The rattling of the carriage wheels on the uneven dirt road was rhythmic, almost hypnotic, as Ash leaned back in his seat. His gaze was fixed on the window, but his mind was elsewhere, swirling with thoughts.
Should I get involved in the mess of this body's previous life? he mused. The thought of running away crossed his mind. It wouldn't be difficult. The remaining knights were loyal or no loyal I don't know but I know they are far from perceptive. Escaping their watchful eyes would be child's play. But as tempting as the idea was, he knew it wasn't viable. Running away now would only create problems down the line.
He envisioned the consequences—how his disappearance might be construed as part of some grand scheme, a calculated move orchestrated by the enemy. The thought of becoming a pawn in someone else's hands, hunted down like prey, made his stomach churn.
Faking my death might work, he thought, tapping his fingers on the armrest. Fooling these knights wouldn't be hard, but even that carried risks. Loose ends had a way of unraveling.
As he weighed his options, a knock on the carriage window snapped him out of his reverie. A knight leaned in, his voice calm and formal.
"Sir, we're nearing Libel City."
Ash straightened, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Libel City, huh? Let's go there."
The knight nodded and rode ahead to relay the orders. Soon, the bustling outline of the city came into view. From a distance, Ash could already sense the city's energy—crowds, commerce, and chaos all blended into one.
When they reached the city gates, a long line of carriages and pedestrians stretched as far as the eye could see, each waiting for their turn to enter. But Ash's carriage, adorned with the unmistakable insignia of his family, bypassed the queue entirely.
The murmurs of the commoners reached his ears, a blend of dissatisfaction and begrudging acceptance. Some cursed under their breath, others looked on enviously, but no one dared to openly complain. The power his family's name carried was evident, even in the silent glares of the crowd.
As the guards and knights exchanged a few words, Ash leaned back, observing everything with a critical eye. Power is such a fascinating thing, he thought. A simple symbol on a carriage, and the world bows before you.
Once inside the city, the sights and sounds enveloped him. Narrow streets bustled with merchants hawking their wares, children darting between stalls, and the occasional noblewoman stepping out of a grand carriage. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the metallic tang of the blacksmiths' forges.
"Find an inn," Ash ordered the knight beside him. "Oh, and prioritize food. I'm starving."
The knight nodded, riding ahead to make arrangements. Not long after, they reached one of the finest inns in the city, its grand façade boasting opulence and comfort. Ash stepped out of the carriage, his boots clicking against the cobblestones as he made his way inside.
The room they had secured for him was on the top floor, spacious and lavishly furnished. The heavy drapes on the windows, the polished wood furniture, and the plush bedding all spoke of luxury.
Once inside, Ash locked the door and let out a long sigh, loosening his clothing. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly as he made his way to the bathroom.
Ordinarily, he would have summoned a maid to prepare his bath. But tonight, he craved solitude. The events of the day had left him drained, and he wanted nothing more than to relax in silence.
He extended his hand, his fingers brushing against the air as he activated his power. A faint glow emanated from his palm as he simulated a water crystal—a simple creation designed to produce water upon contact with mana. The crystal shimmered for a moment before releasing a steady stream of water, filling the bathtub.
The sound of water pouring into the tub was soothing, almost meditative. When it was full, Ash stepped in, the warm water embracing his weary body. He submerged himself, his head resting against the edge of the tub as he closed his eyes.
The warmth seeped into his muscles, loosening knots of tension he hadn't realized were there. For a few minutes, he allowed himself to let go of his worries, his mind blissfully blank.
After what felt like an eternity, he emerged from the bath, feeling refreshed. The weariness of the day had been washed away, leaving him clear-headed and calm. He dried himself off and changed into clean clothes, his movements unhurried.
A knock at the door interrupted his brief moment of peace. He opened it to find one of his maids standing there, a tray of food in her hands.
"Your meal, my lord," she said with a bow.
Ash took the tray from her, offering a curt nod. "That will be all. You may go."
The maid hesitated for a moment, as if expecting further instructions, but Ash closed the door before she could speak. Setting the tray on the table, he reached into his pocket and retrieved another simulated crystal—this one white in color.
The crystal had a single purpose: detecting poison. In the presence of any toxin, it would turn purple. He hovered it over the food, watching closely. The crystal remained white.
Satisfied, he dug into his meal. The food was rich and flavorful, a testament to the inn's reputation. But as he ate, his thoughts wandered back to the day's events.
The knights. The city. The people. The power he wielded.
It was all connected, all part of the intricate web he was now entangled in. Running away wasn't an option, and neither was staying passive. If he was going to survive, he needed to play the game—and play it well.
When he finished his meal, he stretched out on the bed, the soft sheets cradling his body. For the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to relax completely. His eyes grew heavy, and sleep claimed him swiftly, his dreams filled with flickering images of power, betrayal, and the path that lay ahead.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges. But for now, Ash let himself rest.