Chapter 16 : Setting Off Again (Please add to your favorites and vote with monthly tickets)

“Praise the ancestors above the stars, thank them for blessing and guidance…”

Though only plain bread and minced-meat stew sat before him, Walt still offered a devout pre-meal prayer.

Compared to days ago—beastman raids, poor sleep, no food—this was noble feast to him now.

But before he finished gratitude, a voice came.

“Mr. Walt? You’re still here.”

Walt opened eyes hastily.

Saw Alicia and Cosette descend stairs, sit before him.

Alicia calm as ever—hard to tell sarcasm or normal.

Merchant awkward smile.

“Well…”

Walt laughed awkwardly, unsure how answer, changed topic.

“Never mind me—what plans you two?”

To fat merchant’s question, Alicia no immediate reply.

First signaled two breakfasts, then spoke.

“Rough plan. You, Mr. Walt?”

“Me?”

At Alicia’s ask, Walt’s just-bright face numb again, shoulders slumped dejected.

“Me—first Winterhold, apologize to client, compensate. Bad luck: money gone, nearly life. Hope partners still cooperate…”

“Our mercenary group shares blame. Really sorry…”

Cosette apologetic.

After all, her group guarded merchant and cargo—mission total failure.

“Cosette, no need. Captain Olga best professional I seen. Just my luck. Without you two, I not back.”

Here, Walt paused, rare sincere smile, reached inside, two pouches.

“Payment, also investment. Rebuild group costs much.”

Seeing pouches pushed, Cosette uneasy—zero experience, eyes to Alicia beside.

Moment thought, Alicia accepted—exactly what she waited.

“Since Mr. Walt says, I accept.”

To weather future crises, any aid unmissable.

Walt’s chamber not powerhouse, but networks, trade routes beyond her current.

Long-term cooperation beneficial.

His actions showed veteran sharp.

No hint of plans, yet guessed rebuild—in tight funds, still invest.

Vision, gambling guts—beat most merchants.

Snowy aid gave Alicia will to continue.

After, trio casual boring talk, prepared depart.

…

Empire border post less barracks, more fortress-core small town.

Border troops offered caravans convenience, shelter.

Posts and cities linked major highways—wartime fast march, peace traffic, trade, comms.

With caravan left post, trio soon reached Swinter City.

North district capital—status obvious.

Empire tongue, Swinter meant winter—also Winterhold.

Fortress-city, first barrier mid-plains.

But geography, deep harbor—trade booming.

Center: city hall, library, grand arena, profession guilds, public facilities.

With border-issued docs smooth entry, Walt bid farewell first.

Client explain, negotiate compensation.

Watching back, Alicia to Cosette:

“Go mercenary guild wait. I reissue formal ID.”

“Reissue ID?”

Cosette puzzled.

“Yes, lost travel permit. Don’t want this face attract ill-intent, endless trouble.”

“I see. I’ll wait at guild, Miss Alicia.”

Empire registry strict—no proof, immobile.

Bad luck: marked runaway slave, troubles.

Alicia’s fine Eastern face more lure.

Pre-cross, players treated ID immersion props—toss around.

Result: jailed suspicious, or ‘Fourth Calamity’ itch-hands, factions send restart.

BTW, Rodinia like Souls, Elden—even late, weird deaths common.

…

“Real lucky! No beastmen, three-no black户 checked forever.”

Holding border doc, city hall ID, Alicia inwardly thanked beastmen.

Thanks them, bucket all sh*t on heads—or ID wait ages.

Recall clerk initial doubt—Alicia prepped [Rainbow Magic Eye] control.

Good, border doc convinced.