Chapter 78: Witch Hunting

Chapter 78: Witch Hunting

TL: Etude

In September, the Northwestern Bay began to feel the onset of autumn. The mountains were slowly draped in shades of gold and orange, and farmers busily harvested their crops in the fields, preparing for the long winter ahead.

On a road in the territory of Count Alda, leading from south to north towards Lakeheart Town, a convoy was making its slow journey. This group was the first batch of craftsmen that Queller Foster had recruited for his good friend Paul, along with a trading group from his family. They had taken a ship from Horn Bay, avoiding the war-torn areas in the south of the Kingdom of Ordo, and landed on the west coast of the kingdom. From there, they headed north by land to the northwestern region of the kingdom.

Escorting the group was the Lichman Adventure Team, fully mobilized for this mission.

Two months earlier.

How did I end up with such a useless son! bellowed Marquis Foster, a member of the Horn Bay Alliance Council, in his mansion, his face a mix of sorrow and anger.

Standing beside him was his second son, Queller Foster, wearing an expression of grievance. Queller retorted, Dad! Its just a few days I sneaked out. Is it worth getting so angry about?

Marquis Foster glared at his son and said, Well settle the matter of your leaving without notice later. First, explain this foolish thing youve done! He carefully waved a porcelain plate in front of Queller.

Queller, puzzled, replied, Its a gift from a friend. He asked me to promote it. He plans to sell it in the south. I know its valuable, so I brought it to you, an expert in business, to estimate its price. How is this foolish?

Marquis Foster carefully placed the plate on the table, then slapped his sons forehead, speaking in a tone of frustration, How could the familys business acumen vanish completely in you? You should have secured the exclusive rights to it right then and there!

Realization dawned on Queller, Oh so thats what youre upset about.

Seeing his son finally understand, the Marquis grew even angrier, berating him. Youre utterly unlearned, only knowing how to wander about! Your brother was making deals at 15. And you, at twenty, have achieved nothing.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Queller, indifferent as usual, let his fathers words go in one ear and out the other.

Ladi tugged at Merus sleeve and whispered, Lets go, Meru

Meru firmly grasped her hand and whispered back, Dont be afraid, we will always protect you.

After witnessing such an event, the group lost their appetite and returned to their inn.

Upon entering the inn, they encountered a familiar figure.

Brothers and sisters of the Lichman Adventure Team, long time no see! Ive missed you all! exclaimed Queller, hugging two of the male members of the team.

Meru, the team leader, replied with a resigned smile, Hey, hey, hey! Lord Foster, we only parted for half a day!

Queller laughed off the detail and then noticed their grim expressions, Whats with the faces, as if youve just recovered from a serious illness?

Meru asked, What brings you to us, Queller? Were about to leave this city.

Queller snapped his fingers, Thats why I hurried to find you. I have an urgent mission for you.

What mission? they asked.

Queller pointed northward, My father wants me to lead a trading group to the Northwestern Bay again. Would you be willing to escort us there? Name your price.

Merus interest was piqued, not just for the money but also because she wanted to lead her team away from the south and the recent resurgence of witch hunts.

After a quick glance and mutual understanding with Dean and Kade, the other members, they agreed.

Meru responded, Alright, Lord Queller. But just a few of us wont be enough for a whole trading group. Well need to gather a few more team members before we can set off.

Queller, delighted, said, I need some time too, so its settled then!