Chapter 65: Carpool
Leku bid farewell to his hometown, traveling by carriage to the nearest city to the Wind Veil Basin, the Gray Iron City.
The journey was fraught with danger. Wild beasts would often leap out, and for some unknown reason, sentries would attack travelers.
Leku sensed an ominous atmosphere but remained determined to reach the Wind Veil Basin. However, after searching for days in Gray Iron City, he couldn’t find a suitable carriage. The Wind Veil Basin was shunned more than Leku had imagined, making him regret his initial optimism.
He thought that he would easily find transport in Gray Iron City, close to the Wind Veil Basin. Although it was nearby, people were unwilling to go to that region. Perhaps only those attempting to capture slaves in the Wind Veil Basin would consider going there.
The Norman Empire had banned slave capture, making such teams nearly extinct. Frowning, Leku pondered how to reach the Wind Veil Basin and noticed a crowd gathering. Walking over, he understood what was happening.
“I’m planning to showcase my skills in the Wind Veil Basin. Anyone willing to join?” A well-dressed man, recognized as Doran, asked loudly.
Looking around, he questioned, “Oh! It’s a place worth exploring. Surely none of you are interested?”
Doran was known for searching for blacksmiths and buying various items in Gray Iron City. However, his unique presentation failed to entice the crowd due to the notorious reputation of the Wind Veil Basin. Many gathered just to watch Doran, finding him entertaining for post-dinner conversations.
But Leku, hearing Doran’s words, walked directly towards him. In his plain cloak, Leku was inconspicuous in the crowd.
Even standing next to Doran, he went unnoticed.
“Well, it seems it’ll just be a few of us heading to the Wind Veil Basin,” Doran said in resignation, with Scar and a mysterious figure by his side.
“Are we leaving now?” The small, mysterious figure asked.
“If there are no new companions, let’s just head out,” Doran replied nonchalantly.
Back then, Doran ventured into the Wind Veil Basin alone, so he didn’t really mind. Great opportunities were seized by oneself! If others couldn’t grasp them, there was nothing he could do.
“Are you really heading to the Wind Veil Basin?” Leku shouted at Doran.
“Hmm? Sir, are you also going to the Wind Veil Basin?” Doran looked at Leku curiously.
Leku looked quite young, but his face had a deadpan expression as if someone owed him a pile of gold coins.
“Yes, I’m looking for a place called Wind Bird Town,” Leku nodded.
“Oh, oh, oh! Do you also want to go to Wind Bird Town? What a coincidence!” Doran hooked his arm around Leku’s shoulder, appearing overly familiar.
Leku didn’t particularly like Doran’s overly familiar demeanor, and his brow furrowed. He had encountered familiar people while working, but Doran’s level of familiarity was a bit too much.
Leku subtly freed himself from Doran’s grasp. “Are you also heading to Wind Bird Town?”
“That’s right, Wind Bird Town is a land of opportunity right now,” Doran said, waving his fingers.
“If it’s truly a land of opportunity, why are you telling everyone about it?” Leku asked.
If it were a true treasure trove, Doran should keep it hush-hush.
“Because if no one goes there, the place will never prosper. Even if it’s a land of opportunity, we still need to cultivate the flowers of opportunity,” Doran said helplessly.
Leku always felt like Doran was treating the surroundings as a stage when he spoke.
“This time, it’s free because our carriage can accommodate an extra person without any problem,” Doran said, pointing to a carriage not far away. “This is our carriage.”
Doran had two carriages loaded with goods. Although they were covered with a layer of cloth, Leku could smell the scent of grains.
Was this person planning to transport food to the Wind Veil Basin?
“Though it may be a bit impolite, may I ask what you intend to do in the Wind Veil Basin, sir?” Doran scrutinized Leku, curious about his purpose.
Leku was left speechless; it seemed Doran was someone he wasn’t adept at dealing with.
“I…I’m going to find the lord of the Wind Veil Basin,” Leku answered after some thought.
“Oh, you’re also going to see Lord Ron,” Doran wore a knowing expression. “You’re seeking opportunities too.”
Leku didn’t pursue that topic and instead asked, “How long does it take to travel from Gray Iron City to the Wind Veil Basin?”
He wasn’t seeking opportunities. He was going to find the son of the hero from the Republic of Bante.
Although he didn’t know why a survivor of the White Lion Family would become a lord in the Norman Empire, being alive was enough. However, the fact that someone sent to the guillotine was still alive was indeed a miraculous occurrence.
“The Wind Veil Basin is a vast area,” Doran said. “But if you’re headed to Wind Bird Town, it might take about three days.”
“So, it only takes three days,” Leku murmured.
It seemed that he would soon find out if the lord of the Wind Veil Basin was indeed a true survivor of the White Lion Family.
