John was brimming with excitement for the journey to Rakllan. It wasn’t every day that Melch, a figure rarely seen outside the estate would venture beyond their territory. Most of what Melch knew about the world came from stories, yet he had experienced little of it firsthand. For John, who had been in this world for barely a month, the trip was an opportunity to explore and learn about a realm still shrouded in mystery for him.
Patricia was bustling around ensuring everything was prepared for the young master’s journey. She meticulously packed various medicines, ointments, clothes, herbs, and even a few books that Galen had entrusted to her. Galen had previously emphasized the importance of certain medicinal supplies for the young master’s crafting experiments, so Patricia ensured those were packed with utmost care. She also took the liberty of adding extra food, knowing that Melch’s current eating habits were quite different from before. Patricia had noticed his struggle with the bread and rice here. The real cause was that the bread while tolerable wasn’t comparable to Earth’s standards, and the rice lacked the variety he was accustomed to. Patricia tought that because of what happened at the ancestor’s room might have been cause so she did her best to include meals that might suit his palate better.
Patricia also packed a few tools and glass containers, recalling Galen’s advice about experimenting on the road. He had mentioned how important it was for the young master to keep his mind active and engaged. She tucked these items carefully into the bags, along with a collection of handwritten notes from Galen that detailed various medicinal concoctions and techniques. While John had shown a budding interest in these crafts, Galen saw this trip as a chance to deepen that interest and encourage self-reliance.
The carriage finally arrived, an imposing sight with its sleek design and eight powerful horses pulling it. John admired it briefly before his attention was drawn to a commotion in the distance. Approaching steadily was Galen, his imposing figure unmistakable even from afar. But what really caught John’s eye was the figure trailing behind him. Leif, laden with several bags was being dragged along, his face a mix of exhaustion and annoyance.
Leif had been enjoying a rare period of peace. With Melch behaving better recently and causing less trouble, Leif had finally found time to relax and sleep soundly in his room. He had hoped these calm days would continue. But his hopes were dashed when his door creaked open late at night, revealing the one person he least wanted to see—Galen.
For Leif, Galen was less a mentor and more a relentless taskmaster. Memories of his earlier days flashed through his mind. He had once lived carefree in a church, only for Galen to pluck him out and thrust him into the Vasti household. Instead of simply feeding and housing him, Galen had assigned him grueling tasks that tested his endurance. Over time, Leif grew to appreciate some of the work but he never forgot the exhausting journey that had brought him here.
“Pack your things” Galen ordered, his tone brooking no argument. “You’re leaving with the young lord tomorrow morning before sunrise.”
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Leif groaned, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “Go where? The Theoder Academy doesn’t allow servants. If someone needs assistance, they hire staff from the academy.”
Galen’s expression remained firm. “You’re not going as a servant. You’ll be taking the entrance exam for the academy.”
Leif stared at him, stunned. “Me? Why? I’m fine with my life here. Wandering the estate, doing odd jobs… it suits me.”
“Your potential is wasted,” Galen replied sharply. “You’re capable of far more than you allow yourself to believe.”
Leif wanted to protest but knew it was futile. Galen’s decisions were absolute. Grumbling under his breath he reluctantly began gathering his belongings, muttering about being dragged into unnecessary situations.
When Leif finally arrived with Galen, he wasted no time airing his grievances. “Do you know how early he woke me up?” Leif asked John, gesturing animatedly. “And for what? To take some exam I didn’t even sign up for! I was fine where I was.”
John chuckled, finding Leif’s frustration amusing. “Well, it looks like we’ll both have our hands full. Misery loves company, right?”
Leif shot him a glare. “Oh, fantastic. Just what I needed. A travel companion to remind me how miserable this is.”
Galen ignored Leif’s grumbling and turned to John. “Young master, ensure that Leif doesn’t get distracted during this journey. He has a tendency to… wander.”
“Wander?” Leif repeated indignantly. “I’ll have you know I’m perfectly capable of staying on task. When I want to.”
“And that’s the problem,” Galen retorted. “It’s only when you want to.”
John shook his head, suppressing a laugh. He could already tell this trip was going to be far from dull.
Meanwhile, Patricia and Galen exchanged a quiet conversation. “Are you sure about sending Leif?” Patricia asked. “He doesn’t seem ready for something like this.”
“Leif has immense potential,” Galen replied. “He just needs the right push to realize it.”
Patricia sighed. “If you say so. But don’t blame me if he drives the young master insane along the way.”
Patricia’s preparations also reflected her cautious nature. Alongside the books and herbs, she had included items she knew John might need for his personal experiments, following Galen’s earlier instructions. The inclusion of rare medicinal herbs and reference materials hinted at Galen’s subtle encouragement for John to continue honing his craft, even while away from the estate.
Leif continued muttering complaints under his breath as Galen ensured he stayed on track. Though he made a show of resistance, it was clear that Galen’s firm hand kept him from shirking his duties entirely.
During one moment of quiet, Galen and John shared a brief conversation. “Young master,” Galen said, his voice steady, “are you prepared for the entrance? The Theoder Academy is not merely a place of study but a crucible. It will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine.”
John nodded, though his expression betrayed his uncertainty. “I’m ready to learn. That’s all I can promise right now.”
Galen’s eyes softened. “That’s a good start. But remember, knowledge without discipline is like a sword without a hilt. Unwieldy and dangerous.”
John pondered Galen’s words as the carriage began its journey. The road ahead was long, winding through dense forests and open plains. The beauty of the landscape was both calming and intimidating, a stark reminder of how vast and unexplored this world was for him.
Leif, sitting across from John had finally stopped complaining and was instead staring out the window. “You know” he began, his tone more reflective, “this might not be so bad. A change of scenery could be interesting.”
John smirked. “Coming from the guy who was dragged here kicking and screaming, that’s a big admission.”
“Don’t get used to it” Leif replied, his usual sarcasm creeping back. “I’m just saying it beats polishing floors back at the estate.”
Their banter continued lightening the mood in the carriage. Despite the challenges they anticipated there was a growing sense of camaraderie. Patricia’s careful planning, Galen’s quiet wisdom, and Leif’s reluctant humor all combined to create an air of cautious optimism. John felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The journey to Rakllan promised to be full of challenges, discoveries, and perhaps a few surprises.