Today, the convoy had finally reached the last town before the Saorise Region. "Young Master Eitan, I will go find a suitable inn for your lodgings." In the days after the assassin's attack, Aengus had begun addressing Eitan more respectfully.
After all the fuss had died down, Aengus approached Eitan and questioned him stringently. During this, Eitan lied quite a lot to the unwitting man. He said that he had awakened his aura after coming out of the coma, which was not as odd as it may sound. The two most common ways for a person to awaken their mana would be through consistent training or suffering a disastrous event. Getting beaten within an inch of his life obviously counted as such. When Aengus inquired as to why he did not tell the count, Eitan responded half-truthfully that it was because he did not want to bear the burden of his expectations and be forced to stay in a house that brought him so much suffering.
This seemed to touch Aengus, as he swore he would not report to the count, and the tone of his pursuing questions softened considerably after that. His relationship with Farrel was vaguely explained away as a chance encounter, to which Aengus accepted with surprisingly little resistance.
Eitan looked down at the eager knight through his carriage window. "Don't skimp on the room for Farrel and yourself."
Aengus' eyes widened slightly, and he bowed his head with a small smile. "Please wait for my return." He then spurred his horse and headed through the town gates.
The soldiers would camp outside the town with the two carriages, while the two knights and Lind would go with Eitan. This was standard procedure when nobles traveled. To lodge every soldier may be manageable for one night, but what about three, five, or even ten? Even for the rich nobles, it would quickly pile up to a considerable sum.
So Eitan sat patiently in the carriage while the soldiers became busy with chores. It did not take long for Aengus to return. He dismounted from his mount by the carriage and opened the door for Eitan. "Everything has been arranged."
Eitan gave him a nod of acknowledgment as he descended, stretching once his feet hit the solid ground. Lind quickly followed him after retrieving a chest with basic luggage from a compartment under the seats. Farrel also approached Eitan once he came out of the carriage. Looking at him now, it would be impossible to imagine he had been picked up from the slums. He was donned in a white knight's attire, sword holstered on his waist, and dagger no doubt tucked inside his neat coat. Despite his wrinkles, no one could deny the man's valiant appearance.
"Come to my room after settling in," Eitan told the white knight as they made their way towards the inn.
"Understood," Farrel bowed his head lightly.
They soon reached the inn, and Aengus led them to their rooms on the second floor. Both appeared quite spacious and clean, having taken Eitan's words to heart. Before Eitan followed Lind into his room, Aengus spoke to him.
"Young Master, it is still early, so I understand if you wish to go out and about. However, please inform me beforehand so I may accompany you for security's sake." Aengus spoke respectfully, but his gaze was firm.
"Alright," Eitan agreed understandingly. Aengus was here for his protection, so it was only natural for him to make such a request. He would not make things difficult for a man just trying to do his duty.
Aengus bowed before taking his leave for the room next door. Just as he went inside, Farrel emerged and went straight over to Eitan. Eitan glanced at him before stepping into his room, where Lind had already finished organizing his belongings. "Go downstairs and get some food for yourself." Eitan directed at Lind.
"Yes!" Lind smiled at being released and exited after a brief bow.
Eitan sat on the bed before casting his gaze at Farrel. "I have an important mission for you."
Farrel stepped up and kneeled before him. "Please give me the order!"
Eitan took out a page he had hidden in his outerwear. On it was a list of names and descriptions, some detailed, while others were vague. Aside from physical training, this was the other thing he had been working on during the trip. A list of notable people from his last life. Some who didn't deserve to see the next sunrise, and others who would be invaluable assets on his quest. "Find the nearest information guild and put in a request to find these people. We still have some money leftover from before, so use that to cover the cost. I don't care if it takes every coin. This must be done." He spoke strictly as he handed the paper to Farrel.
Farrel received it carefully, folding it before tucking it securely into an inner pocket. As always, no questions were asked. He only had the mind for following the commands given to him. "Is there anything else, my liege?"
Eitan was about to shake his head, but suddenly remembered something. He stood up and rummaged around in his luggage for a moment before tossing a copper plaque to Farrel. "Put in a request for an investigation of this thing's origin, too."
Eitan caught the plaque with a solemn nod and put it away with the paper. "Your will shall be done." He stood up and bowed before swiftly departing to take care of the duty delegated to him.
Once he was gone, Eitan let out a long exhale. This was an important step on his path to change the future. He had actually wanted to take care of it himself, but ultimately decided to leave it to Farrel's capable hands. If he made such a large request personally, then it would not take long for every information guild in the area to learn of him. It would do no good if his identity were broadcast so early.
The last urgent task underway, Eitan turned his head to look outside the window. Maybe going out for a bit isn't a bad idea. This town bordered his future territory after all, so it wouldn't be bad to get a sense of the area. He stood up, smoothing down his clothes before exiting the room. He went to the next door over and knocked. "Sir Aengus. Shall we go out into town?"
The door soon opened, and Aengus stepped out with a bow. "As you wish."
Eitan went down the stairs and spotted Lind, who had just begun his meal. … I'll leave him be for now. Even though this servant did him no favors in his previous life, he still felt a hint of guilt for dragging him along as he pleased. Not so much that he would change, but it was worth giving the man a break now and then. So Eitan exited the inn with only Aengus as his retinue.
He languidly strolled the streets, taking in the sights around him. It was not a notably vibrant or populated town due to being so close to the border area, but this kind of quiet ambiance had its charms. He had grown so used to the chaos of the battlefield that he couldn't help but feel great appreciation for this rare peace.
The two eventually ended up in the market area, which provided a slightly more bustling atmosphere. Eitan surveyed the stalls without much consideration; a small town like this provided little more than common wares. He went on like this before being halted by an impact on his legs. He looked down to see a dirty child, no older than thirteen years old, having just bumped into him. Strikingly clear ocean eyes peeked out from his unkempt brown hair.
The child, catching his stare, quickly prostrated himself on the ground. "My deepest apologies! Please have mercy, noble sir!"
Aengus looked over at Eitan, predicting that this matter would be passed over with little thought. From what he had experienced during this trip, it was impossible for the current young master to find trouble over such a small mishap.
Eitan crouched down and smiled at the boy, causing him to appear rather warm. "What's your name, kid?"
Young Master Eitan, you are not much older than this 'kid'. Aengus' eyebrows twitched a bit at such a manner of address.
"Uh- Miles…" The kid, Miles, lifted his head due to Eitan's friendly tone.
"Alright, Miles, since you apologized, I'll let you go." Eitan began with a loose expression.
"Thank you, kind and merciful sir!" Miles quickly got up and was about to fade back into the crowd, but a sudden force on his collar stopped him. "Ack-!"
"On one condition." Eitan finished his statement, his originally warm demeanor chilling. "First, hand back what you stole."
Miles trembled violently at this before rapidly fighting to get out of Eitan's grip, although it was naturally to no avail. Aengus immediately became outraged as he realized the situation. "This urchin dared-" His sword left his sheath as he spoke. "Young Master Eitan, please move aside! I shall remove the hands that dared commit such an offense."
Miles paled with terror and began flailing around more frantically. "No, no! Let me go!"
"Stand down," Eitan cast a sharp glance at Aengus.
Aengus hesitated only briefly before returning the sword to its sheath. Things were changing steadily, from Eitan's own prowess to the behavior of those around him. The trigger-happy knight dealt with, Eitan returned his attention to Miles. "Don't try to run and just return what you took from me. I won't punish you." There was no need to, anyway. Now that Miles had been revealed as a pickpocket, his days on the streets were as good as over. Whether he was working independently or as part of a group, his future wouldn't be bright even without Eitan imposing any repercussions.
The boys' eyes filled with tears, causing the more soft-hearted onlookers to be filled with pity. "I can't, I need this…" He mumbled stubbornly, although his fearful gaze lingered on Aengus' sword.
Eitan looked around and, not wanting to make any more of a fuss, dragged the kid into a nearby alley before continuing the conversation. Aengus remained on guard close by, still staring daggers at Miles. "Is this little money more important than your life?"
Miles' eyes widened, and he puffed his little cheeks in anger. "It may be a little money to a noble young master like you, but this can fulfill my quota for the month!"
Quota. This keyword caught Eitan's attention. Such a phrase denoted that he wasn't some random pickpocket or member of a little urchin group, but rather part of something more organized. "What happens when your quota isn't met?"
Miles sniveled, a look of dread overcoming him. "... Me and my sister will be disposed of." He suddenly began attempting to fight off Eitan again. "So let me go! I need to bring this back!"
Eitan finally dropped the boy, and the moment he touched the ground, he bolted, only to be blocked by Aengus' firm figure. "Take me to the place you need to go back to."
Miles looked up at Eitan with a shocked expression. "Huh?"
"You heard me. I'll go and make sure you're not disposed of or whatever, and you'll give me back my money. How's that sound?" Eitan's intentions were nothing so simple, but he had to make it easy for the child.
Miles hugged his arms to his chest guardedly. "Nobles lie all the time. Why should I trust you?"
Eitan was suddenly reminded of the time with Farrel and let out a chuckle. He crouched back down so he was eye-level with Miles, an icy smile blooming on his face. "Because you have no choice but to."
Miles shivered as he made eye contact with Eitan, and his head quickly drooped. "... Fine. But you have to keep your word!" He looked back up with a defiant gaze, but he couldn't hide the trembling of his limbs.
Not bad. Eitan stood erect and put his hand out to Miles. "Then the money."
Miles hesitated one bit longer before slowly taking out a money pouch from his clothes and dropping it into Eitan's outstretched palm. "Now you'll come with me to the base, right?"
"That's right." Eitan's expression softened again, but this time, it didn't bring down Miles' guard one bit. It only took him one time to figure out Eitan could change colors like a chameleon, so he no longer dared trust what was portrayed on the surface. "Lead the way."
Miles gave Eitan one more wary look before standing up and glancing at Aengus. "... This really isn't a trick? Your knight won't take off my hands?"
Eitan kept a straight face as he waved Aengus back. "A man's word is as good as his life."
"What man? You're just a kid, too!" Miles seemed to have gotten over his fear and freely spoke his mind, characteristic of his age.
"Pft-"
Eitan's head whipped to the side to see Aengus standing perfectly straight with a serious poker face. These guys… The corners of his mouth twitched. I'm old enough to be your father, you damn brat. He could, of course, not say such a thing, so he just endured. "Quiet. Let's get a move on already."
Miles moved carefully until he was past Aengus, then regained a pep in his step. "Follow me!"
Eitan and Aengus followed the child's lead through the streets, eventually finding their way to a rundown warehouse at the outskirts of the town. As they approached, Miles grew noticeably more nervous as they approached and glanced behind more often to check that Eitan and Aengus were still there. He stopped outside, clenching his small fists before gazing at the two with a tepid expression. "You two really can save my sister, right? Since nobles and knights are really powerful?" He seemed to care more about his sister's well-being than his own.
Eitan nodded at him with a confident smile. "Of course. Aside from your sister, how many children will be inside right now?"
"Uh," Miles was taken aback by the question, but quickly considered it. "Maybe two or three. Everyone is usually out working during the day and only come back at night."
"And who's in charge?"
Miles fidgeted nervously. "Mister Ryler, as long as we can pay the quota, he makes sure we don't starve and have a place to sleep."
"But those who don't pay are 'disposed' of." Eitan easily surmised the reason for this. This Mister Ryler wouldn't keep around any worthless mouths to feed, and getting rid of the useless pickpockets instead of just kicking them out meant his business wouldn't have any competition. "Does Ryler have any helpers?"
"Mac is the one who takes care of the guys that get disposed of." Miles explained, "He usually hangs around Mister Ryler and runs errands for him that the kids can't do."
So, Ryler ran the show while Mac did the cleanup. Eitan stared at the warehouse and licked his lips. Here's hoping these guys like to hoard their money. He fixed his expression and tilted his head up. "Aengus. You heard all that."
Aengus pulled out his sword, causing Miles to flinch back. "Yes, Young Master. I shall deliver their heads to you."
Eitan nodded with satisfaction before looking back down at Mac. "And what about your sister?"
Mac's eyes welled up with frustrated tears. "She's sick, so she stays in the warehouse. I have to pay triple the regular quota, or Mister Ryler will get rid of us both. Mac's always around, so I couldn't do anything to help her either. I'm a useless big brother." His voice shook with tears at his last words.
"No, you're a good child and a good older brother." Eitan gently placed his head on Miles' head, who was currently rubbing his wet eyes. His actions may have been warm, but his expression was as cold as ice. "Aengus, go. And make sure not a hair on those children's heads is harmed."
"Yes, Young Master!" Aengus saluted Eitan with his sword before storming into the warehouse.
Shouting could be heard briefly, but it did not take long for the tranquility to return. "It's done. Let's go." Eitan took his hand off Miles and entered the warehouse.
Miles felt a mix of awe and disbelief as he quickly followed Eitan. Once inside, they saw Aengus standing over two decapitated corpses. Completely ignoring the grizzly sight, Miles rushes over to the far corner of the warehouse where two young children huddled in front of a mat. "Marie, Marie!"
"Miles?" The voice of a young girl could be heard. "What's going on? Why was there shouting?"
Eitan only cast a contemptuous glance at the dead men before looking over at the children. It was then that he realized what Miles had meant by sick. The young girl named Marie was blind.
"Mister Ryler and Mac are dead, so we don't have to worry about paying those stupid quotas anymore," Miles spoke to his sister, along with the other two children. There was immediately a considerable hubbub as Miles proudly explained what had occurred.
"Young Master Eitan."
Eitan turned his head to see Aengus approaching him. "What do you plan to do from here on?' Aengus questioned meaningfully.
Indeed, this problem was not a simple one. If left alone, these children would undoubtedly fall right back into a life of thievery even without anyone pulling the strings. Eitan gazed at the kids before shutting his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, his expression was resolute. "I was lacking servants, anyway. Lind can train them up."
Aengus' eyes widened. "Young Master, I mean no disrespect, but these are street urchins, Worse still, pickpockets. I dare say if you bring them as servants, you will end up with more coins missing than help provided."
Eitan turned and glared fiercely at Aengus, causing the seasoned knight to flinch slightly. This pressure…!
"Yes, right now, perhaps all they know is a life of thievery. But is it not our job as the elders to guide them onto the right path?" Eitan spoke firmly but not quite harshly. "Besides, I am the one who disturbed the current state of affairs. It is only right that I take responsibility to the end, even if it does cost me a coin or two."
Aengus pursed his lips and bowed his head. "I understand, Young Master. But please take this bit of advice from said elder… You cannot save them all."
"I know," Eitan responded brusquely before leaving Aengus with one more statement. "But I can at least do this much." He turned from the knight and went over to the corner where the now bright-eyed children sat.
Aengus watched him go with a heavy yet full heart. In truth, he also wanted to help these children after hearing about the boy's circumstances, which is why he didn't object to Eitan getting involved in the first place. But his loyalty trumped any such paltry emotions. If anything could pose harm to the Reidars, he would actively speak and act against it regardless of his own opinions. He knew well the weight of a life, which is why he was against the inexperienced young master taking such burdens upon himself. But just like the time with the assassins, this previously frail and meek young master consistently surpassed his expectations. In response to Aengus' concerns, he provided wisdom far beyond his years. His clear determination to assume this responsibility also proved that he did not make this decision flippantly.
Aengus flicked his sword to clean off the blood before finally slipping it back into its sheath with a soft exhale. It appears I'm getting old. He smiled an aged smile before going over to Eitan, who was currently instructing Miles to round up the other children and bring them to the inn. The usually eager knight stood quietly to the side and merely observed with a newfound respect in his gaze.