A creaking sound came from the wooden wheel’s joints. As the slow-moving baggage cart came to a wobbly stop, Rensley, who had been dozing off, blinked, fully alert.
‘Are you a fool? How can you relax and doze off? How long have I been traveling? Where am I?’
Rensley crouched down, preparing for the situation when the coachman would come to check the cargo. It was common for travelers or bards to hitch a ride on baggage carts, but it was never welcomed anywhere. Before being noticed by the cart owner, it was customary to jump off the cargo compartment and continue on one’s way.
Perhaps exhausted from the chase before boarding the cart, Rensley had fallen into a deep slumber on the straw inside the baggage compartment.
“Did you have a good trip?”
“Yeah. Nothing unusual at home, right?”
While holding his breath, waiting for the next move of the coachman, Rensley overheard a conversation that sounded affectionate and warm. He gradually relaxed and let out a small chuckle.
The coachman, unaware of the presence of an uninvited guest in the carriage, proceeded to exchange pleasantries rather than immediately checking the baggage. Rensley breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed that the person who used the compartment without permission would not face significant anger.
But what if the hitchhiker turned out to be Rensley Maelrosen? The situation would be different. The recent widespread wanted posters seemed to have reached every corner of the continent, including Aldrant, Cornia, and even people associated with Ivet or those in high positions.
‘Why did I become so famous all of a sudden? I just want to live a simple life like everyone else.’
Grumbling to himself, Rensley shifted his body. It was a good idea to quietly slip away during the conversation between the coachman and the other person.
The baggage cart, still not put in the stable, stood on the dirt ground. If it had been a gravel field, it might have been challenging to muffle the sound, but fortunately, it was not the case. Rensley cautiously stepped down, moving stealthily like a cat, taking one careful step at a time.
“Relax, unwind, and have a meal before you go.”
“What did you say?”
At the sudden words of the coachman, the person who was conversing with him asked in surprise.
There was no way it could be a conversation directed at him, and Rensley was frozen, unable to move, like when he was ensnared by magic.
“The guest has arrived.”
“Oh, really? Where?”
“Guest, please don’t go. Since you’ve come all this way, take a short rest.”
Rensley didn’t respond and swallowed nervously several times. But looking around, there were only high mountains and desolate plains. Even nearby dwellings seemed to be scarce around here, except for the coachman’s house.
Unable to help it, he took a deep breath, pulled up his outerwear around his chin, and covered the area around his jaw. This time, he quickly moved behind the cart and sprang out from the back.
“Hello! I apologize for the inconvenience on your journey, but I’ve sprained my leg. It’s truly embarrassing; I rented the baggage compartment for longer than I intended due to oversleeping. I was planning to quietly disappear without a word, but you seem to have sensed it like a ghost. Since I got caught, I’ll pay for the carriage fare without any regrets.”
“Oh my, there really is a guest!”
The person conversing with the coachman seemed genuinely pleased. She waved her hands, signaling that any story would do, and urged him to come inside.
“Come on in. Not many people come this way, so naturally, we should treat our guests well. I don’t know how long it’s been since we met someone coming from outside.”
Despite the unexpected hospitality, Rensley couldn’t easily follow them into the house.
A cabin located under the high mountains on the barren plain. Moreover, the host welcoming him without knowing him… Could it be that he’s enchanted by something again? There are countless tragic tales of those who recklessly entered mysterious, secluded houses, encountering bandits who robbed them or monsters that devoured people.
“Welcome. I was just preparing a meal. Please have a warm stew even if it’s just for a short while.”
“Thank you!”
Even if he ended up being eaten, Rensley decided he should fill his stomach first. With his mind fixed on indulging his desires, he quickly cast aside his worries, put on a smile, and entered the house.
The mention of preparing a meal seemed true, as the small house was filled with the savory scent of food. The homeowner, standing in front of the pot, stirring the stew, said with a smile, “It’s humble, but please have a seat. Living in a place like this, it’s not easy to meet visitors from outside. I drive the carriage around the village, so I get to talk to people, but my wife here spends most of her time at home and can go a whole month without seeing anyone.”
The woman, who had been chatting animatedly, finally asked the coachman, “If you brought a guest, let’s get to know them. Where is this person from?”
“I’m not sure. Where are you from?”
Even the woman seemed bewildered by the coachman’s words. Smiling, she scolded him, “No, did you bring someone without even saying hello? Where are they from?”
“Oh, that’s what it is. I climbed onto the carriage without permission, took a nap, and didn’t plan to follow it all the way to the house… I didn’t mean to end up in a situation where I’d receive such hospitality. I apologize sincerely.”
Rensley briefly summarized the explanation he had given earlier, glancing at the couple who appeared to be husband and wife. Although roughly covered with a hat and outerwear, without a scarf to hide their faces like in a restaurant, they didn’t seem to recognize Rensley at all.
Watching for any signs, Rensley licked his lips with his tongue, and then took off his hat. With the bright blond hair revealed, and lowering the collar of his outerwear, his face was completely exposed. However, there was no sign of recognition in the eyes of the man sitting across from him.
“You can take off your outerwear. The house may be old, but it’s not that cold.”
“Oh, okay.”
The woman, too, casually glanced at Rensley’s face without showing any particular reaction. It seemed that this couple didn’t know Rensley Maelrosen, who was currently wanted. Whether it was an act or real, Rensley tried to act as he normally would, paying attention.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Rbk, qifjrf fcpbs.”
Lbkfnfg, atf tba rafk lc ogbca bo tlw fnfc rabif jkjs atf gfwjlclcu mjealbc. Ktf ojlcais glrlcu rafjw jcv atf ogjugjca rwfii kfgf fcbeut ab mgewyif j qfgrbc abgwfcafv ys ybat mbiv jcv tecufg lc jc lcrajca.
Pa kjrc’a j iezeglber vlrt klat ufcfgberis rilmfv wfja jcv njglber nfufajyifr, ilxf atf rafk bgvfgfv ja j gfrajegjca. Ktf vlrt, oliifv klat mjyyjuf jcv j ofk oibjalcu qlfmfr bo wfja, rffwfv wbgf ilxf mjyyjuf rbeq atjc rafk. Dea obg Efcrifs, ktb kjr fzqfglfcmlcu tecufg ojg wbgf lcafcrf atjc ereji, la kjr atf yfra obbv lc atf kbgiv.
“I’ll enjoy it!”
Rensley picked up his spoon. The homeowner, who had been cooking, also sat at the table and shared the meal.
The bread in the basket placed in the center of the table was rough and hard, but when dipped into the freshly made hot stew, it softened nicely for easy consumption. It was a table that suited the description of a modest feast.
“It’s really delicious!”
“Please eat a lot. I don’t have much here, but for a guest after a long time…”
Discarding any sense of shame and concentrating solely on eating, Rensley asked what he had been curious about after feeling some relief from his hunger.
“How did you know I was on the baggage cart? I thought I wasn’t caught.”
“I knew from when you boarded. The inn village was quite noisy, so did you ride to avoid that disturbance?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah…”
“They say there’s been a lot of commotion around there lately. I heard they’re looking for someone with a high bounty, so it’s not surprising if someone like me is unknown.”
“I heard the story, but haven’t they found him yet?”
“It seems so. Seeing people bustling around continuously.”
This casual conversation couldn’t be an act. None of the actors Rensley had seen could perform such an astonishing act. Rensley pretended not to notice and checked his pocket watch.
“If there’s a bounty, there must have been a wanted notice. Have you two seen it?”
At this point, the woman chuckled.
“I can’t go outside, and he can’t see the front. Even if someone we’re looking for is right in front of us, we wouldn’t know.”
“Oh…”
Unable to come up with an immediate response, Rensley blinked his eyes, and the woman waved her hand as if to say it was nothing.
“But still, people who can’t see are often more sensitive than those who can see. I used to work in a workshop. So, even though I can’t see, I drive the carriage back and forth to the village.”
“I see. I apologize for not knowing.”
“If I could go out, that would be better… But there’s a child I need to take care of at home. Taking care of a child is much more work than driving a carriage.”
As she spoke, various things that Rensley hadn’t noticed before caught his eye: dried branches and plants hanging on the wall, unfamiliar tools for a simple farmer’s house, and the location of the house beneath the mountain.
A scent from an apothecary’s house lingered in the air. Suddenly, a faint coughing sound came from inside the room. The woman got up and walked towards it.
“Yeah, Mom, I’m here.”
The coughing sound continued relentlessly from behind the closed door. The atmosphere became somewhat heavy.
Feeling guilty for having casually accepted the food, Rensley bit his fingernail. Without expression but carefully observing the coachman’s complexion, which seemed to be laden with a sense of sorrow, Rensley cautiously started a conversation.
“Seems like the child is sick.”
“Yes. It’s been a long time. Since we don’t have much, we couldn’t properly treat… We’re trying to take care of it ourselves, but it’s not easy.”
Rensley pulled out a few coins. If he offered one or two, it might be helpful. Even though he had been in a life-threatening situation, maybe he could repay it as a meal. Even if he suddenly offered money, it wasn’t an easy thing to do, so he continued the conversation a bit more.
“Have you seen a doctor? If you go to Roudken, there should be a skilled doctor.”
“I went when the child first started getting sick. They said it was a rare illness. That person tried hard to help and even showed it to a doctor working in Pheraira. Although a complete recovery isn’t guaranteed, with continuous treatment, the child might be able to lead a somewhat normal life.”
The story that came out like an idle chatter was common, but to the person involved, it was an extraordinary story. The couple, who originally operated a small workshop and managed to get by, had used up all their possessions for the child’s treatment. The time it took for the money to run out was a mere six months.
Initially, the doctor had provided simple treatment without charging any fees, but since the medicine was expensive, limitations were quickly reached. Unable to provide treatment, the child’s condition worsened, and cornered in a desperate situation, the couple, pushed into a corner, left the village to set up a shelter under the mountain to collect herbs and tend to the child.
For two years now, they had been eking out a living, traveling from field to field to gather straw and selling wood. Although it was a difficult life, the couple managed to make ends meet for a while. However, now that they had sold the house they lived in, there was nothing left.
“We’re in debt, and we’ve sold our house. We have nothing left. Fortunately, the child is holding on for now, but we don’t really know how long we can continue this life. Even with whatever money we can gather, it’s like pouring water on dry land. There’s a limit to borrowing money, isn’t there?”
The coachman, who had been melancholy, suddenly seemed to regain his senses. His face turned embarrassed.
“I’m saying too much in front of someone I just met. I’m sorry. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a guest, so I ended up talking too much.”
“No, not at all. I’m sorry I can’t help. I feel sorry for not being able to help you.”
In a hurry to apologize, Rensley bowed his head. The coachman probably wouldn’t realize how much of a big favor he had done for his guest. The fact that he barely escaped with his life thanks to the coachman’s carriage, and in the moment when he was about to collapse from hunger, he was given the most precious meal.
“Dad.”
The door creaked open, and the woman walked out with the child in her arms.
The child in the woman’s arms, perhaps due to a rising fever, blushed and looked for her father. The coachman quickly stood up and took the child into his arms.
“Elsa, how are you feeling today?”
“I’m okay.”
“We have a guest. Do you want to say hello?”
“Hello.”
“Hi, Elsa. Nice to meet you.”
The child’s breath was fast and labored. Even though being unwell had become a daily occurrence, the child, upon seeing Rensley, shyly smiled. When the child buried her face in her father’s shoulder, the coachman looked puzzled.
“Why are you like this, Elsa?”
As the child whispered in her father’s ear, the coachman burst into a low laughter. To the bewildered Rensley, the coachman conveyed the child’s words.
“She says you’re cool, and she likes you.”
“Oh, really? Thank you, Elsa! You’re cool too. I’ve traveled to many places, but I’ve never seen a brave and wonderful child like you before.”
When Rensley responded cheerfully, the child continued to smile while casting a quick glance at him. Rensley also took a look around the house. There was a strong sense of camaraderie, an unpretentious and worn-out cabin warming up alongside the hearth with the coachman’s family.
The grip on Rensley’s spoon tightened. A couple of small gold pieces wouldn’t be of much help to them. Even though it would be better than nothing, it was a good thing he didn’t push it too hard.
What this family needed was a significant amount of money to continue the child’s treatment. Something like enough money to live a comfortable life without working for a lifetime, almost the same as nobility…
Rensley bit his lip. The eyes that had been looking down at the empty stew bowl now closed tightly, and he questioned himself.
…Am I insane?
…If I apologize desperately like a dog… Would the Lord be kind enough to look the other way just once?
Gezell Jivendad is a very merciful ruler. Despite issuing a hefty bounty, perhaps it was due to anger, but weren’t they secretly intimate? Could he grant a chance for forgiveness once?
‘…No. When I pretended to be Ivet, he already showed forgiveness. This is the second time.’
But! Relying solely on his mercy to seek forgiveness wasn’t the answer. Considering the fervor he showed to Rensley Maelrosen, recalling the favors such as specially opening the closed door for the knight entrance exam, enduring the ordeal together despite his insistence, building an expensive greenhouse, and promising titles or land…
‘He has been so good to me. Betraying such an effectively functioning government would undoubtedly infuriate him.’
He understood that. Even though the scale of his anger exceeded imagination.
“Sigh…”
Endless self-reflections without a solution continued. When Rensley, who was rubbing his forehead with his hand, looked worried, the man asked.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“No, it’s just that I have something on my mind… Um, how long does it take to get from here to Roudken?”
“It depends, but with a carriage like ours, it takes about two weeks. If you have urgent business, go to the checkpoint near the border. There’s a device that can quickly take you to the capital. In the past, only nobles could dream of using it because the usage fee was too expensive. But after His Grace fixed the country’s magical transportation network several times, it became something even ordinary people could afford. Although it’s still not a small price, we used it once in a hurry when we first settled here.”
The light created by the Duke’s achievements reached even this remote cabin. Truly a remarkable ruler. The mention of a title and his nickname, which was both terrifying and dearly missed, unexpectedly came up in this context, making Rensley contemplative.
A checkpoint near the border. It wasn’t a suitable place for a wanted criminal to visit alone. However, if he were with this innkeeper, perhaps they could pass unnoticed. Even if he were caught, being arrested in an official capacity by the authorities would serve as evidence that he was handed over to this man…
As Elsa whimpered, the woman picked up the child and began to soothe her. Rensley approached the man and whispered quietly, “Innkeeper, what is your name?”
“Come to think of it, I haven’t introduced myself after welcoming the guest. I am Bill Bower.”
“I am… um… Stan Simon. Mr. Bower, I actually have urgent business in Roudken and would like to borrow your assistance.”
“Is it because of a lack of funds? But what can I do? As I mentioned, we don’t have any money to lend immediately.”
“It’s not that… I’m from Aldrant, to be honest, and I’ll bear all the round-trip expenses. Can you give me a ride to Roudken using the transportation device? I’ll compensate you generously if you guide me there.”
“To Roudken?”
Bower’s unfocused eyes wavered with hesitation. While using the magical device could expedite the journey, it was still a considerable distance by land. It would be burdensome to leave behind his sick daughter and wife.
Appearing to have some concerns, Rensley lowered his voice even more. “I’m actually a messenger from Pheraira. I have an urgent message to deliver to His Grace.”
“Oh, no wonder your tone sounded a bit different from the locals… To His Grace?”
Surprise was evident in Bower’s voice. Ignoring the man’s hesitant expression, Rensley continued, “Yes. But it’s a confidential message, and conspicuous places like inns or public offices can attract attention. Just a while ago, there was a disturbance in the village, so I had to leave. If you accompany me, it should be easier to reach Roudken.”
“I see. I can’t see ahead, so I’m qualified as your guide.”
“No, Mr. Bower, that wasn’t my intention.”
Though Rensley raised his head in embarrassment, Bower didn’t seem particularly upset. The man, worn down by the repetitive and tiresome life, appeared to find the sudden situation somewhat enjoyable.
“If you’re willing to cover the costs, guiding you for a moment shouldn’t be a problem. Please wait a moment. I’ll talk to Anna.”
“Oh, Mr. Bower, please show this to your wife. It’s for travel expenses and compensation. I’ll pay in advance.”
Among the items he had, Rensley handed over the largest piece of gold to Bower. Bower, who had operated a workshop, seemed to understand the texture, weight, and value of the metal that had been handed to him in an instant.
Approaching Anna with a more serious expression, she widened her eyes in surprise. “Guest! This is just a farewell gift, why is it such a large compensation? With this piece of gold, you can take the transportation device to the capital several times.”
“That’s not it. I received great help from you two today. Please consider it a token of appreciation.”
The couple probably helped Rensley solely out of goodwill, without expecting any reward. Rensley was aware of that. However, giving up on a sudden windfall was too tight for them. The woman, who didn’t know what to do, soon had a regretful expression and approached Rensley.
“We shouldn’t take compensation for helping others. I’m sorry, guest.”
“I’m glad to have gotten your help.”
“Honey, see him off well. After all, you’ve brought a nobleman to our home.”
It was getting dark. Before the checkpoint closed, Rensley and the man hurriedly went outside. Rensley concealed his face, including his nose and mouth, by tightly wrapping the scarf he borrowed from the innkeeper.
With the thought of returning to the border area before the checkpoint closed, Rensley and the man went outside. After bidding farewell to the mother and daughter, Rensley wore his hat, covering his face up to the bridge of his nose. The messenger carriage, carrying a guest tasked with a vital mission, traveled much faster than when it returned home. As the carriage swiftly traversed the rough road, both Rensley and the man found themselves lifted off their seats with each bump.
“It seems like we’ve arrived.”
After a chaotic ride, Rensley finally found the checkpoint still illuminated. It was quite late, yet the doors had not closed yet, and people were bustling around, reminiscent of the activity in the border village. The man, noticing the unexpected crowd, murmured in confusion, “Strange. It’s not the usual time, but there seems to be quite a few people.”
“Yes, something must be going on…?”
It became challenging to move inconspicuously with so many people around. While Rensley, with a worried expression, pulled his scarf higher, the man went to find the responsible supervisor.
“No, you can’t enter Roudken now. The teleportation device is also unavailable.”
“Why? What’s happening?”
“Didn’t you hear the emergency bells and see the signal fires earlier? The barrier defenses have been breached, and a battle is imminent. It was peaceful for a while, but it seems things won’t be as calm until spring comes. Although the chances of monsters reaching the border are low, it’s better to be prepared. About ten years ago, Aldrant became a battlefield. Go back home. Make sure your family is well-prepared.”
Rensley, who had overheard their conversation a few steps behind, approached them hastily. “An attack on Roudken? By monsters?”
“Yes, that’s right. So, the teleportation device can’t be used now. Please step back.”
“No! I, I must go right now!”
Rensley’s words quickened. His chest pounded as if it would burst with anxiety. The fear of the ominous prophecy from the wolf and concerns about his fate vanished like dust.
Monsters, attacks, a battlefield—things that had only sounded like stories he had never experienced suddenly became a real and imminent situation beyond the walls of Roudken.
The faces of Lady Samlet, Commander Sorel, and his comrades, Stan and his siblings, Tia and the kitchen staff, Marilyn and the stable workers—all the people he had met and befriended in Aldrant—flooded his mind. The person who stood out the most was undoubtedly his departed lord.
Rensley’s eyes frowned as if he were crying. To hear news of an attack and pretend not to know was an even more enormous betrayal than deceiving and fleeing from the lord, like a betrayal as immense as the scale of the impending battle.
“Now is not the time. It’s dangerous.”
Swish. Rensley’s gaze shifted toward the supervisor’s waist. Various keys and equipment were hung on the thick leather belt. Having used the teleportation device several times in the castle, Rensley could recognize which among the items were the teleportation device’s magic stones.
Swiftly, Rensley drew his dagger and reached toward the supervisor’s waist before anyone could stop him. Bill, who couldn’t see, was in the same situation. The supervisor exclaimed in surprise, “What is this madness!”
“I’m sorry! I must go. I’ll come back to repay this favor.”
“It’s dangerous! It’s not allowed now!”
The people who had gathered anxiously, waiting for news from the capital, now watched Rensley with their full attention. The guards, trying to intervene, could only gaze at Rensley with a perplexed expression as he was enveloped in light.
“I’ll come back later! I promise!”
Though spoken to Bill, it was uncertain if he heard.
When the brilliant light that saturated the magic stones faded, Rensley standing on the device was nowhere to be seen.
Thank you!
ur welcomeee~<333
ty for the chapter.. uffff can’t wait for next one
ur welcomeee~<333😁
Goshhhh, Rensley is so determined, he has such a sweet heart, even turning himself in to help the couple T^T