Lanchi Sets Off on His Journey

After Lanchi had explained every detail of the deal.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you how to make cards."

Talia did not hesitate needlessly and agreed to Lanchi's proposal.

"Fine. Before tomorrow, I'll also prepare an identity for you in the household. Would you prefer to be a maid or a steward..."

"Steward."

Before Lanchi could finish, Talia interrupted his question in an icy tone.

Lanchi nodded vigorously, not daring to make her angry.

Although he felt his reaction was perhaps a little cowardly, and was certain that Talia would not easily harm him now, there was still an absolute gulf between him and Talia as living beings. Being so close to her still made Lanchi feel a little afraid.

Books on demonology in this world stated, "Demons need no reason to kill humans, nor do they feel guilt."

If some inexplicable thought occurred to them, they would simply act on it.

Though Talia's behavior now appeared no different from that of a human, she had merely concealed her violent and cruel nature in an attempt to blend into human society.

Even if what he was doing could already be called seeking the skin of a tiger, there was no need to provoke this tigress for nothing and lay countless traps for himself.

Right. If he was a kind little cat, then Talia truly was like a tigress. Even if the tiger promised not to hurt the kitten, the kitten would still tremble while staying beside her.

As he thought about it, the corners of Lanchi's lips unconsciously lifted slightly.

However, this made Talia furrow her brow.

She again felt that this human boy was thinking about something thoroughly deserving of death.

But she had absolutely no proof.

It was merely an inexplicable instinct.

"Then I'll be in your care from now on, Teacher Tata."

Lanchi's voice became much brighter, and his harmless smile remained on his face.

The form of address seemed to make Talia somewhat uncomfortable. As usual, she ignored Lanchi.

But this time, she did not deny it, tacitly accepting their teacher-student relationship.

A month and a half later.

On a morning at the end of high summer, as autumn approached, sunlight awakened the earth alongside the sound of dew falling.

The dawn light was like a sweep of pale golden feathers, gently brushing over the dark gray platform and cold metal rails, lending them a trace of softness.

At the Magic Energy Rail Train station in the South Wantina Border City-State, pedestrians streamed back and forth.

People hurrying along their journeys parted ways here, or met one another, beginning entirely new journeys.

The idle chatter of fellow travelers waiting for trains, farewells spoken to friends and family, and announcements of arriving and departing trains blended together into this space's most distinctive melody.

On one side of the platform, Butler Hans lifted the suitcase in his hand and passed it to Lanchi, who received it steadily.

"Thank you, Hans."

Lanchi said with a smile.

"Take care of yourself, Young Master Lanchi."

The butler's voice remained as deep as ever, though there was now a touch more gentleness beneath that depth.

Noe had gone to another province again, so only Hans could see him off in place of the young master's father.

There were still two weeks until school began. Lanchi and Talia had arrived at the station, and today they would depart from the South Wantina Border Territory for the heartland of the Hutton Kingdom, the Royal Capital Ikelite.

Taking the Magic Energy Rail Train to the royal capital would take more than a day.

After they arrived in the royal capital, the Entrance Examination would take place three days after they had rested.

"Young Master Lanchi, have a safe journey!"

The maid could not hide the concern on her face, but her words were full of worry.

"You'd better not come back for a while. If Lord Noe finds out that you stole the ancient relic from the house, he definitely won't let you off..."

Ordinarily.

All the things Lanchi had done in town before had merely caused Noe distress.

But if Noe discovered that Lanchi had lost the family heirloom, Poem of Compassion, he would certainly fly into a rage.

Over the past two months, Lanchi's cheerful and easygoing nature had changed the household's opinion of him. They had gradually all become friendlier toward him, and even Francine, the maid who had always been closest to him, no longer spoke so timidly.

"It's fine, it's fine."

Lanchi's smile remained as calm as ever, as if it could put every person worried about him at ease.

If his Old Man Noe saw what kind of Magic Card he and Talia had made with Poem of Compassion, he would be so shocked that he would collapse into his chair.

He would not blame him.

Butler Hans casually smiled and shook his head. Having listened to Lanchi's conversation with Maid Francine, he had roughly guessed why Lanchi seemed so fearless.

He then looked behind Lanchi, at Talia, who had completely changed her attire.

Her coat was neatly tailored, and beneath the collar of her dress, a silk tie was tied perfectly in place, making her appear elegant and rigorous.

Having shed the filthy attire of a drifter, Talia shone like a newly polished gem.

"Tata Miss, I'll leave the young master in your care."

Hans said sincerely.

When Butler Hans had first tracked down Talia based on Lanchi's drawing, he had been incredibly surprised. That foolish young master had actually taken a liking to such a powerful and dangerous woman.

But seeing how harmoniously she and the young master got along, Hans had gradually been put at ease.

"..."

Talia did not respond, but gave a slight nod.

Though she appeared to be around Lanchi's age, her steady and icy demeanor made her seem considerably more mature than him.

Since she had accepted the money, she would strictly fulfill the terms of the deal. Even without the butler's request, she would have done so.

Whether it was protecting Lanchi from being killed or serving as Lanchi's teacher.

During that brief silence, a blurry silhouette appeared at the far end of the tracks alongside a whistle.

Soon, the vibrations in the rails gradually intensified, accompanied by a low rumble. The train's shape became increasingly clear, sunlight gleaming with metallic luster upon its body.

The light at the front of the train gradually brightened, piercing through layers of morning mist in the air and guiding the steel beast toward its destination.

Lanchi took out his ticket and looked it over, briefly memorizing the seats that he and Talia would need to find later.

Just as they were about to say goodbye.

Butler Hans suddenly seemed to remember something. The corner of his lips curled upward slightly as he said,

"But now that I think about it, it really is such a shame that Tata Miss didn't get to see the portrait in the young master's room before leaving..."

"Cough, cough!"

Before the amusement-seeking butler could finish saying "such a shame," Lanchi hurriedly coughed twice to interrupt him.

Lanchi was certain that although the butler did not intend to harm him, he definitely had no good intentions!

"What portrait?"

Talia, whose name had suddenly been mentioned, looked at Lanchi and asked.

Lanchi panicked inwardly, but his expression remained calm and composed as he answered unhurriedly,

"A portrait of a poor, pitiful old woman. One of my early works. Though Hans and Francine both seem to appreciate it very much..."

At that very moment, the dark gray and reddish-brown train roared into the platform. The screech of brakes and the friction between wheels and rails intertwined, drowning out Lanchi's voice.

The train gradually slowed until it came to a complete stop.

Since it had nothing to do with her at all, Talia no longer cared much about the topic and shifted her gaze away from Lanchi.

Warm light shone through the windows, illuminating the faces of passengers inside the carriages. The doors slowly opened, and a gust of cool air drifted out to meet them.

The travelers waiting on the platform also began moving toward the doors.

Amid the flow of people, Lanchi breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had bluffed his way through with his intelligence. When he returned next time, he would definitely hide that painting well. He absolutely could not let Talia discover that the poor, pitiful old woman was her.

"Then I'm off."

Lanchi smiled and waved, bidding the butler and maid one final farewell before turning and stepping into the train carriage.