Chapter 258

Chapter 258

The tail, long preserved in his pocket dimension, showed no signs of decay or withering. The fur still gleamed with a natural shine.

Ian finally spoke. "I meant to return it sooner. I just kept it for convenience. Now, take it back with you."

He extended the tail toward Charlotte. Her ears perked up, and she reached out with trembling hands as if drawn by some unseen force. Yet she stopped momentarily, her hand gripping the air before descending to her thigh.

"I won’t take it now."

"... What?" Ian’s head tilted slightly in confusion.

Charlotte let out a deep breath, meeting his gaze. "Maro Tel is a place where only the beastfolk can set foot. The exceptions are the royal family, the Order, and those acting on their behalf. Any other race that enters must be prepared to face death. So..."

Her eyes returned to her tail, still held in Ian’s hand.

"I’m going to make it a symbol. After I resolve the issues with my tribe, I’ll let everyone know. Anyone who comes to find me carrying that tail will be recognized as a benefactor to whom the entire tribe owes a debt."

Charlotte looked back into Ian’s eyes, a glint of determination in her gaze as she bared her fangs slightly.

"That way, no matter who you meet, you’ll have no trouble finding me."

"... What if I never visit the South?"

"Wha...? No, that’s not what I—" Charlotte blinked, flustered. "Will you? You said before that—"

"I’m just kidding," Ian said with a smirk. "Alright, I’ll do it. I didn’t know such a rule existed. Thanks. I’m surprised you thought of this."

"... I learned it from you, Ian." With a chuckle, Charlotte’s smile returned, and Ian placed the tail back into his pocket dimension.

A low growl rumbled from Charlotte as she nodded, as if to affirm she had made the right choice.

"Who would’ve thought a kitty could be so clever?" Thesaya’s teasing voice cut through the moment.

She had been watching them with a playful smile and added, "Don’t worry about the fairy’s territory, Ian. Once I settle in with my family, I’ll mention your name first."

"Good. Also, think of a way for us to stay in touch. There will undoubtedly be some troublesome hurdles ahead."

"Don’t worry. I’ll figure it out. After all, kitty and I are in this together, aren’t we?"

It’s been a while since I heard that phrase.

Ian smiled as the carriage came to a halt.

Soon, a salty sea air filled his nostrils. Thesaya was the first to step out, glancing around with an arrogant expression before walking away. Ian motioned to Charlotte before stepping out himself. A few steps later, the full view of the dock came into sight, previously hidden by the carriage.

"...."

Though many of the ships belonging to the Isle and the merchants had already departed, several remained docked. Despite the early hour, the area bustled with sailors moving about. Spello and the soldiers had positioned themselves in a line around the front and rear of the carriage, keeping a reasonable distance to prevent anyone from approaching.

It was a sight that inevitably drew attention, and those passing by couldn’t help but glance repeatedly at the carriage. Thesaya had assumed the demeanor of Tensia Aynas, likely aware of the attention they were drawing.

They’ve docked close, Ian thought, noticing the ship that Charlotte and Thesaya would be boarding. It was a merchant ship with a flag bearing a leaf he didn’t recognize.

"Hurry! We’re short on time!"

"You’ll eat breakfast on the way. Now stop dawdling and move!"

The sailors were busy loading wooden crates onto the ship, while the captain and the merchant leader barked orders at them. From the looks of it, they had arrived just in time, as most of the cargo had already been loaded. While Ian took in the sight of the black, rolling sea, the towering seawall, and the open floodgates beyond, he heard the others exchanging their farewells.

"It’s been an honor, Mev, and Philip."

"The honor is mine. You are the most courageous warrior I’ve met, Charlotte. I wish you continued success."

"May the radiant light guide you, Charlotte. And you too, my lady. I hope we meet again someday."

"If things get better, come visit the South, Sir Philip, Sir Mev. Or perhaps I’ll reach the central first. If that happens, I’ll make sure to send word."

"Ah, yes. I will do as you say. It was an honor to serve you, Sir Ian." Spello, who had gestured for the soldier in the coachman’s seat to dismount, bowed politely.

Ian shrugged as he took the reins. "Not at all. Thanks to you, my journey was easier. You’ve done a great job."

"I was simply doing what needed to be done."

Ian glanced back at Spello subtly. He was the epitome of an Imperial knight—neither exceptional nor lacking in any way. Perhaps it was just the reputation that overwhelmed him, but regardless, Spello had been of great help to him.

"Technically speaking, Sir Spello, aren’t you practically a free knight now?" Ian remarked offhandedly, causing Spello to look puzzled.

"If you put it that way, yes. But in practice, I’m still associated with Racliffe. I even have a small fief, though whether the next lord will honor that right is uncertain...."

"Then, if you wanted to, you could leave the city."

Spello’s face momentarily stiffened. "Are you suggesting I leave Racliffe?"

"If you stay here, you’ll likely face a lot of tedious matters. If you’re willing to endure that, then stay, but if not, go to Drenorov."

"... Pardon?"

"Tell the Count of Westwood that you came on my recommendation, and I’m sure he’ll take you in. As you know, his lands are vast, but he’s short on labor and administrators. It’s incomparable to this place."

Spello’s mouth fell open in surprise.

Ian, with a casual shrug, turned his gaze to the uphill road leading out of the city.

"The choice is yours."

"T-thank you, Sir Ian...! I will keep that in mind...!" Spello, clearly moved, shouted his thanks, bowing his head deeply.

Ian didn’t respond further. It was merely a small favor—a fair gesture for the Count who had shown him loyalty and the unremarkable knight who had dealt with various bothersome matters for him.

"When I go to Drenorov, I’ll write an additional report for the church. Every single one of the accomplishments of your group and the purifiers here will be recorded in history...!"

Hearing Spello’s voice growing distant, Ian frowned slightly and glanced back. However, there was no time to tell him it wasn’t necessary. Spello, who had already halted his horse, bowed deeply from his saddle and immediately turned his horse around. Ian let out a short snort.

... Well, he would do it anyway even if I tell him not to.

After all, it was a chance to have his name recorded in history. Besides, if there was an official report, it would shift the attention of the Great Church, weary of searching for the missing Gothier and Nasser. It was easier and more convenient for reference, a report already in hand rather than trying to track down Ian’s unknown whereabouts. It wasn’t a bad conclusion.

In fact, Ian didn’t really care as long as it didn’t become a hassle for him.

As he watched Spello and the soldiers disappear into the distance, Ian eventually turned his head. On the side of the hilly path, the gentle slope stretched far into the distance, with the dark blue waves of the Inner Sea rolling below the cliffs. The faint horizon visible in the distance was likely the southwestern mainland.

... This place is disgustingly vast.

Just as he was about to turn back front, Ian’s gaze paused on something in the middle of the dark blue waves. A ship was moving away in the same direction as their carriage. The flag with a leaf emblem fluttering on the mast showed it was the merchant ship carrying Charlotte and Thesaya. Their journey will take them across the inner sea until they reach Southern Port City.

"...."

A strange emotion stirred in Ian’s chest, one he had rarely felt since being thrust into this world. Yet, it wasn’t quite the time to fully dwell on it.

Clip-clop...

This wasn’t the final farewell of the day, after all.

As the uphill path turned into a downhill one, Ian continued in silence for a while before eventually pulling on the reins. He stood up and looked back. A few meters behind, a small carriage drawn by a brown horse had also come to a stop. Nasser, sitting in the driver’s seat, nodded as he turned his body.

"My lord, why are you stopping already...?" Philip, who had opened the carriage door first, leaned out and asked, his upper body sticking out.

Meeting his upturned eyes, Ian tilted his head slightly to the side.

"It’s time to stop. We’ve reached the crossroads."