“I found him...! Cayden...!”

At Helen’s words, Keirsey jumped up from her seat, rushing to her side.

“...Wh... Where...?”

“He seems to be in the Benthrock family’s estate. He’s been staying there for several days now.”

Benthrock.

He had gone farther away than they had imagined. It seemed as if he truly left without looking back.

Asena asked,

“...Where did you hear this?”

“The Count of Benthrock passed on the information. He said Sir Cayden is in his estate.”

Asena’s heart raced. The mere hint of his long-lost trace stirred emotions deep within her.

But simply finding him wasn’t enough. They probably couldn’t bring him back even if they wanted to.

Even so, knowing where he was and what he was doing, as opposed to being in the dark, made a world of difference.

Any news about him was welcome. Keirsey likely felt the same.

“...Ask him to keep an eye on him from now on. I’ll cover the expenses.”

“...Lady Asena, information from Benthrock house is expensi-”

“-I know. Do it anyway.”

Keirsey nodded in agreement. Helen chose not to add any further comments.

As Helen was about to leave, head bowed…

“...Helen?”

“...Yes?”

“Ask him to send every little detail. What he eats... what he thinks about... I need to know everything.”

Once again, Helen just nodded, without uttering a word.

****

Some time had passed since I arrived at the Benthrock estate.

Today, as usual, I headed out to get some food. I pulled up my hood and took a path less frequented by pedestrians.

Tomorrow, I’ll be leaving the Benthrock estate. I’ve had quite a lot of free time during my stay.

Unless I was working out a bit or grabbing a bite, I barely left my lodgings.

By now, my body was starting to feel stiff. I was relieved that I’d finally be departing.

I hurriedly made my way to the nearest diner. Somehow, I had taken on the habits of someone in hiding, but there wasn’t much I could do about it.

A restaurant began to appear in the distance. Without a second thought, I adjusted my hood and continued walking.

- Thud!

“…Oops.”

Suddenly, I bumped into someone, causing my hood to slide back a little.

A man groaned and said,

“Hey... don’t you look where you’re going?”

I glanced at the man I’d bumped into, and, wanting to be on my way, offered an apology.

“I’m sorry.”

Just as I was about to pull my hood back up,

“…Uh? Aren’t you one of the escorts?”

His words caught me off guard.

“...Excuse me?”

“The escort for the caravan leaving tomorrow. You came a few days ago to offer your services, right?”

“…”

I looked him up and down. He seemed to recognize me, but I didn’t recall him.

Short stature. Sturdy build. Somewhat scruffy appearance.

He didn’t look like a merchant from the caravan or someone associated with it.

He extended his hand and said,

“Ah, my apologies for the late introduction. I’m Yoren. I’ll be one of the escorts for the caravan you’re departing with tomorrow.”

“Ah, I see.”

I shook his hand lightly. After all, we’d be working together from tomorrow.

“Where are you headed?”

He asked.

“Just getting some food.”

“Let’s go together. I was also planning to grab a bite. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know each other a bit earlier, right?”

I thought for a moment and replied,

“…Sounds good.”

.

.

.

.

The man who introduced himself as Yoren had a peculiar story. He told me that since childhood, he had diligently farmed and maintained a comfortable life. He found a wife, and together they brought two adorable sons into the world, living happily day by day. However, due to an undisclosed incident, he lost his entire family and was depressed.

During that time, his farm went to ruin, his land was taken, and the only thing he was capable of doing was wielding a blade. He shared this somber story, hinting that taking on this perilous job might also be his way of courting death.

“...I see.”

It was indeed odd for someone to share such a personal story upon first meeting, but given the gravity of losing a family, I couldn’t exactly remark on its strangeness. Instead, I just listened.

Also, although I am a commoner, I have lived my entire life like an aristocrat. So, I wasn’t entirely familiar with their ways. Thinking that perhaps this is how they live, I tried to adjust as much as possible.

“I’ve told you my story; now it’s your turn.”

“...Yes?”

“You should share too! It’s only fair, isn’t it? I can’t be the only one talking.”

“Well, I don’t really...”

“Your face looks troubled. There must be something you can share. Go on.”

“...”

Did my expression give something away? I silently touched my stern face.

Admittingly, saying I was a noble once and was now cast out from my family, wasn’t easy to share.

In nearby squares, there were constant rumors and chatter about my name and my exile from the family. How could I possibly share that?

Yet, it wasn’t like I didn’t have my own worries.

I did feel loneliness, and perhaps the atmosphere Yoren created made it easier to share.

In the end, I started talking to him.

It wasn’t about my younger siblings or anything like that.

I simply told him that I had my own troubles and dilemmas to face alone. That I was uncertain about the choices I was making…

Our conversation deepened and continued into the evening.In the company of this newfound acquaintance, laughing and chatting, the last day waiting for the caravan’s departure flew by.

****

- Knock, knock, knock.

“Lady Asena.”

In the depths of the night, Asena awoke. Perhaps she was expecting something. Her sleep wasn’t deep, and even the slightest noise could stir her awake.

“Come in.”

At her command, Helen entered the room.

There was one thing Asena wanted to confirm with Helen, who had sought her out at this hour.

“...Has it arrived?”

“Yes. A letter arrived at dawn.”

With that, she handed a letter to Asena.

Asena rose from her bed and took a seat at a nearby desk to read the letter.

Helen continued to explain during this time.

“Sir Cayden is said to be traveling while escorting a caravan.”

“...A caravan?”

Asena’s heart grew heavy even with that simple statement. It seemed Cayden was involved in perilous work. While she had initially hoped he’d face hardships, hearing about the dangers he confronted now unsettled her.

She lowered her head.

She had to be more resolute. She couldn’t waver now.

“The Count of Benthrock allegedly paid another mercenary escorting the same caravan to befriend Cayden. The contents of this letter are based on the testimony of this mercenary who got close to him. You can essentially regard it as Sir Cayden’s direct thoughts.”

At the mention of it being Cayden’s direct thoughts, Asena’s heart raced uncontrollably. It felt like the severed connection was being re-established.

The letter was long but lacked any significant revelations. It detailed his daily life, mentioned a recent dilemma he encountered, recounted a joke he made, described his current state, and listed what he had eaten recently. It also noted his departure for the next city the following day.

Still, as Asena read the letter, she felt an overwhelming sense of warmth. Cayden seemed to be alive and breathing within those written lines.

She knew instantly that this information wasn’t fabricated. Even though it was just a letter, Cayden’s presence was palpable in every word.

The sound of his voice joking came through, and she could envision his deep eyes when he shared his worries, and the smile he wore, seemingly to brush everything off.

Her lips began to tremble. While it was wonderful hearing news about him like this... at the same time, the longing for him was overwhelming - His presence felt so close yet so far, it made her sad; she couldn’t help but wonder if she might truly never see him again.

Their last conversation had been filled with anger, and she regretted it deeply. What could he be thinking of her now?

She had vowed to resent him for the rest of her life.

Forgetting all the kindness he had shown her in place of her parents, she had left him with only curses.

The more she dwelled on that being their last interaction, the more it hurt.

“...”

Asena lowered her head.

‘No, that couldn’t be the end.’

She lived with the hope of someday meeting him again, believing he’d eventually come back to her.

“...Helen. Please continue to send me information about him.”

“Yes. From now on, you should receive updates about Sir Cayden daily.”

“...Alright.”

Helen stood for a moment, observing Asena as she read the letter, then slowly opened her mouth.

“...Lady Asena?”

“...”

Asena quietly looked up at Helen.

Helen then asked,

“...I know Sir Cayden left the estate on his own accord, but... if you miss Sir Cayden this much, enough to buy information from Benthrock... wouldn’t it have been okay not to disown him?”

“.........”

“...I just thought, by disowning him, haven’t you made it even harder for Sir Cayden to return?”

“No.”

Asena interrupted Helen sharply.

“...He could never be a Pryster.”

Even as she spoke, her voice trembled with emotion. In front of Helen, she tried to appear even stronger. She wished to show this anger to Cayden, but in his absence, she could only vent it out.

In truth, perhaps it was feelings of hurt, more than anger, that intensified her emotions.

Asena needed more time. She couldn’t be wholly herself unless she was alone.

The only times she felt entirely herself were in Cayden’s presence or when she was alone in her room. Now, in Cayden’s absence, having time to herself was more critical than ever.

She wanted to savor the letter on her own.

“Leave.”

She commanded Helen.

Helen bowed her head and began to close the door.

“...Good night, my Lady.”

With those final words, the door closed.

- Creak. Thud.

Left alone, Asena reread the letter.

She could see his struggles and torment throughout.

It made her worry. Of course, she had hoped he’d suffer... but it still made her uneasy. So she wished he’d drop his stubbornness and come back.

...Even if his heart wasn’t ready to embrace her right away. Couldn’t he just be by her side? Couldn’t he adore her again? Was he incapable of doing so anymore?

Her heart was a tumultuous mix of anger and love.

Feelings of resentment and fondness for him coexisted.

While she wished him pain, she also hoped he wouldn’t suffer.

“...”

Her eyes quickly reached the end of the letter. The last line was a question from Count Benthrock.

‘Should I treat Sir Cayden as a Pryster?’

It was a straightforward question. It was no secret that Asena had disowned him, but only Count Benthrock knew she still couldn’t let go of her attachment to him.

Hence, he had no choice but to ask her. Did he need to extend any courtesies?

Asena immediately prepared her response.

Whenever someone asked if they should show kindness to him, her immediate reflex was to react defensively.

Her reply was clear.

‘Cayden is no longer a Pryster.’

****

The day to depart had finally arrived. I equipped the sword I’d kept in the inn, finalizing my preparations.

After having a quick breakfast, I headed to the meeting spot. The merchant was wrapping up their departure preparations.

Unlike the previous merchant caravan I’d accompanied, this one was larger. There were as many as four carriages, and the number of guards exceeded ten.

I approached the person in charge to notify him of my arrival and then took a seat nearby.

While I was resting, Yoren, whom I met yesterday, approached me.

“Friend, did you rest well?”He approached with a smile.

I returned the gesture with a nod of my head.

Unlike when I’d seen him the day before, he was now armed. He wore cheap leather armor with a sword; it seemed he wasn’t lying yesterday.

“Hey, don’t be nervous. Let’s have some of this jerky while we wait.”

He handed me a small piece of sliced jerky.

Accepting his gesture, I inquired about his remark, “I look nervous?”

“....Yeah.”

“Do I really look nervous in your eyes?”

I genuinely asked again, perplexed.

While I maintained a level of alertness... I didn’t exactly feel nervous. However, there might be aspects of my demeanor I’m unaware of.

Blinking, he observed me and then commented, “....Well, if you’re not, that’s good. Just remarking out of concern since it seems you’re raised delicately.”

“Hmm.”

While I’d trained arduously throughout half my life... But compared to Yoren, one could indeed say I was more delicately raised.

I thanked him and began chewing on the jerky.

Soon after, the merchant gathered all of us. Our journey was about to commence.

.

.

.

.

I shouldn’t be feeling this way, but contrary to Yoren’s concerns, I felt my tension easing.

The bright sunlight, the beautiful trees surrounding us, the rhythmic sound of hooves, and the creaking of the carriages were all so soothing. The fullness of a good meal, the gentle sway of the horse—how wonderful it would be to close my eyes right now.

Up ahead, the merchant was already sprawled out in the open-backed wagon, and Yoren seemed to be dozing off on his horse.

Even the coachman was fighting off yawns and shutting his eyes from time to time. Since the horses knew the path through the forest, there was no need to guide them.

The other guards and laborers were no different.

On closer observation, it seemed like only the horses and I were resisting the pull of sleep.

-Yawn.

I let out another yawn, and then I slapped my cheeks lightly to ward off the drowsiness. What I want to do and what I need to do are two different things.

Of course, seeing the peaceful atmosphere one might ask what could possibly go wrong.

But if nothing could go wrong, there’d have been no need to hire me in the first place.

I gathered my senses and scanned the surroundings.

While it wasn’t exactly dense forest, it wasn’t devoid of hiding spots either.

As I was turning my head slowly and keeping a watch...

“...?”

Something moved in the underbrush. It could’ve been an animal, but a strange feeling told me otherwise.

“...Yoren.”

I whispered to wake him. I hoped I was wrong.

But before Yoren could fully gather his wits, the sound of arrows cutting through the wind took precedence.

-Whizzz!

The horse of a mercenary dozing in front of me was struck by an arrow.

-Neighh!!

As the horse let out a loud cry, I shouted:

“It’s bandits!”

Isn’t it said that attacks always come when you least expect them?

Who would’ve thought such a large caravan would be attacked in the daylight?

At my shout, the previously slumbering caravan members jolted awake, quickly drawing their swords.

But having lost the opportunity to attack first, for a while, we could only be on the defensive.

Beyond the initial arrow, several more flew from between the trees, raining down on us.

I deflected any visible arrows, but inevitably, my own horse was hit.

-Nghgh!

Though the horse merely staggered upon being hit, I knew that continuing the battle on horseback would be tough. Given that we were in a forest, mounted combat was impractical to begin with.

Chaos engulfed the caravan. From between the trees and bushes, the figures of the bandits began to emerge.

As I dismounted, Yoren approached and asked,

“Cayden! Are you okay?”

“This isn’t the time to worry about me. Watch out for the arrows..!”magic

The first wave of arrows had passed, making way for the second.

“Hold your fire!”

The command didn’t come from our side.

It was a delicate and clear feminine voice that continued.

“We have a connection from the past and matters to discuss.”

The tense atmosphere loosened slightly. Everyone was momentarily taken aback, captivated by her voice.

...The more I listened, the more familiar it seemed. I scanned the forest, searching for the source of the voice.

“...Over here.”

Her voice was softer now, and she used a respectful tone. Without the chaos, pinpointing her location became easier.

It was coming from above me.

Looking up, I saw a woman perched high in a tree, gazing down at me.

She wore a mix of brown and green clothes with foliage attached, making her nearly invisible unless you focused.

She spoke, “It’s been a while, Cayden Pry... Oh, is it just Cayden now?”

“...You...”

She pulled down her hood.

It was Sharon Payne.

“...You didn’t forget me, did you?”

The second daughter of the Payne family. The same family that was infamous for being the dagger of the Pryster House.

Sharon was someone I had expelled from the academy for laying hands on the children. However, she had gone missing during her journey home.

She stood before me once again.

Instinctively, I assessed their numbers, realizing that a confrontation was inevitable now that she had revealed herself.

Even at a glance, I could see over twenty of them.

...And they didn’t seem to be a mere bandit gang either.

I realized: From the beginning... she wasn’t missing. She had been hiding under the shadow of the Payne family.

Sharon, who was wearing a slight smile, suddenly hardened her expression.

And then, in a whisper, she asked,

“...So, you’re no longer a Pryster?”

--- End Of The Chapter ---

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