Alder Duchy 2
The stable was nestled near the north gate. It wasn't primarily for selling horses but for boarding those belonging to merchant caravans or nobles visiting El Sion.
I don't really need one, Licht thought. Running on foot was faster than riding. But that wasn't the case for Jack and Ranin. Even for Licht himself, riding conserved energy better than sprinting flat out. Since they'd agreed to travel together, there was no other option.
The north gate stable was conveniently close to the mercenary guild. As they walked the short distance, Licht listened to Jack fill him in on recent events.
"Right after we split up back then, I grabbed another job. Normally I'd take a breather, but... what can I say..."
"Gut feeling."
"Yeah, gut feeling. Just had this itch that I needed to. It was a simple subjugation quest, but midway through—bam!—enlightenment hit me."
Ranin sighed as he spoke. "Ever since that day, he brags about it nonstop without getting sick of it... I thought I'd die of exhaustion."
"A Sword User? Hell, that's something to strut about anywhere. I had no idea channeling aura into your sword felt that electric. Bumped my rank up too."
"There's a limit. It's the same damn story every day..."
Ranin shook his head slightly and turned to Licht. "More importantly, how should we address you?"
"Address me?"
"Young master, or milord. Or employer, or Mr. Licht—something like that."
"Just call me Licht. Short and simple."
"That'd be... awkward for me."
"You always this formal?"
"Depends on the person, but usually, yeah. It's habit. Feels more natural this way."
Ranin didn't pry even while looking right at Licht. Anyone else would be curious—who he was, where he came from, his age. He probably knows already.
An info-savvy guide. They'd called him one of the best in the business, so he must have the full scoop on the Cherbito Tournament. He seemed the type to hold his tongue on pointless chatter, avoiding needless friction. Rare for a mercenary. Licht didn't mind. In fact, it was better than Jack's boisterous type in some ways.
"Then, Mr. Licht it is. Since you're the employer."
"Whatever's comfortable."
Licht nodded faintly at Ranin's words.
"We're here. Only one stable by the north gate."
Jack, leading the way, stopped and turned to Licht and Ranin. A massive stable with countless horses tethered outside. Merchant trains, knights, and nobles about to exit the north gate were retrieving their mounts one by one.
Watching the scene, Ranin explained, "It's mostly for boarding, not selling. Land in El Sion costs a fortune, so managing your own stable's a hassle. Right by the gate means cheap fees and easy access."
Licht already knew all that but listened quietly.
"They'll have a few spares, though. Price is the issue..."
Ranin eyed the tethered horses, then approached the man who seemed to be the owner. "To the Alder Duchy?"
"Yeah. So make 'em sturdy, no defects."
"Five hundred gold per head, then."
The price had jumped way up from before. Jack scowled. "Wasn't it three hundred a few months back?"
"Prices rose. Horses are in short supply—you know that? Caravans heading to Alder Duchy and the Palenia Holy Kingdom exploded. Can't buy 'em fast enough."
The man didn't budge despite Jack's fierce glare.
Licht glanced around. Definitely. Crowded. Insanely so. He didn't know about other gates, but the north one was packed with outbound travelers and merchants.
"Too pricey? Hit the road. Don't cockblock my business."
The man waved them off. As Jack and Ranin turned to Licht with questioning looks...
"Fifteen hundred gold."
"...Huh?"
"That cover it?"
Licht pulled fifteen gold coins from his pouch and handed them over. The skeptical man counted them one by one, then his eyes widened.
"...Noble, eh? Hell, say so sooner. Ahem."
He pocketed the coins and beckoned them to follow.
Jack and Ranin stared at Licht in disbelief. "Milord, you loaded or what? Makes sense if you're noble, but..."
"Money's no issue."
The payout from the count wasn't chump change. Bickering over a few gold would've wasted time—better to snag the horses quick.
"These are all the spares left."
Licht picked one from the lineup the man showed. It already had saddle and reins—no extra prep needed.
"...You ride like a pro."
The man sounded genuinely impressed. Riding was basic for knights. Nobles too. But Licht hadn't learned it from his family. It came naturally from mercenary gigs.
"They're the sturdiest left, but don't compare to noble bloodlines. Ride easy."
Not purebreds. Licht brushed off the advice, stroking his horse's mane as he mounted.
"Let's go."
Jack and Ranin were already up by then.
"I'll lead. Good weather, we might arrive faster than expected."
Ranin tugged the reins and said.
Soon after, three mounted figures galloped north.
***
Three days out from El Sion's north gate. The journey was smooth. No real hitches.
Veteran guide Ranin's leads were spot-on. He knew shortcuts Licht didn't and critical paths to avoid, letting the trio ride without pause.
Camping was comfy too. Licht had the subspatial pouch from Shult Markersy, packed with food and gear sans weight limits.
Sunny skies, easy travel. Until noon on day three.
"Weather's a real bitch today."
Whoosh—rain poured hard.
The trio, including Licht, sat in a decent inn's first-floor dining hall.
They'd entered the Alder Duchy late afternoon that day. Montiya, a small town far from capital Bailen—more village than city. A solid inn at the center was jammed with mercenaries and travelers bound for Bailen.
"Didn't expect the downpour, but lucky it held off. Day one would've sucked. We'll hit Bailen late tomorrow or noon the day after."
They'd minimized sleep, riding three days straight. The horses collapsed from exhaustion, but the payoff was worth it. A week's trip cut to four days. Licht's Haste spells on the mounts helped. The pair freaked at first but adapted quick, galloping like excited kids. They crossed into Alder Duchy by nightfall day three.
Solid pace—Licht ate in silence.
"Honestly, a bit surprised."
"...?"
"You seem real seasoned at this. Not picky with food either."
"Done it a few times."
"Ah."
Ranin nodded, no further questions. Jack, mid-bite, piped up instead.
"So, almost there—what's the plan?"
"..."
"Getting to Alder Duchy is fine, but you got side business? Our job's escort to destination. Hope it's nothing."
Curious, Ranin leaned in. He played it cool, but a noble-looking guy like Licht heading to Alder out of nowhere piqued interest.
Licht answered. "Some investigating."
"Investigating what?"
"The Isteria Church."
"Mr. Licht, a follower? Goddess Isteria points straight to the Palenia Holy Kingdom..."
Ah. Ranin let out a short sigh of realization.
Licht was the Cherbito champ. Semifinals saw Executor Bryce crash the party. Connect the dots, and Palenia business was obvious.
Licht scraped up the last of his stew in silence. Better they know.
Reason for the hint: Jack was big-hearted but trustworthy. Handing over the wooden plaque and helping gratis on a risky job proved it. Ranin too—their bond ran deeper than mere friends. Both tight-lipped; no blabbing.
It was a warning. Palenia ties—don't get tangled. Couldn't guarantee their safety, so heads-up. Or just easing guilt if shit hit the fan.
"Figures."
But Jack grinned instead. "Tomorrow or next—we're this close. Ending flat sucks."
"...?"
"Need more help? Add-on quest. Common enough. No pay needed. Wooden plaque's still good."
Jack thumped his chest. Ranin sighed deeply.
"Hah... Jack, don't decide solo again."
"I'm freebie, but you snag extra. Let's do it right."
"Even so..."
Then—
Creeeak.
Inn door swung open. Three men in deep hoods entered. One tall and burly like a knight, another in robes—a mage, probably. Sandwiched between: a short boy.
Nothing odd yet. But they were drenched in blood, like fresh from a kill.
Drip, drip. Faint red mingled with rain pattered the floor.
"Blood?"
"Who the hell...?"
"Wait—the crest on that cloak..."
The noisy first floor went dead silent. All eyes on the newcomers.
Thud, thud. The tallest, knight-like one headed to the bar where the innkeeper stood.
Ranin's eyes widened watching. "Alder...?"
"What'd you say?"
"That chest emblem. Alder family crest for sure..."
Ranin whispered low. Jack set down his food, ear to Ranin's mouth.
"Innkeep. Rooms left? Triple for us. Double's fine too."
The trio reached the bar. Innkeeper flustered: "Sorry, just filled the last one."
"Money's no object. Size neither."
"Really sorry. That triple was the final..."
He bowed repeatedly. The knight's aura screamed elite.
"That last triple."
"...Pardon?"
"Who's got it?"
"Well..."
Innkeeper's gaze flicked to Licht's group. A split-second, but the knight caught it.
"Full house, huh. What now..."
"Picking a fight?"
Murmurs rose as the man closed on Licht's table. He plunked a pouch down.
"You lot the ones with the last room?"
"...Yeah."
"Sorry, but vacate it. Compensation's solid. Hundred silvers. Should cover it."
Jack's retort met instant reply. Jingle—the pouch. Hundred silver was ten times the room rate.
But Jack and Ranin eyed Licht, silent.
Sensing it, the man turned to Licht. "You the leader?"
"..."
"Hoo... damn it. No choice. Two hundred silvers. That's my limit."
Another pouch from his pocket.
"Now, clear out."
The mage and boy behind him. Licht eyed the open inn door wordlessly. Rain lashed beyond.
Only one inn in town. Next town's half a day's hard ride.
No room meant camping in this deluge tonight. Not his first rodeo, but...
Alder.
Licht glanced at the faint crest on the man's leather armor. Alder family. The boy behind was likely kin. Expert knight and 5th Circle mage escort? Only direct blood could pull that solo.
Spot on—the man's face hardened.
"You deaf?"
"..."
"How dare you... do you know who this is...!"
Tension choked the room. Breath held, all stared at Licht and the man.
"Merc scum selling your lives for pocket change, forgetting your place!"
"Hold—!"
Man's hand to sword hilt. Boy tried stopping him, briefly.
"Filth."
"What?"
"No manners."
Clang! Something snapped.
Man looked down—face twisted in horror. Licht held the Ascension Sword, drawn unseen. Below: his longsword, sheathed and bisected.
"Forgot your place, you said."
Dead silence in the inn.
"Say it again."
Licht spoke tonelessly.