Volume 12 Chapter 1 Jillian's Survival
Al had asked Guildmaster Levy to buy various materials, but as the renovation of the research tower progressed, they found they were missing some things. Al ended up going back and forth between Guildmaster Levy's mansion and the research tower several times.
One day, as Al was using 'Teleport' to avoid being seen, Guildmaster Levy called out to him.
"Al, can I talk to you for a moment?"
His expression was more serious than usual.
"What's wrong? Is something happening?"
"A letter arrived from Sir Naresh. It says that according to information from Viscount Parker, who governs the border city Parker, there are several groups resisting the Marquis Prentis family within Tempest. It seems the Marquis Prentis family only controls about half of the territory."
So, the Marquis Prentis family hasn't completely taken over the kingdom. If that were the case, they wouldn't attack them right away.
"I thought the Marquis Prentis family had completely taken over the kingdom. Isn't that a good thing?"
"That's true, but it seems the opposing forces aren't united. Among them, the name Marquis Taggart has come up. It seems the Marquis Taggart family is desperately searching for Lady Patricia."
The Marquis Taggart's eldest son was supposed to be Patricia's fiancé. If they protect Patricia and arrange a marriage, it would give a strong reason for the Tempest royal family's succession.
"That means..."
Al couldn't think of anything to say at that moment. The fiancé might still be alive. Of course, he should tell Patricia. That's true, but... Al clenched his fists tightly. Seeing Al's reaction, Guildmaster Levy nodded slightly.
"Lady Patricia truly loves you, Al. I don't think you need to worry. Still, I think you should tell Lady Patricia about this."
Patricia might trust Al, but can he really believe that? Doesn't he need to consider other options to save the Tempest Kingdom? No, isn't that just being conceited? The other party is the Marquis's heir. Wouldn't marrying him be a happier path for Patricia? Maybe Al should step back.
"Oh, Al, you're already here. I've been waiting for you. I got a letter from Naresh... but from the look on your face, you've already heard? You look pale."
As Al was deep in thought, Ruella approached him. She probably came to talk about the same thing as Guildmaster Levy. She peered at Al's face with a worried look.
"Uh, yeah..."
"You hid Lady Patricia somewhere safe, right? So there's nothing to worry about, right? If you're still concerned, you should go see Naresh. He might have more details."
With a sly smile, Ruella said so. Al wondered if he should really feel this way. If Patricia knew, she'd probably feel guilty again. The research tower renovations had gone well, so Al would be fine even if he left briefly. Still, a bit of fear lingered.
"Alright, I'll talk to Lady Patricia first. Guildmaster Levy, could you put today's materials in a box? Also, I'll return this now. Thanks to you, I escaped Lord Veil of the Tempest Kingdom and learned to stay hidden. That’s enough for me. This will make transporting to Sir Naresh much easier, so I hope you can use it well."
Al handed the magic bag back to Guildmaster Levy in thanks. It was useful, but with the 'Teleport' and 'Carrier' tools, he’d manage. It might be better used to help refugees under Naresh’s and the guild's care, most from Patricia's mother’s homeland, Count Senet. This way, Patricia might feel a little less guilt.
Guildmaster Levy thought for a moment and then nodded.
"Okay. We'll use it that way. It will help us and Sir Naresh too."
"Thank you."
Guildmaster Levy let out a deep breath.
"And, Al. I need you to wait a bit longer for the wyvern payment. I'm making some adjustments right now. Also, I wanted to ask about your partner. I noticed he was limping. Are you interested in treatment for his leg?"
Of course, Al was interested in Orson's leg treatment. Orson had said it was an injury he thought was impossible to heal, but could there really be a chance for recovery?
"The temple of the sun god, Pyros, is very interested in the wyvern head trophy. They want to use it for decoration in the new grand temple being built in the royal capital. But, I think you understand that we can't just ask the temple for a lot of money. While I was thinking about what to do, Barbara told me that your partner, who helped with the disguise this time, is limping. It seems like the injury is serious enough that only a high priest from the temple can heal it."
Al nodded. As expected from Guildmaster Levy, who is well-known in the capital. He probably has connections with the temple. This will surely be a good reward for Orson, who helped him this time. Al bowed and said, "Please, I really appreciate it."
"Then, I'll negotiate on that basis."
"What about the healing magic spellbook... Is that impossible?"
Al asked cautiously, but Guildmaster Levy shook his head immediately. Healing spells like Hemostasis and Regeneration are strictly controlled by the temple. Only those who have served at the temple for a certain period can learn them. Generally, those hired as healers by nobles or merchant guilds have trained at the temple first. It seems even Guildmaster Levy can't get a spellbook.
"Forget it. For now, I'll just take the materials and go back."
Al smiled and nodded lightly.
* * *
"Is that so... Sir Jillian is alive..."
Hearing Al's story, Patricia looked down with a dark expression, just as expected. It seems "Jillian" is the name of the heir to the Marquis Taggart family. Joanna whispered in her ear, saying that the princess doesn't need to go, while wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
"For now, I think I'll go to Naresh by myself. Is that okay? I also plan to stop by my hometown, Channing Village, where Orson and the others are. It's on the way if I'm flying."
Patricia nodded faintly. The renovation work here is mainly being handled by Malachi and the golems. They say some leafy vegetables could be ready for harvest in about a month. The chickens have already started laying eggs. Of course, if there are any problems, they can contact him through the Ring of Pact, so he can leave it to the two of them.
"Oh, and I asked Guildmaster Levy to keep the magic bag and use it to transport food for the refugees Naresh is helping. With that, it should be much more efficient. Things here are starting to look good, right?"
"No, that was a gift you received, wasn't it?"
Joanna shook her head and asked quickly, but Al just smiled lightly.
"If I keep that, I won't learn to be creative. I need to practice more so I can use the 'Carrier' spell instead. I'm starting to understand how my skill level changes things. Right now, I can produce 11 discs. The maximum weight I can retain is 330 kilograms (727.5 lbs). I'm sure I can still improve. Even now, I can carry a wooden box with that weight, you know? Soon, I won't need the magic bag at all."
Actually, it's half the truth and half pretending, but will Patricia understand if he says that? Joanna seemed to get it and nodded reluctantly.
"Yes... But please don't push yourself."
Patricia nodded slightly again. What should he say in times like this? Al thought hard and finally spoke up.
"It's okay to be here. You don't have to force yourself. If anything happens, just talk to us."
"Princess, I'm here too."
Joanna hugged Patricia tightly. She buried her face in Joanna's chest.
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