Claire looked at Daniel and spoke.
This young man was a junior member of her family.
Initially, Claire had planned to strengthen ties with Crossbridge Academy and hoped to send a family member there.
Daniel’s recent solution to a mysterious box only reinforced Claire’s determination to build a good relationship with him.
Later, Claire learned that Karea Academy was planning to recruit students at Crossbridge Academy.
From a few hints, she deduced that Daniel might soon leave Riverside City.
So, she hastily found her niece, Sif, and personally brought her to Crossbridge Academy, hoping Sif could accompany Daniel.
After all, it was an opportunity to get closer to him. However, to her surprise, upon reaching Crossbridge Academy, she was informed that Daniel had already left.
Claire hurried, and eventually caught up with Daniel on the road. After hearing Claire’s words, Daniel glanced at the girl standing behind her.
The girl kept her head down, seemingly lost in thought.
“Claire, I can’t say when I’ll be back from this trip.
If something happens along the way, I can’t guarantee…” Daniel intentionally spoke in this manner, hoping to dissuade her.
“Daniel, please don’t worry. Sif can take care of herself. Besides, I’ve watched her grow up; she’s clever and can cook many dishes…” Hearing this, Daniel perked up. Although he had reached the pinnacle of tier-sage, he still couldn’t resist good food.
Rumor had it that one time, due to a disappointing dish in the cafeteria, Daniel had dismissed the chef the very next day.
The reason given was that the chef had entered the school with his left foot first. Naturally, this was an exaggerated tale. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
Daniel wasn’t one to fire someone over which foot they used to enter; he was a reasonable person.
The only reason he let that chef go was due to the poor quality of his cooking.
Since then, the food in the cafeteria had been excellent, as they hired a chef from a nearby major city.
It was clear Claire had made thorough preparations, and useful ones at that.
So, Daniel decided not to refuse any further.
After all, he already had Nina, who was always looking to play, tagging along; adding another girl wasn’t much of an issue. And so, it was decided.
…
Black Water Town.
This was a small town located on the border.
In the past, very few people stayed here due to its unique location—situated at the base of a mountain and dangerously close to dense forests.
Occasionally, a spell beast would wander down from the mountain, creating a disturbance. More often, mages from other regions would pass through on their way to train or explore the mountains, staying for a few days.
The local residents survived by catering to these passing mages.
However, Black Water Town had changed.
It had become more prosperous than ever before.
A few months ago, Crossbridge Academy students had come to resist a beast tide.
With so many people staying, eating, and drinking, money flowed, attracting businesses that opened branches here.
After several months, these businesses had settled in, and the town’s population grew.
Now, many came to Black Water Town to buy spell beast materials, which were more affordable here.
As Daniel drove the carriage into Black Water Town, Nina and Sif sat inside.
The original driver had left earlier; he was reluctant to journey to the border, as his family lived in Riverside City and he feared the risks.
Also, with Daniel and the two girls inside, the carriage was cramped.
So, Daniel let the driver go and purchased the carriage, deciding to drive it himself.
His reason for visiting Black Water Town was rather impulsive.
After hearing about the beast tide, he had sent students to train, and those who returned had indeed changed. Curious, he decided to see for himself.
After all, the beast tide was indirectly his doing…
Daniel’s only purpose here was to take a look.
As the carriage slowly entered the town, Daniel was surprised to see the bustling streets.
He had only intended for his students to gain experience, yet this had indirectly revitalized the town.
Now, specialized mages even ventured into the mountains to hunt spell beasts for mana stones, and others were hurrying into the forest to fulfill missions.
The atmosphere was lively.
In one part of town, Daniel even spotted a collective statue of Crossbridge Academy students.
“To honor the children who helped us in difficult times!” read the inscription below the statue, which bore the Crossbridge Academy emblem.
“Headmaster, look, that’s me! I’m standing behind Reed!” Nina eagerly pointed out.
Though the statue was a group depiction and individual faces were hard to discern, Nina immediately recognized herself.
When the townspeople decided to commemorate them, each student’s position had been fixed.
“Mm.” Daniel nodded.
Though the statue lacked specific facial features, it captured the students’ spirit.
Daniel guessed that a professional sculptor had made it; otherwise, they couldn’t have achieved this level of likeness.
“The place has changed so much since we left,” Nina remarked. Black Water Town had already transformed when the students first left, but now it was even more different.
“All right, we’ll stay here for the night,” Daniel said as he parked the carriage outside an inn.
“Great! Sif, let’s go explore! I haven’t been here in a while, but the mountains are super interesting!” Nina exclaimed.
“Ah… I…” Sif hesitated, but Nina had already dragged her along.
Nina and Sif had grown close over the past days, and Sif, initially shy and reserved, had gradually opened up, showing signs of the lively girl she truly was.
Initially, she had been cautious, perhaps due to things Claire had said, but she had now started acting her age.
Claire was right about one thing: Sif’s cooking skills were indeed impressive.
When they couldn’t reach the next resting point, Sif would prepare meals, and the food was delicious.
This was one reason Daniel was glad to have her along.
Now that they’d reached Black Water Town, he could let the two kids enjoy themselves, knowing Nina was with Sif.
Daniel left the carriage in the inn’s courtyard and followed a servant to his room.
The inn’s environment was surprisingly good for a small town.
From his window, he could see the distant mountains. Gazing at the mountains, Daniel felt the uncertainty he’d been grappling with intensify.
In fact, he had been wrestling with it for days.
