After the Emperor left using her teleportation magic, a profound silence suddenly fell over the private room
Eralio and Arlen remained in awe of the teleportation magic they had just witnessed firsthand. For both of them, it was their very first time seeing such magic unfold so vividly and tangibly right before their eyes.
Countless questions swirled within Eralio and Arlen's minds. They desperately wanted to ask what kind of blessing the Emperor actually possessed to be able to cast such magic so effortlessly. However, upon seeing Calian's expression turn serious once more, they were quickly reminded of their standing. They had to swallow their curiosity and suppress that urge deep down.
Both Eralio and Arlen realized that this was not the time to marvel at teleportation magic merely to satisfy their curiosity.
Time was running out, and they had to leave Gias City immediately before the imperial forces arrived to completely seal off the area. If they were to get caught in the empire's lockdown protocol, their plan to rescue Arlen's younger brother would fall apart.
From his sofa, Calian stood up. He then turned to look at his spouse.
"Wolvin, could I ask you to store all those chests and corpses back into your necklace?"
"Okay, Darling, I'll do it!" Wolvin replied in a cheerful tone.
While the Night Wolf youth went about his task, Calian shifted his gaze to their host.
"Mr. Eralio, please pack the belongings you wish to bring immediately. Prepare your clothes, money, or whatever else you think you will need. We are short on time. We will be waiting for you out front, by the wagon."
Hearing the clear and direct instructions, Eralio gave a quick nod.
"Understood, Your Highness." he replied, giving a slight bow.
The man rose from the sofa and walked briskly toward the exit of his private room. He needed to head to his bedroom to pack the essentials he would bring for the journey to Wollen City.
Once Eralio had left the room, Calian turned to the brown-haired boy who was still sitting in silence.
"Arlen, once Wolvin finishes up, come with us to the front. We will wait for Mr. Eralio there."
Arlen, whose thoughts were already entirely focused on Wollen City, nodded obediently. "Yes, Your Highness."
....
Fifteen minutes passed by quickly.
Eralio stepped out of the main door of his luxurious mansion, carrying a large leather bag slung over his shoulder.
As his gaze swept across the front courtyard, he saw Calian, Wolvin, and Arlen already waiting for him quietly near the wagon. All three seamlessly blended into their roles as a small, ordinary travel group.
Eralio turned and looked at a burly man acting as the head guard, who was stationed on the mansion's terrace. He pulled a pouch of coins from his pocket and offered it to the guard.
"This money is for you and the others." Eralio said as he handed over the pouch, carefully regulating his tone to sound completely natural. "Use it for your necessities while I am away."
The guard accepted the pouch with both hands. His expression could not hide his surprise at the sudden, generous sum he had just been given.
"A very urgent business matter has come up, and I must travel out of town for the next few days." Eralio explained, delivering the alibi he had crafted in his mind while packing.
Even though he was used to his employer's frequent travels, the guard still felt worried, particularly regarding safety and security.
The man glanced at the wagon in the courtyard before looking back at Eralio.
"What about your escort, Sir?" the guard asked in an anxious tone.
Eralio offered a faint, reassuring smile as the trademark of a veteran merchant.
"Rest assured. Those two young men over there are Rank A adventurers I specifically hired. They will be escorting me personally on this journey. I will be much safer with them."
Hearing the rank 'Rank A', the guard immediately breathed a sigh of relief. The combat prowess of a single Rank A adventurer was equivalent to dozens of elite soldiers.
"That is a relief, Sir."
Then, Eralio turned around, stepping toward the wagon. "I leave the security and upkeep of this mansion to you and the others. Make sure everything remains safe until I return."
"Yes, Sir!" the guard replied, standing straight and offering a salute. "I will carry out the duties you have entrusted to me to the best of my ability!"
The moment Eralio reached the wagon, Calian effortlessly slipped into character, welcoming the host like a professional adventurer whose services had just been retained.
"Are you ready to depart, Mr. Eralio?"
"Yes, I am ready!" replied Eralio, playing the part of a merchant who demanded punctuality from his hired adventurers. "All my belongings are here. Let us set off at once!"
Wasting no time, Eralio climbed into the cabin of the wagon. His steps were quickly followed by Calian and Arlen, who stepped inside as well.
Meanwhile, Wolvin did not enter the cabin. He casually strolled to the front of the wagon and hopped up into the driver's seat to take control of the draft horses.
Settling into his seat, Wolvin grabbed the thick leather reins and looked straight ahead at the mansion's main gate.
"Let's move out!"
Snap!
He flicked the reins with a measured motion, giving a clear command to the two horses in front of him. In response, the horses let out a soft snort and began to step forward in unison.
In rhythm with the horses' footsteps, the wooden wheels of the wagon slowly creaked and rolled forward, leaving the luxurious mansion behind them as they passed through the gates and finally merged onto the streets of Gias City.
The wagon continued to move at a steady, moderate pace, heading straight toward their predetermined destination: Wollen City.
Inside the wagon's cabin, Arlen sat in silence. He stared out at the city streets slowly fading behind them, his eyes brimming with immense hope and unwavering conviction.
Just hold on a little longer, Vide. We are on our way right now. And we will soon free you from the shackles of slavery!