Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Reunion (1)
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Galen's words caught in his throat for a moment, but Lilia smiled softly and asked,
"Is it a letter I shouldn't read, by any chance?"
"Ah, no. It's addressed to me."
Under the subtle pressure, Galen hurriedly handed over the letter. Lilia gave a polite nod with her eyes as she took it and read.
"Hmm, hmm."
She nodded as if convincing herself of something, then looked up.
"So, back in early spring this year, there was a request at the Kallia Merchant Group to gather rumors or information about you, Brother."
The Kallia Merchant Group was one of the only two organizations with a worldwide network, alongside the Church.
They leveraged that to handle side gigs beyond their main commerce business, like deliveries, letter transmissions, and information gathering.
Requests for mere rumors or public info weren't uncommon; it wasn't like they were stalking anyone specific.
The only reason the Kallia Merchant Group was on high alert was that the subject, Galen, was a triple Black Badge client—a VVIP.
"About two months ago, shortly after we entered the earth fairy territory, a client showed up looking for you. They're presumed to be the same person who sought info in early spring."
"Yes."
"They openly gave their name and expressed a strong desire to meet you, asking it be passed on. The name was Elisa. A woman, naturally."
Lilia had summarized the letter's contents perfectly.
To be precise, she'd omitted Shein's opinions.
He'd advised limiting Galen's info since they didn't know what kind of woman she was and to think ahead on how to handle it.
But that was irrelevant now.
Lilia looked straight into Galen's eyes with a rare serious expression.
"Do you know her?"
"......"
"The way 'Young Lady' slipped out so naturally."
Galen hesitated.
After a brief silence, Lilia spoke again.
"Come to think of it, you've never really told me about your life before we met, Brother."
"......That's true."
"You said you were probably born on New Year's Day, that you were an orphan, and that you struggled wandering the streets as a kid. Then you became a Silver-rank mercenary in Nijerte. I don't know what happened in between."
In contrast, Galen knew Lilia's past well.
Of course, it was just that she'd been taken in by the Church as a baby and raised there—no dramatic tale.
Still, Lilia had never pried into Galen's past.
Back when they first met, she was so free-spirited that even her nanny, Jenny, had thrown up her hands.
But at some point, she'd changed a bit. The same bright light, but now easy on the eyes instead of blinding.
"If there are circumstances you can't share, you don't have to."
Even as a faint disappointment seeped through—something only long acquaintance could detect.
"If you're thinking of taking the request, just do it without worry."
She pressed on composedly, as if to avoid any burden.
"If I'm a bother, I just won't go......"
"Lilia."
Galen cut her off firmly.
He emphasized again.
"Lilia."
"Yes."
"To be honest, I haven't told you everything about myself."
Like the status window or his memories of his past life.
"But I've never done so out of malice. And I've never done anything so shameful I couldn't share or show."
"Brother......"
"Besides, if I were going to ignore you and take the request, why travel together? I've never felt burdened by you...... Well, sometimes I have."
"Brother?!"
"Not in a bad way. Sometimes even good things can be a burden. Anyway, it's not because I dislike you or distrust you. So don't say that."
It creaked a bit at the end, but the mood lightened anyway.
Lilia looked a touch bewildered but smiled again, and Galen followed with a grin, continuing.
"It just caught me off guard. The letter's content was completely unexpected—I hadn't even considered it."
He'd always figured he'd cross paths with the Oceanis Family again 'someday.'
If he'd meant to avoid them thoroughly, he'd have changed his name. Registered as a mercenary far away, not in this awkward southeast region.
Even without that, info spread slowly, and his growth was so rapid that by the time they noticed him, he'd be untouchable.
That was his confidence.
Just, the timing wasn't supposed to be 'right now,' which threw him off a little.
If the request to investigate him came in early spring, that meant they'd heard rumors last year.
The only feat big enough to spread that far was the pirate purge—last winter.
Rumors crossing vast distances that took months just to travel shouldn't spread that fast, right?
"Well, they only have a name so far, so it could be a coincidence. Or just a regular client seeking a mercenary?"
"But giving a name is usually a signal that they want to be recognized, isn't it?"
"......Usually, yes."
"So it's probably the person you think it is. If they're searching this hard......"
"Whatever you're imagining, it's wrong. Like I said, I didn't see it coming either."
"So, is telling me about your relationship with her sensitive?"
"No. The whole story was unsolvable back then, even if known."
"But it's fine now?"
"I'm Gem-rank now."
No matter how unorthodox a Gold mage Galen was, facing a prestigious family akin to a small nation alone was near impossible.
So if Lilia learned of his Oceanis ties, she'd worry naturally—no sharp fix available then.
He'd avoided mentioning it to spare her anxiety, especially with no immediate entanglement.
But now he was Gem.
The worry was theirs, not his or Lilia's.
And with them reaching out first, no need to hide anymore.
"At the southern tip of the Southern Diocese lies the Sun Archipelago, long ruled by the Oceanis mage family."
Galen began explaining slowly.
A lowly orphan, but sharp enough to be recognized and luckily become an Oceanis servant. A few years later, even luckier, caught the Young Master's eye and became his attendant.
"Isn't that a huge success? Not compared to you now, Brother, of course."
"Yes. Given my background, it was about the best outcome. Especially since Young Master Jerbon treated me so well."
Being direct lineage in a prestigious house didn't guarantee good upbringing.
Correction: they were well-raised. Just often in directions utterly wrong by modern Earth standards.
Fortunately, Jerbon was a good person.
Like a chaebol heir from a drama—mildly off-putting, but not malicious, with real charm.
"I could've been content as his attendant forever. Back then, that life seemed enough. Though 'back then' was just last year."
"Last year......?"
"It was early spring, so a year and a half ago now."
Galen calmly summarized the incident.
Jerbon assassinated suddenly. He survived alone, barely recovered the body, only to nearly get framed for the crime and chased out of the family.
"What kind of people are they?!"
Lilia burst out indignantly.
"What crime did powerless you commit...... You were powerless then, right?"
"I hadn't learned magic yet."
"Exactly! They just wanted to vent or cover something shady!"
"That very night after leaving, assassins came. Guess I was an eyesore."
He wrapped up: went to Nijerte, ended up in the frontier, met Lilia.
The enthusiastic listener tilted her head after hearing it all.
"But who is Young Lady Elisa? She never came up."
"Uh, that's......"
He'd tried to gloss over it.
Caught off-guard, Galen explained as briefly as possible.
Was it his imagination, or did Lilia's eyes narrow slightly?
"So, basically a same-age friend?"
"Not at all. There was a huge status gap."
"But you got along well?"
"That's separate."
"At least she's your benefactor, right? Saved you from the frame-up, gave generous severance, warned about assassins."
"Yes, well...... That's true."
"So what'll you do?"
The question he'd wanted to dodge came.
But dodging now meant answering Shein in two days upon reaching Mezaia anyway.
Same words either way.
"I'll meet her."
Galen gave a wry smile.
"Can't ignore someone who's come this far and waited months. I'd feel bad for a stranger; for a benefactor, even more."
"I figured you'd say that."
"Sorry if it's a hassle for you......"
"Doesn't bother me at all?"
Lilia pouted.
"You repay favors. Ignoring her would've disappointed me more."
"Good. Wasn't planning otherwise."
"I'm coming too, right?"
"Of course."
"Then we're good."
Whatever satisfied her, Lilia's bright smile returned.
"Tell me more old stories!"
"Not many exciting parts."
"Still! Rare chance to hear insider tales of a prestigious family."
"True enough."
Classic Lilia. Seemed resolved for now.
Galen sighed inwardly in relief and shared more tales.
Two days later, the carriage arrived in Mezaia.
They stopped first at the Kallia branch, heard details from Shein, accepted the request, then visited the Church.
"Good trip?"
Deimerus greeted them casually, as always—grand archbishop treating them like grandkids.
After light pleasantries, Galen and Lilia led the talk.
Two omissions: Little Crumbs' existence, and Galen's Gem attainment.
Former for aggro avoidance; latter would reveal naturally, no need to brag like a report.
Even without, plenty to share.
Earth fairies' curious lifestyle, unique customs.
Hunting tournament antics, flooded ruins needing a water mage.
Deimerus, who'd envied them since Akanksha's invitation, listened raptly.
As the long tale ended and the warm mood settled,
"Oh, right. Heard from the branch chief."
Deimerus said as if it just occurred.
"Named request came in. You know?"
"Yes, just heard."
"Taking it?"
"Don't even know what it is. But I'll hear it out."
Galen nodded.
"Waiting in Belpas, so who knows when you'll return northeast."
"Heh, world's vast. Swing by next time if you can."
"Will do."
"Stay safe, Bishop Lilia. Might be grand archbishop yourself next time."
"Hope so!"
"Easy now. Too old to keep up."
Exchanging jokey blessings, they bid the archbishop farewell and left Mezaia next day.
Thanks to urging haste, travel shortened by days: seventeen total.
The Belpas carriage headed to the rendezvous.
"......Galen?"
"......Young Lady."
Not a namesake—the Elisa Galen knew awaited.
A reunion after a year and a half.