Chapter 137: Clues

The autumn rain was falling thick and fast, drifting and sprinkling. The road home looked ordinary, but actually, it showed some clues. Like silk, like satin, like mist, and like smoke, the raindrops swayed and danced in the autumn wind.

George had been sitting in the carriage until his bones felt lazy, so now he was outside on horseback, bathing in the baptism of the autumn rain. In his sensation, the raindrops felt cool when they landed on his face, and when they flowed into his mouth, they tasted sweet, like rice wine or honey, making people feel intoxicated, dreamy, entranced, and drunk.

‘When did I actually become so sentimental?’ George smiled and shook his head. The fields by the road were almost empty, with only a few sheep here and there gnawing on the withered wild grass.

“This rain has been falling for a full two days, right!” Hiren, who was nearby, said casually.

George, whose thoughts were interrupted by Hiren’s words, shook his head and smiled with a look of pity, scolding, “You really know how to spoil the scenery! You just ruined the mood.”

“What mood! You haven’t become like those Robed Nobles, have you? Didn’t you used to talk about them, what was that word called again? Oh right, making a fuss about nothing—that’s the word.” Hiren had a strange smile on his face as he patted George’s shoulder with his hand.

It was a good thing Hiren was tall and had long arms; otherwise, with both of them on horseback, it wouldn’t have been easy to pat each other’s shoulders so casually.

The continuous drizzle made the road increasingly muddy, and the horses’ legs had turned the same greyish-brown as the ground. To prevent accidents, the distance between each horse was neither too far nor too close. Although with the skill level of George’s group, accidents were unlikely, the long-standing rules were deeply ingrained in people’s daily habits.

The term “Robed” was actually one of the many titles used to describe those Court Nobility who did not pursue the path of Military Merit. In contrast were the “Sword Nobles” who developed within the army. By now, the meaning had become broader; “Robed Nobles” referred only to those who were truly powerless, while anyone with some skill, whether in combat or magic, classified themselves as Sword Nobles.

“So, you are truly a vulgar person! And a bit too vulgar at that. You have to look at things from two sides! If those people could really write beautiful or even moving words, that would actually be quite good. Sometimes, spiritual relaxation and joy are far more beneficial to people than physical pleasures.” As he spoke, George took a candy from his pocket and threw it directly into Hiren’s wide-open mouth. Hiren, caught off guard, nearly choked as the “hidden weapon” went down his throat, and now he was coughing vigorously.

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Hiren is really funny.” Craig turned his head and said to George, “Give me one too!”

Before George could react, Craig had already opened his mouth wide. Seeing this, George reached out, took another candy, and threw it into the other’s mouth, then said in a feigned anger, “Here you go!”

“Crunch!” Hiren, having crushed the whole candy, somehow said, “Recently, the merchants traveling on this road seem to be much fewer than before!”

“Maybe it’s because of the weather! And it’s almost winter too.” Craig said indistinctly while tasting the candy in his mouth.

“The wind has risen!” George couldn’t help but sigh.

Hiren was confused by George’s words: “The wind has risen? Hasn’t the wind been blowing all along?”

“Smack!” A crisp sound rang out again from Hiren’s head. George saw Mr. Val riding a white horse pass by on Hiren’s right, and seeing that expression of disappointment on his face, he knew what had happened.

“Mr. Val, in front of so many people, you should save some face for Hiren! As for when we get home, you can close the doors and scold him however you want, won’t that do?” Compared to Hiren, who was used to Mr. Val’s behavior, George felt a bit indignant for him. In the past, it might not have mattered, but now Hiren was a Formal Knight who had sworn an oath. Although it hadn’t been officially announced yet, such behavior really damaged his image!

“George, you’re right, but this habit isn’t so easy to change in a short time. By the way, Hiren, remember to remind me before I strike next time. Otherwise, if others find out the truth, it won’t just be the two of us losing face. It might even affect the reputation of all the knights in the Bolerum Territory.” Mr. Val, clearly catching the underlying meaning of George’s words, seemed to think George had a point. However, his remark really made people want to laugh and cry at the same time.

Craig couldn’t hold back and said first, “Uncle Val, your movements are so fast. I think before Hiren has time to remind you, your palm will have already knocked on his head.”

Craig’s words really hit the mark for Hiren. Similarly, although George was also somewhat dissatisfied with Mr. Val’s statement, he wouldn’t say it directly. Because of their different statuses and the impressions others had of them, even the same words would elicit different reactions from listeners.

Craig had always been seen as an innocent and romantic child; his words would only be seen as childish talk, and people wouldn’t hold it against him. But George’s words, because of his status as the Territory Heir and his performance that rivaled or even surpassed adults, inevitably made people think more.

However, although he couldn’t speak carelessly, this didn’t stop George from silently complaining, ‘Even if Hiren could sense your movement in advance and speak up in time, given the authority you’ve built over him for so many years, he absolutely wouldn’t dare to make a sound.’

But when Hiren turned his hopeful gaze to George, he knew he couldn’t escape this aspect. George touched his chin, frowned, and organized his language slightly. After thinking it over repeatedly, he spoke, “Mr. Val, you should hold back a little! With your old skill level, let alone us youngsters, even in the entire Duchy of Nohan, there aren’t many people who could take that hit.”

Although George’s words had a hint of flattery, they were also true. And his previous expression of deep thought earned him some points with Mr. Val and Hiren beforehand. Thinking while riding a horse was somewhat dangerous, but fortunately, the road was flat and there were no obstacles like branches.

Of course, they were also influenced by popular opinion. It was true that riding distracted could lead to accidents, but in front of so many people, it was hard for any major mishap to occur.

“Alright! Alright! Hiren is considered grown up now. In the future, when there are many people around, I will try my best to control myself and not strike. But did you, this guy, really not understand the meaning of George’s words just now?” Mr. Val said, rubbing his temple with his left index finger.

“The wind has risen, isn’t it just the wind blowing! Is there some other meaning in this?” Looking at Hiren’s expression, one could tell that this guy was really confused by the riddles the two were speaking.

Looking at Hiren’s obviously questioning expression, Mr. Val habitually raised his hand, but fortunately, he thought of something in time and put his raised hand down again.

“Sigh! I shouldn’t have had any hope for you in this regard. Originally, after you just said that there were fewer merchants on this road, I had some expectations for you. Now I see I was definitely overthinking it.” As he spoke, Mr. Val gently pressed his forehead with the index and middle fingers of his right hand.

Mr. Val’s words made Hiren’s face look even worse; he now looked like a pig’s liver. And Craig, that heartless brat, was happily watching the commotion from the side.

Seeing this situation, George had to bite the bullet and smooth things over: “Mr. Val, Hiren has now noticed the changes in the caravans on the road and raised his own doubts. This is much better than before! In just a short month or two, he has made such great progress; what is there for you to be dissatisfied about!”

“His progress is to be expected!” Mr. Val said with a stern face. Of course, he didn’t finish his sentence, but George understood the meaning behind it.

From previous conversations with Hiren, George had learned that his previous state was entirely due to the cultivation of a special Secret Art. After he became a Formal Knight, this Secret Art was completed. Of course, the previous side effects disappeared. However, humans have very strong inertia; habits become second nature, and a lifestyle of over ten years isn’t so easy to change.

It was like many actors from his previous life; because they got too into character, they couldn’t break free from the influence of the characters they played. Some even ended up in mental hospitals. Let alone Hiren, who had played the role of a musclehead for over ten years! And he wasn’t even acting! It was a side effect of the Secret Art that made him appear simple-minded. After this side effect was lifted, he definitely needed a rather long adaptation period. It was like the performance of someone who had been bedridden for a long time suddenly getting out of bed. But it seemed Mr. Val had been stimulated by this for over ten years, so naturally, he hoped Hiren would recover as soon as possible.

“You have to give me time to recover!” Hiren said with a face full of grievance.

George took this opportunity to change the subject: “The night before you were attacked, didn’t you assign Hiren a lot of training regarding the Word Spirit? Can you reveal to us how the specific progress is?”

“Not bad! This time he barely met my requirements.” This topic seemed to improve Mr. Val’s mood; at least his tone wasn’t as hard as before. However, his tone changed as he continued, “But it’s still far from satisfying me!”

George’s choice of topic was also skillful. First, Hiren was now a Formal Knight, and Mr. Val’s previous training tasks were assigned based on Hiren’s strength as a Squire at the time. Hiren had already reached the standard physically; the biggest breakthrough in that Knight Rank advancement was the mind. And the Word Spirit ability was most deeply influenced by mental cultivation, so there was little chance of problems. Secondly, if Hiren really hadn’t met Mr. Val’s expected standards in this regard, this matter would probably have been known throughout the Manor by now. At the very least, punitive training couldn’t be hidden from people.

“Seeing that you kid have been quite dedicated recently, I won’t hold it against you in this regard. George, you explain the meaning of the original words to this kid.” Mr. Val slightly postured and then took the out offered to him.

Being named directly, George had to explain alone: “First, what Craig said actually makes some sense. On rainy days, due to the muddy roads and rain blocking sight, it is normal for caravans on the road to decrease. Also, some goods are most afraid of water, although there are rain covers. But in this kind of situation, to be on the safe side, those merchants would still delay their departure. However, the argument that there are fewer people in winter doesn’t hold water.”

Before George could finish speaking, Craig shouted and interrupted: “Winter is so cold, and the wind is so strong, people can’t even hide in their houses fast enough! How would they not be affected?”

‘Craig is completely substituting himself for others!’ George complained in his heart, but his mouth was unforgiving: “Do you think everyone is like you, a little lazybones afraid of hardship? Speaking of winter, it is actually a good season for transportation! Provided it doesn’t snow. The roads are frozen hard then, which is most suitable for large carts to pass. Of course, this refers to within our Nohan Kingdom; further north, that biting northern wind might kill people. There, ordinary caravans rarely do business in winter, but there are existences with the confidence to go out in that weather. Of course, the profits earned are absolutely beyond ordinary people’s imagination.”

Looking at Craig’s half-understanding expression, George suddenly called out: “Oh no! It’s all because you interrupted, Craig, making me go off topic too. Let’s continue talking. Even in this weather, it would at most reduce the traveling merchants by about thirty percent. But look for yourselves, on this road, how many caravans have we actually encountered?”

This time, George paused intentionally to give Hiren and Craig enough time to think. This heuristic method was much better than just telling them the result directly. Even if they didn’t figure out the logic this time, the whole thinking process would help them understand the answers given later.

Similarly sitting on their respective horses, Hiren lowered his head in thought while holding the horse’s reins. And that kid Craig actually extended both hands to count something. Mr. Val on the side seemed as if he hadn’t put his mind on this at all. As for George himself! He also turned his gaze forward. Just like that, the four of them walked in silence for about fifteen to twenty minutes.

“Although I don’t know the specific situation, compared to what I saw last time, the number has decreased by at least half. And most of them are caravans carrying grain and various daily consumables. But I judged this by the packing method of the goods on the carts, so I’m not sure if it’s accurate!” From behind George came Hiren’s voice, which, though uncertain, sounded decisive.

George turned his head to look; sure enough, Hiren’s expression looked good, and his eyes had become much more spirited. Unfortunately, Craig beside him looked at Hiren with a confused face, as if he didn’t know this person at all. However, George didn’t expect Craig, that little confused one, to have an epiphany now. Even for Hiren, the hope was just that he could develop the habit of using his brain. That would also help him return to normal as soon as possible.

“Okay! Hiren actually hit the nail on the head just now. But you can think a bit deeper. Since there is a large reduction in caravans, and the quantity of grain and daily consumables has increased significantly. This shows that in the eyes of those merchants, these goods might become scarce materials in Karada in the near future. They are hoarding goods now, or someone is purchasing these items in large quantities. Also, have you noticed that among the passing convoys, quite a few vehicles left deeper tracks on the road than others. I think there might be smelted metal ingots inside! From these two aspects, whether it’s the merchants’ own keenness or the guidance of some well-informed people. At least for a while, Nohan is going to become less peaceful.” George spent a lot of effort to explain the cause and effect in simple and easy-to-understand language.

Hearing George’s words, Hiren blurted out: “Is war coming soon? Does this have anything to do with the attack we encountered in Greywood Town before?”

Both George and Mr. Val were very satisfied with Hiren’s acuity in this regard. From the latter’s slightly upturned mouth, one could see that his mood was much better than his stern face suggested.

“I don’t know if war will really start. But even without a real war, the impact caused by the mutual threats alone is already very significant. It looks like I’ll need to place a few more grain orders when we get back; I hope they arrive in time before the grain price rises sharply!” George shook his head and replied.