Six Years

In the courtyard, only Teresa and the Short-haired Middle-aged Man were present.

The moment Teresa saw Andres, he said proudly, "Teacher, I've broken through. I'm a Level One Warrior now!"

"Congratulations." Andres smiled faintly. "Teresa, I'll be leaving Oga City soon. Starting tomorrow, I won't be coming to teach you anymore."

"You won't be coming anymore?" Teresa's expression immediately changed, and he frowned.

"If you don't come, who'll teach me from now on?"

"You don't need to worry about that. Mr. Ivan will arrange someone to teach you," Andres said.

Teresa still frowned. "Who? Are they stronger than you?"

"I don't know who it'll be, but they should be stronger than me," Andres said with a faint smile.

The Goblin Merchant Guild was not lacking in experts above Level Seven. Andres did not need to think hard to know that Ivan would surely value Teresa's training. He might even send a Level Eight expert, or someone even stronger, to teach him.

Andres glanced at the Short-haired Middle-aged Man. His name was Gaston, and he was a Peak Level Eight Warrior.

Gaston was solitary by nature. Over the past month, Andres had only had a few brief conversations with him, learning nothing more than his name and strength.

Perhaps Gaston will take over Teresa's instruction, Andres thought.

After hearing that someone stronger would teach him, Teresa's frown relaxed.

Clearly, compared to Andres's departure, he cared more about whether it would affect his cultivation.

Andres did not linger. A month was not very long, and he had not formed any particularly deep bond with Teresa or Gaston.

After bidding them farewell, he left the courtyard.

Before leaving the Goblin Merchant Guild, he made a special trip to see Ivan.

Ivan was in the same courtyard where Andres had first met him.

When he heard that Andres was leaving, Ivan was not surprised.

"Baron Mitchell, I also heard that you'll be setting out for Ironstone Town in a few days. Then let me wish you a smooth journey in advance," Ivan said politely.

"Haha, thank you. If I kept teaching Teresa at the Goblin Merchant Guild, I'm afraid Mr. Ivan would soon be driving me out," Andres joked.

"Baron Mitchell, surely not."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ivan escorted Andres out of the Goblin Merchant Guild.

Three days later, Andres met up with the rest of the Demian Family's party outside Oga City, ready to set off.

Outside the city gates, the Mitchell Family had come to see Andres off.

"Alex, while I'm away, take good care of Father and Mother," Andres instructed.

"Don't worry, Brother." Alex patted his chest.

"And don't neglect your training either. Graduate early."

"I know, Brother."

Helen handed Andres a large bundle containing clothes and food she had prepared in advance.

Her eyes were red, and she was deeply reluctant to see her eldest son leave.

"Once you reach Ironstone Town, remember to write home often," Helen said.

"Mm, I'll remember, Mother."

Compared to Helen, Raul appeared much calmer. Standing beside her, he patted her shoulder and snorted. "Our son isn't going off to war. What are you crying for?"

He then looked at Andres. "Son, don't lose heart when you get to Ironstone Town. Make something of yourself and strive to return to the Royal Capital soon."

"Yes, Father."

Not far away, the others were also saying goodbye to their families.

The party heading to Ironstone Town this time was sizeable. There were a hundred soldiers alone, along with the hundred children they had purchased and several administrative staff. A group of several hundred people was extremely conspicuous outside the city gates.

Those children were all orphans and had already been arranged into carriages. The others, like Andres, were with their relatives and friends.

Suddenly, a burst of commotion arose.

Andres turned and saw Inori.

Inori rode a snow-white Unicorn out from the city gates toward Andres.

The soldiers along the way all saluted upon seeing Inori.

"Count Inori!"

"Count!"

Seeing Inori approach, Raul and the others could not help becoming somewhat restrained.

Faced with the most sought-after noble in the Royal Capital lately, most people instinctively felt their presence diminish.

Andres did not feel that way. He calmly greeted her, "My lady."

Inori dismounted from the Unicorn, hurried forward in a few strides, and took Raul and Helen's hands. With an apologetic expression, she said, "I've long wanted to meet you both and express my apologies. Andres is making a great sacrifice by going to Ironstone Town to manage my territory. If the Mitchell Family encounters any difficulties in the Royal Capital in the future, you may come to me at any time."

Raul and Helen had clearly not expected Inori to act this way and were both flattered. Raul even stammered, "C-Count, you're too kind."

Inori smiled slightly, then grew serious and said solemnly, "I promise you both here and now that, when the time is right, I will definitely bring Andres back to the Royal Capital. I will also see that he receives a hereditary title and territory. The Mitchell Family will become true nobles of the Oga Kingdom."

Raul and Helen were so excited that they could barely contain themselves. If anyone else had said this, they certainly would not have believed it, but Inori was different. Not only did she have royal blood, she was also the greatest genius of the Oga Kingdom's younger generation, with limitless prospects.

Her words carried immense weight.

Raul could not help dropping to his knees, saying excitedly, "Thank you, Count, thank you! It's that boy Andres's good fortune to be able to serve you."

"Mr. Mitchell, please get up." Inori hurriedly helped Raul to his feet.

After Raul stood, he turned and instructed Andres, "Andres, make sure you serve the Count well, understand?"

"I understand, Father." Andres nodded.

At that moment, a plump middle-aged man with a smiling face approached and respectfully said to Inori, "Count, it's about time."

Inori nodded and smiled at Andres.

"Andres, come. Let me introduce you."

Pointing at the plump middle-aged man, Inori said, "This is Fabio. He'll be going to Ironstone Town with you. He is highly skilled at management, and I specifically found him to help you. With him there, things will be much easier for you in Ironstone Town."

Andres quickly sized up Fabio, unable for the moment to grasp Inori's intentions.

Had Inori suddenly arranged for someone to come because she truly wanted to make things easier for him, or did she intend for Fabio to keep him in check?

But he did not think too much about it. He was going to Ironstone Town only to find a quiet place to cultivate properly. As for those struggles over power, he did not care.

"Mr. Fabio." Andres smiled and nodded in greeting.

Fabio was very polite. Bowing, he said, "Greetings, Baron. I hope for your guidance in the future."

"Alright, you two can get acquainted on the road. It's about time. Set off," Inori said.

At her command, everyone, including Andres, bid farewell to their families and friends.

The soldiers began forming ranks, guarding the carriages carrying the children. Andres and Fabio each mounted a warhorse and rode at the very front of the procession.

The journey would take them more than half a month.

When Andres went to Ironstone Town, he stayed there for six years.