Lassim rode in the lavish carriage, observing the fading outline of Myriad Spirit City.
As the caravan, adorned with the Rohese crest, ventured beyond the city gates, he decided to acquaint himself with the other traveler in the carriage with him. All of the mbers of the caravan were mbers of the Rohese Architectural Company, so he’d start with him first.
He politely introduced himself to a middle-aged looking man who sat opposite him, noticing a more elegant version of the company’s crest on his attire.
"I’m Lassim Rohese Vanthar. It’s a pleasure to join this journey and I’ll do my best to not be a burden or nuisance. Please let know if there’s anything I can help with as well. I don’t mind lending an extra hand with cooking or other errands you might have."
The man, with warm eyes and a friendly smile, extended his hand. "Welco, Lassim. If there’s anyone in the family that isn’t already aware of you, I’d be shocked! Nevertheless, I’m Hallen Rohese, leader of and overseer of this caravan. We’re glad to have you with us."
He then chuckled, adding, "Young Master, I’m fairly certain the Matriarch would have my pay suspended for several years if I attempted to put you through any hardship or nial tasks during this trip. Please, just relax and enjoy it at your leisure. If you have any questions, please feel free to rely on at any mont. I’m at your service."
"Ah? Is that so… well, I’d still like to help out where I can, so please let know if there’s sothing I can do when the need arises." Lassim replied with a slight bow.
The man smiled and confird, "You’ve got it, Young Master. I’ll be sure to let you know."
Turning to view the outside scenery that was quickly passing by, Lassim watched the guards riding alongside the caravan.
Their mounts were a sight to behold: wolves with eyes glinting with ferocity ready to pounce at a monts notice, steeds shimring with ethereal auras, and even an elegant looking woman riding a giant fox creature with multiple tails that swayed gracefully behind it.
There was also so blue fires floating gentle near it, matching the blue markings on its face and snout; making it looking fairly intimidating.
Turning back to Hallen, Lassim engaged in light conversation, finding comfort in the elder Rohese’s humble and kind deanor.
Hallen’s voice carried a reassuring tone, making Lassim feel more like a valued mber of the journey than a re spoiled prince being escorted.
"The roads can be treacherous, but with our guards and their beasts that you’ve observed, we’ve always managed to ensure safe travels," Hallen shared, pointing towards the guards and their creatures outside.
Lassim nodded, impressed by the caravan’s preparedness and safety. The journey ahead seed less daunting with such companions by his side.
He noticed that most of the twenty guards present were Spirit Ascension level warriors, with four of them being Spirit Transformation. It seed the Spirit Transformation warriors held more supportive positions based on their positioning in the guard’s layout around the carriages.
In the carriage, Hallen Rohese suddenly gestured to Lassim, grabbing his attention before summoning and unfolding a map from his magic pouch.
He traced a route with his finger. "As you know, we’ll be traveling south through our Aurora Kingdom, passing through various towns and cities. This will take roughly half a month in total."
"Once we cross into the Kingdom of Aetheria, our journey will extend another half month before reaching our destination in the city of Silverpine." Hallen’s finger dotting the various cities and towns leading all the way to a spot marked ’Silverpine’ on the map.
Lassim leaned closer, his eyes widening at the extensive path laid out before them. "That sounds like quite the expedition. I hadn’t realized just this leg of the journey to the Southern Continent would take so long."
Hallen chuckled softly, "Yes, the world is vast, and each region has its own wonders and challenges. The landscapes change, the cultures shift, and every new town has its own story. It’s what makes these journeys so enriching. It’s part of the reason why I beca a team leader for the family.
I sowhat fancy myself as a bard when we get rest nights, and like to enjoy myself by singing lodies at whatever the local tavern with a stage is."
Lassim absorbed every detail, his excitent growing with each city and landmark Hallen ntioned. The thought of seeing so much of the world filled him with a sense of adventure.
Lassim, eagerly replied, "I’d love to be able to watch you perform Sir Hallen!"
"Young Master, as long as you don’t drink, I’d be honored for you to co watch at so point in our journey." With a slight nod he agreed to let Lassim co watch so day in the future.
"As I was saying, the total trip to Silverpine will take about a month, given the roads’ condition and the need for occasional stops. It’s a journey well-practiced, and with our preparation, it should be smooth," Hallen explained, his voice filled with the confidence of experience.
Lassim nodded, ntally preparing for the month ahead, eager to witness the diverse landscapes and cultures of his Aurora Kingdom and the Aetheria Kingdom. The prospect of such a journey; the first step in his larger quest was exhilarating.
As the caravan journeyed through the verdant landscape of the Aurora Kingdom, Lassim found a sense of peace in the rhythmic movents of the carriage’s rocking as they traveled.
He fell into a routine as he spent most of his days in the carriage deep in ditation. He had Zaphyrella and Marinelle subtly controlling the storm’s manifestations to avoid drawing undue attention, and from disturbing the other mbers of the caravan.
Raining on them constantly would certainly annoy the mbers and making Spirit Ascension cultivators of his family’s company mad would certainly make the month’s travel a pain.
When the caravan halted for breaks, Lassim would step out to stretch his legs, feeling the fresh air and mingling with the caravan’s crew.
These monts allowed him to bond with the guards and other mbers, sharing tales and laughter under the open sky. They all knew he was their family’s latest Young Master, and the one with the most prestige just based on his twin spirits alone. When they saw his cultivation, while knowing his age, they were flabbergasted and did their best to make him feel at ho.
They all were wise to the politics of flattering or being additional kind to the more promising mbers of the family.
Their first significant stop occurred five days later at a bustling town, where the Rohese construction team was tasked with completing a new project for the town’s mayor.
Hallen Rohese, the caravan leader, shared the details with Lassim as they approached.
"We’ve been commissioned to build a reading garden adjacent to the town’s new library," Hallen explained, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "The mayor believes in promoting literacy, and having free martial art books available. He wants a peaceful place where townsfolk can enjoy books amidst nature, so using his own personal wealth, has commissioned our company to build this project."
As they disembarked, Hallen turned to Lassim with a thoughtful look. "This job will take us a couple of hours to finish. While we’re working, you should explore the town, especially the market. It’s quite unique here."
Lassim’s interest was piqued. "What’s so special about the market?"
Hallen smiled, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. "It’s known for its variety of rare and esoteric items. You can find anything from ancient artifacts that adventurers gathered after they stumbled into hidden elental planes to rare elental crystals or unique alchemy materials. The sellers here have a keen eye for unique goods to offer, and so should you if you decide to explore.
Who knows, you might even find sothing that could aid you on your journey."
Intrigued by the possibility of discovering treasures hidden within the stalls, Lassim thanked Hallen for the suggestion.
"Sounds interesting! I’ll go do that then and I’ll et up with you later when I’m finished. I’ll head over to where the library is and hopefully see your team finish it!"
With a nod from Hallen, Lassim turned and headed towards the vibrant heart of the market starting at the next street over, eager to uncover the mysteries it withheld.
When he entered the market, he was shocked. Nearly every inch of the ground was covered with rchants and their wares. The vast majority had laid out cloth rugs and elegantly weaved tapestries with their goods neatly organized on top.
Deeper into the market, what areas weren’t covered by goods on rugs were more traditional wooden traveling stalls, the rchants shouting out and hawking their finds to every passerby.
The market was alive with colors and sounds. Lassim was amazed at how each stall was brimming with an array of curious and exotic items.
Lassim wandered through, his eyes scanning the displays, searching for anything that might catch his discerning eye.
When he passed by one seemingly average and typical stall, Lassim’s inner heart world shook as Zaphy, with her entire 2 ter tall and large body, appeared in front of it with her mouth suddenly drooling.
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