74: Night Talk

We continued eastward along the winding stone path, the increasingly thick snow underfoot making a soft “squeak” sound, intertwining with the occasional distant roars of beasts to form a winter symphony.

Varo’s unannounced departure this morning did not affect everyone’s mood.

Last night, his vivid recounting of various wonderful stories from this continent had, on the contrary, brightened the spirits of everyone who had been feeling down.

It was just unknown how many of his wonderful stories were personal experiences and how many were merely tales.

Not long after we set out, the Dragon King’s thoughts informed me that there were a few people ahead, but it did not issue an alert.

A hunter dressed in animal hides walked towards us.

His gaze was sharp, constantly scanning his surroundings alertly, a long spear gripped tightly in his hand, and a dozen sharp arrows subtly visible in his quiver, indicating that he was skilled in both close combat and ranged attacks.

As we approached, he tilted his head slightly, scrutinizing us with his torch-like eyes, but there was no hostility in his gaze; instead, it revealed a calmness and caution unique to hunters.

We stopped and had a brief chat with him.

“Are you travelers?” the hunter’s voice was low and powerful, as if complementing the snowy landscape. “This forest isn’t safe, especially in winter. The beasts will be even fiercer in search of food.”

We nodded in understanding and asked if he was hunting in this area.

“Indeed,” the hunter pointed to the woods not far away, “My companions are setting traps there, preparing to catch the wild animals that come out to forage in winter. We must be careful not to become their prey.”

As he spoke, he pointed to the woods by the roadside, where two figures were vaguely visible, busy at work.

A trapper was skillfully setting ropes, tying one end tightly to a thick tree trunk, then, holding stakes and animal traps, carefully placing them on paths where beasts might pass.

When we asked how far it was to Goresberte, the other party told us to keep following the road, and it would take about ten more days.

After chatting for a while, we expressed our thanks and blessings to the hunter and his companions, then continued on our way.

Today was the second day on Wan'an Highway; the sky had cleared, the snow had stopped, and everything was going smoothly.

As night fell, we found a flat and secluded clearing and decided to pitch our tents there to camp for the night.

The bonfire burned brightly, illuminating the surroundings and dispelling the chill of the night. Everyone gathered around the bonfire, sharing food and water, and the atmosphere today was much livelier.

“Speaking of Goresberte,” John poked the fire, the flames dancing on his young face, “that’s one of the busiest trading towns on the Sword Coast.” A hint of pride flashed in his eyes. “George and I are both from a small village northwest of the town, where the people are simple and kind. My parents are farmers; they work hard to support our family. I also have a younger sister; she’s bright and clever and always brings me joy. Thinking about being able to go back and see them soon is wonderful.”

George picked up the conversation, a warm smile in his voice: “My house is right across from John’s. Every morning, I can smell the aroma of my mother’s black bread baking. Oh, and Mary…” His voice suddenly softened, “She’s Aunt Susie’s daughter from the west side of the village, with long golden hair like the morning sun. The last time we met, she gave me some cookies she baked herself. I still remember the taste…”

“Goresberte is also a place full of love. I have a beloved girl named Aili. Not long ago, she was working as a seamstress at the noble lord’s house in town. Her craftsmanship was excellent; the clothes she made were both well-fitting and beautiful.”

“Unfortunately, last month, she spoke up for us both and was fired by the mistress. We dragged her down,” George said.

“I originally wanted to earn some money to marry her and bring her home…” John’s head drooped.

“It’s not too late now. You two are both Holy Knight attendants, with great futures ahead,” I interjected, “and you already have money; you’ve both received quite a few gold coins these past few days.”

“But, my Lord, aren’t you only recruiting seven people, and they all have to…” As he spoke, John glanced at Randall.

Randall said nothing, busying himself with wiping his shield.

“If you two get married, it won’t count towards those seven spots,” I said. “When the time comes, I’ll build each of you a wooden house, and even if you have a bunch of children in the future, you’ll be able to live there. The prerequisite is that the girls are willing to come with you to Black Panther Fortress.”

John and George jumped up with joy.

The two of them danced around the bonfire.

I looked at the silent Randall and asked, “Randall, are you married in your hometown? Or do you have a beloved girl waiting for you?”

Randall’s voice was a bit hoarse, “Claire,” he said, “My fiancée’s name is Claire. We are both from Baldur’s Gate, and she is my teacher’s daughter. We grew up together as childhood sweethearts. But my teacher and colleagues all sacrificed themselves to cover for Bach and me. I don’t know how to face her.”

“She has already lost her father,” George interjected, after he and John had sat down, “She cannot lose you too.”

I nodded in agreement.

Randall remained silent.

I thought for a moment and said, “I’ve looked at the map. To reach Creek Valley Village and continue eastward, it’s more than twice the distance. A round trip from Black Panther Fortress to Baldur’s Gate on foot would take about two and a half years. If you had horses, it would probably take less than a year and a half. That means, in the future, with horses, you could see her within eight or nine months for a one-way trip.”

“No!” Randall interrupted me, “Thank you, Ryan, thank you for your kindness. My duty is here; you are my responsibility. Many of us Holy Knights remain unmarried for life. Even if we marry, in Baldur’s Gate, if there’s no news from me within a year, the law no longer recognizes our marriage contract, and she can marry someone else. She deserves someone better. I… I’m a bit tired today. I’ll go rest now.”

The bonfire continued to burn, crackling.

Everyone was silent for a moment. I got up to practice archery nearby for a while, then returned to the tent to continue studying.

However, a question occasionally arose in my mind: love or duty? When forced to choose between the two, everyone has their own choice.

No matter which path Randall chose, it would be a painful decision for him.

But if only the distance wasn't so great, or if, like on Blue Planet, there were high-speed trains and airplanes, allowing one to reach thousands of miles away in a few hours.

He could work for me during the day and fly home to see his girlfriend at night. He could spend the weekend and then fly back on Monday for work as usual.

People in this world truly have it tough.

I also wonder if this world can build airplanes. The problem is, I’ve never built an airplane with my own hands on Blue Planet either. Even with all the materials, I couldn’t build one.

And Goresberte, it looks quite close on the map, but it takes half a month to walk there. If there were highways and cars, it would only take a day.

Blue Planet is truly better. But when can I go home?

My thoughts drifted, but it’s better to study hard.

Tonight, not only did the three of them miss home, but I missed home too.