Chapter 11: Journey to the North

A vast land filled with tall green grass and a couple of trees in the distance that provides a cozy shade for animals and beast alike to rest on.. And within this lands, 3 carriage runs. The first one has two person on the driver's seat, located at the very front of the carriage. One seems to be a normal coachman while the other was a huge man with thick armor and an axe hanging behind him. While 3 more people with armor sat inside the carriage. And they did not let the tense atmosphere get to them as the 3 were already talking and telling their own tales and adventures.

While the last carriage stayed silent with 3 of them remaining alert i clouding Lukeas while one of them leans back and even sleeps. And base on his armor he's a veteran and may have already experienced things like this before and is more relax than the first timers. Still.. Lukeas decided to name thia guy Green.. Well thats because he have a green scarf?

On the other hand. In the luxurious middle carriages a lone butler sat in the driver's seat and controls the horses. While inside a family of 4. A baby, a young girl, and the husband and wife.

"Father fear not! If those useless adventurer failed and died fighting I will protect you!" said the young girl as she grip the hilt of her sword beside her.

"No.. You will not fight, if that situation did come you and you're mother WILL run away... I'll lead them in another direction. Ok? Remember that" the man said as he looked over his wifes face which was filled with worry.

And as for the baby. She sleeps quietly in an ignorant bliss. Making the parents smile in hopes for the child's prosperity.

"Don't worry... I believe those adventurer will be enough and that situation wont have to happen to us.." the young girl's father said. But he knew deep within that there's a huge chance that will happen..

****

Lukeas assess his ready-ness. Currently he wore his armor so he was quite confident with his defense, and he have 6 daggers on his body right now. 1 on his right ankle and another one on the left, 2 on his left side of the belt and another 2 on the right the final pair of dagger sheathed in the back side of his belt. And he also have a swords.. Although his proficiency with sword isn't as good as his daggers. Considering the fact that he have not found any sword master practicing their swordsmanship for him to learn from. And Gideon isn't a great fighter too... Hes just an asshole with a sword and a couple experience and basic sword mastery.

Looking out of the window he saw that its about time the sun sets. Suddenly everyone heard a thunderous voice. "Boss! I believe its best we camp and pass the night, since we'll be more prone to ambushes and traps if we travel without seeing anything in our path." after listening Lukeas discerned that the voice was coming from the very front. 'Is it that Buff guy?' he thought before suddenly he heard a faint knocks coming from the middle cart.

"My lord have permitted it.. We shall find a appropriate place to set camp" the familiar voice of the butler

And after awhile they finally found a appropriate place, it was below the shade of 2 nearby trees. After letting the horses graze and given some water, everyone started making fire and took their position. The huge man with the axe sat near the luxurious carriage and keenly eye everyone that tries to approach. While Lukeas climb over the carriage he rode on to. And surveyed the surrounding. The darkness of the night not bothering him at all. While in the distance he heard a heated conversation, making his head turn at that direction.

Turns out it's the buff man and one of the passengers of the first carriage. "Come on man! Why are you eyeing me like that!? You think I'm a bad guy here?!" the man furiously said.

"Yes" replied the axe man without batting an eye making the accused man even more furious. "Oh yeah?!! I bet your being such a bitch so the boss will give you more money eh?!!" he said mocking the man as he took a step forward. But suddenly an he found an axe pointed at his head.

"You take another step, ill take you out. I dare you" the huge man said in cold indifferent voice.

"yo-!"

"Enough!" before the accused man say another word a voice from the carriage said. And then the door opens.

"Boss! It's better if you stay inside!"

"Im fine Benjamin" the man in a white robe said. "And as for you.. I suggest you do what he told you, hes actually not an adventurer.. Hes my personal guard.. And my friend.." he said eyeing the man with a frown.

"Tsk... I shouldn't have come in this shit hole.." the man whispered before walking away and entering the first cabin.

"Everyone... I thank you for accepting this quest and escorting us through the north. I promise to give you all the reward that listed on the quest board. I hope everyone here d-" he was looking at everyone present as he does his speech. Most of the guy present are the guards in the last cart.. And only a single one in the front cart.. When suddenly he saw someone sitting on the top of the 3rd carriage.

" Luk-.. AZBOB!! " he suddenly yelled which makes thw other adventurers turn their head to the direction the man was looking at.

Lukeas who have long shifted his attention back to the field suddenly turn around. He have long decided to shift his attention when he heard the word "enough" earlier. Making him miss the appearance of the man. But looking back now, his voice do sounds familiar.

When he turns around he saw A.N.D.R.Ew. "Andrew! How have you been!" Lukeas with pure joy jumped down the carriage and jog his way to the luxurious carriage.

"I cant believe you! You didn't tell me your a big shot! Owner of a large company?? You could have given me some money here ya know?" Lukeas said as he shook his hands.

"Well... I think you understand my situation" Andrew scratch the back of his head. As he was quite puzzled with Lukeas boldness.

"Oh! of course assassination and all that I know I'm just kidding! I dont need money!.... At least for now" he replied

Then suddenly Andrew remembered something.. "So. You actually dont know me at that time?.. Why n-.. Oh right! You've been living in the mountain.. You wouldn't know anything about the economy here..." he laugh..

"... Uh.. Yes... Exactly.. Haha" Lukeas laugh awkwardly as he just remembered Andrew thinks hes from a special tribe..

A small silence followed after that when Andrew suddenly looked at Benjamin. "Guard the carriage for a bit.." he ordered and Ben nods without question.

"Let me introduce you to my family! Come! " Andrew said as invited him inside.

Following Andrew inside he was greeted by a cozy room with luxurious couch and 2 beauties inside and a one cute baby.

Feeling out of place and thinking it would be rude to sit on theit couch with his dirty outfit Lukeas instead sat on the floor.. Making the lady smile and the young girl chuckle. "At least you know your place, pheasant" the young girl said.

"Whoa, watch you're mouth Alex he's one of my friends." andrew said.

"But how certain are you that he wouldn't betray you again like the rest?" she responded.

"I told you, young la-

" She has a point though.. But dont worry little princess! I dont like betrayals my self! " Lukeas said cutting Andrew off.

"See? You should learn from him and be humble since you're veerryyy annoying young lady!" Andrew said crossing his arm as he makes his points.

It was quite a funny scene seeing her husband be proud of someone instead of their daughter making the mother laughs lightly. "Its not funny Mom!" the young girl protest.

" ahem... Anyway this is my wife Leonora Aslan Von Ewen." Andrew said with a proud big smile. While Leonora just nodded at him. "Hello there stranger"

"And my little princess! Alexandra Sophia Von Ewen!" Andrew introduced while Sophia just crossed her arm and looked at him with a raised chin.

"Nice to meet you all.. Specially you, lady Leonora.. Thank you for blessing me with your presence." Lukeas bowed deeply with his right hand placed on his chest as he took a kneeling position then he removed his helmet. He doesn't know any etiquette but he just followed the way people bowed to some nobles in the novel he used to read on earth.

After seeing his face Leonora was shocked to see a young face underneath the vicious helmet and mask. "Stand up child.." she finally managed to say then added. "Im flattered, but I dont think I deserve a knight's bowing ritual, Lukeas" she added.

"Those bow are only reserved for royalties.. And knights are taught the bow like that.. How did you know of it?" she asked in curiosity. "Andrew only told us your an adventurer.. Are you perhaps a knight?"

"Yes! dear! Now it all makes sense! The tribe only let you out because you're a high ranking personel! You're a grand knight back in your home land are you not?" Andrew said enthusiastically.. He looked so amazed and excited for Lukeas..

Lukeas suddenly sigh. "As expected, you are quite sharp Andrew.. And no.. I do believe you deserve this bow my lady..." Lukeas replied playing along Andrews bullshit.. 'Fake it till you make it they say'

As for the lady she was smiling genuinely. "Thanks child.. And nice to meet you too... Ah right. May i asked? How old are you?"

".... I'm 15..." Lukeas replied not sure if his answer was a good one..

'He already became a Grand knight at such young age?!!??.. How amazing!' both Andrew and his wife have the same thought.

But someone has another thought. " Wait what!? How come he gets to be an adventurer and I can't?" Alex asked.

"Sweetie, can you hear your self? Hes a grand knight! And it's far too dangerous!! And we already have a deal dont we?" Andrew laughs at her. Making her even annoyed.

"But i have mag-!" then everyone went silent as Leonora covered Alex's mouth.. "I told you be careful with your mouth lady... And we have a deal right? You've gotta learn magic and graduate at the academy first.. Then well decide if you can enter the adventurers ranks depending on your grade?" Lukeas explained in a hush voice.

"And be extra careful with telling someone your talent for magic.. Because they are usually target for enslavement, and many inhumane acts people will do for power... Be great full we at least know Lukeas... But do not ever let this happen again ok?"

The young girl nodded which then her mother removed her hand."Dear.. Your father is just worried about you..dont feel bad.. And daddy never breaks his promise right?"

"... Let us eat... Butler Cedrick is cooking the meals..." Andrew said as he opened the door. But what greeted him was Benjamin fighting multiple people at the same time. He was wounded in many places but he has yet to give out.

Then.

Wisssst!

An arrow hit Andrew making him fall back down. Quickly Lukeas ran over and quickly closed the door before the archer could reload.

"Fuck!!" he curse and look at Andrew who have fallen on the floor.