Chapter 873

“Romandro, please bring me some clothes to wear over this.”

“These?” Romandro asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

At Ian’s request, Romandro laid the clothes out on the bed. As the small, adorable garments spread out before him, Ian studied them thoughtfully, clearly weighing his options.

From Romandro’s explanation, it was clear that once he went to the capital, he wouldn’t be able to return to the mansion for a while. To be honest, he probably couldn’t come back at all.

Because he couldn’t trust anyone except Hana.

Later, when he was strong enough to protect himself, tracking down the traitors wouldn’t be so difficult.

But until then? It seemed wise to stay as far away from the mansion as possible, hiding out in the palace or the Ministry of Magic.

“What’s there to worry about? These are all stylish and beautiful clothes. Take them all with you,” Romandro said cheerfully.

“…Wouldn’t it be better to pack light since you don’t have a fixed place to stay yet?” Ian asked.

“Most wizards commute, but your case is special, so who knows how things will turn out. Whether you end up living in the palace or find a place outside, these clothes are manageable. Don’t worry too much.”

“Alright, then I’ll take them all.”

As Ian carefully folded the clothes with his small hands, Romandro helped out beside him. It was strange—why wasn’t there a servant nearby to assist? He muttered this to himself quietly.

Knock, knock.

“Master Ian, it’s Hana,” came a soft voice as Hana peeked her head in.

Ian’s expression darkened, and he shot her a sharp look. How long had he been searching for her? Look, I’m busy folding clothes right now!

“Where have you been?”

“Sorry… well, you see—”

Hana glanced at Romandro, who was folding clothes without a clue. Should she tell him?

“The training mana stone finally went crazy… it kept making strange noises nonstop. After hours with no sign of stopping, I hid under the storage room.”

“A mana stone?”

Romandro tilted his head in confusion, unaware that someone had tried to trick the mana detection earlier. He laughed it off.

“Ah, maybe it’s because your magic is so strong, Master Ian. I’m really looking forward to seeing you. You might become a legend in history.”

Ian gave a small, awkward smile. Hana snatched the clothes from Romandro’s hands.

“I’ll take care of this! You’re packing, right? Just clothes for now?”

“For now. If you have books or other items, send them downstairs. The wagon will arrive tomorrow morning.”

“Understood.”

Just then, a messenger owl flew in through the window—likely a reply from the Ministry of Magic.

“Well then, please finish up. Master Ian, I’ll be going now.”

Romandro said his goodbyes and left the room. Soon, shouts from Ministry officials calling for him echoed outside.

Squeak.

Bang.

“Ah, the tension just melts away,” Hana muttered as she sank down once the door closed. It was hard to believe Ian was a magic user and had just survived an encounter with Crony’s minions. It was nothing short of a miracle.

Ian packed his treasured books and dolls into his bag and said,

“Hana, finish packing too. I’m only going with you.”

“Me too?”

“Of course. You think I’d leave you behind?”

“Obviously not!”

Ian chuckled and opened a jewelry box. Inside were precious jewels left by his mother, the family seal, various keys, and certificates.

Hana pulled a mana stone from her pocket and dropped it inside.

“Master Ian, this contains secret conversations from Crony’s group.”

“Secret conversations? What kind?”

“They were talking about assassinating the lord. The voices were faint and broken since it was inside a drawer, but it should still serve as evidence.”

Ian’s eyes lit up as he picked up the mana stone. Seeing his reaction, Hana quickly grabbed his hand.

“Will you use your magic now?”

“Huh?”

“It took hours to stop last time. Maybe wait until you’re more skilled with your magic, or at least until you’re in the capital where no one’s watching.”

There were too many eyes and ears in the mansion. If Crony found out there was a mana stone with evidence, who knew what would happen? Ian nodded thoughtfully at Hana’s advice.

“Got it.”

“By the way, since you used your magic once, you haven’t had any trouble, right?”

“Yes. Something changed naturally. Romandro said it’s like the ‘path of the soul’ has opened. Once you realize your power, you can use it freely from now on. Pretty amazing, huh?”

“Yes, truly amazing.”

Hana’s heart swelled with pride. If only the lord and lady could see this. How proud they would be of their beloved only son, a true wizard.

“Alright, hurry up and pack.”

“Yes, Master Ian!”

Hana gave Ian a warm hug and then began packing energetically.

Seasonal clothes, handkerchiefs woven by the lady herself, shoes, jewelry worth keeping, and Ian’s favorite outfits—all were neatly folded and packed with precision, correcting the clumsy folds Ian and Romandro had made.

Their hands moved with practiced skill. Ian smiled softly, impressed.

---

“Is everything loaded?”

“Yes, this side is full.”

“You do have a lot of stuff. Haha.”

“We also packed the doctors’ things…”

In front of the Hadel mansion, five or six wagons were lined up. The place was bustling with people coming and going, since not only Ian and the Ministry were heading to the capital, but Dr. Kelly’s group was joining as well.

Since a patient had passed away during treatment, there was no reason to stay in the Hadel territory any longer. Philia glanced at the mansion as she loaded her bags onto a wagon.

“So Crony’s group isn’t coming?”

She’d heard they were staying behind for a few days, using the excuse that there weren’t enough wagons. What they planned to do in an ownerless mansion was anyone’s guess.

Crony noticed Philia’s gaze and smiled, greeting her.

“Your name’s Philia, right?”

“Yes.”

“Dr. Kelly said no one can match you in herbalism. Impressive. I’ll visit you in the capital sometime. My father hasn’t been feeling well lately.”

Philia bowed silently. Fortunately, the commotion around them kept anyone from noticing anything odd.

Nearby, the servants wiped tears as they said their goodbyes to Ian.

“Master Ian, please take care of your health. Eat well, and don’t overdo the chocolate cake.”

“Hmph. Do I look like a child?”

“Yes! You’re very much a child!”

“Steward, please take good care of the mansion for me. It’s only a four-hour ride by wagon, so I can come back and forth in a day if I want.”

“Of course. If anything happens, come back immediately. We’ll keep the mansion sparkling and ready.”

Ian looked at Crony and gave a final instruction.

“Crony said he’d handle the territory and mansion affairs until he arrives in the capital, but you, steward, need to be even more thorough. Contact me as soon as the guests leave.”

“Understood. Don’t worry about this place; just focus on yourself, Master Ian. I’m worried about how you’ll adjust to the palace—it’s a heavy burden for someone so delicate.”

“I’ll keep in touch.”

After bidding farewell to the servants one by one, Ian turned to Crony. The man smiled kindly and met Ian’s gaze.

“See you in the capital, uncle.”

“Yes, Lord Crony. Travel safely.”

Perhaps because of the warmth in those words, Crony laughed and took the child’s hand.

“You be careful too, uncle. There are rumors of bandits causing trouble lately.”

Ian had never heard such rumors. Romandro, who came from the capital, hadn’t mentioned anything either.

A bad feeling crept over Ian, but the driver’s silent urging ended the conversation.

“Let’s depart! Is everyone aboard?”

“Yes, let’s go! Departure!”

Sitting on Hana’s lap, Ian waved to the household members through the window. It was the first time he was leaving the territory. Fear, anticipation, and excitement pounded in his chest.

“Master Ian!”

“Have a safe journey!”

“We’ll protect this place well!”

All along the exit, the villagers had come out to see Ian off. They were all born and raised here, mourning deeply the late Lord and Lady Hadel, and fully aware that their only remaining son was their new master. Naturally, they worried about the child going alone to the capital.

Tap, tap, tap.

Leaning against the wagon window, Ian watched until everyone disappeared from sight. Romandro, Philia, and Hana shared snacks and chatted happily.

The territory grew distant, replaced by fields and open land. Fascinated by the rapidly changing scenery, Ian kept looking out the window. The peaceful landscape was lulling him toward sleep.

“Hm?”

Something unfamiliar caught his eye.

Across the river, riding in the same direction as the wagons, was a man driving a horse. His red and gold robe fluttered impressively as he rode. His horsemanship was clearly expert.

“A traveler?” Ian wondered.

They hadn’t even fully left the estate when they spotted someone unusual. Ian, crunching on the chocolate Hana had handed him, couldn’t take his eyes off the man. Though the figure was a bit distant, it was clear he was quite large.

“What’s so interesting, Ian?” Hana asked.

“Philia, look—there’s someone on horseback over there.”

“Someone riding a horse is fascinating to you?”

“Yeah. His robe is unusual.”

Philia’s curiosity was piqued, and she joined Ian in watching. Indeed, the robe bore exotic patterns.

But soon the path curved, thick bushes blocked their view, and the man disappeared from sight. Straightening up, Ian turned to Romandro.

“Romandro, is this part of the road dangerous?”

“Dangerous? Well, bandits and thieves sometimes show up on these less-traveled paths, but when there are this many people around, they usually—”

Boom!

Screeeech!

“…!”

Before Romandro could finish, the carriage shook violently. The lead carriage tipped over to the side.

Startled, Romandro, Philia, and Hana all grabbed Ian tightly.

“Ian, are you okay?”

“Ow, my back! What the—”

The overturned carriage blocked the way forward, and the narrow path left no room to turn back. They were trapped.

Hana rubbed her stiff neck and peered out the window, her eyes widening in alarm.

“Gah! Over there!”

With a rush, figures burst from the bushes, swords raised, charging at them.

They caught the driver trying to flee and swiftly cut his throat. The frightened horses reared and bolted wildly, turning the area into chaos in an instant.

“Kill them all! Leave no one alive!”

“Where’s the target?”

“Check the rear! Look behind!”

Clang! Clang!

The magic department agents drew their swords and fought back, but they were heavily outnumbered. Romandro quickly opened the door and scooped Ian into his arms.

“Hana, Philia! Run back the way we came!”

“Romandro—”

“It’s fine. These agents are the escort. Stay back and don’t get hurt.”

Romandro gripped his sword tightly, his hands trembling. If Ian could at least cast basic attack magic, it might be different, but he was only five years old and had just barely unlocked his magic. Romandro was the only one who could protect the child.

“Arrgh!”

As the attackers mercilessly cut down the porters and medics, Romandro shut his eyes tight and charged forward. Unfortunately, he barely took a few steps before collapsing.

In that moment, one of the attackers spotted Ian and signaled—there, the target.

Whoosh!

Hearing the whistle, an attacker drew his bowstring taut. Ian’s forehead, pressed against Philia’s chest, was the mark.

Thwack!

“I—”

Ian realized why Crony’s group hadn’t left with them.

To provide an alibi. With the Hadell clan’s deaths piling up, and Crony always at the center, suspicion would naturally fall on him.

This time, they were trying to kill Ian. Disguised as bandits, they aimed that arrow right at his forehead…

Ssshhh!

Instinctively, Ian began to release his magic.

Swish!

But at that moment, a stranger on horseback suddenly appeared behind Philia, catching the arrow barehanded. Effortlessly, almost casually.

Thunk.

Then, with a calm motion, he snapped the arrow in two.

Philia, startled, turned and stumbled badly, nearly falling. The man caught her arm.

“What’s going on here?”

His accent was unfamiliar—not from Bariel. Philia looked up at the man’s sun-kissed skin, and Ian’s eyes sparkled as he stared at him.

Ah.

The man reminded them of the desert—

The sunlight haloed him like a radiant aura.