Chapter 57: A Burden Too Heavy

Mapping the World

Wenger discussed Anna with Vick. He offered no comment. After all, Anna was her friend, and Wenger was the type to see things through once committed. She disliked trouble. But if a fight came, she’d fight.

She traced her fingers over a parchment map on the desk. Maple Whisper Village was a mere speck, smaller than a thumbprint. Softwind Ridge’s slope blocked western moisture, redirecting it to Glennmbak’s northern cities. Seyang City… Wenger pondered, circling it with a glowing stone, drawing a line to Maple Whisper Village. She gestured, shifting her fingertip to trace paths to Hosgard and the capital.

Glennmbak’s territory stretched long and narrow, west to the Cleck Desert, east to Softwind Ridge. The kingdom’s entire northern defense relied on one fief. The first lord’s influence must have been formidable. Thus, much of what happened likely remained unknown to commoners. Staying in Maple Whisper Village, Wenger was little different from them. Aiden’s Hosgard was far, separated by an entire fief—Yakzoraam.

She shook her head. It didn’t matter. Not everyone remembered faction names in a game, though the terrain suggested importance. And that color scheme… Slowly, she recalled endless snow and a 365-mile journey. Something had initially blocked those grim memories, but now they sent chills through her.

A Festive Night

Leaving the hall, night had fallen. Typically, courtesy demanded inviting guests for dinner. But two transcendents weren’t bound by such norms. Exhausted, Wenger didn’t want to cook. Instead, she craved a walk on familiar paths to clear her mind. However, as they walked deeper, lights grew brighter.

Ropes strung across the road held half-enclosed candelabras, candles of varied materials casting diverse glows in the night. Romantic sparks swayed with the breeze and ropes. Pumpkin lanterns by houses illuminated the path brightly. It felt lively! What day was it? Wenger thought, her muddled mind clearing. The Harvest Festival. How wonderful.

She’d forgotten everything after being gone. The timeline’s dislocation hadn’t easily adjusted, despite seeing the cornfields’ yield. Winter was coming. They walked quietly, the sounds of festivity growing louder. A grand bonfire ahead caught her eye, with Rhine overseeing the flow. He didn’t manage everything—able-bodied villagers took charge, but his experience guided them.

Wenger and Vick stayed back. She didn’t want to disrupt the celebration. It wasn’t about feeling out of place; she was tired and feared the villagers’ enthusiasm would be hard to decline. Vick, sensing her fatigue, didn’t join the revelry either. Importantly, the Harvest Festival lasted a week. Each night, villagers shared the harvest, blessings, and prayers. The church would join too. But this year, Reila was gone. Viyi was still resting. There was time—no need to rush.

An Unexpected Gift

Wenger turned to leave, and Vick followed without a word. The path away was cold, the banquet’s noise fading. She could listen if she wanted. But she had no such habit—staying would’ve been better, right? Moonlight mingled with the chill wind, making the stone path feel icy. Suddenly, Vick called her. Her mind blank, she turned without thinking, and he handed her a badge.

It was warm, neither light nor heavy. A crow? No, an eagle, though she couldn’t identify the species. Its black feathers were distinct, wings spread high. Such a design wasn’t random. Curious, she looked at Vick. He explained it granted access to his Nokrong estate and its income.

Wenger hurriedly returned it! What was this? He’d just sworn an oath, and now this? A family crest? It felt too heavy… Vick thought oaths weren’t enough repayment. Since he drew her mana, offering minor wealth was a fair gesture, not excessive. So, he insisted she take it, pushing it back.

Their thought processes were worlds apart. Wenger felt she shouldn’t accept, like with past gifts. But his principled stubbornness made refusing pointless—she’d just keep it for now. She clarified it was only safekeeping, not acceptance. To Vick, keeping it was the same; further thoughts didn’t matter.

Settling In

They walked in silence. She stopped by the warehouse, retrieving furniture ordered for someone, leaving a note to avoid trouble. Next, they set up Vick’s cabin. Alone, it’d take half a day. She’d bought too much—his house might need expansion. Vick had planned for a small place, not expecting this.

“Got time tomorrow?” He recalled their plan to visit the mid-mountain lake. So much had happened since. Having promised, he was prepared, though he didn’t press her. Wenger paused, then smiled. “If I have time.” A non-answer. She dodged the question playfully.

For now, she focused on finishing important tasks. If she had time, she could find him anytime. The link let her sense her mana’s flow, pinpointing Vick’s rough location in the village without mental effort. She wasn’t sure if he could do the same, but if she couldn’t win a fight, she’d run his way. He’d sworn so solemnly—surely he wouldn’t mind her pulling aggro?

She didn’t take the oath too seriously. Formally, she respected him, but rationally, she couldn’t accept such a commitment. After all, the mana link could be undone. To her, oaths were breakable. The issue was Vick might take it to unnecessary lengths. The more she thought, the less clear it became…

At least, she was more open to him staying in Maple Whisper Village. She’d always wanted a trump card, hoping to keep him, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t cautious. Now, things were much better. Vick’s character earned her some trust.