"Uncle Peyton!"

Once Roland recognized the man's face, he waved in excitement.

Ever since the village had been attacked by Kobolds, he had not seen Peyton again.

But every time he exchanged letters with Sean, it was this old mercenary who wrote on Sean's behalf.

Aside from Sean's concerned reminders and updates about his recent life, those letters were always filled with Peyton's teasing jokes.

So even though they had not met for a long time, the closeness from back then had not faded.

"Heavenly Father above..."

In the dusk, Peyton had not seen him clearly from a distance. Only when the tall figure dismounted and came closer did he stare in shock, the wheat straw falling from his mouth.

He clearly remembered their first meeting half a year ago. Back then, this kid had been thin as a reed, looking like one hard gust of wind could snap him.

But now...

The old mercenary narrowed his eyes and looked Roland up and down. After confirming those familiar features, he slapped Roland hard on the shoulder with his rough palm.

"Kid, don't tell me you swallowed a growth potion. You've grown way too..."

He gestured at their nearly equal height and shook his head with a sigh.

"You're almost catching up to me!"

Roland only smiled at Peyton's exaggeration. He did not explain much.

"Uncle Peyton, why are you waiting for me outside town?"

"Who else? That brat Sean!"

Peyton took the reins from Roland and led him toward town, grumbling the whole way.

"A few days ago, when he heard you were coming, he insisted I stand guard at the town entrance. Said he was afraid you'd get lost. Ha!"

He rolled his eyes dramatically.

"I told him, how could a grown lad like you still get lost? But that bastard kept pestering me..."

As he spoke, Peyton vividly imitated Sean acting shameless, making Roland laugh.

Roland took the chance to hook an arm around the old mercenary's shoulder.

"By the way, where is Sean? Ever since he became Lord Beckham's personal guard, he's been bragging about it in every letter. It got so bad I almost stopped reading them."

"That kid?"

Peyton snorted with laughter and shook his head.

"He spends all day in the barracks now, practically wishing he could sleep at Lord Beckham's feet. Anyone who didn't know better would think that lord was some peerless beauty!"

The two joked as they reached the town gate.

Unlike the tense atmosphere in Pinewood Town, Mist Creek Town's guards were vigilant but much calmer.

After a simple inspection, they entered town.

The street was paved with neat cobblestones, and Blackwind's hooves clicked crisply against them.

Orderly wood-and-stone houses lined both sides of the road. The protruding windowsills on the second floors were filled with blooming flowers and drying herbs.

The ringing from the blacksmith shop mingled with the scent of wheat drifting from the bakery. A bronze sign hung at the inn entrance, shining beneath the sunlight.

Because the town was close to the Black Fir Forest, adventurers and mercenaries in all kinds of gear could also be seen. Most, however, sat quietly in tavern corners or obediently restocked supplies in the general store.

A few laughing children darted from an alley and nearly ran into Roland's horse, then scattered under Peyton's deliberately fierce glare.

Guards in polished armor patrolled the market at an even pace.

An old woman carrying a basket of herbs bargained with the butcher, and the air carried the smell of smoked meat and fresh rosemary.

"Looks like Lord Beckham governs this place well..."

Roland looked around.

"It's even more peaceful than I imagined."

Peyton gave a light snort.

"That old fellow has a rotten temper, but he knows what he's doing. Come on. I'll take you to Gary's new tavern. Sean should be getting off shift soon."

As he spoke, Peyton led Roland to a tavern.

An oak sign hung outside, carved with the words "Forest Breath."

Sunlight filtered through the flowers on the windowsill, casting mottled shadows across the dark brown wooden door.

Two benches stood by the entrance, where several customers leisurely drank ale. Laughter rose together with the cooking smoke drifting from the chimney.

After tying Blackwind to the wooden post outside, Peyton strode forward and kicked open the tavern door.

"Gary! Come see who I brought!"

Gary had been about to curse over his newly replaced door being kicked again, but the moment he saw Roland clearly, his eyes lit up.

"You are... Roland?"

Although he had only met Roland a few times, this close friend of his son had left a deep impression on him. Roland was far more sensible than that brat, and strong enough to slay powerful monsters besides.

"Good lad. You've grown fast."

Unlike Peyton, Gary did not dwell on Roland becoming so sturdy in such a short time.

After a few simple greetings, he went outside, hung up the closed sign, then turned and entered the kitchen.

Before long, an enticing aroma drifted out.

As Gary cooked, he ordered Peyton around.

"Peyton, don't just stand there. Come help prepare the ingredients!"

"Old bastard! I'm not a hand in your tavern!"

"If you don't want to work, get out and earn money!"

"Then pay me back the money I spent helping you renovate this place!"

"Dream on!"

Their noisy exchange made Roland's mouth lift.

Compared to the rule-bound life in the estate, this lively, casual atmosphere felt especially relaxing.

Soon, fragrant dishes were brought to the table one after another.

The staple food was still common boiled beans and black bread, but the side dishes were chunks of meat stewed until tender and flavorful. Roland, who had long grown tired of the monotonous meals in the estate dining hall, immediately felt his appetite awaken.

Just as the final wild vegetable salad reached the table, heavy footsteps sounded outside the door.

"Old man!"

With the creak of the wooden door, a familiar voice burst beside Roland's ear.

"Old man! Why'd you close so early today... Roland?"

Sean rubbed his eyes hard. After crying out in surprise, he crossed the room in a few strides and rushed to the table, looking Roland up and down like he was inspecting some rare object.

"You... you..."

Looking at Roland, who was now even a little sturdier than himself, Sean was so shocked he could not form a sentence.

Only after a long while did the honest youth drop heavily into the seat beside Roland and punch his solid arm.

"Looks like Blacksmith Apprentices eat pretty well!"

He laughed loudly.

"With that build, let's see who dares bully you again!"

Noticing the relief in Sean's eyes, Roland shook his head helplessly, then studied this close friend he had not seen in so long.

Compared to when they parted, Sean had not changed too much, but every detail carried something different.

His frame had grown even sturdier. His once fair skin had been tanned dark and healthy, and his palms were covered in thick calluses.

Most obvious was the change between his brows. The youthfulness from before had faded, replaced by a calm, resolute look.

"Ha!"

Before Roland could answer, Peyton downed a mouthful of wine beside them and belched comfortably.

"With the way this kid looks now, who would dare bully him? It'd be good enough if he doesn't bully others!"

"Damn it, Peyton!"

Seeing the bottle in Peyton's hand, Gary roared in heartache.

"That's the most expensive wine in the shop!"

"Of course! Otherwise, why would I drink it?"

"You bastard!"

Watching the two argue, Roland and Sean looked at each other and smiled at the same time.

Dinner ended in that lively warmth.

"Oof!"

Sean groaned exaggeratedly and threw himself onto the bed, while Roland took the chance to examine the room.

Compared to the small, cramped house in the village from his memory, Sean's current residence was especially spacious and bright.

"You have no idea..."

Sean rubbed his stomach.

"How strict Lord Beckham is when he trains us..."

He complained aloud, but the excitement and pride in his eyes were impossible to hide.

The two chatted for a while longer before lying shoulder to shoulder on the bed, just as they had in the past.

"Right, Roland..."

Sean suddenly turned onto his side.

"How'd you get time to come see me? Master Hawk actually let you take leave?"

Before Roland could answer, Sean continued on his own.

"Though I guess that makes sense. With an apprentice as talented as you, Master must treat you specially."

"Don't talk nonsense."

Roland waved a hand and cut off Sean's teasing. Looking at the clean, flat ceiling above, he spoke.

"Actually, the main reason I came this time... was to say goodbye to you..."

...

...

"You're going to the River Kingdoms?"

Sean's reaction was completely different from everyone else's.

When he heard Roland's plan, this honest close friend did not offer concern, sadness, or blessings.

He froze for a moment, then asked worriedly, "By yourself, Roland?"

"I heard Uncle Peyton talk about that place. The River Kingdoms aren't exactly peaceful. Trade is flourishing there, but all sorts of people gather too. Every faction fights openly and schemes in the dark..."

His brow drew tighter, and his words came faster.

"Roland, Uncle Peyton said that place is like a powder keg with a gold rim. Beautiful on the outside, full of danger inside."

He counted off the rumors he had heard on his rough fingers.

"By day, the canals carry spices and silk. After night falls, they might be carrying corpses. Merchant caravans enter the city loaded with southern pearls and northern furs, and in the blink of an eye, bandits might strip them clean..."

The more agitated he became, the faster he spoke. Suddenly, he sat up from the bed and grabbed Roland's arm.

"If an outsider like you goes there without knowing anyone, it'll be like a fat sheep walking into a den of starving wolves!"

Roland had investigated all of this before accepting Colin's recruitment.

His friend's warning did not shake his resolve.

To him, obtaining a knight breathing method in the most direct and fastest way was more important than anything else.

Even if the River Kingdoms really were a dragon's pool and tiger's den, he was willing to try his luck.

Seeing that Roland's expression did not change, Sean's face tightened with struggle.

After a moment of silence, he gritted his teeth and spoke like he was making a decision.

"If there's really no other way... I'll go with you! The two of us can look after each other if something happens..."

Roland froze.

He knew better than anyone how much Sean admired Beckham.

Although Roland did not know how his friend had gone from an ordinary militia member to Beckham's personal guard, he could imagine how much hardship it had taken.

Now that Sean had finally realized his dream, he was willing to give up everything he had worked for because of Roland.

That friendship warmed Roland's chest.

"All right, Sean..."

Roland playfully bent his arm and showed off his rounded muscle, a mischievous smile tugging at his mouth.

"Just like Uncle Peyton said, look at my build now. Who would dare bully me?"

"But..."

Sean frowned, wanting to argue.

"Besides, your situation is different from mine."

Roland folded both arms behind his head and looked calmly at the ceiling, his voice becoming more serious.

"Your Uncle Peyton and your father Gary are both in Golden Valley Kingdom. If you come with me to the River Kingdoms, you might not see them for a long time."

He paused, turned to Sean, and spoke gently but firmly.

"And didn't you just become Lord Beckham's personal guard? This has always been your dream."

"But I think..."

Sean's expression wavered for a moment, only for determination to replace it. He clenched his fists, his voice low and firm.

"Nothing is more important than you, my brother! Uncle Peyton and Old Man Gary don't need me to worry about them. As for Lord Beckham..."

Recalling moments in the barracks, reluctance crossed Sean's eyes, but he quickly pressed it down.

"All right, let's not talk about that."

Roland bumped Sean lightly with his shoulder, trying to ease the mood. A carefree smile appeared on his face.

"You stay here and do well. If I can't make it in the River Kingdoms, maybe I'll have to shamelessly come back and rely on you. When that time comes, don't shut me out."

"How could I?"

Seeing that Roland had already made up his mind, Sean finally stopped trying to persuade him. He sighed, and his honest smile returned.

He puffed out his chest with a hint of pride.

"A few days ago, Lord Beckham promoted me to Squire! If you come find me in the future..."

He blinked and revealed a teasing smile.

"I'll have you help me care for the horses! That's easy work! Then we..."

"Wait!"

Roland sat up abruptly, eyes bright as he stared at his friend. Excitement entered his voice.

"You're Lord Beckham's Squire now?"

"Y-yeah..."

Seeing Roland's reaction, Sean thought he had misunderstood the joke and quickly waved his hands.

"Sorry, Roland. I was just saying it casually. How could I really make you work as my stableman..."

"No, that's not the point!"

Roland grabbed Sean's shoulders with both hands, his gaze intent.

"Since you're a Squire, you must be good with long weapons, right?"

"Of course..."

Sean scratched his head, not quite understanding.

"As a Squire, how could I not know how to use the most convenient long weapons on horseback?"

He straightened his back, his tone carrying a bit of pride.

"It's precisely because I'm especially skilled with long weapons from horseback that Lord Beckham made an exception and promoted me..."

"Excellent!"

Roland laughed aloud, excitement shining in his eyes.

This really was an unexpected delight.

He had originally planned to ask Colin to find someone to teach him long weapons after reaching the River Kingdoms.

He had not expected that a simple visit to an old friend would bring him a ready-made teacher.

At the same time, he secretly marveled at Sean's talent.

When they parted half a year ago, Sean had barely grasped the most basic swordsmanship. The only thing worth praising had been his brute strength, far beyond that of ordinary people.

Yet after only half a year, he had not only become proficient in riding, but had also skillfully mastered the use of long weapons.

As a Transcendent Professional Knight, Beckham's standards for selecting attendants were certainly strict.

The fact that Sean had passed the assessment was enough to prove his strength. There was no padding there.

"Sean..."

Roland suddenly hooked an arm around Sean's neck and tightened it.

The powerful force left Sean unable to breathe for a moment.

He looked up at Roland. The other man's face carried an easy smile, which made Sean's expression turn strange.

If he remembered correctly, scenes like this had often happened between the two of them before, except the roles had usually been reversed.

"This guy Roland..."

As the pressure around his neck kept increasing, a thought crossed Sean's usually not-so-sharp mind.

"Is he taking revenge for all the times I used too much strength choking him?"

Roland stared at Sean's reddening face, the corner of his mouth lifting. His arm tightened a little more, then he suddenly let go and said with complete sincerity,

"Brother, teach me how to use long weapons."

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Finally able to breathe again, Sean coughed several times. He gave Roland a somewhat resentful glare, then answered seriously.

"Teaching you is no problem... But Roland, what kind of long weapon do you want to learn?"

"Which ones do you know?"

"Uh..."

Sean counted on his thick fingers with a serious expression.

"Spears and lances, those basics go without saying... Because I'm strong, Lord Beckham also specially taught me how to use long-hafted axes and long-hafted hammers..."

Roland's eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together.

"Sean, I want to learn all of them!"

"All... all of them?"

Sean froze, scratched the back of his head, and hesitated.

"That's not impossible, but Roland... these long weapon techniques aren't easy to master to begin with, never mind using them on horseback. Do you really have that much time?"

Roland nodded hard, determination shining in his eyes.

"Of course!"

There were still nearly three months before the ship to the River Kingdoms set sail.

At present, his riding skill was already highly refined. Although his mounted combat technique was still somewhat unfamiliar, with the support of the [Focus] trait, this period of time would be enough for him to master several long weapon techniques.

"All right, then."

Since it was Roland's request, Sean naturally would not refuse.

However, he scratched his head and said apologetically, "But I still have to train in the barracks during the day. I'm afraid I'll only have time to teach you in the evening."

"That's fine. That much time is enough."

Roland nimbly got out of bed and casually rubbed the red squirrel curled up and dozing on the wooden table. Then he walked straight to his luggage and began rummaging through it.

Before long, a smile lifted his mouth. He pulled out a slightly yellowed parchment scroll and waved it at Sean.

"To thank you, Sean, I have a gift for you!"