Wizard: Adventures in Two Worlds-Chapter 528 - 35 Titles

On the rugged road, a carriage slowly approached.

Bastin held the reins, controlling the carriage’s direction while constantly paying attention to his surroundings.

This place was too close to the front line; they could encounter soldiers from Kolon or Gando at any moment.

Although he was a citizen of the Gando Kingdom, these bloodthirsty soldiers might not care.

No! Compared to the strict military discipline of the Kolon people, Gando’s soldiers are more like bandits—greedy, rapacious rogues.

"Father." A young girl rubbed her eyes and poked her head out from the carriage. "How much longer?"

"Soon." Bastin looked fondly at his daughter. "Once we arrive in the city and meet your aunt, we’ll rest a bit, then continue toward the Royal Capital."

"This place is too close to the front line; the Kolon people could breach it at any moment."

"Mm," the girl nodded. "Is Auntie coming with us?"

"Of course." Bastin ruffled his daughter’s hair and smiled. "We’ll travel together. It’ll be safer that way, and your uncle’s family includes a nobleman."

"Remember Dick? The one you used to play with when you were little?"

"He’s grown up too. I hear he’s joined his father in the timber transport business. He’s a very talented young man. Maybe you should try to get to know him."

"Father!" The girl’s cheeks flushed. "Why are you talking about that? Besides, it’s been so many years since I’ve seen him; I can hardly remember what Dick looks like."

Of course, she knew what her father meant—he wanted her to find a suitable husband. The thought inevitably made the girl shy.

"When you were little, you loved playing with him the most. When we moved, you two cried and made such a fuss, not wanting to be separated." Bastin smiled. "It’s time you considered it."

"Huh?" Just as he finished speaking, his right hand grasped the Longsword he carried, his eyes fixed intently on the roadside.

"Who’s there?"

Leaves rustled.

A haggard-looking, middle-aged man with graying temples slowly emerged from the woods.

The man wore a somewhat old-fashioned gentleman’s suit, complete with a top hat and cane, and exuded an intangible air of nobility.

Although he had emerged from the woods, and his clothes were inevitably sprinkled with leaves and dust, it did nothing to diminish his dignified bearing.

Carl lightly patted the dirt from his clothes and nodded to the coachman. "Gracious Master of Dawn above, I’ve finally encountered living people! Are you two heading into the city?"

"Yes." Given the man’s attire, he clearly isn’t a roadside robber. Bastin’s expression relaxed slightly. He nodded in response. "Who are you?"

"Carl." Carl placed a hand over his chest and bowed. "A traveler from the Swick region, of the Bergman family. A Baron who has lost his domain."

"A Baron?" Bastin’s expression changed slightly. "You’re a nobleman?"

"Yes." Carl nodded, pointed to the three-leaf clover family crest on his attire, then shook his head. "It’s been too long since I registered with the Noble Council. I don’t know if I still retain my title."

"There’s a Noble Council in Minos City." Bastin pointed ahead. "You can inquire there. With the frequent wars these years, many nobles haven’t been able to register on time. But it doesn’t matter; I’ve heard that as long as you pay the overdue tithe, you can regain your title."

"That’s good news indeed." Carl smiled. "I wonder, might I hitch a ride in your carriage? My own unfortunately fell into a ravine."

"Well..." Bastin hesitated. They weren’t far from the city, but it’s best to be cautious. He was reluctant to engage with strangers.

"I’m willing to pay, and I’ll pay upfront." Carl lowered his head and unfastened a purse at his waist. "How about two Gold Coins?"

The two gleaming Gold Coins made Bastin swallow. He then dismounted and opened the carriage door.

"Honored Baron Carl, please."

"If I may be so bold," Bastin looked closely at Carl, his eyes revealing confusion. "How old are you?"

The man appeared young at first glance, but upon closer inspection, he was clearly not young; his age was quite ambiguous.

"Me? I’m over sixty," Carl smiled. "Past sixty-five, actually."

"Ah!"

"What?!"

Bastin was astonished. Even the girl, who had been peeking from the corner of the carriage, couldn’t help but gasp.

Nearly seventy years old? Upon closer observation, they could see that Carl’s hair had indeed turned white, and his facial skin was wrinkled.

Yet, he had no age spots, and his vitality was still quite good, giving him the appearance of a man in his forties.

Well over sixty? It was far beyond what either of them had imagined.

"How do you maintain your youth?" the girl couldn’t help but ask. "I’ve never seen such a young-looking elderly person."

"A good disposition is very important," Carl touched his cheek and chuckled. "Of course, one must eat well, drink well, and take good care of oneself. That way, age doesn’t show so obviously."

"Rita, don’t even think about it," Bastin shook his head. "Only noble lords can enjoy such carefree lives; we certainly can’t."

Rita looked disappointed.

「 」

By the time the carriage reached the city gate, the area was heavily guarded. Strict inspections were required for anyone entering or leaving the city.

"Who would have thought?" Driving the carriage into the city, Bastin glanced back, his voice tinged with emotion. "That a city so close to the Royal Capital would one day become a frontline, liable to be breached at any moment."

"Baron Carl, I’ll take you to the Noble Council first. Are you also going to the Royal City?"

"Mm," Carl nodded. "I’m getting old and need to find a place to retire. For now, the Royal City seems most suitable."

"Right," Bastin nodded. "We also plan to go to the Royal City. Baron, if you have no companions, why not travel with us?"

"We can look out for each other on the road."

"Well..." Carl thought for a moment, then smiled. "Alright then."

As they spoke, the carriage arrived at the Noble Council building. There were even more soldiers here; it seemed to have become a temporary field command post.

The gate guard was leaning casually on his Long Spear, his helmet hanging at his waist, exuding an air of laxity.

"Re-registering as a noble?" The soldier looked disdainful, apparently not recognizing Carl as a ’noble lord’. He waved his hand. "Can’t you see there’s a war on? We don’t have time for such trivial matters right now."

"Please inform them," Carl said, sounding helpless. With a slight flick of his fingers, two Gold Coins appeared at his fingertips. "Thank you for your trouble."

"Hm?" The soldier’s eyebrow twitched. He expertly pocketed the Gold Coins. "Wait here."

「Soon after.」

The three were permitted to enter. A portly man, dressed opulently, sat to receive them.

"Baron Carl of the Bergman family? Indeed, there is such a person, but it has been decades since he last registered." The portly man spoke slowly.

"How am I to know you’re not an impostor?"

"The Master of Dawn can testify." Carl bowed and once again presented two Gold Coins. "Could we perhaps find a quiet place to discuss this in detail?"

"Hmm..." The portly man openly pocketed the Gold Coins and lazily rose. "Very well."