Don't do anything stupid, little brother

Ethan lingered in the courtyard for a moment before he adjusted his armor and headed back through the manor, the faint murmur of servants and the quiet clink of distant work fading into the background as his thoughts took over. 

"We leave at dawn. That gives me less than a day to finalize everything." The clock was ticking

Once outside the manor, Ethan was greeted by the familiar bustle of the city. He made his way to the inn where Lia was waiting for him, her face lighting up with relief when she saw him approach. "Master," she said softly, bowing her head. "How did it go?"

Ethan shook his head. "Tomorrow is going to suck."

The night came by and went quickly and he couldn't decide anything. There were too many variables and too many details he wasn't aware of. 

The only consolation was that only his level was visible to others. That too only if the other party is at a much higher level. His class and his secrets were safe with him. As far as he could tell. He needed to get out of this whole shit show before something in this changed.

Or he at least needed to become stronger. A lot stronger and faster.

The experiment with the wolves went great and he could potentially let loose all of his summoned beasts. He only needed a good hunting ground.

Last but not least, he needed to learn more magic, and get the hell out of here, damn it!

Ethan balled his fists in frustration as he walked out of the inn the next morning along with Lia. The two of them along with Marella walked over to the meeting point, near the city gate.

Marella was of course tagging along until she actually saw him ride into the sunset with the rest of the group. She said she wouldn't have it any other way.

Ethan did not care because he had a plan of his own. If it was too conspicuous to bring along Lia with him, then he was going to send her back with Marella. The tentative plan was to meet back with her later.

But as the three of them arrived at the gates, Ethan saw that he had worried for no reason. Everyone was bringing along with them at least two or three servants. The whole group consisted of almost fifty people including servants and bodyguards.

The caravan was a far more elaborate affair than he'd anticipated. 

Wagons loaded with supplies stood in neat rows, surrounded by a flurry of activity as servants loaded final provisions and double-checked their masters' belongings. Riders in polished armor—likely hired guards—patrolled the perimeter, their watchful eyes scanning the growing crowd.

He glanced over at Marella, who had her arms crossed and was surveying the scene with her usual sharp gaze. "Looks like you'll have plenty of company," she said dryly, gesturing toward the bustling caravan. "You're practically traveling with an army."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, it's a regular parade. Too bad they're not all here to celebrate me."

Marella smirked, but her expression softened slightly as she glanced at Lia. "You're really taking her with you?"

"Yes," Ethan said firmly, keeping his voice low. "I need a servant, don't I?"

Marella raised an eyebrow but didn't press the matter. Instead, she gave him a sidelong glance. "You'd better come back in one piece, you know. If not for me, then for Mom and Dad. They've been through enough."

Ethan's chest tightened, but he nodded. "I will," he said simply, though the promise felt heavier than it should.

As they approached the gathering, a figure broke away from the crowd and strode toward them with a commanding presence. 

Lyra Nessleson, dressed in finely tailored travel gear that managed to blend practicality with elegance, looked every bit the noblewoman she was. Her piercing green eyes locked onto Ethan, and a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

"You're late," she said, though her tone was more amused than annoyed. "I was starting to think you'd decided to run off already."

"Not yet," Ethan replied, sighing inwardly. "Though I'll admit, the thought crossed my mind."

Lyra chuckled softly. "Well, try to keep up, Rutgard. We're leaving in ten minutes." She turned on her heel and walked back toward the caravan, her presence drawing glances from nearly everyone nearby.

Marella stepped closer, her gaze lingering on Ethan for a moment before she placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Don't do anything stupid, little brother." She was particularly looking at Lyra and it was clear to Ethan what she was indicating.

"I'll try," Ethan said with a wry grin. "Goodbye, Marella."

With that, the group set off. Though it was not in the way he wanted, he was finally leaving this damn city.