Chapter 78: Warmth and guilt!
“As an adventurer? Are you sure, my lord?”
It was around seven in the evening when Seth along with his personal maid came to meet Governor Norman in his office which happens to be in the central guild of the city.
The Controller and administrator of the city as well as the guild asked Seth in an uncertain tone upon hearing his request.
The request was a matter to ponder since the first heir of no one else Duchess Valarie who holds the utmost priority, was asking to dive into the dungeon while hiding his identity as a normal adventurer.
Seth had no interest in showing off his social standing and getting directed with unwanted attention. His face may not be famous but it doesn’t take time for whispers to widespread.
Seth just wanted to challenge the dungeon and train his skills, and for that, he didn’t require his identity as the Ducal Young lord.
“I can allow that young lord, but only if you let a team of adventure come along with you. Surely, they would be unaware of your identity, so for insurance, I would like to put a team with you.”
Seth leaned back in his seat with a heavy sigh as he rubbed his chin while contemplating Governor’s words. Or so he pretended.
In actuality, he already knew and was prepared for such conditions beforehand. Dungeons by law cannot be operated alone until someone doesn’t gain authority from the Central authority of the jurisdiction.
Without any prior records, Seth was bound to get entangled with a team. And the fact he wasn’t even registered as an official adventurer and was just misusing his position also made Governor’s condition undeniable.
“I understand. How much time will it take for your team to assemble?”
Agreeing with Norman’s request, Seth urged queried the time required for his team to gather since he was intending to dive in before midnight.
Fortunately, Norman did all the preparation.
“They are waiting for you downstairs. I have already told them to expect two more members.”
Regarding the second member as Lara, Norman informed the two about the arrangement before Seth nodded and got up to take his leave.
“I am grateful for your support, Sir Norman.”
“It’s nothing to thank me for. Please just be safe out there, young lord.”
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Leaving the chamber, Seth glanced at Lara once who currently was shrouded with a black robe all over. Underneath she wore a tight-fit suit that let her move without restraints. Thanks to the fact that Seth had robes with him since Lara was intending to go out just like that.
“Lara…try not to let your anger overwhelm your emotions. Since I have decided to put up this fake identity, I might get subjected to some unpleasant remarks. So bear with it and don’t act until you don’t find it extremely necessary.”
After a brief pause, Lara responded with a faint, “I will try young master…”
Seth sighed upon hearing such an unsure voice which made him troubled by what was to come. If not for the fact that Lara was such a veteran fighter, Seth would never have considered to let tag her along.
“Well, let’s see our teammates..”
As they stepped down from the first floor, what greeted them was a group of five people standing in the middle of the main hall of the guild while chatting among themselves.
Well, not everyone was chatting since there was one standing at a side while minding her business…
By looks, the girl seemed nothing noteworthy. Average hide, a slightly above average face with emerald green eyes and short black hair which was covered under her hood. Compared to others, this girl seemed to be the most background blended and unnoticeable.
But as soon Seth’s eyes landed on the girl, his feet halted with his gaze not convincing to tear away at all.
‘Why…is she here….’
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“I am back!”
“Oh, you are already back.”
It took Arata some time but he was able to return home by the evening of the second day. Since he was tired from the long journey, Arata decided to meet the blacksmith tomorrow and discuss his new sword with a fresh mind. 𝔣𝔯𝔢𝔢𝔴𝔢𝖇𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔢𝔩.𝖈𝔬𝖒
As he announced his return, the first person who spotted the young man was an older boy in his early twenties who resembled a lot like Arata except for his thin frame which comes from the fact that Arata’s brother—Riley Hazadono—possesses low physical potency.
“Hey, brother. See what I got!”
Arata triumphantly showed the ore he bought which made Riley quite perplexed since the ore Arata showed was not any everyday material. But then again, Riley knew Arata's secret job as an adventurer so he wasn’t that much shocked.
“I hope they make a good sword with this.”
“En.”
Nodding both of them entered the house where Arata’s parents greeted their child and asked him about his trip to the capital.
“…and I was rewarded with gold coins from the granny for helping her with her luggage.”
While washing his father’s feet Arata narrated a fake story he has prepared on the way. He knew his parents would get worried if they hear about their son being imprisoned.
Arata’s father—Rey Hazadono—leaned his back with his legs fixated at the spot to pat his son who despite his greatest effort wasn’t able to fool him.
A tinge of helplessness flashed in Rey’s eyes to not being able to support his sons because of his disability. Despite being a commoner, the reason he now holds a title was because of the bravery he showed on borders to save hundreds of civilians.
In return, he lost his capability to walk and the poison from the war was actively eating the old man’s life from the inside. He got the reward for bravery and stood tall for his people, but for his own family, Rey was left as a burden nothing else.
“Don’t start thinking about it again, father. I am proud to call myself your son because of what you did.”
Rey was pulled out of his daze upon hearing Arata's words.
“Same for me father. You always be our hero.”
Feeling two arms encircling his shoulder, Rey felt moisture building at the corner of his eyes as he felt how fortunate he was to have such children.
Soon Arata’s mother also joined them as she stood on her husband’s left side while holding his hand and equally emotions building in her eyes as well.
Seeing his family like this, Arata felt himself at peace but as soon he saw the empty spot on his father’s right side, he felt his heart weighing down with guilt.
‘I hope…you are fine…Carol…’
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A/N: - I know you guys have already figured it out.
To progress the plot I need to change POVs. I hope it isn’t making the story boring.