Henry left the mansion in a rush, his steps hurried yet purposeful. He had no idea what Travis had planned, but desperation fueled his resolve. If there was even a slim chance of salvaging their dire situation, he was prepared to do whatever was necessary.
Despite the family's declining fortunes, Henry managed to secure a simple coach without much difficulty. It wasn't one of the Wright family's luxurious carriages adorned with their crest; those had long since been seized as collateral for unpaid debts. Instead, he arranged for an unassuming coach commonly used by commoners, practical and discreet. The horses, though not the finest, would suffice for the journey.
When everything was ready, he returned to inform Travis. "The coach is prepared, young master," Henry said, his tone steady despite the underlying tension in his voice.
Travis gave a slight nod and followed Henry outside. As they boarded the modest carriage, Travis settled into his seat and gazed out of the window. His mind raced, a storm of thoughts churning within.
'Canaon City,' he mused, recalling the details from Lysil's fragmented memories. It was one of the largest cities in the eastern region of the Eden Kingdom, a bustling hub of trade and commerce. Strategically located at the crossroads of several major routes, the city attracted merchants and travelers alike. Its prosperity was further bolstered by a thriving community of alchemists, whose potions and creations were renowned across the kingdom.
The Wright family had once stood at the pinnacle of this prosperity. Their alchemy store had dominated the market, outpacing all competitors. Mages from far and wide had flocked to their doors, eager to purchase potions and magical items. But now, according to Henry, the store was a hollow shell of its former glory, its shelves barren and its reputation in tatters.
'How am I supposed to gather the materials to prepare the potion?' Travis thought, his brow furrowing. The deal with the Count hinged on his ability to deliver results, but without access to resources, success seemed almost impossible. Another troubling question nagged at him, one he couldn't ignore.
'Was Wright Romarc's death truly natural?' He considered the possibility that Lysil's father might have been murdered since they had a lot of competitors which could as well be considered foes.
If that were the case, then whoever was behind it could very well target him next.
On the other hand, if Wright's death had been natural, the family's competitors would still stop at nothing to ensure the alchemy store remained in ruins. Either way, Travis found himself ensnared in a web of danger and intrigue.
'It's like they were planning for my second death even before I reincarnated here'
The ride to the Count's castle was a tense one. Travis rubbed his temples, trying to focus on the immediate task.
"Have we arrived?" he asked, breaking the silence.
Henry glanced back and replied, "Yes, young master. We're here." The coach came to a halt before the gates of the Count's mansion.
Travis stepped down and took in the sight before him.
The castle loomed large, its twin towers standing like ancient sentinels. Smooth, imposing walls encased the structure, and the cobblestone path beneath his feet glistened under the sun's rays.
For a moment, he was awestruck, but the reality of their mission quickly pulled him back to the present.
The guards at the gate regarded them with sharp, scrutinizing eyes. Their expressions betrayed no warmth as Henry approached to open the door for Travis.
"Who are you, and what is your business here?" one of the guards demanded, stepping forward. His tone was curt, his posture rigid. The security was tight, with guards stationed at every corner.
Henry stepped up, bowing slightly.
"This is the young master of the Romarc family. He wishes to speak with the Count regarding an urgent matter...."
The guard's expression soured, and he cut Henry off mid-sentence.
"Leave. The Count has no interest in meeting the likes of you." His voice dripped with disdain, and his eyes flicked over them as though they were beggars.
Travis clenched his fists at his sides, forcing himself to remain calm. The fall of the Romarc family was no secret, and their ruin had made them a laughingstock in Canaon City. He could almost hear the guard's unspoken thoughts: why should the Count waste his time on a ruined heir?
"We haven't come to beg," Travis said evenly, his voice steady despite the simmering anger beneath. "Our business is urgent and concerns the Count directly. Please allow us to speak with him."
The guard scoffed. "Get out. The Count won't entertain whatever nonsense you've come here with."
Henry tried to interject, his voice firm but respectful. "Please, if you would just--"
"And who are you to decide what the Count will or won't hear?" Travis's voice cut through, sharper now, his patience fraying. The guard's arrogance reminded him too much of the ridicule he had endured back at the family estate. But this time, he wasn't the frail, sickly Travis who could do nothing but endure
The guard's face darkened with anger.
"Who do you think you are?" he growled, drawing his sword in a swift motion. The blade glinted menacingly in the light as he raised it, ready to strike.
He was a one-star swordsman, and the confidence in his stance made it clear he didn't view Travis as a threat.
If anything, a single swipe of his sword was enough to kill the little insect.
Travis stood his ground, his eyes locked on the guard's. The tension was palpable, the air thick with impending violence.
"Enough." A calm yet authoritative voice broke the standoff. A figure emerged from the shadows near the gate, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"I don't recall the Count authorizing you to kill visitors. Or did he?"
The guard's expression shifted to one of alarm, and he hastily lowered his sword, stepping back.
The newcomer's sharp gaze flicked to Travis and Henry, assessing them with interest.
At the same time, Travis system pinged a notification screen appearing in front of him.
[Magister Magus]
She stood, one hand placed on her waist, "Now tell me, why is it that you wish to meet the count"