Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Are we there yet?The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

Chel asked, wiping his sweat. Although it wasnt that long of a walk in the cool weather, the child seemed to lag behind, apparently running out of steam.

On the other hand, Ian was feeling refreshed by the outdoor breeze he hadnt felt in a long time. He was also quite enjoying the view of the unfamiliar street.

Were almost there.

Young master Chel, if youre tired, would you like to return?

At Macks kind words, Chel shook his head.

He might have, if Deo were here. If he turned back alone now, he wouldnt be able to follow his fathers instructions. He had to remember as much of their conversation with Ian as possible and report back.

Ah, this is the place.

The landscaping is beautifully matched to the standards of Fortloga. The lake is also very clear. On a good day, those mountains are reflected perfectly on the waters surface.

Morlins praise wasnt empty words. Even to Ian, who had seen the luxurious gardens of the palace, it was quite impressive.

But that was just for a moment. Ian looked around, hiding his troubled expression.

How large is this place?

Hmm. I havent fully explored it myself.

It will take about thirty minutes if you walk slowly.

The park was bigger than he had expected. Since no specific location was specified, the problem was whether he could meet this childs mother. Even while conversing with Morlin, Ian kept an eye out for every passerby.

Ah.

Then. At a distance, he noticed a beggar wearing a hat. With not a single strand of hair visible, it was impossible to tell if they were male or female. But there was something familiar among the objects spread out on the ground.

Its the same.

A flower pot of the same species that his mother told him about was there. Ian stopped in his tracks and turned to Chel. Fortunately, Chels hair was a mess due to all the sweat.

My Chel-hyungnim seems to be very tired, perhaps we should take a break here.

Should we?

Would it be possible to ask for a drink, if its not too much trouble?

Just a moment. Rhee!

Mack called the servant walking behind him to bring drinks, and the group sat down at a nearby bench to catch their breath. Ian kept stealing glances towards the beggar, waiting for an opportunity.

While waiting for the servant, I would like to take a look over there. Older brother. Would you like to come with me?

No, Im fine.

Chel was panting heavily, almost stretching out his hand. Ian looked at the three men straight on, silently asking for permission. It wasnt that far from where they sat, so Mack gave a slight nod.

Go ahead. Im sure theres something worth seeing.

Thank you.

Ian walked towards the beggar, crouched down, and started to inspect the items. The beggar, almost lying down, didnt react. This person hadnt fainted, had she? Ian tilted his head to the other side and gathered his magic. His absinthe-colored eyes turned golden, and his brooch, emitting a red light, stopped working.

Mother.

At his voice, the beggar twitched. Soon, the beggar lifted her head. Golden hair, like the sand of the desert, flowed from beneath the black cloth. Eyes the same green as his. It was Ians mother.

Ian.

Dont react strongly and just listen to what I have to say.

Ians mother, Philea, was quite beautiful. Enough to understand why she had been involved with Dergha.

Philea raised her head to look at him but stopped at Ians words. Her vision was limited by her own cloth, so she could only see up to his chest.

Ian. Ian

Mother. I am doing well. I received your letters too. Please dont worry about me.

His mothers tears fell drop by drop. Ian silently watched her cry. Sorry, but theres no time. The men behind him wouldnt take their eyes off him.

Please understand that I cant contact you as before through Hannah. And I have a favor to ask. Ian took out a gold coin from his pocket. Did you put this in?

Before any greetings, confirming the brooch was most important. Ian went near the desk and put the brooch from his chest on it.

What did you talk about?

Nothing special. The banquet was held in the reception room of the official residence, and we mostly talked about the capital. After the meal, we went to a nearby park for an academic discussion.

Is that so? Thats it?

Dergha picked up the brooch while stroking his mustache. Next to him was a glass jar containing a transparent liquid, a potion to activate the magic stone.

Plop.

The magic stone submerged in the liquid emitted light. The same response as when Ian infused it with magic. A moment later, a voice echoed like the sound of waves spreading slowly from a gong.

[Is this an office?

[this is where officials staydispatched from the capital. It is clean and comfortable, like home.

What did he mean by like a home?

It seems to suggest that they live there as if it were their home.

Perhaps because it was a low-grade magic stone, the voice was not clear. Ian had to swallow a sigh internally.

So this is the knack to meticulously track down the imprecise parts.

Feeling tired, should he just let loose his magic and shatter it? As Ian was seriously contemplating this, he heard movement from outside. It was Countess Mary.

Would you look at me for a moment.

Whats the matter?

Her tightly drawn lips held anger. The Count fiddled with his brooch with a frown on his face, and the Countess stalked over, glaring at Ian. As if she was absolutely dissatisfied with the situation.

Do you plan to send Chel to follow that wretched thing every time it roams outside? Are you telling me that the work that justifies pulling him out of classes is merely to follow that thing around and supervise it?

Where is this racket coming from!

You dont look like you wont?

The state of Chel upon returning to the mansion was certainly not pretty. Soaking in sweat like a pig doused in water, his staggering walk was rather pitiful.

Mary declared that she wouldnt send the child as a watcher again, and Dergha raised his voice. There was a lot built up between them already, and it felt like a spark was about to ignite.

Excuse me.

Ian, who had been silently watching the two, intervened. There was no reason to continue listening to the ear-piercing argument between the couple.

Ill take my leave first. Father. I will see you again tomorrow.

With that, he slipped out of the office. It seemed like this was a common occurrence, as the servants were shrinking away and quickly scurrying down the hallway. As Ian descended, he ran into Hannah.

Hannah.

Master Ian. Ive placed the flower pot in your room.

Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to finish my work successfully.

This meant he had a good meeting with his mother. Hannah followed behind him, prattling on.

Once I actually went there, I realized that the park was big. So I told the guests that the Fort district, where they reside, is the closest to the third district.

Ian turned to look at her as he opened the door. Somehow, it turned out that Hannah had managed the task brilliantly. A truly helpful and clever child.

Good. Thank you. If theres anything you want, just tell me.

Yes, young master. Thank you!

After adjusting the lantern light, Hannah bowed and left.

Like Chel, Ian wasnt completely exhausted, but his legs were sore and he was tired. He flopped onto the bed and mumbled, This is going to be troublesome. Should I take Chel to the training ground?

It was about time to start moving, to build up his strength. It was clear that turbulent times were coming.

For the first time in his life, Ian collapsed face-down, utterly drained.

The lingo in this novel is quite medieval-ish. I've tried to translate it best as I could, so please bear with me if there are incongruities in the translation.

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