Chapter 104: Formatting
Chapter 104. A Small Beast
Time trickled by slowly yet steadily.
In the winter dawn with the crescent moon still out, Ian breathed out puffs of air surveying the lined up carriages. Perhaps because it was snowing, the weather was severely cold.
Brrr, of all days to go when its this cold.
They say it gets warmer the more central you go so that works out.
Wheels rollin! Rock there in front!
Good morning Sir Ian, and seasons greetings.
Iaaan! I wanna take this too!
Master Beric, stop bothering Leave it be!
Nooo, I dont wanna!
While less than ten people were departing the territory, nearly tens of people were preparing for itestate servants as well as residents who came to see his face one last time.
Lord Ian, check again nothings missing please. Last call, the coachman says theyll depart soon.
At Hannahs words, Ian looked over the luggage carriage. Luron magic stone chunks, the Dripper machine from Lady Lien, the jeweled box holding the alchemists necklace and ring, identification papers, and so on. He brought more than expected for coming empty-handed.
Im fine. And Beric?
Me too, all good!
Beric showed off the one sword he held. Aside from the shabby clothes, that lone item was all he was taking along apparently. Ian chuckled as if it was most impressive.
Then the rest must be Sir Romandros stuff.
Nothing I can do when the men coming along total five! Ahaha!
At Hannahs remark, Romandro guffawed a response. Ecstatic to be returning home. After checking the carriages, Ian looked for Nersarn.
Sir Nersarn. I shall get going.
May fortune smile upon you and guard yourself well on the journey.
As Ian gained his title and played a bigger role at court, the Tenrey allied to him would likewise gain standing. Despite weighing gains and losses, his encouragement seemed genuinely caring.
Demosha.
Demosha.
Under divine blessings, they grasped hands shaking firmly. Ian slowly bid the estate servants farewell too.
You have all worked hard. Thank you.
Kind sir, what hardship are you referring to?
Travel safely. Dont worry about things here.
The imperial palace! Make sure to tell us all about it when you return!
With the kid gone the food bill will fall for now! Haha!
The servants clustered around Ian bidding sad farewells. Ian patted each ones shoulder parting,
Look after the estate well in my stead. I hope you endure the winter well with Hannah here leading you all.
The head servantHannah.
Understanding, the servants sighed and Hana grinned, her cheeks flushing. Looking happy yet embarrassed.
Lord Ian. I will protect the estate! Entrust the estate to me. Ill devote my all!
Dont overexert yourself. Still, Im grateful for those words.
She wasnt the perfect head servant yet but had ample room to grow. And with Nersarn and Romandros mens aid, there was no cause for concern.
Shall we set off then?
Ian signaled the coachmen to prepare for departure. Philea who had stood stiffly came over, embracing her son. Ian hugged her saying gently,
Mother. Take care and live wherever you desire, be it the estate or elsewhere.
With tears falling, Philea bit her trembling lips. Even if it was their last meeting, Ian wished only to leave her with the brightest smile.
Lets embark on our journey!
Embaaark!
Off we go for the month!
Clack!
Ian boarded the carriage, waving out the window. Beric and Romandro in the one ahead did the same. Their lead carriage left the estate first.
Goodbye!
Travel safely!
Lord Iaaan!
Hearing the estate folks calls, Beric pouted indignantly from the window.
They only call for Ianwhat about me?
Chuckling, Ian was about to close his window. It was early morning yet the residents were all in the streets, having heard of his departure.
Congratulations Lord Ian!
Our best wishes Lord Baron Ian!
Please bring back the territorys new name for us!
Wahhhhh!
Children ran after the carriage as if to chase it. The brilliant morning sun rose in the distancea most splendid send off. Ian likewise waved bidding his final farewells.
***
Clip-clop-clip-clop
The carriage jolted down the unpaved road. Beric sullenly glared out the window, looking bored. All that was visible night and day was the snow-covered haggard tree branches.
Im so boooored I feel like losing my mind.
If youre bored then switch with the coachman. Doubt youll have time to be boreditll really sharpen your senses too.
Romandros words made Ian smirk.
Nearly four days already since departing the territory. Aside from occasional stops for the horses and coachmen to rest, they were cooped up in the jostling carriage all day longmore than a little annoying. Given Berics highly energetic disposition, he was enduring rather well.
How much longer til we get there? If there was nice scenery I could bear it but all there is is damn snowy forest after forest!
Its been four days already so about ten more should do it. Barring issues of course.
Im seriously going insane.
Though the accumulated snow slowed their pace, the coachmens expertise kept them advancing steadily without stopping. Three passengers occupied the lead carriage with luggage ones trailing them single file.
We should reach a town to spend the night today. You can bathe in warm water and rest in soft beds so bear with it a little longer.
Really, a big city?
Not to the extent youre hoping for.
What am I hoping for?
Hmm, dont expect stuff like multi-level bars and gambling dens, or luxury lodging costing dozens of silver coins a night, or large gladiator rings.
From the utterly devastated look on Berics face, he seemed to have expected all of the above. Romandro retrieved a small map from his coat.
We will soon arrive atCarrena.
Carrena? Never heard of it.
No reason for an insignificant small city to be well-known. The issue is, Carrena lies at the center of plains to the west.
As Romandro spoke, Ian turned his head curiously. About to ask what he meant when seeing the Hayman Bank seal stamped on the map, he understood.
Carrena, Longuin, Jalicoveyou refer to those three cities?
Thats right. When dealing with Count Merellof and depositing funds, didnt the bank president mention thieves emerging there?
At the word thieves, Berics eyes instantly livened, sparkling pupils brimming with anticipation.
Thieves?! Awesome, my first time seeing them.
Still havent yet?
Were about to real soon right? Arent those three areas all neighboring for them to mention at once?
Scooting next to Romandro, Beric nudged up, wearing the glare of pure annoyance that truly screamed get lost ghost! As Beric said, the three were close enough to reach in a day by horseback.
Currently were entering from this way so to reach Carrena, we cross these plains right? Enough to probably meet thievesHehehe.
Though Ian wanted to retort, for once there was no counterargument. The danger frequented by thieves was factual as was this night being particularly risky.
Theres much cargo for the escorts. Best to pass through as quietly and quickly as possible.
Right. Thats what I want too.
Wet your pants or lie if you must. At least control your expression.
Actually more than material losses from thieves, the bigger worry for Ian was time delays. Who knew what variables might pop up however leisurely they leftno one could tell.
Not just being late for the New Year court assembly but once festivities began, the imperial palace would be flooded with outside guests. Meaning no convenient access for investigating the magic divisions annex.
Clack.
Swish!
Beric opened the small window leaning out. The cold wind gusted in wildly fluttering Romandros map.
Beric! Say something before opening!
Uncle coachman! When will we reach Carrena?
Should be before sunset!
Alright! Hurry it up more!
Ill give it a go. If the horses can take it.
The coachman grinned yanking the reins harder. As their pace quickened slightly, Beric flashed a thumbs up conveying thanks.
Clip clop clip clop!
Who knows for how long the rhythmic hoofbeats continuedBeric dozed off, cheek plastered against the window while Romandro scribbled gift messages on slips of paper. Ian amused himself watching them, killing time.
Neigh!
Lord Ian!
Hm? Whats the matter?
At the coachmans call, Ian opened the window.
From the forest we left this morning between there and Carrena, is there another village?
A village? One moment please. Sir Romandro, may I borrow the map?
Ah yes, take the large one.
Mmgh! Why, weve arrived already?
Wiping his drool, Beric sat up as the trotting horses began walking. Unreservedly he leaned his torso out the round window.
Were heeere!
As if excited spotting the village, Beric rapped the carriage ceiling. But checking the map, Ian and Romandro could only exchange puzzled looks.
Strange, there arent any villages nearby.
When was that map made?
Last year. Referred to it when heading down so there shouldnt be any inaccuracies.
Try as they might on the map, their location was smack in the middle of a forest. Beric impatiently beckoned the coachman to just go.
Whats the difference between Carrena or here if we can just take a hot bath either way? Lets check it out!
No can do Beric, dont act up.
Aw cmon, why?!
Beric clambered down from the window rounding on Ian. His expression seemed to ask for permission but Ian stood firm, Romandro also rather against it.
Dont you know what an unmarked village on the imperial map means? Clearly its an unregistered community. Plus theres word of thieves emerging nearby.
High probability. Very high.
Likely a den of thief gangs. Better judgment said to withdraw than get tangled in pointless hassles. Ian pulled Beric to sit, ordering the coachman.
Turn the horses around this instant and head back. Tell the rear to exit one by one.
Ah yes, understood.
Hey back there! Last one, turn and exit first!
We passed an intersection 30 minutes ago right? Gotta go back to there. Shouldve gone right, not left.
Turning, slowly turn!
Ian, Romandro, and Beric alighted, helping maneuver the procession. The narrow mountain path made it quite an arduous task turning the carriages one by one.
Brr, ah its cold.
Whether sniffling from the cold or regret, Beric kept sneaking glimpses back at the village, listlessly scuffing his feet.
Its freeezing!
Beric, pipe down would you.
Sir Ian, well have to detach and rotate the carriages separately from the horses to make space here.
Trying to organize ten orderly carriages was pure chaos. Everyone moved in smooth coordination while Beric sulked, eyes roving around before slyly heading down the sloped path since they stopped anywaymay as well use the chance to relieve himself.
Rustle.
That moment, he heard leaves crunch behind him. Though he looked back expecting a rabbit or such, nothing was visible. Beric blinked peering all around at the entirely white terrain blanketed in snow.
Then in that instant.
Woof!
From the bushes, a white dog appeared with a boom. Meeting its calm gaze, the mutt eyed Beric right back. Black pupils and nose, with a pink tongue
No doubt just a random mixed breed.
The hell?
Woof!
What the
Did it belong to the village folks over there? Beric briefly considered what to do but decided to ignore it, turning away. He had more pressing business.
-Pssst.
??
Flapping his ears puzzled, Beric incredulously surveyed his surroundings. The only living thing was this damn pup
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