CG Chapter 56: Embarking on a New Journey

Folek stood up and began to walk toward Tom. "This plan will take a long time to achieve. I am not sure if I will be able to see its fruit in my lifetime, but maybe you will succeed where I failed."

"I must remind you that the most important aspect of this plan is patience. Even though I am relatively strong, I haven't made any moves yet."

Folek suddenly asked, his tone carrying a weird mixture of pride and disappointment, "Do you want to guess my power level?"

Tom's expression was natural. However, he felt that Folek was about to reveal another secret to him, "I am not sure; I only know that you reached the level of a formal knight years ago. As for how far you have progressed, I can't really tell."

"Well, you are not far off," Folek paused before continuing.

"I reached the level of a peak high knight years ago. I am but a step away from reaching a level that only those kings reached, the level of a grand knight. Yet, this step, I am not sure if I will ever be able to take it," Folek chuckled a bit, a chuckle that was filled with sadness at his lost potential.

He started messing with Tom's hair before saying, "I think we should go; after all, we have guests to attend to."

The duo walked to where the service was being held. While walking, Tom took this chance to discreetly glimpse at Folek; he wanted to find the perfect opportunity to tell him that he planned to leave for a while.

Although he believed that Folek would most likely agree, he wanted to ask him for two reasons. One, he might gather some useful information before he left, and two, he also didn't want to strain their relationship for the time being.

But, even if Folek didn't agree, Tom had already made up his mind to go through with it. He had no intention of being a caged bird in this castle; getting locked up here would only delay his progress.

As the two neared the place where the funeral was being held, Tom noticed Folek finally relaxing. Without hesitation, he took the chance to ask, "Since I benefited so much from the previous voyage, I was thinking of going on a journey to some other kingdoms. What do you think?"

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Folek's footsteps came to a halt for a moment before he answered, "I see; you should go to Vennturia. Come to my office before you leave. I will give you something that I want you to deliver."

Tom was surprised. Nevertheless, he didn't give it much thought; he believed that everything would become clear once he received the item from Folek.

If it was a letter, he would read it, and if it was something else, he would try to discern the reason why Folek wanted him to deliver it instead of a messenger.

…

The funeral went as Tom expected.

The nobles shed crocodile tears, trying to look sad for the death of the mother and son.

Selina and Elizabeth stood by the side, chatting, unbothered to act or play the game of nobles.

Meanwhile, Folek made false promises to avenge his wife and kill the bandits.

Finally, Tom placed a new mask for this occasion.

He knew that he couldn't look too sad, but he also couldn't look happy, or else others might doubt him. After all, they were all nobles here; they knew that their own blood and kin were the biggest enemy of any member of the nobility.

As the funeral came to an end, the nobles gathered around Tom, wanting to establish a connection with him. Unfortunately for them, he didn't fall for their flowery words. He acted balanced; he wasn't too cordial nor too cold. He knew that the nobles wouldn't be of much use to him unless they agreed to share their secret training techniques.

However, that was too far-fetched; thoughts of going to their territories and stealing the techniques came to his mind, but he knew that would need to wait.

The funeral lasted for three long days; the nobles were enthusiastic at first, thinking they would have more chances to meet with Tom. However, they were left disappointed after they noticed that he didn't come after the first day.

The nobles understood that they were stuck with the annoying members of the Marshal family. Once the last day came, they started to go in droves, and Tom thought that it was finally time for him to leave.

...

He first called over Alfred and handed him a knight technique. The least that could be said about this technique was that it was utterly demonic.

He quickly developed the technique for the sole purpose of increasing the user's strength at the fastest speed. The technique disregarded whether the user's body could handle the pressure or not.

Tom estimated that once Alfred started to train in it, he would only have a couple of years to live; by that time, he was sure that he would become a formal knight and not need Alfred's help any longer.

Alfred, Of course, wasn't aware of any of that; he was simply happy he could serve his lord better, not expecting the person he had served since he was a child to betray him so coldly.

Due to his love for Edward, he might have been willing to use the technique even if he knew of the risks it carried, but Tom didn't want to waste his time by putting Alfred's loyalty to the test.

Tom then proceeded to make his way to Folek's office, who gave him an envelope and a detailed map.

"I have prepared our best mount for you, and remember to put your safety first; you are the heir of Flameheart. Don't take stupid risks that would put your life in danger; there are many strong people hiding in the shadows. Some might act normal while thinking of how to kill you simply for their entertainment. Remember that the heart of a Flameheart never dies; we shall rise from the ashes."

Little knew of Tom's trip, and no one knew where he truly planned to go. In the middle of the knight, he placed his black cape over his head before taking the wolf and leaving.

Tom turned his head toward the castle while smiling, 'The city of knowledge, here I come.'