40 – Ruins Investigation – 2
The ruins were located in the underground sewer of a big city, a bit away from the village.
Anyway, it was a good idea to take them to the big city as a reward for the victory.
After finishing the investigation of the ruins, we could have some fun.
“Wow, waaa…”
Rena’s expression brightened considerably as she heard the contents of the map she received from Valtin. It wasn’t unreasonable for her to be excited, as it was her first time going to a big city.
“You’re not so excited that you can’t sleep, right?”
“Oh, no…! I mean, well…”
Why does it always happen?
Getting too excited about a picnic day and then staying up all night, unable to sleep properly.
In my opinion, Rena seemed to be exactly that type. It seemed like she wouldn’t be able to sleep well due to the excitement.
“If you want, I can put you to sleep.”
“H-how? Are you going to stay by my side until I fall asleep…? I-I’d prefer you, personally, to hold my hand tightly!!”
Rena puffed out her cheeks and blinked her eyes, but I couldn’t be bothered to do such things.
“I can make you sleep until tomorrow morning if you want.”
I swung my fist through the air. When Rena heard the sound of the air being struck, her face turned pale.
“I’ll, I’ll sleep alone tonight!”
If I just hit her chin properly, she could sleep soundly until tomorrow morning.
I watched as the excitement quickly faded from Rena, who went into the room, and sat down at the table.
“Phew…”
Another long day has come to an end.
Drinking a sip of whiskey I bought in the village, I checked Rena’s growth rate.
The multiple and shadow casting abilities that I could see even when she was the Silent Witch were manifesting properly even in natural magic, not just dark magic.
And her growth rate was almost like a bug.
At this rate, teaching advanced magic would probably be done within a year.
The problem is what comes next.
My goal is to teach advanced magic, but thinking about Rena’s future, sending her to the Ivory Tower might be better.
The Ivory Tower.
It’s an educational institution that all magicians want to go to. Thanks to its magic-focused education, it’s regarded even more favorably by magicians than the academy.
Actually, the wizards from the Ivory Tower are stronger.
During the main story, there was an event where students from the Ivory Tower interacted with us.
It wasn’t usual to defeat those wizards.
Anyway, if I consider Lena’s future, it would be better for her to be placed in the Ivory Tower.
Sipping my whiskey, I glanced towards Lena’s room.
I can hear her even breaths; she seems to be sleeping soundly.
If I think selfishly, sending Lena to the Academy instead of the Ivory Tower might be better.
If So Wol also comes to the Academy, and Lena ends up there too, it will be easier to achieve the true ending with the help of two powerful individuals, which cannot happen in the original story.
But that’s purely my selfish desire.
Thinking of Lena’s future, sending her to the Ivory Tower is probably the right choice.
Yeah. Just grow up strong.
I stared at Lena’s room and sipped my whiskey.
.
.
.
There wasn’t much in terms of preparation.
It was just a matter of moving.
We left the cabin early in the morning, as we couldn’t travel by horseback like when we were at the Eastern Top.
“Hehe, hehehe. Heung. Heungheung~!”
Lena was so excited, singing constantly.
After patting her head, I settled in a spot upon arriving at the checkpoint.
“Why, why are you behaving like this here?”
“When traveling through checkpoints, you could just walk through, but it’s best to get onto someone else’s carriage.”
“Ah. Is that so?”
“Yeah. Generally, you pay a bit and get on their carriage, but if you’re strong, you might contract guards and travel together.”
It’s a common method used when moving between different areas in the game.
Of course, if you have enough money, you can simply buy a horse or hire a carriage for travel.
The money we received from the Eastern Top is quite substantial, but it might be beneficial for Lena to try this as well for her assistance.
“…M-meeting other people?”
“Yeah.”
Perhaps it’s because one might have to travel with strangers?
As if on cue, Lena’s already pale face grew even whiter.
But then again, isn’t this also an experience? There’s nothing to lose by trying.
“Oh, there they come.”
In the distance, dust was rising, and upon closer inspection, two carriages were approaching along the road.
One of the carriages passed by without stopping. It looked quite luxurious, likely carrying nobles inside.
After the noble’s carriage passed, a large carriage following behind stopped in front of us.
“Travelers, are you?”
“Haha, yes. We’re headed to Greenhill.”
“We’re heading to Greenhill as well. If your skills are good, we can escort you. If not, we can offer you a ride in the carriage anyway.”
“Our skills are not bad. Both of us are mages.”
“Mages? We have honored guests on board. Please come in.”
The coachman, who seemed to be the owner of the carriage, gestured towards the inside.
As Lena and I approached, we saw a family of four inside.
“Hello there.”
“Oh my, nice to meet you. Hehe.”
A plump middle-aged woman smiled and greeted us warmly.
Perhaps because she reminded Lena of Roselia, Lena’s expression softened slightly.
But it was only for a moment.
“Wow! Such a pretty lady!”
“Sister! Can we play with the doll?!”
Two girls who seemed to be her daughters approached Lena with sparkling eyes.
Lena, particularly vulnerable to children, especially those who approached without hesitation, looked pale again, silently asking, “What should I do?” with her eyes.
But this too is an experience.
Be strong, my disciple.
I subtly avoided her gaze and greeted the man who seemed to be her husband.
Like the middle-aged woman, he looked amiable and made room for us with a smile.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Oscar.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Lee Hyun. This is my disciple, Lena.”
“Ah, um, well. Uh, nice to meet you.”
Even though Lena stood frozen, she bowed deeply, extending her greetings down to her waist. It was a proud sight.
I thought she might just stand there or hide behind me.
Fortunately, Lena, who properly greeted the girls, was led away by them. I remained seated, surveying the carriage.
“Seeing all this luggage, it seems like you’re moving.”
“Haha, indeed. I’ve decided to open a shop in Greenhill.”
“Oh, really? What kind of shop are you opening?”
“I’m thinking of opening a bakery. I went to the market last time, and the bread there was mediocre at best, and quite expensive.”
“Is that so? It seems your wife is quite skilled in cooking.”
“Hahaha! My wife’s cooking is exceptional. And when it comes to making snacks, I’m not too shabby either. Ah, would you like to try one?”
With a smile, he offered me a few cookies.
After tasting them, I had to admit they were quite delicious, just as he boasted. These would sell well even at the academy, I thought. I should recommend it later.
“Well, it’s delicious!”
Lena also tried a cookie and her eyes sparkled.
It seemed her reaction was positive. The couple’s daughters clung even more affectionately to Lena, and Lena once again sought their help.
Naturally, this time, too, I turned her down.
“By the way, why are the wizards heading to Greenhill? Is it because of the summons from Market Master Leven? Have you received a conscription order?”
Huh? Conscription order? What’s that about?
“Oh, you don’t know, huh? Market Master Leven in Greenhill City, who is also the mayor, is planning an event in collaboration with the Ivory Tower for the cultivation of city wizards. I heard they’re summoning wizards from nearby cities for that purpose.”
As Oscar spoke, he handed me a paper that had wrapped the cookies.
From Noble mtl dot com
Chewing on a cookie, I checked the contents, and it contained information about the event he mentioned.
“Mas, Master. What is this? Do you, uh, know?”
“It’s an event in collaboration with the Ivory Tower. Seems like a magic tournament or something, right?”
There were quite a few similar events in games. Contests that only those with special professions could participate in. If the rewards were good, it was advisable to participate if possible.
“Uh, well, is there, uh, an individual competition?!”
Lena’s eyes sparkled upon hearing my explanation.
It seemed she gained confidence after her victory last time.
Excellent. You’re steadily growing.
“I heard it’s a three-person team.”
“…Huh…”
Why am I getting so weak? The anticipation that swelled in Lena at the suggestion of adding another person crumbled in an instant.
“Oh!”
“Did you think of me as your teammate in the expedition?”
“…Uh. No, no way… me?”
Will it work?
Even if I assume so, it’s still an expedition.
“But still, if it’s the master’s aff… affinity, then maybe one person…!”
“I’m not sure about my participation in that.”
“What?! Why, why?!”
“It seems to be an event aimed at discovering rookie magicians not registered in the Ivory Tower. I’m already an official high-ranking magician of the Ivory Tower.”
“Oh!! You’re more impressive than I thought!”
Oscar, surprised by the mention of an official magician of the Ivory Tower, quickly changed his tone, and Lena smirked.
She reacted that way because she didn’t have proper knowledge about the Ivory Tower.
“Uh, is it, um, that impressive to be an official high-ranking magician of the Ivory Tower?”
“Well, of course. Being a powerful magician who can penetrate intermediate ruins alone… Moreover, an official magician of the Ivory Tower receives treatment higher than a viscount anywhere in the country. I wonder if it’s okay for us to be like this…”
“It’s fine. Please feel at ease. I’m just a mage.”
I was indifferent, but those inside were quite amazed. Lena was no exception.
“Wow, noble treatment… wow…”
Her gaze towards me was filled with even more admiration.
“But how did you become an official magician of the Ivory Tower?”
“It’s nothing special.”
I casually shook my head.
“Just fought against a great demon for three days and four nights with the Ivory Tower magicians to get a prince. That’s all.”
I just participated in an event.