Chapter 503: Going Back?
The sound of wheels spinning was only interrupted by the horses' trotting. Inside the carriage, five people sat, with Roland contemplating the future as he glanced out the window. He was on his way back to the teleportation gate, accompanied by students from the Institute. This wasn’t the entire group; Bernir, the craftsmen, and even Arion followed behind in two other carriages. Surrounding them was a group of ten knights, sent by Wentworth Arden, who had ordered them to escort the party back.
Armand and Lobelia, on the other hand, weren't with them. They had been considered too problematic to bring along on the trip, and Roland eventually relented. The two weren’t too upset about taking the long way back, as they had been cooped up on the island for far too long. As newly minted Tier 3 class holders, they were eager to tour the kingdom, experiencing it as true elites and enjoying some adventure. With countless dungeons and cities to explore, they likely wouldn’t return to Albrook for several weeks. Faster if Roland decided that they needed to return and with the use of teleportation gates, this was not an issue anymore.
The tension of the last few days had taken its toll on all of them, and the reality of returning to the Institute loomed over his head. Roland’s thoughts drifted between concern for his siblings and the nagging feeling of unfinished business. The power armor, Wentworth’s strong-handed approach, and the politics surrounding the Arden family left him with more questions than answers.
‘I might not get to see either of them… but… what am I supposed to do?’
Roland’s mind raced as the carriage swayed gently beneath him. The rhythmic clatter of hooves provided a steady backdrop to his swirling thoughts. The Arden family’s affairs weighed heavily on him, particularly the fate of his brother. Even though the two hadn’t interacted much, young Robert had grown on him. As someone from a more modern world, Roland disagreed with the fate that had befallen Robert and his lover. However, this was the safest route back, and rocking the boat now could potentially destroy everything he had hoped to protect.
‘I should just go home…’
His thoughts shifted to Albrook, the place he called home. His wife, Elodia, was waiting for him there. Although they had managed to stay in touch through magical tools, he still longed for her presence. His work wasn’t over yet. The city he was building needed his attention. This was supposed to be nothing more than a side mission. Robert was saved, Lucienne was back home, and everything had worked out in the end. There was no reason for him to do anything more. So, he tried to suppress those bitter feelings as the journey home continued.
The carriage hit a small bump, jolting him from his thoughts. Margaret and the others glanced over, still lost in their own reflections. Despite their concern for Lucienne, they seemed to trust his words from earlier. The long, peaceful road stretched ahead and hours continued to pass. With the knights protecting them, no bandits decided to impede their journey and they arrived at their destination before sundown.
The city of Antolun was before them and once inside they just needed to use the teleportation gate to return to the institute. The group’s arrival at Antolun was met with the usual bustle of city life. Market stalls lined the streets, the chatter of merchants and travelers filling the air. Getting through the gate was rather easy and they were welcomed by the guards with a lot of decorum.