Chapter 63: Rebecca

Raven looked through the small window and noticed the carriage was nearing the Southward Borough. He knew it was time to leave before anyone could track his movements.

"I should leave stealthily, then," he muttered to himself. He then pulled out a pair of boots from his inventory and noticed traces of blood droplets on the front. After that, he took out the monocle and wore it.

Quickly, he scanned the carriage's interior and spotted a ragged cloth on the seat opposite him. Raven used the cloth to wipe the blood off the boots before slipping them on. Then, he took 6 silver coins from his inventory, wrapped 3 in the now blood-stained cloth, and left them on the seat.

[The coachman will be freaked out when he sees this,] Zera commented dryly in his head.

"I have no other choice," Raven replied silently, shaking his head.

With careful movements, he quietly opened the carriage door. He waited momentarily, checking that no other carriages were approaching from the opposite side. Once the coast was clear, he activated his 'Shadow Stealth' skill and leaped out of the carriage, landing silently on the cobblestones.

The coachman noticed a slight jolt as the carriage shook, but he dismissed it as nothing more than a bump in the road and continued to drive.

Meanwhile, Raven quickly slipped into the shadows of a nearby building, becoming one with the darkness. After a few seconds, he emerged from the shadow, blending seamlessly into the crowd of passersby on the busy street. His heightened senses and almost photographic memory allowed him to observe every detail of his surroundings, precisely calculating his next move.

'I need to dispose of Thomas's body first.' But to achieve that, he needed to leave the City.

'I need to gather information and make preparations, too.' After thinking for a moment, he went to the weapon shop on the street and bought a shovel. Then, he went to the flower shop and bought a flower garland.

Once he was done purchasing, he stored the items, along with the Gladstone bag, in the inventory, moved to the next street, and started searching for a carriage.

He quietly stood on the roadside and watched everyone's information while constantly activating the monocle.

After hours of observation, he finally found a target.

Without delay, he moved toward a carriage parked a hundred meters away.

As he approached, Raven noted the details of the carriage: a sleek, dark wood structure with a simple but elegant design. The driver, an older man with a salt-and-pepper beard, was adjusting the reins and preparing for the journey.

He also noticed a young lady standing by the carriage door, conversing with the driver. She appeared to be about his age, with cascading curls of blonde hair framing her delicate face. Her fair skin seemed to glow in the afternoon light, and her striking amber eyes held a captivating warmth.

"Excuse me," Raven said as he approached the man, keeping his voice low and steady. "I overheard your conversation a while ago. Are you two heading towards the Claw Ville?"

The driver looked up, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Raven. "Aye, I am," he replied, his voice gruff but not unfriendly. "You need a ride, lad?"

"If it's not too much trouble," Raven answered, flashing a charming smile. "I can pay handsomely for your service."

The driver shrugged, gesturing for Raven to climb aboard. "Coin's always welcome. Hop in, and we'll be on our way."

"What about your customer?" Raven asked.

"She is not a customer."

"I'm Rebecca, his elder daughter. And I do not mind traveling with you," she said, her beautiful face blushing.

"Don't fall for her fake blushing, lad. That's a vixen, just like her mother." The driver said with a laugh.

"Dad!" An angry shout came from the young lady.

Meanwhile, Raven climbed into the carriage, settling into the worn leather seat. Rebecca also followed him, sat on the opposite seat, and started asking questions about him.

On the other hand, the coachman started driving the carriage.

"So, Raven," Rebecca began, "What business do you have in Claw Ville? It's only a small village with less than 200 households. Are you visiting a relative?"

Raven shook his head and answered calmly.

"I'm planning on checking suitable land outside the City to purchase. I chose Claw Ville because it's only a few kilometers from Giaris city."

"Oh? Why do you need land? Are you planning on doing farming?" Rebecca asked.

"Giaris city has been polluted lately, so my employer wants to spend his holidays outside the City. He said he wanted to build a resort or something. So, I'm searching for a good place."

"Employer? Are you working for someone?" Rebecca asked in interest.

Raven nodded his head and answered.

"Yes. My employer is from a noble background, so his expectations are high."

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"Noble?" Rebecca's eyes widened.

"So, what are his expectations?"

Raven leaned on the seat and sighed.

"My employer is a Walker and also has weird taste. He wants to build a resort house near a river or a tall place. Even if that place is dangerous, he is willing to buy it at a reasonable price."

"Walkers sure are mysterious and unpredictable." Rebecca nodded in understanding and added.

"But there is one area which might be suitable for purchasing. It is situated near the Frostvale River. Although the whole river and its surroundings are frozen due to winter, it will be a beautiful sight during other seasons."

"Frostvale River? Is it far away from Claw Villa?" Raven asked in puzzlement.

"No. It's only a two-kilometer distance. But it is quite isolated, and not even the villa guards go near that place at night. Crocodiles and Giant pythons always roam near the river."

"That's all right," Raven replied, "I'll have to visit it and see for myself."

Rebecca nodded, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she described the area. "You will love that place for sure. Ashenvale forests surround the Frostvale River, and the flowers bloom in every imaginable color in the spring. It's like something out of a fairy tale. There's also an old legend about the river being home to water spirits who guard its beauty."

She continued talking more about the villa and surrounding areas while Raven listened quietly.

"So what about you? Are you working?" Raven asked.

"I'm a Seamstress and am also looking for a high-paying job. I completed elementary school in Giaris City and quit the knight training due to a lack of funds to study higher. After that, I started buying undesigned dresses from the Pierce Textile Factory and learned how to sew and make designs from my neighborhood aunty. From then onwards, I've been doing my best to help my family," Rebecca said with a smile.

"Oh? How much can you make?" Raven asked.

"It depends on how many garments I complete and the quality of the design. On average, I earn around 20 to 30 Silver coins," Rebecca said solemnly.

“30 silvers are enough for an average family per month, right?”

"No. My dad also earns around seven silvers per day. Sometimes, he will only get two or three rides. On average, he earns around two gold coins per month. But he had to pay 30% to the Government officials as monthly tax and 20 Silver coins to the local gang as protection fees. At the end of the month, we barely have around 1 Gold and 40 silver coins. But in a large City like Giaris, more is needed to live. That's why he always returns to Claw Ville every day."

"Is one gold coin and forty silver coins not enough?" Raven felt it was enough for a normal family, even in a big city like Giaris.

"Our family is pretty large, Mr. Raven. I have three younger sisters and four younger brothers. Along with my mother, grandmother, and grandfather, our family has 12 members. Two of my younger brothers and one sister are studying in the government school, while the rest are doing chores in our Ville, helping my mom and grandparents. We barely have enough money to feed ourselves."

'8 kids?'

Raven was speechless. He knew how hard it was even to raise a single child.

'My sister and aunt worked hard to care for my needs.'

[That's why birth control and sex education are more important.] Zera commented in Raven's head.

"My employer is also looking to hire servants. Why don't you try your luck?"

"Really?" Rebecca looked surprised and soon shook her head.

"But I don't have enough education nor learned etiquette lessons to work in a noble household."

"You can just get hired as an apprentice maid and learn the etiquette from others over time. I'll also inform my employer and recommend you." Raven suggested.

"You are so nice, Mr. Raven. Even though we just met, you are trying to give me such a huge opportunity!" His generosity deeply moved Rebecca.

"I'll talk to my dad and will decide."

Raven nodded his head and continued to talk to her.

The carriage rolled along the road, the rhythmic clatter of hooves filling the air. Raven glanced out the window, watching the City gradually give way to more rural scenery. His mind was occupied with various thoughts, but he kept up the conversation with Rebecca, knowing that blending in was crucial.

As the carriage drove closer to Claw Ville, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the road.

Eventually, the carriage began to slow as it approached a village outskirts. The driver guided the horses along a narrow path flanked by towering trees that swayed gently in the evening breeze. Raven could see the distant silhouette of Claw Ville against the horizon, the warm glow of lanterns flickering in the windows of the small homes.

"Please stop the carriage, sir. I'll walk from here onwards." Raven opened the door and informed the old man.

"What happened?" Rebecca was startled by his action and asked.

"I have some work to do before entering the villa," Raven said with a smile and gave three silver coins.

"Keep this as a fee for the ride. Also, if you need any help, come to 21A Bristol Street and look for a person named 'Thomas.'"

As the carriage came to a stop, Raven stepped out of the carriage and thanked the driver.

"Thanks for the ride, sir."

Rebecca poked her head out, giving him a polite nod.

"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Raven. Good luck with your land search. If you have extra time, come to my house in Claw Ville. Just ask for David’s Home; the locals will guide you.”

"Thank you, Rebecca," Raven replied, offering a genuine smile. "Safe travels to you both."

Standing under the tree, the old man whipped the horses and drove the carriage towards the Claw Ville.

"What should I do next?" Raven asked as he looked at the stars-filled sky.

[Find the Frostvale River and dump Thomas's body. The crocodiles will eat his corpse, leaving no traces behind.]

'I want to bury his body and give his soul a proper rest.' Raven said solemnly.

[But burying him will leave traces. You better go to the deepest part of the Ashenvale woodlands and bury his corpse then.]

After talking with Rebecca, Raven learned most of the geographical locations around Claw Ville and had already laid out a plan.

"That's what I'm also thinking."

Raven nodded his head and started walking towards the woodland that appeared far ahead.

[So what about that girl? That child has an extraordinary potential to become a Dark Wizard.] Zera spoke.

'True. I have only seen 'Genius' rank affinity from a few people.' Raven suddenly frowned and asked.

'What is Dark Wizard? And how rare is a Genius rank affinity among people?'

[Wizards specializing in curses, shadow-related abilities, and summoning are called Dark Wizards. However, the most important factor is one’s affinity rank. Almost all humans have at least one or two ‘Low’ rank affinities. And only one in a hundred has ‘Intermediate’ rank affinity.]

‘What about ‘High’ rank?’ Raven asked.

[High-rank affinity appears one in a ten thousand. The next rank is called ‘Extraordinary.’ A Soul born with ‘Extraordinary’ affinity is rare, with a probability of 1 in 1 million.]

‘What about Genius?’ So far, Raven had seen two people with ‘Genius’ Rank affinities. One was his sister, while the other one was Dennis Sunfire.

['Genius' rank affinity holders are born one among 10 million people. They are more like 'Hidden Gems.' Within this vast empire, you can only find around 100 to 200 people with Genius rank affinities.]

‘What? 100 to 200 Geniuses? Aren’t they not rare then?’ Raven thought there would be only around 5 to 10 in the Empire.

[I’m talking about people of all age groups. Also, many don’t even have a chance to check their affinity ranks for their whole life and die as mortals. Although the current education system helps the wizards to find the potential seeds much easier, not every child manages to get into Knight Training schools. Anyway, before someone notices her potential, make her your subordinate.] Zera said in a solemn tone.

'That's why I gave Rebecca my address.' Raven replied.

[Do you think she will come and look for you just because you give her your address?] Zera scoffed.

'She knows I'm working for a Noble Lord. And from what I've observed, she is desperate to look for a new job. She will come for sure,' Raven said with a smile and started walking towards Ashenvale.

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