Chapitre 24: To The Estate.

The sun was high in the sky, shining down on the carriage parked outside the bar. Multiple crates of wine and numerous varieties of alcohol were loaded into the wooden carrier, its tired wood acknowledging the dropped goods with worrying creaks.

The carriage was painted in fading yellow, its body adorned with numerous scratches, each one telling a story of a journey struggled but completed.

The horses, although not military-grade strong stallions, seemed quite capable of the journey they were tasked to embark on.

Standing a few meters from the carriage, Ryan observed silently as he sat on a weathered bench. The building to his side, efficiently obstructing the pounding sun, offered a long cast of shadow around where he sat.

"Is there any evidence left, of who did it, I mean?" the innkeeper, who sat beside Ryan, asked, his voice low, almost a whisper.

"No, I'm certain it can't be linked to you," Ryan assured as he watched Ruck walk out of the bar with another crate before placing it on the carrier.

"You carried out justice I was too weak to carry out. I'm eternally thankful to you for that," the man sighed, his hands which were clasped together finding reside on his lap.

"It's fine. You've thanked me countless times already. You are giving me something in return, so no need to be so grateful," Ryan turned to the man, offering him a smile.

"So, we are just going to walk into the place?" Ryan inquired.

"Well, basically, since I am the only supplier of alcohol to the leader's estate, they always let me right in, and I get access to his study to deliver his special whiskey. You'd just go in my stead today."

Ryan thought for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Well, it seems perfect on paper, but..."

"Ready to move!" one of the men who loaded up the carriage announced. In response, Ryan and the innkeeper stood from the bench they occupied and walked over to the carriage.

"Is everything loaded on?" The innkeeper inspected the carriage, mentally ticking boxes as his gaze shifted from one box to another crate.

"Yes, it's all done," one of the men confirmed as the innkeeper finished his inspection.

The innkeeper climbed atop the sitting area. Turning to Ryan, he tapped the seat next to him. "Come on then, get on," he gestured.

Ryan turned to the entrance of the bar, seeing Chloe staring at him with eyes and an expression he couldn't quite place. Then she gave him a smile, raising her hand to wave at him. Ryan replied with a simple nod as he boarded the carriage.

"How long will it take to get there?" Ryan asked as he sat beside the old man.

"About an hour at most," the innkeeper replied, pulling on the rope to set the horses in motion. Their hooves against the cobblestones created a rhythmic clatter as they began departing from the town.

"I still have time left," Ryan glanced at the panel to his side.

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<Main>

A Conqueror's Path (All quests under this must be completed)

QUEST: Deal with the province leader

Details: Convince the province ruler to accept your help in the beast tide. Also, negotiate that if Azkai is to survive the beast tide with your significant help, you should be given at least 50% of all cores obtained in the stand-off against the tide.

Rewards: Endless Book of Spells

Failure: Death.

Time Limit: 72 hrs

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In just a few minutes, they had completely departed from town, the wood and stone buildings now replaced with a spread of trees across the landscape as they threaded through a muddy road.

"So, why do you look for the province leader?" The innkeeper asked, his hand gently gripping the rope that controlled the horses as they moved at a steady pace.

Ryan remained silent for a moment, a subtle unwillingness in wanting to answer the question noticed by the innkeeper as he glanced at Ryan.

"You don't have to-"

"The beast tide," Ryan answered.

"Ah, our inevitable doom," the innkeeper chuckled.

"You are aware of it?" Ryan asked curiously.

"Yes, it's been a couple of years since the last one, so most expect the next soon. However, what most don't know is, unlike last time, the legion won't be coming to save us."

Ryan glanced at the man with a momentary flash of confusion in his eyes. "So why stay?" Ryan asked, turning back to face the road. "Just sitting ducks waiting for death?"

"Most here don't really have elsewhere to go. The leader had promised the province survival, so it's easier to just trust his words. However, I do plan on sending Ruck and Chloe away with all I've saved up over the years."

Ryan crossed his hands together as he reclined back into the seat. "You're a good man," he mumbled.

The innkeeper, his face morphing into an assuring smile as he turned to Ryan, "You as well, Adrian."

Ryan remained silent. He could easily spot liars, but even now, the man was honest. Oblivious, but honest.

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