The journey by boat was too convoluted, and the sea was filled with too much uncertainty.
Herag ultimately decided to head north of the Doris Kingdom, and once he was out of the kingdom’s borders, he would then travel east to reach the region of the Moonlight Forest.
He took out a map to check, benefiting from the Doris Kingdom’s excellent road construction, it wouldn’t actually take much time; half a month should suffice to reach the northern border.
After crossing the border, it would take approximately four to five months to reach the Moonlight Forest.
After planning his route, Herag prepared to arrange the matters here.
He went downstairs and shouted, "Ed!"
The sound of hurried footsteps soon followed, as Ed, holding scissors, quickly ran over; he happened to be trimming the flowers and plants in the flowerbed.
"Ed, I’m going to leave here soon. You and Judy can stay in this house for now; I probably won’t be coming here much in the future," said Herag.
Ed was very surprised, and somewhat panicked: "Master, where are you going? Ed can always follow you."
Herag shook his head: "You’re just an ordinary person; the place I’m going to isn’t suitable for you to live in. You should settle down here; live well with Judy for the rest of your life. I’ll ask Erza to arrange some work for you, so you can learn some skills to earn money and support your family."
"Master..." Ed knelt on the ground, his entire body prostrate, expressing his gratitude to Herag.
Ed was no longer a slave; Erza had arranged for him to have the citizenship of Ryan City’s town. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel·fiɾe·net
For Herag, this was just a trivial matter, but for Ed, it was as if he had been given a new life.
Judy could also move out of the slum and no longer have to live in that place, surrounded by sewage and frequent corpses.
Ed and Judy definitely couldn’t afford such an expensive house themselves, nor did they feel worthy of it.
Now, Herag had instructed them to live here in the future, and Ed thought to himself that no matter what, he must maintain and take good care of the house, as it is Master Herag’s house.
"Ed, let’s go to the City Lord’s Mansion." Herag said as he got on the carriage.
Ed, initially enmeshed in sadness, was immediately invigorated upon hearing Herag’s words.
He briskly sat in the driver’s seat, the reins gripping tightly in his hands; every time he drove for Herag, he felt his life was very meaningful.
The carriage made its way through the bustling city and stopped in front of the City Lord’s Mansion.
The City Lord’s Mansion was well acquainted with Herag’s carriage, and upon stopping, soldiers quickly arrived to lead the carriage to the backyard, providing grass and water for the horse.
Ed could also take a short rest in the backyard, waiting for Herag to emerge.
If Herag were to stay overnight, he would rest in a small room in the backyard, with food provided by the City Lord’s Mansion.
Herag now entered the City Lord’s Mansion without needing any announcement, walking in on his own.
Entering the mansion, he skillfully arrived at Erza’s private chamber and softly knocked on the door.
"Come in," came Erza’s lazy voice.
She didn’t need to ask to know it was Herag because if it were Lewandowski knocking, he would specify what matter he was reporting.
Erza lay in her chair, in front of a large floor-to-ceiling window, sunlight streaming in; Erza lazily stretched on the long bench, enjoying the warm rays.
The scene made Herag feel like it was an oil painting, a very beautiful one.
"I am leaving," Herag whispered.
Erza continued lying there with her eyes closed and said nothing; silence enveloped the room.
Soon after, although keeping her eyes shut, tears trickled down Erza’s cheeks.
She opened her eyes, gently wiping away the tears, her voice feigning steadiness but with a slight tremble: "Will you come back?"
"Probably not, don’t wait for me, I’m a wizard..." Herag said, feeling powerless for the first time.
His meaning was clear: a wizard’s life is long. He might not return to Ryan City for a very long time, and when he does come back, Erza may very well be getting on in years.
For Herag, it was just a goodbye, but for Erza, it could possibly be a forever farewell, as not every farewell precedes another meeting.
"Then leave, don’t return. Even if you do return, let it be after I die so at least you can forever remember me in my youthful beauty," Erza said softly.
Herag walked over and crouched by the chair, burying his head in Erza’s arms, closing his eyes without speaking.
Erza held Herag’s head, gently stroking his cheek, savoring this moment of quietness and peace.
Three days later, Herag and Erza stood at the entrance of the City Lord’s Mansion.
Ed stood behind them; he had waited in the backyard for Herag for three days.
Herag removed the ring from his hand, the Sorlo’s Fireball Ring.
The ring was enchanted with a Small Fireball Technique, which now held little significance for him.
By simply gathering Fire Energy Particles, Herag could conjure a fireball, and the Small Fireball Technique was fairly easy to learn.
He placed the ring on Erza’s hand: "This is a demonized item, imbued with a Small Fireball Technique. If you face danger, infuse it with a stream of Magic Power to activate it."
Erza extended her delicate fingers, delightfully admiring the ring: "Yes, I’ll always wear it."
Though weak in strength, she possessed enough Magic Power within her to utilize this demonized item.
After a brief farewell, Herag embarked on his journey.
Just like his arrival, this time he was joining a caravan to leave.
This caravan was also heading north beyond the borders, then east all the way to the Reilena Kingdom, and after crossing Reilena Kingdom, going west through the Violet Kingdom back to Doris Kingdom.
Herag happened to be going the same way, and he would pass by the Moonlight Forest en route.
The carriage he arrived in was left behind by Herag, or rather, bought by Erza and stored in her City Lord’s Mansion.
Erza had specially prepared a new carriage for Herag, drawn by two tall horses; the interior was exceptionally spacious, crafted with top-tier materials, the worth of which was unknown.
She wasn’t worried about the carriage causing trouble for Herag; those tempted by wealth who might rob him couldn’t possibly overpower him, and those who could wouldn’t do it just for a carriage.
Ed initially insisted on driving for Herag, but was swiftly kicked off by Herag.
With Judy already pregnant, Herag didn’t want Ed to risk not returning, lest his previous efforts go in vain.
Many in the caravan were eager to drive, aware of Herag’s esteemed status, as City Lord Erza personally saw him off to the carriage.
Driving for Herag was the caravan leader’s youngest son, likely hoping to get closer to Herag.