Six days have passed since Yakov died.
During that time, Keldric had done nothing.
In fact, there was really nothing for him to do.
The only activities available in the rural village were following the woodcutters on their hikes or watching Fritz eat with his feet in the basement.
There were only four days left until he was to leave the territory, but Keldric didn’t have anything to prepare.
The servants had already taken care of everything.
Keldric felt as if he was getting off easy without lifting a finger, which wasn’t so bad.
Moreover, the snowstorm had ended earlier than Keldric had expected, and it was nearly over.
With only four days left until he was to leave, the weather had improved enough for him to depart the territory at any moment.
Because of this, Baron Volpen would leave the castle earlier.
However, Keldric had no intention of waiting for Baron Volpen.
He could leave the territory right now.
The reason he hadn’t done so was that Keldric had been thinking a lot lately.
“Yakov.”
Most of his thoughts were about Yakov.
The words of Hilmor, who had said that Yakov had desperately searched for him in his final moments, kept swirling in his mind.
The image of Mariam, who had cried uncontrollably, was an added burden.
Keldric didn’t even understand why he felt this way.
He had remained indifferent at the bedside of his real father, Lord Volpen, but it felt strange to be in a daze for days over the death of an old servant who had served the family for a long time.
“Ugh.”
As Keldric stared blankly at the ceiling, he smacked his lips.
Perhaps it was because he had just recalled Yakov’s last words, but his mouth felt bitter.
No matter how lethargic he was, it was difficult to continue like this all day long.
Finally rising from his bed, Keldric headed straight for the stables.
Lately, Keldric’s routine consisted of either exercising or going to the stables.
Lord Volpen had given him a military horse, so he intended to bond with it before leaving the territory.
“Lord Hilmor is calling for you.”
Keldric’s expression turned sour as he was about to mount his horse.
He had planned to practice riding while enjoying the cool breeze, but the servant’s words dashed all his thoughts.
With a lingering gaze at the horse, Keldric ultimately dropped the reins and followed the servant.
“This way.” The servant dropped Keldric in front of Hilmor’s bedroom and disappeared somewhere.
For some reason, since the incident a few days ago, the servants seemed to be avoiding Keldric.
Previously, they would at least acknowledge him with a glance, but now they passed by without even making eye contact, staring at the ground.
Watching the servant’s retreating figure with mixed emotions, Keldric placed his hand on the doorknob.
Yakov’s room, which had once been the scene of him hitting Fritz, was now neatly organized.
Everything that had been on the floor, including the blood that had soaked it, as well as the bedding on the hard bed, had been cleared away.
There was not a single item left that belonged to Yakov.
All of it had been removed.
Suddenly, Keldric felt the reality that Yakov was dead.
The smell of blood seemed to linger in the room.
The door to Hilmor’s bedroom, which Keldric had split in two, had been replaced with a perfectly intact door.
Keldric burst in without even knocking.
“Is that you, Keldric?”
“Yes, brother.”
“Sit there and wait for a moment.”
As always, Keldric quietly waited for Hilmor, who was sitting at his desk reading something.
How long had it been? Just as Keldric was beginning to get tired of observing the patterns on the wooden floor, Hilmor finally turned his body.
“Keldric. Do you know why I called you?”
“No, I don’t.”
Keldric answered shortly, somewhat bored.
He was eager to mount the horse and feel the cool breeze.
Noticing Keldric’s demeanor, Hilmor hastily continued.
“There are three things you absolutely need to hear, Keldric.”
“I’m listening.”
“First… it seems that Lord Volpen is looking for you.”
Keldric’s eyebrows twitched.
Lord Volpen? Why would he be looking for him?
“Lord Volpen is asking about me?”
“Yes. There was another letter that arrived yesterday, and he suddenly asked how you were doing. It was a passing remark, but still.”
Keldric couldn’t comprehend the situation at all.
The last time he had seen Baron Volpen was about ten years ago, when he had last hunted in the hunting grounds of Carlton village.
There was no reason for Baron Volpen to be looking for Keldric now.
After a moment of confusion, Keldric nodded at Hilmor, indicating that he would listen.
“It seems Lord Volpen is curious about your martial prowess. I’m not sure how he found out, but it seems your father wrote a few letters to him just before he passed away.”
Hilmor explained that Lord Volpen, who had been aware of his impending death for several months, had written to Baron Volpen after seeing Keldric’s daily training routine.
Keldric couldn’t help but frown.
The thought of his father passing the title to Hilmor while recommending him to Baron Volpen, as if he were being sold off, was unpleasant.
“In any case, it doesn’t seem like Lord Volpen places too much significance on this. So don’t worry too much about it.”
“Yes, brother.”
“However, when you go out, it’s possible that he may call for you to the castle. Keep that in mind.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I think you will be noticeable enough when you go outside. Such martial prowess is rare.”
Hilmor believed in Keldric’s strength.
If Keldric were to participate in a tournament somewhere, it was clear he would crush all the mercenaries, even if he didn’t know them.
Meanwhile, Keldric was taken aback by the unexpected news.
He knew his strength was exceptional, but he first wanted to explore the world outside.
Someday he might have to fight under another noble, but that time was not now.
“In any case, don’t worry too much. Lord Volpen wouldn’t have mentioned it if he was genuinely interested. If he had been, a letter would have been sent directly to you.”
“I understand.”
“Even so, this is a rare opportunity. It could turn into a good chance for you. Having connections with the nobility isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While you might not crave wealth and honor… it could bring you many other benefits.”
Contrary to Hilmor’s words, Keldric did have some desire for wealth and honor.
However, freedom to travel was his priority now.
“I’ll think about it when the time comes.”
“Alright. If a noble approaches you, at least have a conversation with them. If you ignore them, they might consider it shameful.”
Keldric nodded sullenly.
It still felt like he was jumping the gun, but if that time did come, he would need to think carefully.
“Um, the next thing I want to say is…”
Hilmor took something out and handed it to Keldric.
Keldric received it absentmindedly.
“It’s a letter to the Mormon Guild. Joseph got into trouble, but it would be a hassle if the trading itself were to stop.”
The recipient of the letter was the Mormon Guild—the very guild Joseph belonged to.
Since Joseph, who had been trading in Carlton village for the past few years, would not be returning to the guild, it was good to at least pass along some news.
Keldric opened the letter and skimmed through the contents.
‘Due to these reasons, Joseph has been detained by the Bellaf family, and we do not wish to embarrass the Mormon Guild. If you want more details, please contact Baron Volpen.’
That was the gist of the letter.
Keldric fiddled with the paper he held.
“Where is the Mormon Guild?”
“The chairman of the Mormon Guild is in Belham. Someone needs to go to Belham and deliver the letter, and I’d like you to do that, Keldric.”
If there was the largest city nearby, it was certainly Belham.
Keldric also planned to make Belham his first destination when he left the territory.
“I will deliver it.”
“Thank you.”
Keldric’s heart swelled with anticipation.
He was excited at the thought of finally going to the city. ‘Belham…’
Having never stepped out of Carlton village, Keldric felt this was the perfect destination for him, who wanted to see, hear, and feel more.
Though he didn’t show it outwardly, Hilmor chuckled as he noticed Keldric’s strangely excited mood.
“It’s not strange to be excited since it’s your first time going to the city, but… don’t get your hopes too high.”
Hilmor unnecessarily dampened the mood.
However, Keldric was focused on a different aspect of Hilmor’s words.
“Have you been to the city?”
“I went a few times with my father. I’ve been to Belham three or four times.”
Keldric was truly unaware of this.
No matter how much he had been treated like the ugly duckling, this was a bit much.
A sense of betrayal boiled up within Keldric.
“Anyway, that’s all I have to say about the guild. Now, finally…”
Regardless of whether Keldric quietly suppressed his feelings of betrayal.
“As I mentioned a few days ago, the reason Joseph attacked our family is clear. He received six cavalry units and money from Lord Gofrit, and he used that to hire mercenaries. It seems Joseph was promised quite a hefty sum.”
The image of Joseph, locked up in the basement, appeared in Keldric’s mind.
Although Joseph had taken a harsh blow to the chest from Keldric, he was in a much better state than the other captured mercenaries or Fritz.
“So I thought I went easy on him, but it turns out it’s wise to squeeze someone dry before beating them. Hilmor eventually coaxed him into revealing a hidden purse of money.”
“And here is that money.”
A jingling sound rang out from Hilmor’s palm, where golden coins piled up, compelling Keldric to stare blankly.
“This is…?” Keldric gazed at the gold coins in astonishment.
There were eight Ducato gold coins, eleven of another type, and about twenty Gracen silver coins in Hilmor’s hand.
Among them, Keldric was especially drawn to the eight Ducato gold coins.
“Ducato gold coins.” It wasn’t Keldric’s first time seeing such coins, but it was his first time seeing so many, known for their high value and reliability.
Suddenly, Keldric recalled what Lucas had mentioned in the kitchen—Joseph had hired the mercenaries with eight and a half Ducato gold coins.
And now, those mercenaries had all either been captured or killed by Keldric.
“This is your loot, Keldric.” Ultimately, the money had come full circle and unexpectedly ended up in Keldric’s possession.
Keldric accepted the pouch with a dazed expression, watching as Hilmor took a few coins from his share.
“Why are you taking those?”
“Do you really not know? It’s the cost of the door you broke in my bedroom.
Blood soaked into the floorboards, so I had to replace them too.”
Keldric was speechless.
When he finally took out one of the coins, he saw the face of the Republic’s first consul engraved on the Ducato gold coin.
“Is this really all mine?”
“Yes. You’ll need some funds to use on the outside, won’t you?”
In total, Keldric had eight Ducato gold coins and twenty Gracen silver coins.
Hilmor kept the eleven Floren gold coins, but even that was still a significant amount—enough to cover the lives of the ten mercenaries that Joseph had hired.
Though the thought left him feeling uneasy, Keldric quickly tucked the pouch into his chest, fearing someone might snatch it.
“Thank you. I’ll put it to good use.”
“Well, it’s the loot you earned in battle.”
Keldric felt pleased; he hadn’t expected to gain anything more, but luck was on his side.
“Anyway, take care of the letter for me. Don’t spend the money frivolously. Although I know you’ll manage well enough…”
“I’ll spend it sparingly.”
“Good. And when you reach Bellam, try to avoid the brothels. Not that you’d go to such places, but in case you do, you might catch something unpleasant.”
Keldric had no intention of going to places like that.
Given the limited medical remedies of the time, contracting a disease was the last thing he wanted.
“If there’s nothing more to discuss, you may leave.”
With Hilmor’s cold farewell, Keldric silently left the bedroom.
“Try not to break anything.”
Keldric glared at the innocent bedroom door but gave up, knowing Hilmor wouldn’t allow it.
The next four days passed quickly.
Each morning, Keldric would wake up to find that evening had arrived; each night, he would fall asleep only to wake up to the morning sun.
During those four days, Keldric refrained from exercising—expending energy before leaving the estate wasn’t wise.
Outside, he would have to camp in the open, so it was best to eat well and rest.
On the day of his departure, Keldric received his newly repaired surcoat and his gleaming sword.
That morning, he enjoyed a final meal with Lady Bellaf and Hilmor.
For once, the process of eating—putting food in his mouth, chewing, and swallowing—was truly enjoyable.
After a hearty meal, Keldric donned the armor he had worn during the fight with the mercenaries and headed for the stables.
His ivory-colored horse with a golden mane, now quite familiar with him, greeted him warmly.
“Yes, yes. Let’s look after each other, Boreas.” Keldric named his horse after the ancient god of the north wind, Boreas.
Gently stroking Boreas’s mane, Keldric then leapt onto the saddle.
The saddlebags were packed with rations, along with tools for maintaining his armor and weapons.
He hung his helmet from his waist.
As he breathed in the cool morning air from atop his horse, Hilmor rode alongside him, with Lady Bellaf seated behind him on the saddle.
Keldric exchanged a silent look with Hilmor and urged his horse forward, with Hilmor, Lady Bellaf , and a few servants following him down to the village.
Among the people seeing him off were Mariam and Malcolm.
Seeing Mariam on the verge of tears, Keldric gave her an awkward look.
The village residents, having heard of Keldric’s departure, gathered to bid him farewell.
“It feels as if you’re the lord of the estate,” Hilmor joked. Keldric shrugged in response.
“I have no interest in that position.”
“Ah, that wanderlust of yours—who did you get that from?”
Before he knew it, they had arrived at the village’s edge.
Keldric turned his horse around and looked back.
Hilmor, Lady Bellaf, and other familiar faces were all watching him.
Some faces, like Fritz’s, were missing, while others remained the same.
Keldric then raised his gaze to the towering mountains, still obscured by clouds.
He thought back on the tumultuous events of the past few days.
Despite the many changes, the mountains had remained steadfast.
Keldric appreciated that—they were his silent witness to all that had transpired.
During breaks from training, he would always find himself gazing blankly at the mountains.
The fierce northern wind was split by one sharp mountain peak.
What once seemed like two similar gusts of wind had now grown into an immeasurable difference.
The larger wind was Keldric, while the smaller represented the Bellaf family.
Although they could never fully unite, they each continued on their own paths.
“Keldric.”
Hearing his name, Keldric lowered his gaze.
Hilmor and Lady Bellaf looked up at him.
“If you ever need the family’s help, you’re welcome to return anytime.”
“Keldric, be careful out there.”
Keldric nodded silently.
That was answer enough.
As Keldric slowly began to move forward, the villagers gradually returned to their daily lives.
Taking a deep breath, Keldric felt the cold air fill his lungs.
After traveling for a while, he glanced back again.
Hilmor was still standing in the same spot, barely distinguishable from the distance.
Hilmor’s lips moved slightly, and Keldric squinted, trying to make out the words.
“Stay safe.”
He seemed to hear those words.
Keldric turned back to the winding dirt path stretching endlessly ahead.
Up until now, the towering mountains had been the extent of his world.
But now, things would be different. Keldric set off toward a world vast enough to embrace even those lofty peaks.
He had no hesitation—his homeland, the place where the frost lingered, would always be there to return to.
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