I stepped through the teleportation gate and arrived in Remang.
From here, I had to travel on foot to Katura. Considering Jinju's speed, the journey would take about two days.
'It's already freezing.'
I layered Lacto's custom-made coat over my usual robe. It wasn't as thick as I had expected, but its insulation feature kept me surprisingly warm.
'Cherbil never disappoints. Good thing I didn't bother buying another one.'
With my hood pulled up and fur gloves on, the cold was barely noticeable.
As I took in the city, I quickly became aware of the stares fixed on me. The townsfolk kept their distance, sneaking glances in my direction.
"It's him… Aran!"
"Really? Did you see his eyes? Were they red?"
"I swear! I saw them before he put his hood up."
I had no need to hide my bloodline. As someone tasked with an imperial substitute decree, disguising myself was unnecessary. That's why I didn't bother buying lenses or swapping out my Aran cloak.
The attention was slightly inconvenient, but it wasn't without its benefits.
"We should be careful. You heard the rumors, right? The head of the Aran family wiped out the Billi family."
"Let's just mind our own business and stay out of trouble. You never know what might happen."
"Ahh! He's looking this way!"
As soon as my gaze met theirs, they quickly averted their eyes and pretended to be busy with something else.
Imperial citizens had always feared the Aran family, ever since we bared our claws. But recently, Jenedin's actions had taken that fear to a whole new level.
Judging by the atmosphere, I wouldn't have to deal with any ignorant fools trying to pick a fight.
'This is better. Saves me the trouble.'
A few rough-looking types were scattered around the streets. If I had hidden my identity, they would have already approached me, looking for trouble.
But now? Not a chance.
I found an inn that looked decent. Only establishments of this size had proper stables.
The innkeeper greeted me with a smile, but his expression changed the moment I pulled back my hood.
"A-Aran?!"
"Do you have a room available? Just for one night."
"F-forgive me! I dared to meet your eyes! Please, pardon my rudeness!"
The poor man hurriedly lowered his gaze and trembled.
I had no idea who started the rumor that locking eyes with an Aran meant certain death.
Though, considering the power Temud once wielded, it wasn't entirely baseless.
"Relax. I don't kill without reason."
"Ah… Y-you don't?"
"What? You don't believe me?"
"N-no! Of course, I do! Absolutely!"
He looked anything but convinced.
Suppressing a smirk, I accepted the room key he offered with both hands, his back bent low in submission.
"It's the last room on the fifth floor. The largest one we have!"
"How much?"
"F-free of charge!"
"Free? Why?"
"It is an honor to host an Aran! How could I possibly take money from you?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not some street thug. Name your price."
"T-three gold coins… No, just one is enough!"
"That's quite cheap for a place this size. I might return."
"H-ha ha… That would be an honor…"
His eyes cursed me, even as his lips flattered me.
I handed over five gold coins and pointed outside at Jinju.
"Clear out a whole section of the stable. He prefers to be alone."
"I-Is that… the white steed of Bahal?!"
"You've got a good eye."
"Ah! Then… you must be Lord Zed! The one who rescued the slaves and priestess in the south?!"
That was quite a while ago. I was surprised people still remembered.
Noticing my curiosity, the innkeeper suddenly grabbed my hand, his face lighting up with genuine joy.
The fear from earlier had vanished completely.
"Oh, what an honor it is to meet you! Ha ha ha!"
"How do you know about the south? That was a long time ago."
"Hunters come through here all the time, from all across the Empire. But the ones from the south? They all talk about you."
"Is that so?"
"I had always hoped to meet you. Looks like today is my lucky day! Ha ha ha!"
As the night passed, the innkeeper's hospitality only grew more excessive.
By morning, I was well-rested, and so was Jinju. His eyes sparkled with energy, brighter than usual.
"Looks like the supplements worked."
Neigh!
Jinju let out a loud cry, prompting the innkeeper to rush out, as if he had been waiting for this moment.
He was carrying multiple bundles in his arms, bowing deeply as he approached.
"Did you sleep well, my lord?"
"Thanks to you."
"Oh, no, I should be thanking you! Here, I packed some provisions for your journey."
"I have plenty of food. It's fine."
"Ah, but did you prepare something for the Toma Tribe?"
"The Toma Tribe?"
That barbarian tribe Ralph had mentioned… But why would I need to bring them food?
Seeing my confusion, the innkeeper quickly explained.
"You probably didn't know. The outer regions of Katura belong to the Toma. It's best to offer them food to pass through safely."
"I've heard of them, but no one mentioned that."
"Ha ha, many hunters learn that the hard way. It's best to avoid conflict. The Toma are close with the citizens of Katura."
"Hmm."
Taking my silence as agreement, he strapped a bundle to my saddle. Then, as if that wasn't enough, he suddenly pulled out a small pouch filled with gold.
"Please accept this as well."
"I have plenty of money. You don't need to—"
"It's my way of repaying your kindness. Please don't refuse."
"This is…"
Before I could protest, he tucked the pouch into my coat with determination.
I sighed and let it be. More gold never hurt.
"My name is Maldini. If you ever find yourself in trouble, just mention my name. I have friends in many places; they won't turn you away."
"I'll remember that. Thanks for everything."
"Please visit again when you return!"
With a final nod, I mounted Jinju.
As I rode out, the inn's staff lined up, bowing in farewell.
Neigh! Jinju picked up speed.
Dawn had just broken. It would take a full day to reach my destination, so I urged him forward, gripping the reins tightly as we sped through Remang's streets.
"Wha—?! Something just flew past!"
"Wow! Look! It's Bahal's white steed!"
"Incredible… I've never seen a horse move that fast!"
Crimson eyes and sapphire eyes.
The townspeople whispered among themselves as we vanished into the distance.