Chapter 133: Leaving Without Delay

A restless dream and an insufficient night’s sleep, yet Handel’s sensitivity to his surroundings ensured he was up far earlier than Moore.

By the time Moore woke the next morning, Handel had already washed, returned to the room, and even brought breakfast—a piping hot local specialty: sausages wrapped in bread. As he set the food down and tended to minor tasks, Handel shared some news.

"The order within Doia City remains stable; there is no major news. The influence of the war has faded, and the city seems to be thriving. It is even less likely that news of your affairs would reach here. In fact, if the Bach authorities knew you were stirring up trouble in Deilga, they might even reward you."

Moore rubbed his forehead and donned his coat. "I was not stirring up trouble in Deilga."

Handel paused for a moment. "My apologies, I spoke out of turn. It just certainly appeared that way to some."

Moore seemed indifferent. He braced himself to stand, walked to the washbasin in the room, and began to clean up while Handel watched him closely.

Moore was no longer young, nor was he an extraordinary individual. Although their journey here had been free of major peril, it was not without its hardships. Even Handel felt exhausted, yet Moore seemed to be holding up well—so well that some of Handel’s contingency plans had gone unused.

"Mr. Moore, has anyone ever told you that your energy and stamina are remarkable?"

Seeming to understand Handel’s implication, Moore turned, wiping his face with a towel. "I hope so. My career, my ideals, and my convictions do not permit me to collapse from fatigue—at least not here, and at least not yet."

Can the will of an ordinary person with no foundation truly affect the body? Handel suddenly recalled a lecture by Professor Jonster at the Black Castle. The answer was yes. The professor had followed up with a question: when an ordinary person truly begins to achieve this, are they still an ordinary person?

"By the way, the big man who was injured yesterday has some influence in these few streets. If you stay here, no one should bother you for the time being. It is an opportunity to integrate into this place."

As he spoke, Handel placed a bag on the table; the colors of gold and silver within were eye-catching.

"The cost of living here is lower than in Digo. I am leaving you with 20 gold Dii, already smelted into gold beans. I have also exchanged some for local currency, which should have the purchasing power of two gold Dii. If you don't squander it, it will last you a very long time."

"The innkeeper has a good reputation in this area and possesses certain connections. If you need to handle any matters, you can consult him or that big man, or wait for your students. However, I have never met your students and cannot judge if they are truly reliable; you will need to use your own discretion."

After saying this, without waiting for Moore to speak, Handel took two books from his suitcase.

"The contents of these books are cognitive knowledge. They can help you avoid troubles that ordinary people find difficult to handle, or help you judge whether the things you encounter fall within the realm of reason. Given your willpower, you shouldn't face extra danger, but please, do not pursue these matters too deeply, as doing so is equivalent to actively approaching danger. For this reason, please forgive me for not being able to explain it in more detail."

Moore thought of his flight from Digo and nodded.

"The professor asked me to convey one thing upon our parting: your ideals and convictions are great, so please believe in yourself, and believe in those convictions and ideals. Hardship does not bring despair; giving up does. The noble flame can burn with a brilliant light, and that light can bring strength."

Moore listened quietly, and only when Handel had finished did he ask, "When are you leaving?"

Handel paused again. "I would love to protect you for a while longer, but I have been away too long. I have missed my safe window and must return as soon as possible."

"Mr. Brook, I am not a child. I have sufficient awareness of my own future, so please rest assured. Give my regards to Mr. X, and tell him that I will always cherish our friendship and am even more grateful for his inspiration."

Moore let out a breath, relaxing his body. In his view, he might not have another chance to see Mr. X.

Handel walked over and shook his hand. "Mr. Moore, take care."

"Take care, my friend. Thank you for your protection along the way."

Handel released his hand, picked up his hat, and walked toward the door. He carried no luggage, but Moore knew he would not return.

"At the bottom of my second suitcase, there is a revolver and a box of standard ammunition—it is easy to find places to restock. There is also a box containing three special 12.7mm silver bullets, crafted by an alchemist. They are very precious; use them at your discretion if you encounter an irresistible force."

Leaving those words behind, Handel vanished through the doorway. He hurried out of the inn and quickly made his way out of the city. Without transportation, he practically jogged the entire way. Before long, he reached the train station; he had to get back to Digo with the utmost speed.

...

The train Mulan was on pulled into the Digo station. His entourage arranged a carriage according to his wishes, and he headed directly to the palace.

As a minister valued by the Queen, reporting for duty in person was something Mulan had to do. For someone who had stepped into the extraordinary realm, as long as he was not truly on the verge of death, this level of physical exertion was nothing.

In fact, before Mulan’s train even reached Digo, Queen Nishelier was already waiting. She even knew the exact time Mulan would enter the palace. Seeing that the time was near, she picked up her pen and began to write incessantly on the documents in her office.

"Your Majesty, Lord Jonster requests an audience!"

The attendant announced, and Nishelier looked up to acknowledge the request before returning to her writing. "Show him in."

Mulan waited for the attendant to open the door, straightened his attire, and entered. Before he stepped in, it seemed as though the Queen was alone in the office.

By the massive floor-to-ceiling window of dog-glass, Nishelier sat at her desk, dressed in a white shawl and velvet dress, appearing exceptionally radiant. Mulan watched the Queen’s focused expression, walked to the center of the room, and knelt on one knee.

"Your Majesty, I have returned. I have already submitted my report on the Solence affair. If Your Majesty requires more information, I shall recount it to you orally."

Nishelier wrote one more passage and signed the paper before setting down her pen. She then looked up at Mulan. He was thinner, but more capable.

"Your Majesty?"

"Oh, rise. How is your injury? I heard it has shown no signs of improvement?"

Nishelier rose from her seat and walked over to Mulan. Because of the height difference, she had to look up slightly to meet his eyes.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Although my injury has been recurrent, it is manageable. The primary reason is not the injury itself, but that my physical body cannot keep pace with the growth of my spirit and will. Once I successfully advance, I shall be well."

Nishelier understood what Mulan meant and offered a pleased smile. "If you need anything else, just ask. Whatever the Black Castle lacks, I will help you obtain."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I have already acquired the Sun Stone and have sent men to search for the other catalytic elements, which will be brought back soon."

Nishelier smiled and turned toward the massive window. The light fell upon her, making her fair skin seem to glow with a fluorescence that highlighted her impeccable curves.

"You will push the path of the Radiant Knight to new heights. I look forward to your performance, Mulan!"

The Queen stood tall and straight, looking at Mulan with a smile. Nobility, dignity, majesty, tenderness, and charm seemed to coexist harmoniously in this woman.

Even Mulan felt a momentary trance. He quickly steadied himself and lowered his head in a bow. Truly impressive; this was bordering on interference at the level of spiritual will. Coupled with that sincere gaze, she was dazzling to the point of being unbearable to behold.

"I will certainly live up to your expectations."

"Very well. If you have matters to attend to, you may withdraw."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave!"

Mulan bowed once more, retreated a few steps, and left the office. Once outside, he immediately hurried away; he indeed had many things to prepare.

Inside the room, Nishelier stared blankly at the door for a moment, then bit her lower lip. He really just left, just like that!