“Is it fine to talk?”
“It should be. I don’t think they are keeping a watch on us right now. I believe we have gained some trust from the Duke and his people after the incident.”
“I’m not so sure about that, my friend. At the very least, someone has grown interested in our little undertaking. I doubt we will be able to get away with as much as we did before. We should be careful for a while, at least until the envoys leave Albrook.”
“That would probably be for the best.”
Replied Roland as he spoke with Arthur. The two were still in Isgard, talking inside Arthur’s temporary bedchambers, where they had set up a soundproof barrier. They had just returned from their meeting at the teahouse and were discussing a small predicament.
“I suspected that your father would send his representatives eventually. We have been expanding quite rapidly.”
Roland said while looking out the window. No one had followed them back this time, as in the past, but that did not mean they were free from surveillance. After the incident, Arthur had been given the deed to another city, but they had also been assigned several chaperones. These individuals were expected to arrive later and report directly to the Duke while inspecting the city.
On the surface, this seemed to be a routine check to ensure that the influence of the Abyssal Cult had not spread. In truth, it served another purpose entirely. The inspectors would be monitoring their business dealings and would certainly notice if large quantities of dungeon resources were being transferred into the guild and distributed among their associates. They had managed to avoid tax scrutiny before, but doing so now would not be as easy.
“Indeed, it is unfortunate. Still, I think we can conceal a few of our activities, but for now, we should be extremely careful.”
Roland nodded while glancing out the window. There were still ways to secure funds, and working with the underworld traders remained an option.
“We could use Madam Isis's and the Thieves Guild's services, although it will take more time and the fees will be higher than our usual share. I doubt the guild master will be pleased if we shift everything there, but there is little we can do about it.”
Arthur nodded. It was better to remain cautious. Even though their status had improved and tax evasion would no longer send them to prison, the penalties and fees would still slow their progress. The Adventurer’s Guild supported them, but if the Duke’s people began to investigate closely, they would eventually uncover the truth.
This left the Thieves Guild as their best alternative since it was harder to monitor, and they could always claim ignorance if necessary. Using the Thieves Guild as a scapegoat was an option, but it was not one they wanted to consider after finally earning the leader’s trust.
“We’ll see. For now, let’s head back to Albrook.”
Said Arthur while getting up from his seat.
“The teleportation gate restrictions should have been lifted by now.”
Roland looked at the timer on his helmet display. He had been counting the minutes as they passed. This time there was no order to the departures since they only needed to make an official appointment with the teleportation gate personnel. They were given a specific time for the gate’s activation, which was exactly thirty minutes away.
“Shall we then? Before my father or that researcher you met changes their minds.”
“...”
Roland did not reply to the joke. Instead, he removed the soundproof barrier and began retracting the golems he had left outside. No one was following them anymore, but he still did not feel completely safe. They had never discovered who the men targeting them after their arrival truly were. Most likely, they were part of the Abyssal Cult, but that alone was not enough. Some of the nobles who had worked with the cult might still have been out there. Not everyone carried a parasite, which made identifying them far more difficult.
“Are we ready to depart?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
Mary responded with a small bow while Gareth and Morien took their positions on the flanks. Soon they were leaving in much the same way they had arrived, with rows of servants lined up on each side. Their carriage was brought out, and before long, they were on their way to the teleportation gate. It was not the same one they had used before, but the larger gate through which Julius and Theodore had arrived.
There were fewer people gathered this time, although a few young nobles still waved from a distance as Arthur prepared to depart. Yet this was not the only surprise. Just as Roland was about to mount his horse, someone approached him.
“Sir Wayland!”
“Master Anzeneus…”
It was the same man who had assisted them during the recent incident. The old mage was powerful and had helped Roland create a breach in the palace barrier, as well as aided Arthur in destroying several occult relics.
‘I thought he and Tybalt left a few days ago, did he stay behind just to meet me?”
The mage slowed to a stop, his staff tapping lightly against the ground. Several soldiers and mages near the gate exchanged uneasy glances. This fire mage was known to be eccentric and not entirely loyal to Tybalt. From what Roland knew, he was one of the highest-ranking professors at another magical academy, someone whom Tybalt Velerian had likely bribed to serve as his Knight Commander. There was no law against appointing an older mage to such a position, but it was clear that Anzeneus had his own motives.
“Ah, good, I caught you before you vanished,” the mage said, trying to catch his breath. He was not alone; three other robed figures appeared behind him. They were mages as well, likely his personal students.
“You were about to depart without making good on your promise.”
Roland sighed inwardly. He had not been trying to avoid the man, but at the moment, all he wanted was to go home and rest. Anzeneus’s appearance also reminded him of the Headmistress and the uncertainty of how she might react.
“You mean the matter of the library access? Don’t worry, I’ll have everything arranged once I return there, but for now…”
He responded and tried to mount his horse, but the old mage seemed to have other plans.
“Why don’t I just come with you instead? I’ve heard that Albrook has its own gate, and since you’re the deputy professor at Xandar’s Institute of Wizardry, I’m sure you don’t need an appointment to use it.”
“Ah…”
It seemed the old mage had done his research. Roland had planned to delay this matter until after speaking with the Headmistress and offering his apologies. If he went there now, he might end up spending more time than he could afford. The exams were approaching, and they involved sending students into a dungeon. He had intended to wait until the students departed before going himself. If he left immediately, the Headmistress would likely assign him additional responsibilities as punishment. Fortunately, Arthur noticed his hesitation and understood his reluctance.
“Master Anzeneus, could I have a word?”
Arthur’s voice came from inside the carriage.
“Of course young Lord, please go ahead.”
Arthur had met Anzeneus during the recent incident, and since they were on good terms, he chose not to interrupt and simply listened.
“My apologies, but for the time being, I need my knight to remain in the city. Several matters must be resolved first. Once they are settled, he will be free to fulfill the promise he made to you. I trust you understand.”
The old mage’s brows furrowed at Arthur’s words, his long white beard twitching as if in protest. For a moment, it seemed he might argue, for his reputation for stubbornness was well earned.
“Hmph…”
Anzeneus exhaled through his nose. His students stiffened behind him, clearly expecting a dispute.
“Fine, fine. I will relent for now.”
Within the carriage, Arthur inclined his head.
“Your understanding is appreciated, Master Anzeneus. I promise that once our current affairs are in order, Sir Wayland will personally attend to your request.”
“I will hold you to that.”
The mage said, wagging a finger at Roland.
“Do not think you will be rid of this old man so easily. I will send word through the mage network so you know how to contact me.”
Roland offered a polite bow. This meant the old mage would share the mana patterns of his crystal ball so Roland could call him later when he had time.
“Of course, Master Anzeneus. I would never dare break a promise to someone as persuasive as you.”
The mage grunted in satisfaction, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
“Not as persuasive as you were that time. The young lord still remembers and will probably reprimand me for talking to you for so long. But alas, have a safe trip. I will be waiting to hear from you.”
There was not much he could say to that. He had blackmailed him to help Arthur and Tybalt obviously held a grudge. Roland waited until the old mage finally turned away, his blue robe swaying as he disappeared beyond the line of guards. Only then did he exhale the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. The situation could’ve turned troublesome if Anzeneus had insisted further.
“He's a powerful ally but quite persistent, isn’t he?”
Arthur spoke from within the carriage in a teasing tone, and Roland nodded. Out in the open, however, he could not casually address Arthur or make any sarcastic jokes, so he simply behaved like a proper knight.
“We should depart, My Lord. The teleportation gate is waiting.”
Fortunately, the gate was almost ready. Soon, he mounted his horse, and they moved forward. For a moment he looked around the area. A few nobles waved at them, hoping to make a good impression. Most of them were young, but that could change in the future. They had left their mark in Isgard, and Arthur had begun to earn genuine respect.
The guards signaled the gate mage, and a faint shimmer filled the air as the teleportation circle activated. Layers of runes pulsed beneath the marble platform, bathing the surroundings in a soft azure glow. Roland took one last glance at the palace before turning toward the gate.
‘Goodbye, Isgard. I hope I never have to return here again.’
As they stepped through the shimmering gate, the familiar sensation washed over him, and moments later, they reappeared in Albrook.
“The lord is back!”
“It’s Sir Wayland, he looks as shiny as ever!”
When his vision cleared, they were standing at Albrook’s main teleportation gate in the center of the city. As expected, citizens had gathered to welcome them, along with rows of soldiers who had stayed behind to guard the city.
Arthur leaned out of the carriage window as the wheels clattered over the cobblestone road. The air of Albrook was crisp and familiar. Outside, people waved flags and scattered flower petals along the street. Children shouted his name, and merchants cheered from their stalls as the convoy moved down the main road toward the Valerian Mansion.
“Welcome home, Lord Valerian!”
“The High Knight Commander has returned!”
It was clear that both of them were quite liked by the citizens but Roland paid little attention and focused instead on connecting with the city’s runic network. The moment he arrived, a stream of information flooded his mind, revealing everything that had happened in their absence. The great distance between Albrook and Isgard had prevented any real-time updates. If they ever managed to install underground cables or use radio signals, that problem could finally be solved.
‘Everything seems fine. A few burglaries here and there, but nothing serious…’
Sebastian had been in charge of overseeing the entire area and relaying information to their guards. The system was working perfectly, and Roland could even review recordings showing criminals being apprehended. Crime rates were at an all-time low, but fortunately, they still had other ways to keep the thieves’ guild satisfied.
Among the crowd, he spotted his wife standing with Armand and Lobelia. He wanted nothing more than to go to her and return home, but Arthur clearly had something to discuss, something he had not mentioned in Isgard. Instead of going to her and hugging her, he contacted her through the runic bracelet she had and spoke to her while riding down the road.
“How have things been? Was everything alright while I was gone?”
He asked, watching her fumble with the bracelet that vibrated when he made the connection.
“Ah… hello!? Is that you, Wayland?”
Roland smiled beneath his helmet, but before they could start talking, another voice interrupted. It belonged to his brother-in-law.
“Was that Wayland’s voice? You have to tell me what happened in Isgard. There have been some rumors about your exploits, and don’t worry, just as I promised, I protected everyone when you were go– ow! Hey, why did you pinch me?”
“Be quiet, you idiot. Try to have some sense for once!”
Just as Armand tried to continue, Lobelia pinched his arm again and pushed him aside.
“Let the two of them talk. It has been almost two weeks.”
“Thank you, Lobelia.”
Roland’s voice came through smoothly, and Armand finally moved his mouth away from the bracelet.
“Elodia, you were saying?”
There was a brief silence as Elodia pulled her hand back. She turned around and began whispering into the bracelet, trying not to let anyone else hear their conversation.
“Not much happened while you were away, dear.”
She said with a faint smile on her face.
“Everything in the workshop ran smoothly. I made sure Rastix didn’t blow anything up, and the store managed to stay open.”
“Is that so?”
He didn’t say much in return. It was enough for him just to hear her voice after nearly two weeks in Isgard. He didn’t know how long he would be able to enjoy her company, since he needed to go to the Institute soon, so he let her talk without interrupting.
“Oh, there was a small incident with Agni. He got restless and disrupted the usual prayer.”
“Is he alright?”
“He’s fine, just acting like a big baby as always. He settled down after an hour or so.”
Roland chuckled softly, but as they continued talking, the gates of Arthur’s villa came into view.
“I should be home soon, but for now I need to finish a few things.”
“I see… then take care, and don’t take too long.”
“I won’t.”
They exchanged a brief goodbye as Arthur’s carriage rolled into the estate. All the servants stood outside, bowing in unison as their lord stepped out. Roland followed behind Arthur, and once the doors closed behind them, he heard a long sigh.
“Finally back… I didn’t think I’d grow so fond of this place, but here I am. Now then, Sir Wayland, I need to ask you something. I know you’re tired, but this is important.”
Roland nodded, and the two of them moved forward. He had a feeling he knew what this was about. Arthur had recently visited his mother and had been acting strangely ever since. He hadn’t spoken about it directly, so this was likely the moment he intended to come clean.
They soon entered Arthur’s office. Only Mary remained inside, with two guards posted outside the door, just as in many meetings before.
“Now then, my friend, I need to ask you something.”
“Go ahead. What’s troubling you?”
“It’s about our knight troop, the ones you enhanced with runic prosthetics.”
“Hm… Do you want to know something specific? Does someone you know need a replacement limb?”
Was Arthur’s mother injured and in need of a replacement prosthetic? This seemed to be tru,e but it was something more complicated than just a simple missing arm.
“As always, you catch on quickly. It’s not about a limb, though. It’s about the eyes.”
“The eyes?”
The cyborg knights he had created with prosthetic limbs had grown quite skilled in using them, but there had never been time to focus on replacing missing eyes or ears. Attaching a runic limb to a mana phantom was one thing; creating one that could handle the complexity of sight was another matter entirely.
“Yes, please sit down. Let me tell you what happened.”
After nodding, Roland listened as Arthur explained what had happened to his mother. She had been poisoned and had lost her eyesight. Roland was not a doctor, but he suspected the poison might have damaged the optic nerve or perhaps caused direct cellular damage to the eyes themselves.
“So her eyeballs are still intact? That might complicate things.”
Roland said thoughtfully.
“Will it?”
“Yes, but it shouldn’t be impossible.”
Arthur’s expression brightened at those words.
“We would need to conduct some tests first, just like we did with the other prosthetics. But it should be possible.”
The mana phantom was a peculiar phenomenon, and the research surrounding it was still new. Even so, with Roland’s current understanding, it might be achievable. There were ways to connect directly to the optic nerve without removing the eye entirely, allowing a replacement to function much like a camera. At first, it might not match the quality of natural sight, but it was not beyond the realm of possibility.
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