After getting back from visiting the Minefort mansion, Mars and Lela drop by while I prepare my things for the long trip.
“We heard from Isolte that you’re going to the capital.”
Says Mars.
“Yes, I’ll be away from Minerva for a while. Probably about two months.”
I might be back sooner, but the round trip alone takes six weeks.
And since I don’t know what trouble might happen, it’s best to assume I’ll be there for a relatively long time.
“Two months… I knew it, but I’ll miss you when you’re away for so long.”
“Two months go by in a flash, Lela. It’ll be over in about ten quests.”
Ten quests means five a month, and an average of one point two a week?
So it takes approximately… Wait, what am I thinking? It’s a bad habit of mine to get hung up on stuff like that.
“It’s just like you to use that as an example, Mars.”
Lela says with an awkward smile.
“Loyd, once you’re back from the capital, come see us right away.”
“Got it. And I’ll bring you lots of gits. Is there anything you want, Mars?”
“Nothing in particular. It’s gonna be a long trip, so look after yourself.”
“Ah, that’s not fair Mars. Scoring points with Loyd as soon as you see an opening!”
“That’s not why I said that.”
What matters is that they seem to get along so well.
Today I’m going out to eat with them for the first time in a while. I’ve been busy lately, and since they have their own plans too, we haven’t had a lot of opportunities.
We’ve all been doing our best to do what we can, so being able to eat together today is very fulfilling.
We enjoy our time together, with me trying not to rely on them too much, while also not taking that to the other extreme. I think this is what it means to be emotionally independent.
“By the way Loyd, how far have you gotten with Iris? Have you two kissed?”
“Stop that Lela, you’re going to bother master.”
“The elf shipper of light can’t just overlook Loyd’s love affairs. Half elves don’t know much about politics, but we’re more sensitive than anyone about love.”
That sounds really annoying. It’s just called meddling.
Ever since that day, Lela asks about Lela every time we see each other.
She’s usually pretty serious and straightforward, but throws all that out the window when it comes to love.
I let Mars handle her, and just take it easy today.
◇ ◇ ◇
The next day, Isolte gets us six wagons, and tells us we can use two as we like.
Since it’s me, Iris, and three attendants, we decide to switch every day. But Till makes sure I’m always with Iris.
It’s not like I have to be with her all the time, but she says it’s safer if I’m with her in case we’re attacked. Sounds like she really trusts my abilities.
The remaining four wagons are for transporting Black Raven and Iris’ escort. Iris will be positioned in the middle, with the wagons traveling in a line. All the others have three knights each.
This proper escort really makes it feel like they’re escorting an important person. Iris should be safe even if we really are attacked.
But I’m ready to protect Iris’ even without the escort.
I say goodbye to Lela and Mars, who came to the Minefort mansion to see us off, and we leave.
Our wagon speeds up, and we run through the remote town of Minerva at a comfortable pace.
Iris sticks her head out the window to look back at the town, and her silver hair gets caught by the wind and swells like cotton candy.
We see less and less people as we get further away, and head to the magnificent mountain range area.
“It will be my first time in the capital of the Kingdom of Merzelia. What is it like?”
“A fun florid place full of activity. I’m sure you’ll like it too.”
I say, and Iris smiles.
“Let’s eat the sweets I got from my friends.”
“Yes.”
I eat biscuits with Iris, and when I stick my head out to look back, I can’t see Minerva anymore.
◇ ◇ ◇
After shaking in the wagon for three weeks, we arrive safely in the capital.
The wagons pass through the station, and slowly stop at a post of the kingdom’s knights.
There are dozens of knights waiting for us, because they learned of our arrival through gardo.
I get off the wagon, and extend my hand to Iris.
“Thank you.”
She takes my hand with a gentle smile, and jumps off.
There’s a rustle between the knights when they see her, and they look at each other.
“Is this the former saintess of the Holy State of Roland, Iris Elsasser Quarte?”
“She’s as beautiful as they say.”
“She sure is…”
They state their thoughts while staring at her.
Contrary to the knights, who are enamored by Iris’ overwhelming beauty, the guildmaster delivers Black Raven with a solemn air to her.
My eyes meet Black Raven’s, and he glares at me really hard, so I smile and wave.
He gets really angry, but is quickly subdued.
He’s restrained even more, before he’s carried to a prisoner transport vehicle of the knights, and they take him away.
That should be the end of it. I doubt I’ll see him again.
Bye bye Black Raven. Don’t forget me ’till I forget you.
“Miss Isolte, we are very grateful for your help in capturing someone wanted throughout the kingdom.”
“Don’t thank me, thank Loyd over here. He was the one who caught him.”
Isolte says while pointing at me, and I feel curious eyes focusing on me.
How should I respond to this?
I ran away from the capital, so I don’t really feel like telling them I’m Loyd, the exclusive mage.
It’s over and done, so it’d be weird to talk about the old me.
But I think I’ll make an exception this time.
“I’m Loyd, a former exclusive mage. I’m an adventurer now.”
I say bluntly.
I don’t feel like running away now. I guess I’ve gained a little bit of confidence.
Much like people finding out I’m a master rank won’t lead to an unhappy life, people finding out I’m Loyd the exclusive mage won’t necessarily lead to an unhappy life either. I learned that when I met Mars and Lela.
I’ve had more success than failure, so I’m not unhappy now.
And so, I tell them straight that I’m Loyd, the former exclusive mage.
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