From Blade To Spell

Nightfall

Study Room of Duke Augustine

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the room as Duke Augustine sat behind his desk, his expression thoughtful. He looked up at Rokan, who stood respectfully before him.

"So he did nothing out of the ordinary? Just stayed at the Traveller's Inn?" Augustine asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Rokan nodded.

"Indeed, Master. He kept a low profile. However, I've uncovered some information about Aaron. Would you like to hear it?"

Augustine gave a silent nod.

Rokan continued,

"Aaron is from Grey Town. He's the son of Baron Alfred Warwick. His mother, however… was of slave origin. There's more, Aaron currently has a bounty on his head. Someone even claimed it two days ago."

Augustine's face grew solemn, his fingers tightening around the armrest of his chair.

"And Maria? How did she come to meet this boy?"

Rokan replied,

"Master, what Miss Maria told us still needs confirmation. Our men are investigating and should report back soon."

Just then, a knock echoed through the study. Rokan opened the door and found a guard standing outside, holding a sealed letter.

He took it, broke the seal, and read silently. After a moment, he closed it and turned to Duke Augustine.

"Master, our men have confirmed that Miss Maria's account is accurate."

He paused, then added,

"However, there's something… suspicious about Aaron."

Augustine's eyes narrowed with interest. 

"What is it?"

Rokan took a deep breath before continuing,

"Although the bandits' bodies were mostly destroyed by wild animals, we estimate their number to be between eight and nine. The strange part is, most of them were killed in a single strike."

He leaned in slightly.

"Miss Maria also reported seeing Aaron confront a spider-type beast. She mentioned he took out a barrel and dumped it into a fire, where there was an unusual abundance of firewood."

"The spider beast… was kept inside that barrel."

Rokan straightened and added,

"Master, Aaron doesn't seem as simple as he presents himself. There may be a hidden power, or secret, behind him."

Augustine's gaze flickered, thoughtful. Then he waved a hand dismissively.

"You don't need to worry about him anymore. He's not a threat. Call back the spies. No further attention is needed."

Next Day

Dockyard of Raven Shore

Aaron stood at the dock, staring in awe at the massive ship before him. For a few moments, he was speechless. The vessel was unlike anything he had imagined, lined with rows of oars, each manned by crew members who would power the ship manually.

He turned to Garric, who wore a proud smile.

"Aaron, how's my ship?" he asked, his tone laced with pride.

Aaron smiled, genuinely impressed.

"It looks majestic."

Garric's smile widened, while Edrin and Elwood exchanged grins. Aaron's words had clearly hit the mark.

"Alright then," Garric said cheerfully.

"Let's not wait any longer. Time to board."

He led the way, with Edrin and Elwood following close behind. Aaron stepped onto the deck, taking in the scene, a few cleaners moved about, tidying the space, while the oarsmen waited below deck, likely awaiting orders.

Garric turned to him.

"Aaron, come. Let me show you your room."

He guided Aaron below deck, revealing a surprisingly intricate interior. There were three levels beneath the deck, each crafted with care and precision. Aaron couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship.

Garric gestured around.

"This is where the oarsmen stay. Each day, we'll stop twice, you can come out to stretch, relieve yourself, or even join us on deck for fishing if you'd like."

Aaron nodded, absorbing every detail.

Garric led Aaron to the second floor of the ship and pulled out a small iron key from his pocket.

"Here, this is the key to your room. Don't lose it, or breaking the lock might be more trouble than it's worth."

Aaron nodded, taking the key. Just as he was about to enter, Garric's tone shifted, growing more serious.

"Aaron, one more thing, the third floor is off-limits. No one is allowed down there. Of course, you can go… but if you do, I'll have no choice but to arrest you and lock you up."

Aaron raised his hands in mock surrender and chuckled.

"No way, Garric. Since you've warned me, I won't even think about it. By the way, did you bring an extra fishing rod? I didn't pack one."

Garric's smile returned.

"Of course, Aaron. I'll head up first and get everything ready."

Aaron nodded. 

"Don't worry, I'll be there soon. Just make sure that the fishing rod is ready."

Aaron carefully placed his luggage down and surveyed the room. It was simple, a hammock hung between two beams, and there was no table or chair in sight. He blinked, momentarily speechless, before remembering that the technology in this world was still primitive.

He sighed and tested the hammock. To his surprise, it was comfortable, gently cradling his body. Relieved, he stepped out of the room.

His map still showed green dots, lingering nearby. He didn't investigate further. Instead, he made his way to the deck, where Garric, Edrin, and Elwood sat with fishing rods in hand, enjoying the morning calm.

Aaron walked over and asked,

"Garric, did you prepare the fishing rod?"

Garric grinned and replied,

"Of course I did. But Aaron, keep your voice down, or the fish will run away."

Aaron blinked, speechless, while Edrin and Elwood burst into laughter.

"Garric, you got him!" they chuckled.

Aaron raised his hands in mock defeat and gave a thumbs-up, smiling.

Garric watched him, a thoughtful look in his eyes. There was something about Aaron, his calm demeanor, his sincerity, that drew people in.

He leaned forward and said in a serious tone,

"Aaron, allow me to apologize. I overcharged you. The actual cost to travel to Verdia Kingdom is only one gold coin."

Aaron, Edrin, and Elwood were stunned. Especially Edrin and Elwood, they knew Garric rarely trusted strangers, let alone admitted fault. But even they felt something different about Aaron. Something… genuine.

Aaron simply smiled and replied,

"Garric, it's okay. I didn't know the actual cost, and this is your ship, you have every right to set the price."