thieves spotted Esther who was still suffering from nausea and swallowed hard.

Shes a priestess! And an incredibly beautiful one at that!

Exactly. You can tell at a glance shes no ordinary person. But think about it. Who usually sits on the coachmans seat?

Uh those who suffer from motion sickness?

Though his guess was actually close to the mark, the one referred to as big brother smacked his subordinate on the head,

Use your head, you dumb bastard. Its the lower-ranked individuals who sit up front, while their superiors ride inside the carriage.

Ah! So, that means

Yes. Only nobility would have a priestess like her in service, and not just any nobility, but someone of high rank.

Lowering his voice, this big brother continued,

I suspect theres a princess riding in there. Or at least the daughter of a high-ranking noble.

A-A princess!

Upon hearing the word princess, the bandits murmured among themselves. A deeper smile crept across the big brothers lips.

If we manage to capture the princess, our lives will blossom from that moment on. Whether we extort money from her family by threatening them or sell her off in the black market, well make a fortune.

Big brother!

Yes, thats why we must capture her carefully. Any harm or injury could pose a problem No, Ill handle it myself.

After instructing his subordinates to keep their bows drawn, the one called big brother cautiously approached the carriage.

Harkin asked,

Whats your deal? What are you trying to do?

Well be taking the princess youve been hiding. Oh, and dont worry, well treat her like a lady, hehe.

What?

What kind of bullsh*t is this? These were Harkins thoughts as he scratched his head. Harty and Esther also looked at this big brother with puzzled expressions on their faces.

However, oblivious to their bewildered looks, the one called big brother strode confidently to the carriage door and yanked it open forcefully with a vile smile on his face.

Now! Come out willingly, Princess!

When the door swung open, this big brother locked eyes with Dale inside.

In that instant, the one called big brother had a thought,

Why is the princess so large and black?

*******

TN: Lmao