CHAPTER 19
“Isn’t farming always tough in the North?”
“That’s true, but last year was particularly bad. There was pest damage, but more than that, the price of seeds skyrocketed, so we couldn’t afford to buy enough. It’s all my fault.”
Lord Olbreno scratched his head.
“I heard the Easterners raised seed prices several times over.”
“Yes. With no regulations in place… Ah, my apologies.”
“No need to apologize. You’re right. It’s a failure in governance, and anyone who doesn’t see that is blind.”
The Eastern region of the continent, home to fertile grain fields, had its nobles manipulating grain prices at will.
At Kyle’s signal, Alfred placed a large leather pouch in front of the lord.
“Kyle, this is…”
The pouch was filled with shining gold coins.
“You gave me a lot last time too. I can’t accept this.”
“That ‘last time’ was months ago, wasn’t it? And I know you don’t keep the money for yourself. So just use it wisely again.”
Kyle spoke casually and took a bite of bread.
Though he seemed indifferent, Lord Olbreno knew better than anyone how deeply Kyle cared for the people.
“I’m humbled, but I’ll gratefully accept it, Sir Kyle. Also, here—letters and packages that arrived while you were out hunting monsters.”
He had been receiving Kyle’s correspondence while he was away.
“Oh, this one’s from Jan.”
A small package bore the familiar name Yankeller.
“I wonder what he sent this time.”
Kyle held the box to his ear, then returned to his room.
He placed the bundle of letters and the package on the table, then flung open the window.
The North was always chilly, except for the two summer months.
A biting wind from the Adfort Mountains swept into the room, as if announcing the coming of winter.
His breath turned white, goosebumps rose, but his mind felt clearer.
Leaving the window open, Kyle sat and opened the letters.
Dozens of letters regularly arrived from his informants scattered across the continent, including the capital.
Though stuck in the North, he always stayed informed.
He opened the one from the capital first.
“Hmm, the so-called Great Fortune-Teller. That name’s been coming up in letters for a few months now, hasn’t it? And more people are seeking them out?”
Most of his intel came from the capital.
“A mysterious fortune-teller who never shows their face and stays inside the tavern… but with incredible talent.”
Kyle murmured to himself, burning the finished letter.
“They say the fortune-telling is truly prophetic. Could this person be of use to the Empire…?”
Finally, Kyle opened the package from Yankeller.
Happy birthday. From the soon-to-be Great Archmage, Yan.
“Pfft! ‘Soon-to-be Great Archmage,’ huh? He must have really improved. Now I’m curious what he sent.”
Inside the box were a small cloth pouch and a letter.
Yan’s elegant handwriting filled both pages.
Kyle, I bring you good news and bad news.
The good news is—I’ve finally succeeded in teleportation magic!
“Knew it! That’s impressive, Yan.”
Inside the pouch are two orbs enchanted with teleportation magic.
Throw one at your feet, and a teleportation circle will appear around you.
Then just say your destination, and you’ll be transported there. Use the other one to come back the same way.
Kyle’s smile widened as he read.
Teleportation magic was a high-level spell officially regulated by the state.
Very few could produce it, and even unofficial items fetched enormous prices.
“Yan, you little genius. You actually developed this on your own. At this rate, you will be a Great Archmage.”
He kept reading.
Pretty great, huh?
Now for the bad news.
I’ve made six orbs in total. The one I sent you is the last.
I tested the earlier ones on two trusted attendants. Sadly… they haven’t returned home yet.
“What? Haven’t returned? Does he mean they’re dead?”
I can already picture your frown. But don’t worry.
They failed to reach the capital, that’s all. They landed elsewhere and are on their way back.
Kyle, this much I can say for sure: the teleportation does work. There are just… minor issues.
So here’s my last bit of advice:
Make sure to take some money, and tell Alfred where you’re going.
At the bottom was a doodle symbolizing good luck.
“Two failures out of three and he calls it a success? And now he wants to use me as the final test subject? This guy… calling this a birthday gift?”
Kyle tossed the package onto the table and flopped onto the bed.
Black clouds rolled past the wide-open window.
“It’s already night… no way I’ll run into anyone by chance, right?”
He got up and pulled out one of the enchanted orbs.
“I wonder if Yan’s met that fortune-teller yet. They do live in the same city…”
He paced the room, rolling the orb in his hand.
“What if I teleport into a monster’s cave? Or into water?”
Worried but determined, Kyle first packed some money.
But he couldn’t bring himself to tell Alfred he’d be using unstable teleportation magic to head to the capital.
He safely stored the return orb, let out a sigh, and whispered:
“Yan… I’m trusting you.”
He threw the orb to the ground. A burst of light erupted silently.
A glowing magic circle began to spin around him.
Words appeared before his eyes.
[Please state your destination.]
“To the front of the temple in Bartmann’s capital.”
The light grew blinding, and Kyle shut his eyes tightly.
In that moment, someone’s face flashed through his mind.
Even with his eyes shut, the light was so bright Kyle winced.
When darkness returned, he slowly opened his eyes and looked around.
“Where… am I?”
It was definitely not the temple he had named.
“Urgh!”
Suddenly nauseous, Kyle stumbled into a nearby alley.
It was a common side effect for first-time users of teleportation magic.
He hadn’t eaten anything, but the dry heaving wouldn’t stop.
Then—he sensed a presence in the dark alley.
Someone’s there!
Still retching, Kyle reached for the dagger at his waist.
He spun quickly, but dizziness struck—his vision swam.
He staggered heavily, nearly collapsing.
Tap, tap, tap—
Footsteps raced toward him.
Someone grabbed his collar firmly.
…Who is it?
Kyle wanted to open his eyes, but even that felt impossible.
Minutes passed before the dizziness faded slightly.
“Young Lady?”
The person who came into view when he opened his eyes—was Everett.
“Why… is Lady Everett here?”
Kyle’s eyes widened in surprise.
Everett was just as stunned.
That’s what I want to ask! Kyle, why are you here at this hour?
She had been closing her tarot shop when she spotted a man vomiting in the alley.
Ugh, what is he doing…?
She thought he was just some drunk.
She waited for him to leave, but suddenly he turned and swayed dangerously.
Wait… Kyle?
The man she thought was a drunk was none other than Kyle.
She rushed over and caught him before he fell.
As Kyle kept his eyes shut tight, Everett took the chance to study his face for a while—something she hadn’t done in a long time.
He looks different from the send-off ceremony… maybe it’s the longer hair? Geez, how can someone look this good even while grimacing?
Then Kyle’s eyes snapped open.
“Why is the Young Lady out here this late at night?”
Knowing she couldn’t speak, she just gave a sheepish smile.
You’re the one who’s supposed to be in the North—what are you doing in the capital?
Everett gestured for Kyle to follow her out of the alley.
They arrived at the front of Kuna Tavern.
“This is Kuna…”
Kyle mumbled as he looked up at the sign.
He had already heard of the famous ice kuna served there.
It’s not the temple, but at least I made it to the capital.
Everett opened the door and motioned him inside.
Wasn’t there supposed to be a famous fortune-teller here?
Kyle pulled his hood down to hide his distinctive red hair and stepped in.
“Welcome.”
It was late, so the tavern was quiet.
Why does she look so natural walking into a bar at this hour? No way this is her regular spot, right?
Everett sat down comfortably and without hesitation.
Then she looked up at him with wide eyes, clearly telling him to join her.
For some reason, Kyle couldn’t look away from her.
