11 – 3. Heading South
The sun had just lifted its head above the horizon, and from the early morning, the church was bustling.
Regardless of their orientation, people rarely thrashed about for an extra ten minutes of sleep, considering it a human instinct. Especially if the subjects were boys and girls in their prime.
No surprise there.
From Noble mtl dot com
They were the ones who had heard the news of the church’s landmark changing.
While the girls were just exchanging farewells and waving hands, the boys were different.
Their sentiments were more akin to lingering regret than the fandom’s sorrow when a superstar leaves. Listening to their words made it even more absurd.
“Get out of our village, you monster!”
“To become a good adult, you shouldn’t use such bad words.”
“There’s nothing as cruel as taking away what was given.”
“Maybe Lycia was a woman who could have been my mother.”
“Kids, don’t even think such thoughts from a young age. Grow up quickly.”
Kids already cursing and swearing. The last one seemed particularly more menacing.
The future of the Empire was truly bleak.
I was standing in front of the church now, holding the reins of the horse that had just been brought in from the stable, and holding Lycia’s hand with the other.
Since it wasn’t an official event, there was naturally no grand farewell party. But with people gathering, one by one, joining the crowd, it unintentionally turned into something similar.
Suppressing the rebellious boys, Father Phipin asked me.
“So, will you come back someday?”
“When the job is done, I might come back. Maybe settle down there after making a name for myself.”
Being a knight was originally like that. Just as there were wanderers like me, there were those who caught the eyes of lords, received land, and settled there.
And although it wasn’t explicitly stated, the majority of those who said goodbye as they left rarely returned. It was not uncommon for them to encounter bandits on the road immediately after setting out.
So every parting in this era carried the possibility that it might be the last. Because of this, those who remained prayed, and those on the road leaned on their faith.
The priest handed me a pouch. From inside, I heard the familiar and pleasant jingling sound.
What’s this? Pocket money, perhaps.
But there seemed to be quite a bit, not just a small amount.
“Enough with the nonsense, just consider it a supplement to your tuition.”
“I’ll take good care of it. But seriously, do I not have any real pocket money?”
“You’re not a kid anymore, asking for too much. I believe you won’t squander it needlessly, that’s why I’m giving it. Don’t shake that trust.”
It could be seen that Father Pippin was also a remarkably kind person, as he contributed a considerable amount of money for a child he had seen only about four months ago. It’s an uncommon trait these days.
Amidst the confrontation between the strong-willed Papacy and the Empire, the feeling of rising faith, even if only a little, was noticeable.
I put the pouch into a bag, tying it securely to prevent it from falling as I walked.
Despite the constant complaints from the prickly Sancho, who felt the weight on my back increasing rather than decreasing, I ignored him. He really needs some exercise.
The weather was moderate, and the sky was clear. It was the right time to leave.
Though the morning still had a chill, it didn’t seem like there was much time to linger.
Rumors about the heirs had been circulating lately. They, true to their instincts, seemed to be already itching with impatience.
“The emperor receiving hospitality from the Pope is a scandal! The dignity of the imperial family has been trampled upon. Shouldn’t we reconsider having him as the emperor? Someone more suitable than Heinrich should wear the emperor’s crown.”
“The emperor’s criminal incompetence will lead the empire to ruin!”
“Well, there’s no need to get excited. Let’s see how the situation unfolds first. …But do we have a suitable person? I think Duke Rudolf would be appropriate.”
Blinded by nothing but their desires, they were already full of thoughts of overthrowing the emperor.
Now, openly declaring that those who would betray the emperor would be sadder than those who would be betrayed, they advertised the legitimacy of their motives.
There’s no need to ask about their motives. The heirs were, by nature, a pitiful race that groaned in pain at the mere thought of not tearing apart the emperor.
“Then, shall we start moving gradually? Oh, right. Could you lend me the sword for a moment?”
The priest extended his hand towards me. I wordlessly handed him the sword hanging from my waist.
He softly recited a prayer often heard while visiting churches. As he did, a faint white light emanated from his fingertips and soon permeated into my sword.
It was a light blessing. Since it would disappear in about 10 minutes anyway, the significance of wishing for future luck seemed more prominent.
In this era, farmers would request blessings for their farming tools for a good harvest, and pilgrims would seek blessings for a safe return on their staffs. For a knight, it was naturally their weapon.
“May the gods favor your journey.”
“I’ve been in your debt for a while. I hope we can meet again next time.”
I accepted the sword back. It felt slightly warm, as if radiating a gentle sensation.
Lycia had been attentively watching the process of blessing the sword and accepting it. It seemed like she had a rough idea of what was going on. I could relate; I had many thoughts like that at her age.
“Isn’t it fascinating?”
“…Huh?! Oh, yes. It’s fascinating.”
“You mentioned wanting to study theology. Once you finish that, you might be able to learn magic as well. Perhaps in the future, you could also perform blessings.”
“Are you talking about me? If that day comes, it would be great.”
The girl was silently staring at her own hands, lost in thought.
I didn’t speak without reason. Considering her intelligence, it didn’t seem impossible. Since everyone delved into magic after their twenties, Lycia might be able to do it by her late teens if she excelled.
It seemed like it was time for a farewell. I lifted Lycia onto the horse.
“Oops.”
“Eek!”
And settled myself on the horse. With that, we were ready to go.
“Shall we?”
“Yes, let’s depart.”
*****
The nearest city to Bolle would only be reached by evening.
It wouldn’t hurt to stop by a village along the way, like a rest area, but it’s better if it’s a slightly bigger place. Especially when the purse is unusually heavy.
So, continuing along the road, making noise, we safely arrived in another city before sunset.
Before entering, I took off the chain armor and securely placed it in the black scabbard. It might have been fine in Bolle for a day or two, but sending a fully armed person with weapons into a city in a completely different territory is not something they would allow.
Outsiders must have their weapons facing downward and securely fixed, and bows must be unstrung. Metallic armor must be removed.
Almost all territories and cities followed these principles when receiving visitors.
After a bit of a hassle with the guard who inspected my armor, I passed through the gate and first headed to the inn.
“Let’s rest at the inn here today. I’ll go to the stable, so reserve a room.”
“Sure, is there anything specific to consider when choosing a room?”
“Just a place for two to stay comfortably. We have to leave tomorrow morning anyway.”
I took a few imperial coins from my pocket and handed them to the girl.
And holding the reins of the mountain horse, I headed towards the stable, sneaking a glance back to see if she was doing well. It felt like sending your child on their first errand.
If I were to worry about negotiations or meals, it would be better for me to handle it, but I thought that experiences like these were necessary for Lycia to stand on her own, even if she goes to university.
I had looked into the university when my interest in magic was at its peak. It was said that students formed groups and frequently engaged in negotiations and threats with nearby merchants over the prices of food and rent.
So, even if I suffered a little loss, Lycia needed this step to learn how to handle money.
You truly learn by losing money. In my past life, I learned by looking at the crazy fluctuating stock graphs and paying exorbitant tuition fees.
“Oh, have you arrived?”
“Yeah. Did you get a room?”
“Yes, it’s the room on the right next to the stairs on the second floor. Here’s your change.”
I coincidentally ran into Lycia as she came out of the road inn to find me.
The girl gave me a silver coin and a few fairy tales. Surprisingly, it seems like she left an appropriate amount considering the accommodation fees in this area.
“You didn’t order a meal?”
“I had bread with stew for breakfast. It’s all accounted for.”
If she even calculated the meal, she must have really haggled all the way down to the bottom.
No, even I can’t do that. Unless I’m holding a sword with blood dripping from it. Sometimes they let me stay for free in those cases.
Come to think of it, didn’t she say she was born into a secretary’s household? In that case, she could have some knowledge about money. It’s all related to the work she does assisting administrators.
I came to that conclusion and lifted my head. When the girl noticed I wasn’t saying anything, she asked with a puzzled expression.
“Did I give you too much, by any chance?”
“No, not at all. In fact, you calculated it well. But considering the long journey, let’s go in and rest now.”
It seems like she knows a thing or two about handling money.
Maybe parenting isn’t that simple after all.
Anyway, I entered the inn with the thought that I don’t need to worry about Lycia’s economic education.
“Where were you going? I almost went to look for you…”
“…”
“Oh, hello, Innkeeper.”
I could immediately guess why she was able to negotiate the price so unreasonably.
Facing the innkeeper, Lycia just smiled as if she didn’t know anything.
Parenting a child who knows nothing about the ways of the world.
It might be more challenging than I thought.