Volume 9 Chapter 4 The End, And The Market
Al and Reginald returned to the Levy merchant guild and were quickly led to a room where Barbara was waiting for them. There, Guildmaster Levy was also waiting.
"I'm sorry, Al. You really helped us."
When Guildmaster Levy saw Al come back, he smiled widely, stood up, and welcomed him with a handshake.
"No, I approached carelessly with the 'Floating Eye' and got noticed. I apologize."
After accepting the handshake, Al scratched his head and said this. Guildmaster Levy shook his head and encouraged both of them to sit down before he took a seat himself.
"Barbara mentioned that there were some suspicious things happening, but there was no solid proof. This situation is unavoidable. However, their quick disappearance from the inn shows they are very careful. I am curious about who they are. In the border city of Lester, many old merchant guilds exist since the city was founded. Some of these guilds view us as enemies, and some even engage in terrible actions secretly."
Al nodded at Guildmaster Levy's words. It was easy to imagine that the security in the border city of Lester was not good. Seeing this, Guildmaster Levy continued to speak.
"Now, it's about Sir Naresh. Sir Naresh is about to get engaged to Ruella. Our merchant guild is getting involved in this situation. Sir Naresh is the second son, and his mother, Viscountess Tara, comes from a very important family. Many people have their own interests in this matter. There are rumors that some individuals linked to the bandit attack and Ruella's kidnapping are influencing events. The story about Lady Patricia's hair accessory is also connected. It is difficult to know who is an ally and who is an enemy."
Just the usual family troubles, huh? Naresh himself said he just wanted to help his brother Sanjay...
"Why are you telling me this?"
"You seem close to Sir Naresh and Ruella, so I thought it would be good for you to know this in case something happens. Also, if possible, I would be happy if you could work for us. What do you think? Has your mind changed?"
Guildmaster Levy's invitation made Al smile apologetically and shake his head.
"I see, that's too bad. For now, I'll pay you for your help this time. If anything comes up again, I hope you'll assist us."
Al received a small leather pouch from Barbara and decided to go home. He had a new spellbook waiting for him. First, he needed to stop at the market to buy supplies he used on his way back. Barbara smiled when she gave him the pouch, suggesting it had something valuable inside. Later, he discovered there was one gold coin in it. Earning a gold coin for about 30 minutes of work felt like a good reward. He thought about how much he might earn if he got a formal job.
* * *
'Hey, can't that big bird fly far?'
On his way home, Glee whispered to Al as he passed the market. Al noticed many pink water birds, usually seen by the Holden River, displayed as meat at the stalls. These birds had a wingspan of about 1m (� 3.28ft). When Glee asked if they couldn't fly far, she likely meant the research tower in Tempest. After seeing Malachi's golem, she seemed excited to visit and began asking questions. With many people around, Al felt it was suspicious to answer, so he quickly moved to a shadowy area.
"Well, I can't tell how far it can fly without transforming. But I heard that with the 'Fly' spell, it can go for 2 whole days, and that's at a high altitude, so it might be tough for a bird..."
Al spoke softly up to that point, then realized that even if it was 2 whole days, it might be possible if they took breaks along the way.
"Glee? They said it could fly for 2 days at a high altitude, but is that over land? What direction and specific height are we talking about?"
'It's about southeast. The height is around 2000m (� 6561.68 ft). I know the distance and height, but since I've never been there, I don't know if it's the sea or not.'
The area to the southeast may be near the sea. If he becomes a water bird, he could potentially go there. However, this region is undeveloped and has many magical beasts. If he prepares in advance using a 'Carrier' for his belongings, he might succeed. But, he cannot use spells while transformed, which means he cannot defend himself. If a creature from the sea attacks him, it could be dangerous. Additionally, 2000m (� 6561.68 ft) is a significant height. So far, Al can only transform into sparrows and crows, which cannot fly that high. Are there any water birds capable of reaching such heights?
"Hmm, either way, it seems difficult. For now, once I learn a new spell, I could try catching one and see..."
'Aw, that's too bad... I thought it was a good idea.'
"Well then, I'm going home."
'Wait, that looks delicious. Look, that white, apple-like thing being sold on the right... I've never seen it before. Hey, try it!'
Glee whispers to Al as he tries to step out from behind a shadow. Even though he wants her to stop talking... Al can't help but sigh.
"Fine..."
How did it come to this? Isn't the assistant device just a magic tool? Did Ingrid's soul really inhabit this assistant device?
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