The village chief was kind enough to provide them a delicious supper: a vegetable soup of carrots, potatoes, and mushroom. Saving Anthony the tokens he would have spent for the meal.
However, the taste of the free meal have been dampened by the news.
As it turned out, during the third week of the siege of the town of Ausburn, a greater Imperial Force also laid siege to the capital. And unlike the town that managed to resist for six months, the capital fell after only two months. Ausburn defenders have been informed of this, but ignored it as lies.
It was a damning revelation, considering that the defenders endured starvation and heavy losses, in the belief there would be a relief force. It was a sacrifice, all in vain.
Even through the faint light of the lamp, Anthony could clearly see Irene's frowning face. The news affected her more, as she was the same Irene who endured the siege. Ron, on the other hand, was not there when "Anthony" endured the same.
The sound of their spoons hitting the wooden bowls, and the crackling of the fireplace in front of the table, was all that could be heard. A silent and bleak supper was what they had.
Unwilling to let the news ruined the entirety of their evening, Anthony spoke.
"Is there a nearby territory or kingdom that might harbor us? Let's leave Thelessia."
The question pulled out Irene from her thoughts. And from blankly staring at nothing, she shifted her gaze at Anthony.
"North Alendia. I have relatives there on my mother's side. But it is miles and miles away… I don't think David can endure the journey." she answered, sighing in exasperation in the middle of her last sentence.
All they had was a single horse, and there were three of them, including a baby. The ride is bound to be unbearably uncomfortable. Not to mention, dangerous. The imperials might still be on the lookout for them.
An evil thought briefly crossed his mind. He could leave them both alone, and start an adventure of his own. After all, this was supposed to be his isekai life, which was supposed to be exciting.
But he swiftly rebuked himself for it. He had lived his first life solely for himself, perhaps this was heaven's second chance. His interest had also been piqued by the young woman, not solely by her beauty, but by the strength she displayed. He wouldn't want to see her break.
So, it was then that he decided that until they were safe, he will be by their side.
The baby suddenly woke up and cried, and Irene left her seat to check on him. She was all frown just moments ago, but when she held the baby in her arms, a smile appeared.
"Where's your sister?" he asked after David had quieted down.
"Taken… I think." she gulped down when she answered, and Anthony was observant enough not to ask any more answers. By her facial cues, he guessed she didn't know her sister's fate and was afraid for the worse.
"I will take you both to North Alendia." Anthony moved to finish his meal. After scooping out the last vegetable bits, he gulped down the remaining soup.
Back to the land of dreams, David was laid again to the bed. Irene made her way to the table.
"You don't have to, Lord Anthony." she resumed eating.
"Are you suggesting that I just leave you here?"
The spoon halted in front her mouth. She was taken aback by the question and stared at Anthony's face if he was upset. All she found was a kind look.
Indeed, there was no other choice. The other options would be to turn themselves in and pray for mercy, or choose to stay in the village. Both were worse choices.
"I'm sorry that we have to burden you, my lord. I will certainly repay your kindness one day."
"Any man would do the same, I just need time." her sorry look made him regret his previous question.
The weight of the food on their stomach and the exhaustion inflicted by the day, made it impossible for them to resist rest any longer.
After taking her last bite, Irene laid herself beside the baby close to the wall and made space for Anthony at the other side of the bed.
"I'll rest right here." Anthony said, leaning on the chair with his feet on the table. The bed could not comfortably accommodate them three.
She wanted to protest, but she was a lady, and she feared that her further insistence might be misunderstood. She wanted to offer him the blanket at least, but realized that the baby was more in need of it.
It was not a big sacrifice for Anthony. Waking up on sidewalks happened every once in a week, in his previous life. There, at least, he had a fireplace to warm his back.
"Shop Open" he whispered.
[Virtual Shop Opened]
[Welcome again… Dear Customer]
[You have unspent Tokens: 140]
The floating window reliably appeared, and he navigated towards the Transportation section, in search of a better replacement to their single horse.
Their different kinds of mounts and vehicles were listed. From the largest and longest carriages, to the smallest cart.
Because he was traveling with a woman and a baby, he required a mode of transportation that would be comfortable to travel in. One that could shield them from the elements.
And in that time period, the only thing that perfectly fitted the description was the carriage. But as expected, they were reserved for nobility and even the smallest ones were pricey.
Thus he went for the alternative, a covered wagon. Not as comfortable, but as efficient. The cheapest in the section was still ten thousand tokens, but anything cheaper would have not proper walls and roofs.
And thus, he made his choice and locked in on the vehicle, making the acquisition of it, his primary goal.
[Small Merchant Wagon
Enough to carry small amounts of goods. Perfect for a starting businessman.
Price: 10000 Tokens].