Chapter 90
Chapter 90
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Companion
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Loan didn't notice.
It was a bridge frequented by countless people.
Each person's mana varied in brightness and density, as unique as their personalities.
Besides, as he crossed Versa, he had started to wonder if the number of people with murky mana was steadily increasing.
That was why the carriage, having just entered Ferrara's territory, didn't seem particularly special.
Loan casually ignored the stares directed at him and passed through the gate.
The guards in heavy armor stood imposingly but performed no checks or inspections.
Some even offered a faint smile. It seemed to be a characteristic disposition shaped by the warm, bright climate.
Beyond the gate was a small town, which was practically a large market in itself. This was due to the sheer number of people coming and going.
Amid the bustling energy.
As was his custom whenever he stopped in a town, Loan first sought out a restaurant.
While enjoying new dishes made with local specialties was a pleasure, there was no better place to check on the local situation and overhear passing rumors.
People engaged in idle chat often let their guard down and let slip useful information.
Enjoying a delicious dish made of thin, flat dough baked with a generous amount of tomatoes and cheese, Loan listened in on the conversations around him.
Most people were interested in the social gathering hosted by the Ferrara family.
Among them, the conversation between a man and a woman sitting in a corner particularly caught his ear.
"I wonder what this social gathering will be like, since it's the first one in a while."
"The Duke is said to dote on his daughter, so it's bound to be grand. That's why even Versa is sending goods like this."
Judging by their attire, they were both merchants.
The woman looked to be around twenty at most, while the man was middle-aged.
The man was speaking formally to her, suggesting the woman held a higher position.
The woman pouted and said,
"Still, I'm not that interested in social gatherings. They're boring, aren't they? Just nobles with refined tastes discussing art."
"But you were just saying how you were excited to see all the handsome young men."
The woman shot him a glare and shook her head.
"It's work, isn't it? Work. It’s not just us; the nobles gathering in Ferrara are coming to work, not to play."
"What kind of work do nobles do?"
"It's a chessboard laid out with the young people gathered from all over. They scout for marriage prospects to form alliances or flaunt their power to shift relationships. If that's not work, what is?"
"I suppose... In that sense, the Lord of Le Tell must be upset. Having no children, he can only send a gift."
"I guess he wants to make a good impression however he can. They're close to Ferrara, after all."
"Attending the birthday of a duke from another state... Times like these make you wonder what the point of an autonomous duchy is. We're all part of the same kingdom anyway."
Listening to their conversation, he pieced together that it wasn't just the families of the Ferrara Duchy, but also influential families from the neighboring Versa, Xion, and Rhodes duchies who were interested in the social gathering.
Families that couldn't attend in person sent wreaths or gifts to strengthen their relationship with the Duke of Ferrara.
Amidst a long famine and an unstable political climate, the continent's merchant guilds were finally enjoying a period of prosperity.
"Anyway..."
The two, now warmed up, continued their conversation.
Loan kept his ears open to them while munching on his second dish, made of thinly cut, boiled, and stir-fried noodle dough.
The savory yet light flavor of the clam broth that followed the springy texture was incredibly pleasant.
"This kind of idle talk is only possible once we've safely arrived in the Ferrara family's territory. From here on out, we have to be on high alert."
"Mmm... I'm not sure if we'll be okay on our own."
There was a reason for their concern.
Where delicious food is laid out, it's only natural for flies to gather.
Nobles traveling outside their own lands or merchant guilds carrying valuables on long journeys were tempting prey for robbers and bandits.
This was especially true for small guilds like the one these worried merchants belonged to.
‘They don't seem like bad people. Their mana is quite clear. And they seem to know a lot about Ferrara.’
Loan thought they could be of help to each other.
One side as a guide, the other as an escort or mercenary.
Having finished his meal, Loan moved from his seat and approached the pair, whose faces were filled with worry.
He had simply stood up and walked, but every eye in the restaurant instantly turned to him.
Everyone had been curious about him for several reasons.
A handsome young man who exuded nobility being all alone, and the fact that he had devoured a substantial amount of food.
Ignoring the attention, Loan stood before the man and woman's table and asked,
"It seems you're heading to the social gathering in Ferrara."
Caught off guard, the woman froze the moment she saw Loan's face.
Her expression was one of complete captivation.
She only snapped out of it when the man across from her nudged the back of her hand. Unable to look away, she slowly opened her mouth.
"We are, but..."
Judging by his clothes and appearance, he was unmistakably the son of some noble family.
Though Loan appeared to be her elder, the woman's speech was neither too formal nor too casual.
Loan offered a slight smile.
"I'm also on my way there. Would it be alright if I traveled with you?"
The man and woman simultaneously looked at each other, exchanging glances.
It was an unexpected and welcome offer.
There was safety in numbers, and he was likely a noble. There was no trace of deceit or malice in his face or demeanor.
No, setting all that aside, with a face like that, she would want to travel with him even if he had ulterior motives.
Besides, they had just been considering whether to team up with another like-minded guild or hire mercenaries, even if it meant sacrificing some profit.
"It's a very kind offer, but to suddenly travel with someone when we don't even know who you are or where you're from..."
Despite everything, the woman was cautious. The cheerful tone from before had long vanished from her voice.
Her words were those of someone with the authority to make decisions.
Was she the one in charge of this merchant guild?
Her tanned skin and curly brown hair suited her well.
Loan smiled once more.
She didn't seem much older than him, and her cautious attitude was appealing.
"I am Luan of House Albre. My family is currently occupied, so I am heading to Ferrara on their behalf."
As soon as Loan finished speaking, the man and woman shot up from their seats, and the restaurant fell deathly silent.
It was proof that everyone had been secretly watching and listening.
"The ones who won the duel against the Pobel family..."
The woman's voice trailed off.
They say rumors travel faster than feet. This was especially true for such shocking news.
House Albre, which had subjugated the renowned swordsmanship family, Pobel. Their achievement was so immense that it wouldn't be strange to treat Albre as an equal to House Versa itself.
And he was claiming to be from that very house.
She hadn't heard any news of a son this handsome, but then again, no one had paid any attention to House Albre before this incident, so there was no way to verify his claim.
However, the guild leader didn't let go of her suspicion.
His confident attitude and natural air of nobility made it seem true, but it was strange that he wasn't carrying a greatsword, the signature weapon of House Albre.
"I heard that House Albre's greatsword techniques surpassed even those of the Pobel family. So why is it that you are unarmed, my lord?"
"My older brothers have gone to Versa with the head of the family. I'm on my way to Ferrara simply because I'm interested in the social gathering. I have no need for a weapon. Besides, not everyone from a sword family learns swordsmanship."
She was convinced the moment she heard his explanation.
With such a relaxed demeanor, he must have a considerable number of retainers or guards traveling with him. So, how often would the son of the family need to use his own strength?
The woman opened her mouth to confirm one last doubt.
"I'm curious as to why you're showing us such kindness."
"This is my first social gathering. I thought it would be nice to have a guide. You both seem to know a lot about Ferrara. And in return, I can ease your worries a little."
"What worries do we have?"
"Aren't you concerned the road ahead might be dangerous? I'll ensure your journey is a safe one."
It seemed he really did have a large entourage.
But how could he have known about their situation?
Loan's table and theirs were at opposite ends of the restaurant. They had been speaking in hushed tones, so it was impossible for him to have overheard them.
That made it even stranger, but she could understand it if she chalked it up to the meddling nature of a family that had just accomplished something great.
She decided to dismiss her minor suspicions.
"I am Bella. I am the representative of this merchant guild, and we are delivering a gift from the Le Tell family to the Duke of Ferrara. Thank you for your offer to travel with us."
Bella concluded her words with emphasis.
Loan smiled and extended his hand to her.
It was quite awkward for a noble to initiate a handshake, but Bella did not pull her hand away.
With that handshake, she gladly accepted the sudden good fortune that had come her way.
The journey would be safer, which was good, and if she could build a solid relationship with him along the way, it would be like gaining a powerful backer for her guild.
Her heart swelled with excitement.
Shaking his soft hand lightly, she thought to herself that there were indeed wonderful nobles in the world. For some reason, her palm felt slightly itchy.
And a moment later.
"Oh, my lord. Please, put that money away. I'll treat you to commemorate our meeting."
Despite his protests, Bella paid for all the food Loan had eaten.
She did so even though she and her companions had eaten dry gruel and filled their stomachs with water.
It was quite expensive, but considering the potential benefits, it was an investment well worth making.
She laughed heartily, repeatedly telling the apologetic Loan that it was fine, and maintained her respectful attitude by opening the restaurant door wide and holding it for him with her body.
However, when she saw Loan return alone, leading his horse to her group, she couldn't help but tilt her head in confusion.
"Hmm? Lord Luan? Where is your entourage?"
"Ah, I don't have one. They all left for Versa. Can't waste manpower on a pleasure trip, after all."
Bella was at a loss for words at Loan's reply.
It was the moment a crack appeared in the rosy future she had envisioned.
However, Loan was not without his own unease.
Bella's group consisted of six people in total. Besides Bella, they were all rather sturdy-looking men, but their inner selves were unremarkable.
What caught Loan's interest was none other than the item they were delivering.
The carriage, surrounded on all four sides by merchant guild employees as if they were guards.
Something inside it. The identity of the object, which contained a highly concentrated and ominous dark mana, bothered him.
He had no choice but to ask.
"You said you were delivering a gift from the Le Tell family, right? Is that the gift inside that carriage?"
A flicker of caution crossed Bella's face at his question.
The consistently gentle Loan had suddenly exuded a heavy, serious aura.
"It is, but... is there a problem?"
Seeing Bella's questioning face, Loan realized he had been a bit too hasty.
Since he had offered his protection, she would have naturally assumed he had a large party. That's why she had asked.
So for him to bluntly ask what she was delivering, her cautious attitude was only natural.
It wouldn't be strange for her to suspect him of having malicious intent.
Loan shook his head and said,
"No. I was just confirming the people and the item I am to protect."
Despite his answer, they still looked suspicious.
Enduring their skeptical gazes, Loan decided he first needed to make them trust him.
Fortunately, it seemed an opportunity to do so would present itself soon.