Chapter 41: Chapter 41: A letter
Ethan spent the night in the Silvermoon Clan's mansion under Aria's care. His injury was minor, so it healed completely after the night's rest.
---
Later that night, in a small room filled with the fragrant scent of burning incense, Aria's father sat thoughtfully in an armchair. His brother, Aria's uncle, was also present, looking equally contemplative.
"Brother, how should we deal with that boy from now on?" Aria's uncle asked, "Should we still continue with our plan to separate them by force?"
Aria's father shook his head lightly. "No, I don't think so. That boy seems to have a lot of potential, and his background is also mysterious. It's as if he appeared in the city out of nowhere."
"Still, we could have separated them as planned if only the General hadn't intervened. Now, we can't even touch him."
"Moreover, I think General Leon must have purposefully revealed his talent to us, indirectly hinting that we should help him reach the capital. That's his way of telling us to take care of him."
"I see," Aria's uncle said, understanding the deeper meaning of General Leon's actions.
"Then, what about the marriage proposal by the Aristocratic Clan in the capital?"
"That marriage is not fixed yet. We have some time to think it over. Moreover, we have a ticket to the ancient treasure land now. It won't be long before we become another aristocratic clan in the capital, hahaha. So, there's no need to worry about it now."
---
The next morning, the Silvermoon mansion was abuzz with activity. General Leon, the figure of imposing stature and commanding presence, prepared to depart. His azure blue Wyvern, a magnificent creature with gleaming scales and powerful wings, awaited him in the courtyard.
Ethan, along with other clan members, gathered to see the General off. The sight of the Wyvern was awe-inspiring, its presence a symbol of the General's might and prestige. As General Leon mounted the majestic beast, he glanced down at Ethan, Aria, and Drake, giving them a nod of approval.
"Remember, you three," General Leon's voice boomed, "the path ahead is fraught with challenges, but I have faith in your abilities. Make your way to the capital and fulfill your potential.
"And Ethan, make sure to send my money back via parcel," the General said with a soft smile at the end.
Ethan smiled wryly. "Alright, General. We will do as you say."
Aria and Drake nodded respectfully. "We won't let you down," they said in unison.
With a powerful flap of its wings, the Wyvern took to the sky, soaring high above the mansion. The General's departure left a sense of determination in Ethan's heart, reinforcing his resolve to grow stronger and pursue his goals. He wanted to become as powerful as General Leon and go on long, unfettered adventures. Until then, he had to work hard.
Later that day, after saying his goodbyes to Aria and the other clan members, Ethan prepared to leave the Silvermoon mansion. Although most of the clan members were not that enthusiastic, Aria walked him to the entrance, her expression a mix of concern and encouragement.
"Take care, Ethan," she said softly. "Remember, you're always welcome here."
Ethan smiled. "Thank you, Aria. I'll be back, stronger than ever." he waved and went inside a carriage.
"I know, you would." Aria muttered as she saw Ethan's departing figure in a horse carriage. Her eyes were charming, feeling strong emotions inside.
Ethan made his way back to the inn where he had first stayed upon arriving in the city. Fortunately, he was given a ride by a horse carriage provided by the clan.
The streets were bustling with activity, and the market specialized in hunters' needs was as busy as ever. His mind was already racing with plans on how to earn enough money to buy the mana orbs and skills he needed to increase his strength.
He needed a proper channel to sell all the synthesized items so that he wouldn't get recognized. Only then could he do things more boldly. With over 8,000 mana points, he could do a lot of things to earn more coins.
While thinking, he returned to the inn where Emily, the little girl, was sitting at the reception desk, acting like a proper adult. Poverty makes children mature faster, and she was living proof of that.
Arriving at the desk, Ethan revealed a soft smile. "Hey, Emily, how have you been?"
Emily's attention was elsewhere, but she raised her small head and smiled brightly upon seeing Ethan in front of her.
"Big brother, you're finally here! We were really worried about you. Are you alright?" Her petite figure was tinged with concern.
"I'm fine. Where's your mother?"
"Mama is here. She'll be here in any moment. You wait here; I'm going to get her."
Before Ethan could object, she ran off hurriedly, her ponytail swaying left and right.
"This girl..." Ethan shook his head.
After a while, Innkeeper Greta arrived, her aged face relaxing upon seeing Ethan safe. As the only adult in her family, she had a lot of work to do. Despite that, she took care of Ethan personally.
Her husband had been a hunter and died on a deadly mission, unfortunately. Since then, she had taken care of the family. Raising Emily and managing the inn was her only focus, as a result her face had become wrinkled, despite being only 32.
"Ethan, thank God you're fine! I was really worried," Innkeeper Greta said worriedly. "Were you somehow present during the incident at the auction hall? I looked everywhere but couldn't find you at all."
Ethan nodded. "Yes, Aunt. I was also present there, unfortunately. But I'm fine now."
Innkeeper Greta looked relieved. "That's good, that's good. I heard a lot of unfortunate souls died there at the hands of demons. Fortunately, you survived."
Ethan sighed and replied, "Yes, thanks to General Leon."
Emily's ears perked up. "Big brother, did you see General Leon with your own eyes? Did you watch him fight? Was he as handsome as the rumors say?" Emily asked questions nonstop.
Ethan chuckled at her enthusiasm and answered, "Yes, I saw him in person. I even talked to him in person. He is indeed very handsome."
Emily's eyes gleamed with envy. "Ah, I want to see him too. I have grown up listening to his legendary feats. Mom used to read me the book 'The Ice Guardian' every night. But now the story has become very old."
Innkeeper Greta smiled warmly, recalling old memories.
"Is that so. Don't worry, Emily. One day I will take you to meet him for sure. That's my promise!" Ethan said, patting her head.
Emily smiled happily. "Really? Oh, thank you, big brother. You're the best," she said excitedly.
Ethan smiled and took some coins from his pouch. "Here, Aunt, take this. It's the money for staying here and other accommodations."
But Aunt Greta shook her head and said, "Ethan, there's no need for that. You're like my own son. How can I charge you for staying at your house? You can stay here as much as you like; you don't need to pay anything. You should use it to buy some good skills for yourself."
Ethan insisted. "No, Aunt, that's a different matter. Business is business. Here, take it. Otherwise, I will have to throw it away outside." he remained firm.
"No, Ethan. Don't!"
At last, she had no choice but to accept it. She looked and found nearly a hundred silver coins inside. She was astonished and tried to return them to him once again, but Ethan forced her to accept them.
"Aunt, I'm an E-Rank hunter now. This amount of money is nothing to me."
"An E-Rank hunter?"
"Big brother, are you already an E-Rank hunter now? Congratulations!" Emily said, smiling brightly. "And I still have 2 years to awaken myself."
"Thanks, Emily. I know you will also be a good hunter one day. I will help you become number one in the city."
"Really? Thanks, big brother!" She beamed, hoping for a better future. She also yearned to go outside the city walls and venture out.
Innkeeper Greta's expression was a little difficult as she thought about her daughter's future. On one hand, she was worried if her daughter would meet an unexpected accident like her father one day. On the other hand, she didn't want to crush her daughter's dream either. It was a hard choice to make.
She sighed and, as if remembering something important, scoured the reception desk and took out an envelope from there.
She handed it to Ethan and said, "Ethan, yesterday someone dropped this at our doorstep in the morning. I don't know who delivered it here, but it has your name written on it, so I kept it safe for you."
***
Arriving in his room, Ethan stared at the envelope with intrigue. "Who could have sent this to me?" He didn't recall anyone fitting this description in this world.
The envelope was still intact, meaning no one else had seen it. Most likely, it was a letter.
He opened the envelope and found a letter inside. Sitting comfortably on the bed, he began to read it carefully. There were only a few sentences, not difficult to read. The language was strange, but he could understand it clearly, most likely due to his perks as a reincarnator.