Chapter 139: An Expensive Commission (1/2)

Saint Maria poured tea for him. Of course, the other generals would call him a traitor if they learned of this. However, in that instance, Nikolai didn't want to think of Lilith and her minions.

He needed to calm down.

Or rather... he had more important worries. Yet, true to her name, the saint made all of his fears vanish like mist. Her smile, fragrance, and aura all radiated contagious peacefulness.

”It seems you have calmed down,” Saint Maria pushed the teacup toward him. ”I would love to credit myself for that, but I can't deny how calming this garden is.”

The princess said in a self-mocking manner, and it was only then that Nikolai noticed the surrounding scenery. They were sitting on the opposite sides of a table, which had been placed in a giant garden full of dark pink trees and flowers of subtle color.

”The reason you called me to your study is because of the ritual, right?” Nikolai couldn't say that she had the right to credit herself, so he changed the subject. Her eyes turned wide, and she sighed.

”You are fearsome,” there was a hint of envy, which she had shown in the previous timeline. ”You are correct. I want you to visit the ritual ground and learn what you can about it. Your report could help me appear less... clueless?”

”You don't appear as clueless,” Nikolai said, which surprised him and her equally. ”Ahem,” he coughed, almost embarrassed for trying to reassure her. ”My father always said that as long as you don't talk, people would assume you have something to say.”

”What if nobles of the Bestial Kingdom asked me?” Maria asked with a not-so-convinced expression.

”At that time, you can answer them, and the impact would be greater. They will leave with an impression that the princess didn't rehearse her words but carried real knowledge about the kingdom.”

”I'm glad to have you as a retainer,” Saint Maria smiled with relief, her shoulders dropping slightly. ”I understand. I'll do as you asked. However, I still need you to go there.”

”Your wishes are my commands,” Nikolai smiled and bowed. ”However, I want to understand the people's image of the ritual first, before hearing from those who oversee it.”

”You can take your time going around the city, then,” Saint Maria sipped on her tea, and Nikolai mirrored her actions. After placing her cup down, she took out the royal badge like the timeline before. ”This is proof that you are my retainer. Carry it with pride, Lyle.”

”I will,” Nikolai received it with a smile. Then, he tried to pick his words carefully. ”I never had a friend before. Ever since my father died, I started going from one city to the other. I know that we are far from being friends, but you can always count on me with your worries as your retainer.”

”Ah,” Maria was confused before realization dawned on her. ”You've seen that I was worried when you came into the study,” she had a grateful smile. ”There is nothing, just a letter from my older brother.”

”If you ever need me, then I will be by your side,” Nikolai stood up to leave with those words. ”If you would excuse me now. I have a report to write.”

”You may leave,” the princess said with an expression that was hard to read. However, Nikolai knew that he was closer to her now, and it was enough for a start.

***

This time, he avoided the old driver as if he carried the plague. In some sense, Master Edward was indeed a plague. Nikolai left through the side gate, riding one of the carriages that resupplied the mansion.

Soon, he found himself in the city's busy street, with vendors surrounding him from every direction. Naturally, his attire drew attention, but it worked to give him the authority he wanted.

A human in this city wasn't a rare sight, but it was indeed unusual. The beastmen looked at him with both wariness and hostility, even though the majority ignored his presence.

There were other human travelers, but all of them looked like hardship-chiseled adventurers. They carried giant swords on their back or wore a skull over their head. It was both a sign of pride and a warning.

Nikolai didn't lie when he said he wanted to ask the locals about the ritual. Understanding the ritual also means that he would understand what the vision entitles. This time, he needs to make sure that he would be the only one to go into the vision.

If you want to receive an honest opinion about something, you need to ask the fearless. There were two types of fearless people: those with strength and those with nothing to lose.

That's why the first stop would be the adventurer's union.