Eiran and Runi looked at each other. Eiran felt this was a good chance to leave Lysvarin. Besides, he also believed Runi needed a place to learn how to control his magical powers.
"Yes, is Theo going there too?" Eiran nodded right away, while throwing the question back to the man he assumed was Theo's father.
"Finally, we found someone else going to Astravelle. You can call me Rowan. This year, my son Theo plans to take the entrance exam at Astravelle Academy, but I can't escort him there." Rowan walked closer to Eiran and gently patted his shoulder.
"What a coincidence to meet here. Runi, my younger brother, also plans to study at Astravelle Academy. We'll be leaving there in two days," Eiran kept his smile, hoping his lie wouldn't be exposed.
"Dad, you can't just ask them to go with me," Theo cut in, his face red with embarrassment over his father's behavior.
"I haven't even asked yet, and you're already scolding me," Rowan replied while rubbing his head.
Silently, Runi walked over to Eiran and tugged lightly at his sleeve. Eiran simply smiled and patted Runi on the head.
"So, you're looking for someone to accompany Theo to Astravelle?" Eiran brought up the topic while it was still warm.
"See how understanding you are. Yes, I won't be able to go to Myrethall City because I have a large order to complete. Theo will only be traveling with his older sister, and I'm worried about them going just the two of them," Rowan explained with a pleading face.
"Runi and I wouldn't mind going with them, if you'd like," Eiran responded cheerfully, accepting Rowan's offer.
"Oh goodness, are you sure?" Rowan looked surprised when he heard Eiran's answer.
"Of course. When are you planning to leave?" Eiran asked again.
"Tomorrow. You don't have to worry, I'll provide everything for you. I've already booked tickets for the ship to Myrethall, so all you have to do is come here tomorrow," Rowan explained happily.
"Mr. Rowan, I feel bad about this. How could we just hitch a ride for free like that?" Eiran replied, starting to feel a sense of guilt.
Rowan waved his hand lightly. "You don't need to feel guilty. Just be here before eight."
Left with no choice, Eiran nodded in understanding. After that, he quickly pulled out 3 silver coins from his pouch and handed them to Theo as payment for Silvergrave.
"This is too much," Theo said, trying to return them to Eiran.
"Just take it, consider it a thank-you from me." Eiran gave a slight smile and took Runi's hand to leave the shop.
Eiran and Runi put their masks back on after leaving the blacksmith shop. They had bought too many things, so Eiran decided to return to the inn.
Once they reached the inn, Eiran scanned the area to make sure no one was following them, then quickly led Runi up to the third floor to find their room.
"Brother, am I really going to attend a magic academy?" Runi asked, taking off his mask and looking up at Eiran with his big, sparkling eyes.
"If you don't mind. After all, you need to learn how to control your fire magic. I don't mind moving to Myrethall to accompany you while you study at Astravelle," Eiran said as he set down their shopping bags.
"But I heard there's a monthly fee to study at that academy," Runi replied, feeling uncomfortable after thinking about it.
Eiran sighed softly. Runi always thought things through before wanting something for himself.
"You don't have to worry about that. I'll find a way to earn money. Besides, once you master your magic, you'll be able to help me," Eiran reassured him.
"Really?" Runi sat down beside Eiran, though his head still hung low, unenthusiastic.
"Also, I saw you getting along well with that boy, Theo. Does he have magic powers like you, too?" Eiran tried to change the subject.
Runi quickly lifted his head and began chattering to Eiran, "I don't know. Theo said their magic would be identified once they entered the academy. I really want to talk more about the magic I have."
"Go take a bath and get some sleep. Tomorrow, you can talk to Theo as much as you want." Eiran gently directed Runi toward the bath.
It was the first time Eiran had seen Runi so excited about something. It really did seem like sending Runi to the magic academy was the right decision. The rest of that day, Eiran chose to store all their shopping in the Inventory provided by the System.
. . .
At 7:30 in the morning, Eiran and Runi returned to the blacksmith shop near the harbor. When they arrived, Eiran saw Rowan with his two children already waiting outside the shop.
"Thank goodness you came. I was afraid you'd changed your mind," Rowan said, relieved at the sight of Eiran and Runi.
"You worry too much, sir." Eiran smiled kindly.
Then, a young woman standing next to Theo shot Eiran and Runi a sharp look.
"Are you sure you can trust them, Father?"
"Alexa, don't be rude like that. I wouldn't let you two go if it weren't for them," Rowan replied while glaring at her.
The girl named Alexa rolled her eyes in annoyance at her father's exaggerated reaction. She turned to Theo and asked, "Do you have everything packed?"
"Yes, everything's ready," Theo answered firmly.
"In that case, should we get going?" Eiran, seeing that they were all prepared, prompted them to head out.
Rowan then pulled out four tickets and handed two to Alexa and the rest to Eiran.
"These are the tickets I promised you. In return, please take care of my two kids." This time, Rowan looked serious as he gave Eiran a firm pat on the shoulder.
[Ding! A Quest has arrived!]
[Quest: Escort and protect the Bowen siblings to Myrethall!
Warning: The Host will receive a severe penalty if either of the siblings or Runi gets injured during the journey.
Reward: System will evaluate the Host's efforts before determining a suitable reward.]
The smile on Eiran's lips started to twitch when he heard the Quest the System gave him. This masochistic System really expected Eiran to suffer alone throughout this journey.
Even the three people going with him weren't allowed to be hurt in the slightest. Eiran wanted to punch whoever was behind this damn System.
And so, the group of four began walking toward the busy harbor, searching for the ship that would take them to Myrethall.
Eiran finally let out a relieved sight, they were about to leave Lysvarin, and that meant the people chasing after him and Runi wouldn't be able to find them anymore.