Chapter 114: Departure

Traveling by sea was too roundabout and filled with uncertainties.

Helag decided to head north through the Kingdom of Doris. Once he crossed the border, he would head east to reach Moonlight Forest.

Consulting the map, he noted that thanks to Doris’s excellent road network, it would take about half a month to reach the northern border.

After crossing the border, it would take around four to five months to reach Moonlight Forest.

With his route planned, Helag prepared to settle matters here.

He called out, “Ed!”

Ed quickly came running, holding pruning shears, as he had been tending the garden.

“Ed, I’m leaving soon. You and Judy can stay in this house. I probably won’t return,” Helag said.

Ed was shocked and a bit panicked. “Master, where are you going? I can follow you.”

Helag shook his head. “You’re an ordinary person. Where I’m going isn’t suitable for you. Stay here, live well with Judy. I’ll ask Elusa to arrange some work for you so you can learn a trade and support your family.”

“Master…” Ed knelt, expressing his gratitude.

Ed was no longer a slave; Elusa had given him the status of a Ryan City resident.

To Helag, this was a small matter, but to Ed, it was like a new life.

Judy could move out of the slums and no longer live in a place filled with filth and corpses.

Ed and Judy couldn’t afford such an expensive house on their own, and they felt unworthy.

Now, Helag’s offer made Ed determined to maintain the house well, as it belonged to his master.

“Ed, to the Lord’s castle,” Helag said, boarding the carriage.

Ed, initially sad, perked up immediately. He eagerly took the reins, feeling purposeful every time he drove Helag.

The carriage moved through the bustling city, stopping at the Lord’s castle.

The castle’s guards were familiar with Helag’s carriage and led it to the backyard, where the horses were fed and watered.

Ed could rest in the backyard, waiting for Helag.

If Helag stayed overnight, Ed would rest in a small room in the backyard, with food provided by the castle.

Helag no longer needed an announcement to enter the castle; he walked in directly.

He made his way to Elusa’s chamber and gently knocked.

“Come in,” Elusa’s lazy voice responded.

She knew it was Helag, as Levant would announce specific matters.

Elusa lay on a chair by a large window, basking in the sunlight streaming through.

The scene struck Helag as a beautiful painting.

“I’m leaving,” Helag said softly.

Elusa remained silent, her eyes closed, the room filled with a heavy silence.

After a while, tears rolled down Elusa’s cheeks despite her closed eyes.

She opened her eyes, wiped her tears, and tried to sound calm, though her voice trembled. “Will you come back?”

“Probably not. Don’t wait for me. I’m a wizard…” Helag felt a rare sense of helplessness.

His meaning was clear: a wizard’s life was long. He might not return to Ryan City for a long time, and by then, Elusa might be old.

For Helag, it was a farewell, but for Elusa, it could be a final goodbye.

“Then go. Don’t come back. If you do, wait until I’m dead so you can remember me as young and beautiful,” Elusa said softly.

Helag walked over, knelt by her chair, and buried his head in her lap, closing his eyes.

Elusa held his head, gently stroking his cheek, savoring the moment of peace.

…

Three days later, Helag and Elusa stood at the castle gate.

Ed stood behind them, having waited in the backyard for three days.

Helag removed the Fireball Ring from his finger.

The ring, enchanted with a small fireball spell, was now of little use to him.

Helag could easily conjure a fireball with fire energy particles, and the small fireball spell was simple to learn.

He placed the ring on Elusa’s finger. “This is an enchanted item with a small fireball spell. If you’re in danger, channel magic into it to activate.”

Elusa admired the ring on her pale finger, delighted. “I’ll always wear it.”

Though weak, she had enough magic to use the enchanted item.

After a brief farewell, Helag set off.

Like before, he joined a caravan heading north.

The caravan would cross the border, travel east to the Kingdom of Relna, then west through the Kingdom of Violet back to Doris.

Helag would part ways with the caravan near Moonlight Forest.

The carriage he had used earlier was left behind, bought by Elusa and kept at the castle.

Elusa had prepared a new carriage for Helag, pulled by two fine horses, with a spacious, luxurious interior.

She wasn’t worried about the carriage attracting trouble. Those who would rob Helag for money couldn’t beat him, and those who could wouldn’t be interested in the carriage.

Ed had insisted on driving Helag, but Helag had kicked him off.

With Judy pregnant, Helag didn’t want Ed risking his life, making his previous efforts pointless.

Many in the caravan were willing to drive for Helag, knowing his esteemed status, as Elusa had personally seen him off.

The caravan leader’s youngest son drove Helag, likely hoping to build a connection with him.