The carriage carrying Shuuki and his party rattled along as it traveled east.
"Papa, what’s that flower?"
"Papa, what kind of bird is that?"
"Papa, what do you call this pretty stone?"
For Adriana, everything she saw and heard was a wonder, and she spent the entire journey in high spirits.
The Leonard Kingdom appeared to have excellent public order; they traveled peacefully without once being targeted by bandits. Even camping out in the carriage was an adventure for the group, and laughter always echoed from their vehicle. This lightheartedness was the primary reason Shuuki and the others had remained so at ease during the month-long journey.
"I suppose it’s about time we find a place to settle down," Shuuki mused.
They had passed through fourteen villages, towns, and cities in total.
"I hear the next one is a reasonably large town, Master," Tempest said from the driver's seat.
"Oh? And what is it called?"
"It’s called Yurgano."
The carriage continued along the highway, which, while unpaved, had been neatly leveled.
"Very well. Let’s head there with the intent of staying."
If it proved difficult to live in, they could simply move on to another town, Shuuki figured.
"Understood."
Thanks to the fees gathered from his lectures and other services, Shuuki had more than enough funds to rent a house.
While he took great joy in having Adriana as his successor, Shuuki felt a growing sense of urgency regarding his unfinished research—specifically, the completion of Trans Info and Spatial Movement.
(I don’t know how much longer I have left...)
Though his body was supplemented by magi and appeared not to age, he had felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his back several times over the last few years. While Healing magic mended it instantly, Shuuki viewed the pain as a warning to himself.
(It’s as if a voice is telling me I have no time to waste...)
His mood sank for a moment, but in the next heartbeat, he felt a soft weight against his back.
"Papa, does it hurt somewhere?"
It was Adriana. She had been quick to notice his somber expression and had come over, looking up at him with concern.
"Ah, I’m fine, Ado. Thank you."
Shuuki forced a smile and praised his kind daughter, stroking her hair. Relieved, Adriana eventually fell asleep with her head resting on Shuuki’s lap.
"Master, someone is approaching," Tempest called out.
Looking ahead, Shuuki saw three men on horseback. They were dressed in fine clothing and had a gentlemanly air about them.
"Pardon me, but would this be the party of the Magus, Shuuki Tsetse?" one of them asked.
"It is. And who might you be?"
"Forgive my late introduction. I am Senteim, the Bailiff of Yurgano. These two men are my guards."
"A pleasure. I am Shuuki Tsetse."
"Oh, it truly is you!"
Senteim had apparently learned via express messenger that the Magus Shuuki Tsetse was visiting the neighboring town and had been eager to invite him to his own jurisdiction.
"We shall provide lodging and a school for your use," Senteim offered.
He went on to explain that many of the townspeople were intensely interested in Craft Magic.
"Last year, I heard of your deeds from someone visiting from Shaia Town," Senteim said, keeping his horse at a slow walk beside the carriage. "The Craft Magic you call 'Forming'... even just that one spell shows us the incredible possibilities of magic. Please, I would be honored if you would hold lectures in our town. Even my son and daughter have heard the rumors of the Magus and are dying to meet you."
Senteim was quite talkative. Thanks to his constant stream of conversation, Shuuki’s party remained entertained until they reached the outskirts of Yurgano.
The town’s interior was paved with stone. The carriage jolted as it moved onto the cobblestones, waking Adriana.
"...Mmh?"
"Ado, are you awake? We’ve reached the town."
"Yeah... I’m hungry."
Shuuki chuckled and gently patted Adriana on the back. "Haha, we’ll get you some food soon."
"Okay, Papa."
Watching the two of them, Senteim’s face broke into a warm grin.
"Oh, what a lovely young lady. Forgive me, I shall immediately send word to have a meal prepared."
Senteim gave a quick instruction to one of his guards, who galloped away into the town.
The lodging the Bailiff had prepared turned out to be a detached villa he owned personally.
"This is quite the estate..."
Yurgano was a large town, and the Bailiff’s influence was clearly substantial.
"Wow, a giant house!" Adriana cheered, frolicking through the mansion.
"Please, use it however you see fit, Magus. If you find the staff insufficient, simply say the word."
"You have my gratitude."
"You must be exhausted from your travels. I shall visit again tomorrow." With a polite bow, the Bailiff took his leave.
"This is extraordinary treatment," Shuuki muttered.
He wondered if there was an ulterior motive or if the man was simply a devoted admirer.
"At any rate, let’s take full advantage of his hospitality for now."
The long journey by carriage had left them all tired and covered in dust. Though they had wiped themselves down at the villages along the way, Shuuki was desperate for a proper wash.
After finishing dinner, Shuuki was guided to the bathroom and was met with a shock.
"Oh, this is..."
"Yay! It feels so good!"
To Shuuki’s amazement, the Bailiff’s villa contained a proper bath—a tub filled with hot water meant for soaking. It was only large enough for three people to sit in comfortably, but it was unmistakably a bathtub.
In this world, steam baths or cold water basins were the norm. This was the first time in years that Shuuki had soaked in a hot bath, and the first time in Adriana's life.
"Ah, it’s been so long..."
It was a sensation he had almost forgotten since losing his wife. He hadn't sat in a bath like this since the day he left House Tierra.
"Adriana..."
The name of his beloved wife slipped from his lips before he could stop it. His daughter was the one to answer.
"What is it, Papa?"
"Hmm?...It’s nothing."
Shuuki smiled sheepishly and stroked his daughter’s head.
"Ehehe, I love you, Papa!"
Adriana lunged forward and hugged him. Holding his young daughter close, Shuuki savored the simple happiness of the moment. There, amidst the rising steam, Shuuki finally felt his heart truly relax.