Chapter 620 – Return Home.

“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.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“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.”