251 Chapter 12 The road was crowded further still. The mages followed the wide cobblestone path until they found a quiet tavern where they ate a late breakfast. Seated around a long table, they had their fill of warm stew while Calto Serbel deliberated with his two aides over the party’s itinerary. After much discussion, he approached the others and announced, “The Temple Knights were supposed to arrive before us, but thanks to the whims of the wind, we are a week ahead of schedule. We will have to wait for them in Anatol. For now, I intend to call on the clerics of the Anatolian parish. They should provide us with accommodation until then.” A scrawny senior mage named Ben politely inquired, “And how will we get to Anatol? I heard it is an hour’s ride from here.” Calto turned to the mage. “We will join a merchant group who are on their way there. While it is a short journey, and the road is known to be relatively safe, it is always prudent to travel with an escort.” Her attention drifting, Maxi looked out the window. The road was a hubbub of wagons and carts ferrying wares back and forth. The tariffs from this traffic alone would surely generate huge revenue. She was in awe of what Riftan had accomplished in such a short time. Be that as it may, a part of her felt empty knowing she had not been able to support him during a period of such significant change. How wonderful would it have been to have witnessed the land flourish before her eyes? Maxi watched passersby through the window while she fed Roy cuts of meat from her stew. Every one of them was dressed in fine garments and had healthy complexions. It was obvious that the tenants of the land lived in comfort. She was absorbed in the sights and sounds when Sidina, who had been wolfing down her meal, jabbed her in the ribs. “Max, look!” Maxi turned her head questioningly, and Sidina whispered excitedly in her ear, “That dashing man over there!” Knitting her brows, she looked to where Sidina was pointing. A lithe young man in a dark blue cloak had walked into the tavern, two equally strapping men behind him. Her eyes grew wide. As Sidina had giddily exclaimed, the youth was indeed comely. His neatly tied silver hair and delicate features were beautiful enough to be carved into the pillars of a basilica, and his porcelain skin appeared to glow. In contrast to his fair appearance, the youth’s empty gaze lent him an inhuman air. “He must be a noble. Do you think he’s one of Anatol’s knights?” Sidina whispered. Maxi was about to reply that the young man was not a Remdragon Knight when she stopped herself. It would only draw questions as to how she was privy to such knowledge. Still, it was evident that he was no commoner. His clothes were made of plain but quality fabrics, over which he wore light armor and carried a sword at his waist. It was possible he was a new member of the order. She watched closely as his gaze roamed about the tavern. The young man intoned somberly to the room, “The city custodian informed us of mages from the Mage Tower entering our port. If you are here, we would like to have a word.” “What business have you with us?” Calto asked, turning toward him. The young man approached the mage and said calmly, “I am Ulyseon Rovar, a knight who serves Sir Riftan. The clerics of our parish have asked us to provide the guests from the Mage Tower the best accommodations upon their arrival.” Pausing, the knight haughtily swept his eyes over the people seated around the table in a manner typical of nobility. Doubting her ears, Maxi gazed dumbly up at the youth. She was seated behind a pillar at the other end of the long table, and he had not yet noticed her. Ulyseon returned his gaze to Calto. “You arrived earlier than expected. If you would come with us, we shall escort you to Calypse Castle.” “Thank you for the offer, but we must decline,” Calto said with a resolute shake of his head. “We have no reason to impose on your hospitality. Since the church has already promised to house us, that is where we will stay.” Ulyseon frowned subtly as though taking offense to the rejection. “I’m afraid Anatol’s parish won’t be able to accommodate a party of your size. In fact, some of the clerics are staying at the castle due to renovations at the parish. There is a guest lodging on parish grounds, but it is a rundown structure already filled to capacity with vagrants seeking alms. As for the inns, you will find most of them full. Many of the big merchant guilds come to Anatol around this time.” Calto’s face turned pensive as he glanced at the mages seated around the table. Though it was apparent he was disinclined to accept Calypse Castle’s hospitality, the elder appeared conflicted over the fact that his mages would be sleeping on the streets after their arduous travels. A brief silence passed, and Ulyseon shrugged lightly as if to tell them he had no intention of begging them to accept the offer. “If you are against the idea, I will not press further. However, I will inform the castle’s sentries to allow you entry in case you ever change your mind. Well then, I shall take my leave.” The young man froze as he was coldly turning away, and Maxi got a clear view of his face. His purple eyes gleamed in the pale winter light streaming in through the window. “U-Ulyseon,” she murmured, still unsure despite hearing his name. Ulyseon looked as though he had seen a ghost. As soon as she spoke, he broke out of his trance and strode toward her. A bright smile took over his stony demeanor, revealing the guileless face of the youth she knew well. “My lady! You’ve returned!” “I-Is that really you, Ulyseon?” Maxi asked, her gaze traveling all the way to his boots in disbelief. Her mouth dropped open of its own accord. The willowy youth who had only measured a head taller than her was gone, replaced by a statuesque young man well over six kevettes (approximately 180 centimeters). He tucked his chin to look down at her. “I was aware that mages from the Tower were coming, but I never expected to find you among them! It’s not yet three years. I thought there was no hope of you returning until next spring, and yet… You truly are amazing, my lady!” Oblivious to her stunned silence, Ulyseon continued his excited chatter. “Everyone will be delighted to hear that you are back! Let us hurry and—” “H-Hold on! Ulyseon, I am not back for good—” Though Maxi hastily tried to correct the misunderstanding, Ulyseon was not listening. “What are you waiting for?” he angrily barked at his subordinates waiting by the door. “Lady Calypse has returned. Pay your respects and prepare to escort her back to the castle!” “Lady… Calypse?” Sidina’s eyes darted back and forth between Ulyseon and Maxi in confusion. Then, she exclaimed shrilly, “Your surname is Calypse? As in, Riftan Calypse?!” Maxi’s expression grew troubled. Sidina was not the only one gawking at her. Every eye in the tavern, from the mages to the sailors warming themselves over breakfast, was fixed on her. The sudden attention made her face flush crimson. People began whispering to each other that the Lady of Anatol had returned, and some even craned their necks to catch a better glimpse. Calto let out a heavy sigh at the commotion. “I doubt we will be able to stay here now. If your offer still stands, I would like to accept.” “Of course! Why on earth would it not?” Ulyseon replied enthusiastically. He then ordered his men to prepare carriages for the guests at once. Picking up Maxi’s bag as though he were her personal aide, he seemed almost bursting with eagerness as he asked, “My lady, could we have a moment until the carriages arrive? There are so many things I wish to tell you!” Maxi gave Calto a hesitant glance, to which the elder responded with a resigned nod. “Very well,” said Calto. “It has been a while, so I am sure you have much to talk about.” “Th-Thank you.” Maxi left Roy with Sidina and followed Ulyseon out of the tavern. On the road, two men with self-assured airs who appeared to be Ulyseon’s subordinates stood next to five sterling steeds. That was when she finally noticed Ulyseon’s armor beneath his cloak and the Remdragon crest peeking through. Her face lit up in a grin. “You have been knighted! I should address you as Sir Ulyseon now.” “It was not long after you left,” Ulyseon replied bashfully, a blush coloring his cheeks. “But I ask that you continue to use my name, my lady.” “What about Garrow?” Maxi looked around in search of the squire who was normally joined at the hip with the young knight. “He was knighted as well,” Ulyseon said with an impish smile. “He now serves as Sir Hebaron’s aide, and he tells me the job is a nightmare.” The familiar names were a delight to her ears. Her awkwardness melted away, joy rising in its place. After a hesitant pause, she asked cautiously, “A-And… Riftan? Is he well?” Maxi’s heart sank as she watched Ulyson’s face fall.