Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 483: Farewell Klover

"Father... I'm sorry."

Sarika did not know why, but she felt the need to apologize. Maybe the failure of her operation last night weighed a lot on her mind.

Percival reassured his daughter, "There's no need to feel guilty. Considering it was a near-impossible mission, you had already done well. I'm simply glad that you're safe."

Unknowingly, tears began to run down her cheeks. The reality of their situation finally caught up with her.

"Stop crying, Sarika. There's a lot more we have to do. Go to your room and pack your stuff. Make sure it's as light as possible. We will move out tonight."

"Is there a reason to rush?"

"Yes."

"What about our servants?"

Thinking about the servants who stay loyal to her family, Sarika had to ask about their fate.

"We'll bring none. I will give them some money and dismiss them. It's safer for them to quit their job than continue working here."

Sarika didn't raise any opposition since her father had made his decision.

He must have his reasons.

She returned to her room and began to pack her belongings, selecting only the essentials as her father instructed.

At the same time, Percival was also busy organizing their departure.

First things first, he had to settle the matter regarding his loyal servants.

The servants were gathered downstairs. They were confused and worried about their future.

By now, the news that Duke Percival stepping down has reached the majority of the servants.

"Your Grace, why do you call us to gather here?"

The former duke smiled, "I'm no longer 'Your Grace'. Many of you probably know that. I call all of you because I want to inform you that circumstances have changed. My family will leave the estate soon."

The gasping sound began to fill the room.

"But before I go, I want to provide you people with money as a sign of gratitude from my family for your hard work and loyalty. You are free to continue working here. However, I strongly suggest all of you to leave."

The servants murmured amongst themselves.

Regardless of their decision, Percival starts handing out small pouches containing a few gold coins to servants.

....

At midnight, when almost everyone had fallen asleep, two people remained awake.

"Ready?" Percival asked.

Sarika nodded, "Ready."

The two mounted their horses and departed silently.

As they moved away from the mansion, Sarika glanced back at the place she called home with sadness.

Tons of memories begin to float in her mind which makes her sadder.

She probably will never come to this place again.

Shortly afterwards, they reached the main gate.

A pair of guards stood on duty.

"Y-Your Grace, are you leaving at this time?"

Their presence alerts the guards.

Although they were informed about the fate of Duke Percival, they were still surprised to see the former duke and his daughter at this late hour.

"Yes. Could you please open the gate for us?"

The guard hesitated, "Why not wait until the next morning, Your Grace?"

"I'm afraid I can't do that." Percival shook his head. "We have our own schedule. Can you open the gate?"

"Of course."

He signalled to his companion, and together they began to open the heavy iron gates.

As the gates creaked open, Percival and Sarika urged their horses forward.

They took a path that led toward the capital.

Percival and Sarika urged their horses to their limits, pushing through the night relentlessly.

Soon enough, they were out of the duchy territory in no time.

However, Percival abruptly pulled his horse to a halt.

Sarika did the same and quickly reined in her steed despite the confusion etched across her face.

"What's wrong, father?"

Percival's face doesn't look good when he says, "We will abandon the horses here and change our destination."

"Why?"

"Because we're being followed."

Sarika's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't noticed anyone behind them, but she trusted her father's instincts.

They quickly dismounted and led their horses off the road.

Percival gathered their belongings. He made sure they left nothing behind that could be traced back to them.

"We'll head into the forest," Percival pointed to a dense thicket nearby. "It will be harder for them to follow us there."

Sarika nodded.

They moved swiftly and silently into the forest.

Every now and then, Percival would pause and listen for any signs of pursuit.

After what felt like hours, Percival motioned for Sarika to stop and crouch down.

"We'll rest here for a moment," he whispered.

Sarika took this opportunity to ask a question that had been on her mind.

"Father, who do you think is following us?"

"Most likely Johann's men. Only a few know that we're leaving the duchy. And I never told anyone about the exact time of our departure."

"I see. So, it's either the guards who told or Johann constantly keeping his eyes on us." Sarika clenched her fists, "Those bastards! After they take all of our possessions..."

"Their position is still unstable. They won't rest easy until we die."

"Then, what should we do? Living our lives in hiding like this?"

"That won't be necessary. We're going to take a detour and go south."

"South..." There's only one city that came to her mind, "You mean Krigos City?"

"No," Percival corrected her. "We're crossing the sea and going to Ryntum."

"Father, are you crazy?! They're our enemy."

Percival shook his head. "They are Barlia's enemy, not ours. It's the safest place for us right now. Those three traitors wouldn't dare to make a mess there."

"Do you forget who I am? Ryntum might not welcome us once they find out about our identities," Sarika pointed out.

"At that time, we can just sell some information that could be useful to them. I'm sure they'll be willing to buy intelligence from the former duke."

Sarika nodded slowly, "Alright, Father."

Percival smiled, albeit briefly. "Good. We'll need to keep moving. The sooner we reach the coast, the better."