The Regressed SSS-Rank Water Mage Wants To Live a Calm Life-Chapter 47: Goodbye Ludia [1]

’I wonder what the young man wants to discuss.’

As Maxwell thought this, Frilo squealed, as though replying to him.

Maxwell almost giggled.

’No, Frilo. I don’t know if his head will be comfortable.’

Frilo, on Maxwell’s hair, let out a flute-like sound as he walked through the hallway, heading to the vice guildmaster’s office.

After a while of walking and conversing aimlessly with Frilo, Maxwell finally arrived at the wooden door labeled "Vice-Guildmaster."

Knock– Knock–!

He knocked politely on the door.

Soon enough, a rough, deep voice echoed from the other side of the door, saying:

"Who’s there?"

"Vice-Guildmaster. It’s Maxwell."

"..."

’He isn’t responding?’

"Maxwell? The S-rank?"

"Yes," Maxwell smiled. "Precisely."

"Please, my friend," Spade cleared his throat. "Come in."

Maxwell nodded.

Clack–!

He opened the door and walked in.

The atmosphere in the room was vibrant. The cool breeze immediately swept over Maxwell and Frilo. And the spirit sighed in satisfaction.

The room was finely decorated. Neat, sparse furniture adorned the room, and a large desk sat in the middle of the room. The brown of the desk contrasted with the light green of the walls. And several documents sat on that desk.

However, Maxwell’s gaze was fixed on the man sitting behind that desk.

The man looked no less than forty, with light green hair, dark, hollow eyes that almost appeared gloomy, and a splintered green beard that framed an otherwise austere face. The man, Spade, had an expression that appeared utterly and absolutely bored.

Spade raised a hand, beckoning Maxwell.

"Please, come in, Maxwell."

Maxwell nodded, making his way toward the wooden chair just in front of Spade’s desk.

"How do you do?" Maxwell asked, grabbing the chair and sitting on it.

Spade smiled.

"Welcome to my humble office."

"Thank you," Maxwell relaxed in the chair. "I heard from a receptionist that–"

"Yes, yes," Spade raised a hand, waving it as he smiled.

This prompted a surprised brow raise from Maxwell.

"I ordered the receptionists to tell you that because my father had a message to pass on to you, through me. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to pass it on himself," Spade’s expression darkened, a bitter look on his face. "His condition isn’t looking good. It happened all of a sudden, too. He can barely walk around the house properly. Whenever I–" Spade caught himself mid-spiral, and he sighed, rubbing his head as an embarrassed smile crept up his lips.

"Sorry for disturbing you with my rants. I’ve been really troubled the past few days."

Maxwell raised a hand.

"No, it’s okay."

"So," Spade leaned closer, a genuinely amused smile on his lips now, "you’re the new legend in Ludia now, huh. Maxwell. In the flesh!"

Max chuckled, shaking his head.

"I don’t know about legend, but, yes. It’s me, Maxwell."

"Ah! No need to be so humble, my friend, I’ve heard all about your great deeds. You one-shot a wyvern. I don’t think even my father could do that. Plus, you cleared Red Valley! You know, when my wife heard of your stories, she was dazed with awe."

Maxwell blinked.

"You’re married?"

"Oh, yes. To the most beautiful, wisest woman in the world." Spade held his chin with pride.

Maxwell chuckled.

’This is one good man.’

Maxwell crossed his legs.

"So, what is it your father wanted to tell me?"

Spade relaxed back in his chair.

"Oh, it’s about your commissions. A friend of my father’s is a count, and apparently, he has commissioned you, the current strongest in the guild, which you’ve yet to respond to. My father wants you to complete that commission for him."

"I see," Max nodded. "It actually aligns with what I came here to do today. You see, I want to complete my last commission before I retire."

"I’ve been made aware of that. And that’s precisely why my father wants you to complete his commission. As it’s your last."

"What is this commission actually about?"

"Oh, you’ll see the details in your commission tab. It’s to escort the count’s daughter to a high-ball being held in the capital a week from now. Something about the host’s daughter being a good friend of hers."

Maxwell’s eyes widened.

"The capital?"

Spade nodded.

"Yes, the capital."

"It’ll take a week to get there."

"Yes, we know. Which is why the count has promised to reward you handsomely."

Maxwell leaned back in his chair, letting his back sink into the rest.

’Well, fate is at work, isn’t it?’

Frilo buzzed on Maxwell’s hair and immediately flew into the air, wings flapping relentlessly as it hovered close to Spade’s eyes. The man couldn’t see the spirit. But the spirit gazed deeply into his dark eyes, seemingly studying him.

’I planned to leave for the capital a week from now. But it seems I’ll have to leave early.’

Frilo squealed.

’Indeed. What would I tell Eithan and Vin? Although Eithan is leaving next week, too.’

Maxwell closed his eyes and breathed out.

’We might have to say our goodbyes earlier than we thought.’

When Maxwell opened his eyes, he saw Frilo on top of Spade’s hair, relaxing comfortably.

Maxwell chuckled.

"I still think it’s a shame you’re retiring so early, though," Spade said.

"I’ve heard that one a lot, but it’s what I want," Maxwell replied, standing up from his chair, "I’ll take the commission."

Spade nodded, standing up from his own chair too. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Thank you, Maxwell."

He outstretched a hand.

Maxwell paused for a moment, staring at Spade’s outstretched hand.

Then, with a smile, Maxwell grabbed it firmly. And shook the man.

’How does one tell another man that his father will die in two weeks?’

Maxwell couldn’t bring himself to say it. He didn’t even spare the matter another minute of contemplation.

Instead, after their handshake, Maxwell looked upon the smiling Spade favorably.

’He would make a good guildmaster.’

"Did your father ever tell you that I owe him two favors?"

Spade’s smile faltered. He shook his head.

"No, he didn’t."

Maxwell nodded.

"Those favors have transferred to you. I would have counted taking the count’s commission as having completed one. But I won’t. Instead, I now owe two favors. If you ever need me, just call or write to me. I’ll help you unfailingly."

Spade... smiled and nodded.

"Thank you."

Maxwell turned, making his way out of Spade’s office as Frilo trailed behind him on the air, leaving faint trails of azure energy.

It seemed Maxwell’s time in Ludia was coming to a definite end.