Only Thesaya’s soft humming drifted through the space now and then.

Ian could tell without much effort that they had fully left the city and entered the eastern highway, as the carriage began to jolt more noticeably.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, he lifted the bottle to his lips.

"Doesn’t seem like we’ll be apart for that long this time," said Thesaya.

When Ian glanced over, she smiled. "You seem pretty disappointed, Ian."

"And you seem way too happy," Ian replied, watching her gently stroke Lily’s hair.

Thesaya only shrugged, her smile lingering. "Of course I am. It won’t be long before I see our Kitty again. And I’ll finally get to whip those pointy-eared brats back into shape."

The day they returned to Drenorov, she had already sent word to Charlotte and Diana to cross the inner sea, without even consulting him.

Given the schedule, they would still arrive in Racliffe later than Ian.

"Figured. I wasn’t asking because I didn’t know." Ian snorted. He already knew that what Thesaya was really looking forward to wasn’t the reunion—but the chance to push Charlotte around using those relics as leverage.

"And our cute little Pup’s coming with us too," Thesaya added, glancing at Lily.

The girl had refused Mev’s suggestion again, and even Ian hadn’t been able to change her mind.

He’d considered forcing the issue, but Mev had shut that down immediately, saying it would make them no different from those who treated Lily like an experiment.

At this rate, she might refuse to go South, too.

Ian clicked his tongue lightly and looked back at Thesaya. "Enjoy it while you can, but don’t forget that you’re heading south with Mukapa."

"I know. That’s why it’s a bit of a shame. Honestly, you really have a talent for killing the mood." She scoffed, still brushing Lily’s hair. "I wasn’t planning to drag it out anyway. One proper round of fun is enough."

"Funny how you never say you won’t enjoy it at all," said Ian.

Thesaya shrugged again, unapologetic. "Of course not. Who knows when I’ll get another chance? Besides, I put a lot of effort into this. I deserve to show it off."

She nudged the chest on the floor between the seats with her foot.

The crate Fael had prepared, along with the storage under the seats, was filled with relic equipment and similar artifacts, most of it meant for Charlotte.

"Not like I was telling you not to," Ian muttered, taking another drink.

All of it was meant as gifts. The relics he’d actually use were already stored away in his pocket dimension, where they would be staying for a while.

Though they’ll be staying there for a while.

What he wore now was already more than sufficient. Besides, dragon relics attracted far too much attention; walking around with them like Thesaya would turn him into a spectacle.

For a while, he simply drank in silence.

"Oh? Looks like we’re already here." Thesaya’s voice rose with a hint of amusement.

The carriage had begun to slow.

Ian clicked his tongue and nodded as the small window between Thesaya and Lily slid open.

"We’ve reached the fork." Miguel’s quiet voice followed.

That meant it was time to part ways with the Ark Caravan and Mev.

Ian would be heading south, toward Racliffe.

They had come this far east of Drenov together not only to conceal their destination but also to exchange farewells in peace.

As Ian gave a small nod, the partition window slid shut.

"Let’s get ready, Pup," added Thesaya as she adjusted Lily’s hooded cloak.

Without waiting for the two of them, Ian immediately opened the right-side door.

A vast stretch of green wheat fields spread before him, and the murmur of voices from behind grew suddenly clear.

Snort...

Moro exhaled sharply, standing as if to block the rear. Mev dismounted in one smooth motion.

"Agent of the Saint!" Fael’s voice followed right after. He and his personal guards appeared from behind the carriage, moving past Moro as they approached.

"As always, I’ll be counting on you," Ian said calmly.

The Ark Caravan still had to deliver the supplies he’d arranged—some to Orendel, others to Travelga. The shipment to Orendel would be handled by Mev when the time came, while Fael himself would head to Travelga.

"And don’t forget the survivors of Glumir," Thesaya added as she stepped down with Lily.

Meeting Fael’s eyes, she continued in a firm tone, "You’ve received great grace. Make sure you repay the Agent of the Saint’s trust."

Was that really necessary?

Ian glanced at her while Fael lowered his head with a serious expression. "Yes. I will stake my life on fulfilling this mission."

Behind him, Bor and the other guards nodded as well, their eyes resolute.

Ian looked over them once more and said, "As long as you make it safely to the North, that will be enough. I’ve already informed the regent."

"Yes. We’ll keep that in mind. And... Agent of the Saint." Fael hesitated, carefully lifting his head. "Could you perhaps say a few words to the members as well?"

Seeing Ian’s brow twitch, Fael quickly continued, "Of course, they’re already committed to the mission, but if you were to encourage them—"

"Alright." Ian cut him off and stepped forward.

After all, it was they who bore the brunt of the hard work. If a few words could lift their spirits, there was no reason to refuse.

"Thank you!" Fael and the guards stepped aside at once, clearing the way.

Passing behind the carriage, Ian was met with the long line of the caravan stretching along the main road.

"H-He’s here!"

"The Demigod..."

The murmuring guards, porters, and drivers gradually fell silent as they turned toward him. Some even gestured for those farther away to come closer.

It didn’t take long for the entire area to quiet down.

Stopping at a suitable distance, Ian began. "No matter that it’s work, joining a journey like this is both exhausting and frightening."

He didn’t even glance at the sacks of grain loaded onto the wagons or the crates beneath them.

Instead, he met the eyes of the porters and guards one by one. "I know you’ve had it hard, following a leader so dedicated to my missions."

His gaze moved steadily across the group. "I want to take this moment to offer my sincere thanks. And of course, this won’t end with words alone."

As he finished, Ian turned slightly and smiled at Fael. "Once this job is done, your captain will be handing out special bonuses."

Sharp intakes of breath spread through the caravan, and even Fael’s lips curled into a faint smile.

"Of course, you’ll have to make it back alive if you want to empty his pockets," Ian added, turning back to the line of wagons. "Keep safety in mind at all times. Let’s meet again."

"Y-Yes, sir! We’ll remember! Thank you, O Demigod!" One of the drivers shouted, throwing both arms into the air.

As if on cue, the porters and guards raised their fists and weapons.

"For the Golden Demigod!"

"Glory to the Agent of the Saint!"

"We’ll make it back alive and drain the captain dry!"

Cheers and laughter erupted.

I’m getting used to this now.

Fael, still smiling, approached him. "You never fail to impress me, Agent of the Saint. I didn’t expect you to know exactly what motivates them."

"Figured workers are all the same at heart." Ian shrugged, not slowing his steps.

Fael blinked, then let out a quiet sound of realization. "Ah, you were a mercenary, weren’t you?"

"Not were. Still am."

"Still? Are you perhaps aiming to be called the King of Mercenaries?" Fael asked, eyes widening.

Ian let out a laugh. "Focus on your people. They’ll burn themselves out before they even set off."

"Yes." Fael nodded and glanced at Bor.

Bor naturally turned his head, and Hallig shifted his gaze toward Oscar. However, Oscar simply watched Ian as he passed by.

Snort—

Passing Moro, who stood beside the carriage, Ian stepped forward.

Mev was waiting, helmet now in her left hand. Beside her stood Thesaya and Lily, along with Miguel and Nasser holding Nila’s reins.

"So, we part ways again," Ian said, stopping before them.

A faint, bitter smile touched Mev’s lips, while Nasser shrugged casually. "Where there is a meeting, there is parting. And this time, it won’t even be for long. Though..."

His gaze flicked to the side. "That may not be true for everyone."

"Why are you looking at me when you say that, Half-Ear? What, you think I won’t make it back from the South?" Thesaya frowned.

"I’m only saying the possibility isn’t zero, Elder," Nasser replied calmly.

That alone was enough to deepen the crease in her brow.

"What kind of unlucky nonsense—spit it out. Now!" She snapped, as if ready to grab him by the collar.

Only then did Nasser lean back with a reluctant look. Ignoring them entirely, Ian turned to Mev.

"Take good care of Moro. Just feed it monsters now and then."

"Yes, Your Grace," Mev answered politely. It was clear she was conscious of Fael and the guards watching.

"I’ll make sure it never has to reveal its true form, so there’s no need to worry."

At Mev’s added reassurance, Moro snorted in response.

Ian had originally intended to lend Nila instead, but Mev had chosen Moro. The creature could track Ian from afar, after all. It was a precaution for unforeseen circumstances.

And though it would be heading toward a new sacred ground, Moro had accepted without resistance.

"When the time comes, make sure to change your armor too," Ian added with a faint smile.

Mev returned it and bowed. "I’ll put it on as soon as we reach the frontier."

"Before long, everyone in the frontier will know exactly who my lord and I serve," Nasser cut in quickly, clearly trying to escape Thesaya’s pestering.

The relic equipment meant for him and Mev was loaded onto the covered carriage provided by Count Westwood.

"They’ll probably call you the Golden Knight. Just like they did to me," Miguel added, casually lifting his steel prosthetic.

Lily placed a hand over her chest and bowed politely. Her face remained expressionless, but it was enough to make Thesaya turn sharply and to draw a gentle smile from Mev.

"Then, Your Grace no—my lord." Turning back to Ian, Mev placed her fist against her breastplate and bowed. "I will complete my mission and return with reinforcements from the Bastard King."

As Nasser also bowed, Ian nodded and stepped forward. "Good. I’ll be counting on you. But you’re not seriously planning to end things like this, are you?"

Before Mev could respond, Ian pulled her into an embrace.

Her eyes widened—but a moment later, she wrapped her arms around him, gripping her helmet tightly in one hand.

Their gazes drew closer, narrowing as the distance between them disappeared.

"Ugh, what are they doing?" Thesaya recoiled, grimacing.

Nasser snickered and let out a low whistle, while Miguel coughed awkwardly and turned his head away, making sure to cover Lily’s eyes at the same time.

"Lu Solar... good heavens..."

A beat later, a hushed gasp escaped Fael. Behind him, Bor and Oscar stood frozen like statues, their faces filled with the same stunned disbelief.