Chapter 17: Preparing for the Deadlands

"O-Oh! Mister, your control over magic is so high—just like the heroes." the merchant blurted, genuinely surprised.

'They have read about molecules and atoms too after all. But if they had years to test theories, their understanding must be higher than me.' I considered the possibilities.

"Didn't I tell you? I've been studying magic my whole life." I replied smoothly.

'Let's just stick to one story.'

"You should join the Magic Tower. You'd definitely be given a high position. It would be a great start to a new life in the city. Many people would love to be connected to you. Of course, that includes me as well." the merchant advised.

"Thank you for the advice, but we're not staying in this city. We'll be leaving today." I answered calmly.

"Oh, that is a shame. If you need anything else, please let me know. I'll do my best—if it's within my power. I actually have multiple branches of my store in several cities. I don't lack money," the merchant said—not smug, but humble, as if to say it was earned, not gifted.

'If he has that much money, why did he only have three guards?' I wondered.

The merchant chuckled. "I know what you're thinking. I actually had around thirteen guards in total—they were soldiers from the city. But when we reached the village, they heard there were bandits on the route to the next town. So they refunded me and left three soldiers with me, then went to clear the other route themselves."

"The route where I was attacked is usually safe, and I still had three soldiers with me, so I thought it would be fine. But it looks like the bandits changed locations after seeing the number of soldiers deployed. They tricked them into taking that route so they could hit caravans on the 'safe' road where security is weakest, especially for new merchants." he explained.

'They're smart too. Flanking, huh. Wait, is that the right word? I do feel like it.'

Suddenly, several maids and butlers entered, setting down multiple trays—each brimming with different fruits.

"These are all the fruits we sell. Please, taste them and take as many as you want for your travels. They'll stay good for at least four days." the merchant offered.

'That's a lot of generosity. He probably wants to pay off his debt before we leave. What he's doing already is more than enough. I don't want him to feel he owes me his life. I was going to take care of the bandits anyway.'

[ Master, all of these fruits are fresh and in optimal condition. No preservatives or other artificial measures were applied. ]

'Do they even have preservatives here? Maybe they use magic for that?' I diverted my thoughts elsewhere.

"We will take ten pieces of each. But I'll pay for them." I said, politely turning down his offer.

"Please, you don't have to—" the merchant began, but I cut in.

"You've already done enough. Otherwise, I'll feel like I owe you."

The merchant let out a long sigh. "It seems you won't budge, Mister." He relented. "Put them all in an item pouch." he ordered his staff.

'So they do have inventory-type tools here. Good.'

"I don't know how much it'll cost, so…" I placed the remaining coins I had into a pouch and offered it.

The merchant pulled out two gold coins. "This much is enough. It includes the cost of the item pouch."

"I understand," I replied.

Footsteps thundered toward the door—fast, frantic.

The door burst open and a woman rushed in. "DARLING, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!" she cried.

"Huh? You came yourself?" The merchant stood, genuinely surprised.

She threw herself into his arms, sobbing. "Do you have any idea how scared I was when I heard you almost got killed?"

"W-What? Who told you that?" he asked, bewildered.

"I saw the soldiers who went with you—they were injured. They told me everything," she said, tears still streaking her face.

"I-I'm fine, see? Not even a scratch. The soldiers protected me. And this Mister here saved our lives." the merchant said, pointing at us.

She turned to us and thanked us repeatedly.

After their tearful reunion and gratitude had settled, the merchant cleared his throat. "Now that you've calmed down—where are the clothes?"

"What clothes?" his wife blinked.

He explained quickly.

"I was in the market when I heard and ran straight here." she answered.

The door opened again—several maids entered, each holding a small pouch.

They were the ones who'd gone to fetch the clothes, it seemed.

The merchant's wife set up a small changing room and laid out multiple outfits.

"Go—they'll help you change," I told Liora.

She looked up at me with sad, pleading eyes.

Sigh. "Fine, I'll come with you."

I stepped into the changing area with her as she tried each outfit one by one.

She looked like a tiny doll in the sky-blue dress—white lace frills at the hem, a big bow bouncing at her back, and little shoes with blue ribbons. Her round cheeks seemed brighter, and with that white hairband, she looked like she'd stepped out of a festival painting.

Then, in the cream tunic—loose and tied with a rope belt—short brown leggings, and slightly scuffed leather sandals, with a faded red ribbon tying her hair to the side… she looked like the sweetest village girl in the world. Messy, carefree—like she'd just finished playing.

And the last one… the deep violet dress with golden embroidery. She almost looked like a noble's child. The layered skirt swayed softly, and the little capelet on her shoulders made her look elegant—but still irresistibly cute. White boots with gold laces and a tiny tiara-like clip in her hair—she looked like she belonged in a royal hall.

'She looks like a princess in this. But in every clothes she looks soooooo cuteee!!!' I was screaming inside, heart and mind drowning in her cuteness.

"She looks like a noble." the maids whispered to each other, their voices filled with delight.

"Papa, how do I look?" Liora asked, her bright eyes fixed on me, eagerly waiting for my answer.

"You look like a princess." I said with absolute confidence.

"Pwincess?" she repeated in her sweet, childlike voice.

"They live in grand castles and are very beautiful," I explained. "But you… you're the most beautiful. Even more beautiful and cuter than any of them."

"Really?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Yes." I replied, lifting her into the air with a grin.

The maids had even brought us matching outfits. I decided to wear one. A deep violet coat with gold trims and a crisp white undershirt made me look almost like a royal escort standing beside her. The fitted black trousers and polished boots gave me a sharp look, while a gold chain pinned to my chest mirrored the embroidery on her dress. Together, we looked like we'd just stepped out of a noble's carriage.

"She looks so cute. Isn't that right, darling?" the merchant's wife said, beaming.

"Yes, you're right," the merchant agreed, smiling with pride.

"I'll buy all of these." I told the merchant.

"I won't be taking any money for this, Mister." the merchant replied firmly.

"This is a gift from us." his wife added warmly.

'It would be rude if I refuse this.'

"Then I humbly accept your gift." I said.

"Thwank you." Liora said softly.

'Was she mimicking me?' The thought made me smile. I felt proud that she was already picking up good habits from me.

The door opened again as a maid entered, whispering something into the merchant's wife's ear.

"Dinner is ready. Please come with us." she offered.

'I should get her proper things to eat.' I thought.

We followed them to a large dining room, where a long polished table was covered in dishes. There were roasted meats glistening with rich gravy, fresh bread still warm and soft, bowls of creamy soup with the scent of herbs, colorful salads topped with exotic fruits, and delicate pastries dusted with sugar. The aroma of spices and honey-glazed meats filled the room.

We took our seats. The merchant sat opposite us, while Liora stayed on my lap, wide-eyed at the spread before her.

When I gave her a piece of tender roasted meat, her little face lit up instantly. She chewed slowly, her cheeks puffing out like a chipmunk, eyes closing as if savoring every flavor. When she tried the soft, sweet pastry, her mouth opened in surprise, and she let out a delighted "Mmm!"—her tiny hands eagerly reaching for more. Each bite made her smile brighter, like this was the happiest meal of her life.

The food was indeed delicious, but my mind wandered to another matter.

"Do you know where I can find undead?" I asked the merchant.

"Undead? Why do you want to find them, Mister?" he asked, his tone cautious.

"I wish to exterminate them," I said, lowering my voice. "They took my wife from me. When I was studying magic, she went into the woods to gather herbs and…. Later that day, I saw her corpse returning as an undead. I had to kill her myself." I wore a pained expression, weaving the lie as I spoke, making sure Liora didn't hear.

The merchant and his wife froze, their eyes welling with tears.

"That is… so tragic." the merchant said, his wife nodding silently with trembling lips.

'I guess my story was convincing enough.' I thought, inwardly smirking at my own quick thinking.

"So I wish to exterminate them all," I added firmly.

The merchant leaned forward. "Long ago, there was an Undead Demon Lord—or as some called him, the Undead King. He commanded such power over the dead that he nearly wiped out the demon race, raising them to build his endless army. He was such a threat that all races formed an alliance to bring him down. Eventually, he was defeated. Now, the demons control the lesser liches, and the undead gather on the borders of the Demon Kingdom, serving as a wall to guard them."

After a moment, a servant brought out a rolled map and spread it across the table.

"We are here." the merchant said, pointing to a marked spot. "If you travel west, toward the border near the Demon Kingdom, you will find areas where the undead are most active."

'We have our next destination. It's about time I get my class,' I thought, feeling my resolve sharpen.

to be continued....