CH89

Helag's question was purely out of curiosity.

Robert was surprised. "Sir, how did you know it was me following you that day?"

He remembered being far away and hiding behind cover. Helag shouldn't have been able to see his face.

"Don't worry about that," Helag replied, not intending to answer.

Robert thought about it and realized that with Helag's mysterious abilities, it was normal for him to know.

"Normally, I'm not supposed to reveal this, even under torture. We have our professional ethics. But since it's you asking, I'll answer."

"It was Count Huen who hired me to assassinate Josh."

"Count Huen?" Helag was somewhat surprised but not entirely.

Robert laughed. "I don't understand these nobles. What kind of father hires someone to kill his own son? But as an adventurer, I don't question it as long as the money is good."

Helag nodded. "I see. You can go now."

"Take care, sir!" Robert bowed deeply and quietly closed the door behind him.

"Count Huen, huh? Looks like he's chosen his heir. Now that he can live a few more decades, he doesn't need to choose anymore. No wonder he was evasive about the cursed doll. He was afraid of this coming to light," Helag thought, shaking his head and dismissing the noble family's affairs.

***

Three days later, Miro personally delivered the necessary documents to Helag.

His new identity was Geralt Logan, a minor noble from the countryside around Stormwind City who had fallen on hard times and become an adventurer.

He was traveling to the Kingdom of Doris to seek new opportunities.

The official documents were thorough, including detailed identification, making it impossible to tell they were forged. This would save Helag a lot of trouble.

Although Helag could enter the Kingdom of Doris through unconventional means, it was better to use legal channels when possible.

After reviewing the documents, Helag asked, "Does this Geralt really exist? These papers are incredibly authentic."

Miro smiled. "There's always someone willing to sell everything for money."

He didn't elaborate, but Helag understood the implication.

Geralt was likely no longer alive.

"No wonder these documents are so real; they were genuine," Helag thought, storing the papers.

Miro would have ensured Geralt was eliminated to prevent any complications for Helag.

For Miro, pleasing a mysterious figure like Helag was a great opportunity.

Killing a minor noble was a trivial matter if it meant helping a mysterious figure.

Helag sighed inwardly. "This is the fate of the weak. Without strength, you don't even know why you die. Your destruction is none of my concern."

***

Three days later, a large caravan was slowly making its way along the road in the Dragonspine Highlands.

The caravan had about three to four hundred people, including merchants, slaves, and guards.

There were over a hundred guards, some wearing uniform armor, likely from a powerful adventurer group.

Full sets of armor were expensive, and affordable only by elite members of strong adventurer groups.

About fifty guards wore full armor, making up a small portion of the guards.

The rest wore various outfits, clearly a mix of adventurers accustomed to life on the edge.

Large caravans often hired such adventurers. While not as strong as elite groups, they were cheaper.

These adventurers were eager to earn money, and a shout in the adventurers' hall would bring many eager to join the caravan.

With many adventurers available, prices could be negotiated down. Merchants never paid more than necessary.

Adventurers might curse the stingy merchants but still showcased their strength, muscles, and experience, vying for the job.

Competition was fierce, and getting a job with a large caravan was ideal. Though the pay wasn't high, it was better than most tasks.

More importantly, large caravans rarely faced danger. No bandit would dare attack such a large group, ensuring safety.

Thus, adventurers eagerly joined for the decent pay and safety.

This caravan was transporting goods from the Kingdom of Violet to the Kingdom of Doris, aiming for profits in the six-figure range.

However, the journey was long, taking about six months round trip. Unexpected events could affect profits.

Some loss was inevitable, but total loss only occurred if the entire caravan was wiped out or fled, which was rare.

The Dragonspine Highlands were a necessary route between the Kingdom of Violet and the Kingdom of Doris. The high-altitude road was wide enough for large caravans.

Helag lay on a bed in a carriage, with a stove under the bed brewing coffee, filling the carriage with its aroma.

The carriage's interior was well-furnished, with the best amenities.

From the outside, it looked ordinary, giving no hint of its luxurious interior.

Miro had arranged this carriage for Helag, emphasizing the importance of discretion while traveling.

Helag's carriage was in the middle of the caravan, and he had it to himself.

The other caravan members had heard of his identity as a minor noble seeking opportunities in the Kingdom of Doris to restore his family's glory.

Helag spent most of his time inside the carriage, rarely showing himself.

According to the plan, the caravan would take about a month to cross the Dragonspine Highlands, with a long journey ahead.

After the highlands, it would take another two months to reach the Kingdom of Doris's border, making for a lengthy trip.

The scenery in the Dragonspine Highlands was monotonous, with few tall trees and sparse vegetation.

The caravan's route had been refined over the years, with water sources along the way. Many carriages carried supplies for crossing the highlands, to be replenished once they descended and continued their journey.