The road was even more crowded.
The wizards followed the wide cobblestone path until they found a quiet tavern where they had a late breakfast.
Seated around a long table, they ate their fill of hot stew while Calto Serbel deliberated with his two assistants about the group's itinerary.
After much discussion, he approached the others and announced, "The Knights of the Temple were supposed to arrive before us, but thanks to the vagaries of the wind, we are a week ahead of schedule.
We will have to wait for them in Anatol.
For now, I intend to visit the clergy of the Anatol parish.
They should provide us with accommodation until then."
A thin senior wizard named Ben politely asked, "And how do we get to Anatol?
I heard it's an hour's ride from here."
Calto turned to the wizard.
"We will join a group of traders who are on their way.
Although it is a short journey, and the road is known to be relatively safe, it is always prudent to travel with an escort."
Distracted, Maxi looked out the window.
The road was a hubbub of carts transporting goods back and forth.
The fees from this traffic alone would certainly generate huge revenue.
She was amazed at what Riftan had achieved in such a short time.
Either way, part of her felt empty, knowing that she hadn't been able to support him during such a time of significant change.
How wonderful would it have been to witness the land blossom before your eyes?
Maxi watched passersby through the window while feeding Roy pieces of meat from his stew.
Everyone was dressed in fine clothes and had a healthy appearance.
It was obvious that the inhabitants of the land lived comfortably.
She was absorbed in the sights and sounds when Sidina, who was devouring her meal, poked her ribs.
“Max, look!”
Maxi turned his head in doubt, and Sidina whispered excitedly in his ear, “That elegant man over there!”
Frowning, she looked to where Sidina was pointing.
A lithe young man in a dark blue cloak had entered the tavern, two equally burly men behind him.
His eyes widened.
As Sidina had happily exclaimed, the young man was really handsome.
Her carefully tied silver hair and delicate features were beautiful enough to be carved into the columns of a basilica, and her porcelain skin seemed to glow.
In contrast to his fair appearance, the young man's blank gaze gave him an inhuman appearance.
"He must be a noble.
Do you think he is one of Anatol's knights?" Sidina whispered.
Maxi was about to respond that the young man was not a Knight of the White Dragons when he stopped.
This would only raise questions about how she had knowledge of this kind.
Still, it was evident that he was not a commoner.
His clothes were made of simple but quality fabrics, over which he wore light armor and carried a sword at his waist.
It was possible that he was a new member of the order.
She watched intently as his gaze roamed the tavern.
The young man spoke darkly to the room, "The city caretaker has informed us about mages from the Wizards' Tower entering our port.
If they are here, we would like to talk."
“What business have you with us?” Calto asked, turning to him.
The young man approached the wizard and said calmly, "I am Ulyseon Rovar, a knight who serves Lord Riftan.
The clerics of our parish have asked us to provide the best accommodations for the guests of the Wizards' Tower upon their arrival."
Pausing, the knight swept his eyes haughtily over the people sitting around the table in a manner typical of nobility.
Doubting his ears, Maxi stared dumbly at the young man.
She was sitting behind a column at the other end of the long table, and he hadn't noticed her yet.
Ulyseon turned his gaze to Calto.
"You arrived earlier than expected.
If you wish to accompany us, we will escort you to Calypse Castle."
“Thank you for the invitation, 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 promised to shelter us, that is where we will stay."Ulyseon subtly frowned as if he was offended by the rejection.
"I'm afraid the parish of Anatol will not be able to accommodate a group of your size.
In fact, some of the clergy are staying at the castle due to parish renovations.
There is a guest lodge on the parish grounds, but it is a dilapidated structure, already full of vagabonds looking for alms.
As for the inns, you will find most of them full.
Many of the large merchant guilds come to Anatol around this time."
Calto's face turned thoughtful as he looked at the mages sitting around the table.
Although it was evident that he had no interest in accepting Calypse Castle's hospitality, the elder seemed conflicted by the fact that his mages had to sleep on the streets after their arduous travels.
A brief silence passed, and Ulyseon shrugged lightly as if to tell them that he had no intention of begging them to accept the offer.
"If you oppose the idea, I will not insist further.
However, I will inform the castle sentries to allow you entry should you change your mind.
Well then, I must withdraw."
The young man froze as he coldly walked away, and Maxi had a clear view of his face.
Her purple eyes sparkled in the pale winter light coming through the window.
“U-Ulyseon,” she murmured, still uncertain despite hearing her name.
Ulyseon seemed to have seen a ghost.
As soon as she spoke, he snapped out of his trance and walked towards her.
A bright smile took over his stern expression, revealing the naive face of the young man she knew well.
"My lady!
You have returned!"
“Is that really you, Ulyseon?” Maxi asked, her gaze traveling down to her boots in disbelief.
His mouth opened spontaneously.
The slender young man who was just a head taller than her was gone, replaced by a statuesque young man over six kevettes tall.
He lowered his chin to look at her.
"I was aware that wizards from the Tower were coming, but I never expected to find you among them!
It hasn't been three years yet.
I thought there was no hope of you returning until next spring, and yet… you are truly incredible, my lady!"
Oblivious to her stunned silence, Ulyseon continued his lively conversation.
"Everyone will be delighted to know you're back!
Let's hurry and“"
"W-Wait!
Ulyseon, I didn't come back to stay“"
Although Maxi tried to quickly correct the misunderstanding, Ulyseon wasn't listening.
“What are you waiting for?” he barked angrily at his subordinates waiting near the door.
"Lady Calypse has returned.
Pay your respects and prepare to escort her back to the castle!"
“Lady… Calypse?” Sidina's eyes moved back and forth between Ulyseon and Maxi, confused.
Then, she exclaimed shrilly, "Your surname is Calypse?
What do you mean, Riftan Calypse?!"
Maxi's expression turned worried.
Sidina wasn't the only one staring at her open-mouthed.
Every eye in the tavern, from the wizards to the sailors warming themselves at breakfast, was fixed on her.
The sudden attention made your face flush with embarrassment.
People began to whisper to each other that the Lady of Anatol had returned, and some even turned their necks to catch a better glimpse.
Calto let out a heavy sigh at the commotion.
"I doubt we can stay here now.
If your offer still stands, I'd like to accept."
"Of course!
Why the hell wouldn't I be?" Ulyseon replied enthusiastically.
He then ordered his men to prepare the carriages for the guests immediately.
Picking up Maxi's bag as if he were his personal assistant, he seemed almost brimming with anxiety as he asked, "My lady, may we have a moment until the carriages arrive?
There are so many things I wish to tell you!"
Maxi gave Calto a hesitant look, to which the elder responded with a resigned nod.
“Very well,” said Calto.
“It’s been a while, so I’m sure you guys have a lot to talk about.”
“T-Thank you.”
Maxi left Roy with Sidina and followed Ulyseon out of the tavern.
On the road, two men with self-confident airs who appeared to be Ulyseon's subordinates stood next to five imposing horses.
It was then that she finally noticed Ulyseon's armor beneath his cloak and the White Dragons emblem peeking through it.
His face lit up in a smile.
"You have become a knight!
I shall call you Sir Ulyseon now."“It wasn’t long after you left,” Ulyseon replied shyly, a blush coloring his cheeks.
“But I ask that you continue to use my name, my lady.”
“And Garrow?”
Maxi looked around for the squire who was usually always with the young knight.
“He became a knight too,” Ulyseon said with a mischievous smile.
“Now he serves as Sir Hebaron’s aide, and he tells me the job is a nightmare.”
The familiar names were a treat for his ears.
His hesitation dissipated, giving way to joy.
After a hesitant pause, she asked cautiously, "And...
Riftan?
Is he okay?"
Maxi's heart sank as she saw Ulyseon's face fall.