"Is everything in order, Lady Olivyn?"
A young butler in his early twenties asked professionally. In front of the main door of the mansion in the central wing, a horse-drawn carriage stopped. The carriage was no less luxurious than the one used by Ardyn and Gerdan on their departure to Voggen Academy, the only difference being that it was slightly smaller.
Helina and Nina made sure that items such as food and potions were placed in the trunk. After Helina and Nina were done, Olivyn said goodbye to the three servants in front of her.
"I think that is enough. I will be going now. Thank you, Gavin, Joe, Mary."
Winfred looked at the three servants who had served him during his first meal with the Emerdine family. The young man in his early twenties was named Gavin, while the man with the unpleasant gaze was named Joe.
Apparently, his feelings when he looked at Joe had not disappeared even now. Winfred stopped his thoughts and decided he did not want to judge someone based on their appearance.
"Worry not, my Lady. I notified Sir Fergus yesterday about your departure. He and the rest of the knights should join you on the road later."
"That is truly reassuring. Come on, Winfred."
At his mother's urging, Winfred thanked the three servants and climbed into the carriage. Without delay, the coachman urged the horses to depart. Winfred watched intently as he slowly drove away from the mansion where he had lived for 10 years.
As he passed through the main gate, he was amazed by the sight before him. European-style buildings adorned the horizon, people bustled here and there, several small children ran between the narrow alleys, and the distinctive smell of smoke rose from the chimneys of the buildings.
Seeing a carriage escorted by six knights on horseback, everyone gave way and stepped aside while bowing.
Winfred knew this place, or more precisely, this district. His current home consisted of three districts: the Inner District, the Center District, and the Outer District. The mansion where the Emerdine family lives is in the Inner District.
He opened the carriage window and breathed in the fresh air. As far as he could see, there were trees and lush vegetation planted throughout the districts. Even when he entered the Center District, the green scenery remained.
This is why the place where he now lives, or more precisely the city that serves as the Emerdine family headquarter, is named Emerald City.
According to what he has learned, the Emerdine family has upheld the principles of environmental preservation and vegetation throughout the city for hundreds of years.
Entering the Outer District, Winfred saw a towering white wall, even higher than the Emerdine family's main mansion. The white wall surrounded Emerald City and served as a form of defense against outside attacks.
City guards standing guard at the large gate hurriedly opened it wide after seeing a group of knights escorting a luxurious carriage bearing the symbols of a sword and dewdrop. It seemed they knew that the carriage contained members of the Emerdine family.
After leaving Emerald City, Winfred was rewarded with a breathtaking view of vast grasslands. The expanse of grass was a feast for his eyes, with the gentle spring breeze softly swaying the grass.
For a few moments, Winfred kept looking out the window. Olivyn and the two maids inside the carriage gave understanding looks at the boy's reaction.
"Our destination is Pepper Barony. It is governed by Baron Viglet, and it will take us around 3 hours to get there at our current speed."
"O-Oh! Yes, Mother!"
"It is okay to enjoy the moment, but do not forget our purpose, okay?"
"Understood, Mother!"
Winfred answered in a firm voice. After a few moments, calm returned to the carriage. Olivyn and the two maids chatted occasionally, with Winfred sometimes joining in their conversation.
"Look, my son! Do you know what that river is?"
Winfred leaned forward slightly, sticking his head out of the window. In front of his group was a sturdy, large bridge, which crossed a large river with a calm current. Winfred knew the name of the river, because it was one of the sustenance of life in the Emerdine region.
"Brightdew River!"
"Very good! Looks like you learned enough from Sir Alcott!"
"Of course, I did!"
Olivyn laughed softly, and Winfred crossed his arms with a hint of pride. Winfred once again looked at the flowing river, the reflection of the sun on the clear water and the fish swimming in it adding to the river's beauty.
Before he knew it, they finally arrived in the Pepper region, and without waiting long, they went straight to Baron Viglet's residence.
***
"Hmmm...Very well, looks like everything is exactly as it should be."
"Huhuhu, thank you, Lady Olivyn. Please send my regards to Lord Victor."
"Of course, Sir Viglet."
Olivyn smiled professionally at the pudgy middle-aged man after looking at the important documents about Emerdine's export products. The pudgy man looked intently at Olivyn.
Winfred once again persuaded himself not to judge someone too quickly by their outside appearance, but his instincts told him that this man is not a good man.
"Ahem. Would you like to tour my mansion, Lady Olivyn? I am sure Young Master would love it."
"No need, Baron Viglet. I shall go back to Emerdine territory immediately. Lord Victor wouldn't want to miss some important documents like these."
"Hmm...if you say so, my Lady."
"Excuse me, then. Good day to you, Baron Viglet."
"Thank you for your visit, Lady Olivyn. And...take care on the way home, huhuhu."
The fat man smiled ominously at the group. Winfred had been sitting quietly from the start and only replied when spoken to, but seeing that smile... for some reason, it felt strange.
The important meeting only lasted for about 2 hours, which was a short time for people in this world. Winfred, Olivyn, and the two maids got back on the carriage. And they left Baron Viglet's residence.
***
The Pepper territory is quite small compared to the Emerdine territory. It didn't take long for Winfred and his entourage to leave the Pepper territory and be halfway back home.
They took the same route they had taken earlier, and were now passing through a small forest. The road through the forest was well maintained and smooth, so the carriage didn't bump around too much. It seemed that his father really took good care of public facilities.
Olivyn looked a little tired, as she was currently closing her eyes and leaning back completely. Helina wiped the sweat from her master's forehead, while Nina stared out the window with a blank expression.
The atmosphere inside the carriage is quite calm. Winfred also looks out the window. As usual, he alternates between honing his unique abilities, Sensor and Ping. Throughout the journey, their group also encounters various people, such as merchants, adventurers, and peddlers.
Soon their carriage would leave this small forest. However, Winfred spotted several people hiding behind the bushes.
Feeling uneasy, he switched to Ping mode for a wider range and suddenly a medium-sized wooden cart rolled out of the bushes and overturned.
Winfred's eyes widened as several people took aim and released their arrows.
"Ambush!"
Winfred shouted at the knights, but unfortunately they reacted a little too late. And suddenly the situation turned chaotic.
At the same time, his unique ability activated, filling him with Mana accompanied by a burning sensation.