Their discussion ended that afternoon. Gideon and Lena went back to putting together a plan to return to Nemora Village. But before that, he had a few things to take care of first.
One of them was helping Jack and Sora pack their belongings. That was the most important thing.
The two of them stepped into Viscount Duncan's residence. In the main hall, they saw Jack and Sora enjoying some light snacks served by the attendants.
Seeing Gideon walk in, Jack and Sora immediately stood up, as did Aina.
"How did it go?" Jack asked, looking worried.
"Start thinking about the important things you want to bring with you. Earl Ashfield is willing to help you," Gideon said.
"He'll also help your family pay off the debt to Baron Excel," Gideon added.
"What? B-But that's really not necessary. I can pay it off myself."
Gideon smiled. Aside from his skills as a blacksmith, Jack also had a good heart. He was certain Sora had learned that kindness from Jack and their late mother.
Earl Ashfield arrived, walking in alongside Viscount Duncan. Gideon turned his head slightly and continued.
"It wasn't easy convincing him. But Earl Ashfield's generosity really is something else," said Gideon.
Jack and Sora were moved by Norton's actions. To Norton, it might have been a small matter, but to Jack, the help was like lifting a crushing weight from his life. Now he knew exactly who he wanted to work for.
He pulled Sora along toward Norton, instinctively kneeling and giving heartfelt thanks over and over. Earl Ashfield was caught off guard, then glanced briefly at Gideon.
Gideon gave a nod. Norton had to accept their gratitude. Jack and Sora had just set aside their pride and ego for the sole purpose of thanking him.
Norton crouched down and let Jack and Sora stand. He said Gideon had told him a lot about Jack's shop and his family's situation, and that he was willing to help them.
"Your only job is to follow his orders," Norton said firmly.
"O-Of course, Lord Ashfield. I'll follow every word from Sir Gideon," Jack replied.
With that done, Gideon said his goodbyes, thanking Viscount Duncan for welcoming them even though they were nothing more than commoners in his eyes.
"A friend of Lord Ashfield is my friend as well. I'm glad Lord Ashfield could help with your troubles," replied Liam Duncan, the man in the green noble robes of a viscount, smiling with his long black-and-purple hair flowing down.
The guards escorted Gideon and the others outside. Once the door closed, Liam exhaled and turned to the side.
Norton was still smiling for no apparent reason. His usual firm stance of refusing strangers seemed to vanish with the arrival of this man named Gideon.
"Is he a friend of yours?" Liam asked.
"You could say that. He saved me."
"Saved you? You're the Moko infantry commander, and I don't see him as the typical knight."
Norton chuckled, patting Liam's shoulder before turning away. "You just don't know, Lord Duncan."
Gideon and the others made their way out of the bustling city square. They parted ways at a street intersection, but Gideon planned to return later that night to help Jack.
"Alright. Thank you so much, Sir Gideon!"
"Of course."
The orange glow in the sky slowly faded with the passing time. Oil lamps lit up along the main street, and the lights from the houses illuminated the city buildings. A cool breeze swept in from all directions, bringing a calming, peaceful feeling to the night streets.
Gideon and Lena finished packing their belongings. They hadn't brought much to begin with, but Lena had insisted that Gideon buy a few things, including clothes.
For future disguises, she didn't want to borrow other people's clothes anymore. They bought clothes for the entire team, three sets for each member.
That's why Gideon had to pack before heading to Jack and Sora's shop.
They left the inn and walked down the city's main street. Aina walked right beside Lena, and Lena kept holding Aina's hand warmly.
Passing through the city intersection, they spotted two horse-drawn carriages sent by Earl Ashfield. One of the soldiers in red armor turned his head and saluted Gideon.
"Captain!" the soldier greeted. Gideon gave a nod.
When they arrived at Jack's blacksmith shop, Gideon could clearly see Jack and Sora hauling wooden crates full of forging tools and iron ingots.
"Need a hand?" Gideon asked.
"No need, Sir Gideon. This is the last one," Sora said.
Sure enough, the first carriage was already packed full with tools and metal. There was no space for passengers in it, so the second carriage had been set aside for them.
Jack loaded the last crate into the carriage and wiped the sweat from his forehead, he had been working nonstop since the afternoon. They finished just before midnight.
Without wasting any more time, both carriages rolled out of the city through the southern gate. The inspection wasn't as strict as when they had entered, the guards only came over to take a look at the cargo.
"Where are you headed?" asked a gate guard in green armor.
"Nemora. Private blacksmith work order."
Seeing no signs of ill intent from the coachman, the gate guard allowed the carriages to pass. Gideon could finally breathe a little easier. They were now out of enemy territory.
Jack noticed Gideon exhaling slowly. He had no idea what was on Gideon's mind, his identity was still unclear to him.
But he had only just met Gideon, and he didn't know what kind of man he truly was. Jack wasn't foolish enough to demand answers or pass judgment right away.
Better to let time show him what Gideon was really like. He hoped the man's true nature was as good as what he'd shown today.
During the trip, Jack and Sora fell fast asleep from exhaustion. Gideon stayed awake, even as Lena dozed off with her head resting on his shoulder.
He was still thinking about his mission, about everything. He hadn't found a single lead on how to return to Earth, no magic that could make it possible. But if he did find one, he wouldn't hesitate to ask for help in using it.
Six hours later, the carriages stopped right in front of the village gates. Gideon woke the others.
They had arrived, and to Jack and Sora, the village felt… peaceful. Fresh air, the chirping of crickets, the rustle of leaves drifting in the wind; it was a calm and soothing scene.
"We'll be staying here?" Jack asked.
"Yup. I'll talk to Noelle to let you stay," Gideon replied.
"And since there's no blacksmith here, you could be the only one."
"They don't use swords, shields, or armor here."
"Then what could I make?" Jack asked.
"I don't know… maybe hammers, sickles, crowbars, things like that. You could start with tools."
Jack nodded. That really was the most practical suggestion for his new situation, making tools for the villagers was far better than making swords or armor for them.
"Most importantly, don't forget our deal," Gideon said, patting Jack on the shoulder.
"Of course. I won't forget. Just tell me what parts you need, and I can make them overnight."
"Ha ha!"
"That's great, but no need to rush," Gideon said.
While they were still talking, Silva approached Gideon. She wasn't here to welcome him back, she was here with urgent news.
She arrived out of breath, and Gideon's attention went straight to her.
"What is it?" he asked.
"My mother… she's fallen ill."
"Please help me."