Chapter 373 – A Proposal.

“…”

“Is something wrong?”

“Well, I don’t know… have I been acting strange lately?”

“You mean stranger than usual?”

Roland glanced at Elodia, his lip turning downwards, as she started to chuckle. The two of them were finally able to relax after the recent events that had unfolded. The city was on the brink of a major transformation following the exposure of one of the crime bosses. Soon, Roland would have to fulfill his knightly duties by serving as a guard during the trial. Gareth, Morien, and Arthur would also be present, with Arthur acting as the judge.

Although there were officials assigned to handle jurisdictional matters, the noble in charge of the land could also take on this responsibility. Typically, they refrained from involving themselves in the disputes of the commoners, but occasionally they would step in to resolve issues between individuals. This usually required requesting an audience with the noble. There were designated dates for people to bring up their concerns, but these matters were typically handled by assistants or public officials.

Roland’s mind was consumed with thoughts of the impending trial, recognizing its significance in establishing a potential precedent. The intention behind magnifying this event was twofold: to demonstrate to the people that criminals would face just punishment and to dispel any doubts about Arthur’s leadership strength. Above all, they aimed to reassure the citizens that the city was a safe haven, with the guards steadfastly standing by their side.

The underlying motive was to foster an environment strengthening commerce and to facilitate the expansion of wealth. By ensuring the safety and security of the populace, they hoped to attract the attention of reputable merchants who would be enticed to invest in the growing city. The infusion of their wealth would not only benefit the merchants themselves but would also be shared among the entire community, ushering in a new era of prosperity.

At least that was the plan, if they got there depended a lot on their relations with the thieves guild that he attempted to clear up yesterday. The woman named Hanako was a mystery and a potential powder keg waiting to blow up. From the conversation he partook with her, it was clear that she was being chased by someone or something. Her level was relatively high and perhaps soon she would even reach her second tier 3 class which was a feat only limited to this world’s elite. If someone like that was in fear of their life, then the opponent was probably someone quite influential.

“I guess yes, stranger than usual…”

“Hmm…”

Elodia contemplated as she pierced a small tomato with her fork. Her large eyes, framed by glasses, were locked onto his face, causing him to momentarily forget about the pressing matters at hand. In her presence, the problems seemed to fade away, a sensation he never anticipated experiencing. Roland was typically not one to express his emotions, often keeping everything bottled up inside and refraining from burdening others with his issues. However, he had recently come to realize that trying to handle everything alone was exceedingly difficult.

“You have been wearing your armor a lot more recently but is that because of your knightley duty? I guess you’ve become more open?”

“More open?”

“Mhm, I didn’t think you’d allow a person like that to work here.”

“You mean Rastix? Has he been causing trouble?”

“Trouble? I wouldn’t say that but he is a bit, how do I say this, eccentric?”

“Eccentric?”

Roland inquired, his mind drifting back to the encounter in the dungeon. He had made the decision to leave the gnome behind, entrusting him to the group of platinum adventurers recruited by Arthur. His new little friend had appeared soon after managing to hitch a ride with the dwarven miners. Apparently, he had talked Elodia’s ear off when he first arrived at their magic shop.

“He already has plans for the shop, I should have probably not mentioned that we were planning an expansion…”

“Oh? I hope that he isn’t causing you trouble, should I talk to him?”

“You don’t have to, he seems like a good person but I’m not sure how much it would cost to get all the things that he asked for.”

“He asked for things?”

“Yes? He made it seem that you two were already something like partners? I don’t know how many times he mentioned that he was a Master Alchemist…”

Elodia let out a sigh, her thoughts probably drifting back to a previous conversation. It was becoming apparent that Roland needed to have a serious discussion with his new ‘partner’. While he didn’t mind Rastix having a place in his shop, it was still his shop after all. The only reason Rastix was there was because no one else wanted to work with him.

He conducted dangerous experiments that other alchemists didn’t want to be anywhere near. Creating a laboratory for someone like him and ensuring the safety of others would come at a hefty cost. In return, Roland expected to receive a percentage of the potion sales, and perhaps even more. Before making a decision he needed to know what Rastix could actually offer him in return.

“Don’t worry I’ll have a talk with him but I need to take care of the trial first.”

“Are you sure it’s safe?”

“No one tried to kill me, or capture anyone here so it should be fine.”

Roland nonchalantly shrugged as Elodia visibly flinched at the ill-timed joke. Both of them were well aware of how criminals like Ivor operated, often targeting the loved ones of those involved in a case. Elodia, Bernir, and even the orphans could potentially affect Roland’s judgment. Thankfully, he had taken precautions to ensure their safety by surrounding them with guards. Even Dyana and Bernir’s home, as well as the orphanage, were heavily guarded.

“I can’t help but worry about the children. Are you absolutely certain they’ll be safe?”

Elodia voiced her concerns.

“They will be fine. Ivor didn’t have many allies, and once he was captured, everyone distanced themselves from him.”

“I truly hope so…”

“This won’t drag on much longer, I promise”

Roland assured her, though the toll of his responsibilities as the Knight Commander was starting to affect both his business and his relationship with Elodia. Ever since he ascended to tier 3 and had to battle Emmerson the two didn’t really spend much time together. He spent more time in the dungeon than anywhere else and was bound to Arthur’s estate for more than he wanted.

One major obstacle they faced was Elodia’s social status, which remained that of a commoner. While Roland was tied to the esteemed Valerian estate and held the title of a Valerian Knight, Elodia had no such privileges. If something were to happen to Roland, he knew that help from outside could potentially come to his aid, but Elodia would be left with no one to rely on except him. There was one way to elevate her status, but it involved a decision that Roland feared, marriage.

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“There was one thing that I wanted to ask you but I didn’t really have a chance yet…”

“Oh? What is it?”

His mouth went dry and beads of sweat formed on his forehead as Roland found himself hesitating. Doubts began to seep into his mind, fearing that Elodia would reject his proposal if he mustered the courage to make it. Despite others playfully referring to them as a married couple, their bond had not yet been officially solidified. There was a real possibility that she could refuse, and their relationship could become awkward and strained.

Roland realized that, in this moment, the fear and stress he experienced far outweighed any he had faced when confronting undead monsters. However, he knew deep down that he couldn’t let things continue as they were indefinitely. If he continued to be indecisive and uncertain about their relationship, it would ultimately show a lack of respect toward Elodia and her willingness to stick by him. In his heart he already knew the answer that she would give them, so there was no reason for not to make it official.

“Damn, I’m not good at these things…”

“These things?”

“Just wait here, I’ll be right back.”