The Regressed SSS-Rank Water Mage Wants To Live a Calm Life-Chapter 49: Goodbye Ludia [3]

"Mercenary Maxwell," Lorenzo called softly. "Welcome."

The Count was a rather tall man. And his white blazers and milk, jewelry-coated shirt only seemed to enhance his tall figure.

The man appeared to be in his late fifties or early sixties, with almost faded brown hair, blurred by streaks of gray that outlined his oval face. The bangs of his brown hair fluttered over his striking blue eyes that had a calculating edge to them.

As the man walked down from the stairs with a calm smile, he made a small gesture with his hand, inviting Maxwell to take a seat on one of the sofas in the living room.

Maxwell nodded and made his way toward a sofa, sitting immediately.

"When Gislow gave me his word, I didn’t exactly believe the old man would do it, but to think he actually persuaded you to accept my request... I am grateful," Lorenzo chuckled, making his way to the sofa opposite Maxwell. And he sat down, relaxing his back with a soft sigh. "Welcome to my humble abode, Mercenary Maxwell."

Maxwell smiled, easing into the comfort of the sofa.

’Gislow didn’t persuade me himself, but it seems he had in mind to. Maybe he planned to use the favor I owe him.’

"Thank you."

"So," Lorenzo raised a hand, smiling. "What can I offer you? Tea? A drink? Or just water?"

Maxwell shook his head, chuckling.

"Thank you for the offer, but I don’t want any of them."

"Ah," Lorenzo raised a brow, "Straight to business then, I see."

Maxwell nodded.

"Well, that’s great. I prefer it that way too."

Maxwell leaned in, a serious expression on his face.

"So, can I know exactly why you chose the most sought-after S-rank mercenary just for a simple escort mission? Surely any A-rank or B-rank mercenary might suffice."

Lorenzo nodded, as if expecting the question.

"I... I’ve offended some people over the past few months. People who an old man like me shouldn’t have offended. Of course, you’re right, any B-rank mercenary can defend against road bandits and the rest. But I fear that these people I’ve offended might take my daughter’s trip to the Capital as a chance to capture her to get to me. They know that," Lorenzo looked downward, "she’s been my only world ever since my wife died, and, subsequently, my only weakness."

Maxwell raised a brow.

"But I don’t understand, Sir Lorenzo—"

Truly, Maxwell couldn’t, because currently, the earth elemental mana he felt radiating from this man...

"—You’re almost at the 7th-circle yourself. I can sense that enlightenment is your only bottleneck. Can’t you go with your daughter and protect her from the supposed assassins — I presume — the people you fear might send?"

Lorenzo’s eyes widened, then he smiled bitterly.

"As expected of Mercenary Maxwell, you can sense my level of advancement," he chuckled. "But I’m afraid things aren’t as they seem. I’m currently unable to step away from Ludia. Because the moment I do, those people whom I’ve offended will have the chance to—"

"Destroy everything I’ve built for years with my own hands. My family businesses, my already unstable family itself. They... they have me in a chokehold. And my daughter strongly insists on going to this ball. She hasn’t seen her friend in years, and the friend in question is quite a lonely person. Her father allows her little to no interaction with people so she couldn’t even write to her. To her, this ball is the perfect opportunity to finally–"

Maxwell raised a hand.

"I get it," he uttered with a serious expression.

’But why did you stir up trouble when you knew you couldn’t handle it? Now you’ve put yourself in a tight position.’

Maxwell rubbed his forehead.

’People like this, I swear...’

Frilo, who’d been napping on Maxwell’s head earlier, suddenly awakened, blinking on Maxwell’s head. It then yawned, sitting firmly on its master’s head as it crossed its arms. A curious expression outlined its pale blue face as it blinked, moving its neck left and right to observe the new place that it found itself.

"So there might be hired assassins on the way, right?"

"It’s not a certainty," Lorenzo nodded. "But I’m sure those bastards might resort to that."

Maxwell blinked.

"Did Gislow know of this?"

"He... did."

Max then sighed, opening his palm.

"I’ll escort your daughter."

Lorenzo’s face lit up with a bright smile.

"Great!"

"When do you plan on moving?"

"We initially planned on moving as soon as we commission you, a newly renowned 7th-circle mage. But," Lorenzo breathed out. "We’ll move tomorrow."

Maxwell stared.

"Tomorrow?"

Lorenzo nodded once in confirmation.

At that moment, Frilo flew from Maxwell’s head, prompting a head turn from Maxwell, who, to Lorenzo, appeared like he was glancing at nothing.

Max frowned.

’Where are you going?’

"What is it, Maxwell?"

Maxwell turned away from Frilo, gazing at the Count as he smiled.

"Oh, it’s nothing."

The count breathed out in relief.

"So, your reward..."

"It’s fine," Maxwell waved a hand. "I won’t demand any rewards. It just so happens that, coincidentally, I’m also making my way to the capital. So I’ll take the free ride as a reward, because I’m most likely never returning. Not soon at least."

Hearing his words, Lorenzo blinked, dumbfounded.

"Seriously? Leaving? Wait–" He shook his head. "There’s no possible way I’ll have you leave without at least doing something for you. It’s my daughter’s life you’re guarding here. She means the whole world to me, I should at least–"

"Then..." Maxwell tried to think of something, but he just couldn’t. "I’m not really short of money. I have enough to last me until my death."

"Oh," Lorenzo blinked. "I see," he nodded now. "Now I understand why you’re retiring and leaving. Mercenaries are all in it for the money. And if you have enough–"

"Exactly." Maxwell smiled.

"Very well then," Lorenzo stood up. "I will make sure your ride to the capital will be very comfortable, in the most luxurious carriage I can offer."

Maxwell also stood up, chuckling.

"That’s just begging bandits to rob us. No need for all that."

Lorenzo outstretched a hand.

"Thank you, Maxwell. Truly."

Maxwell nodded, grabbing the man’s hand. And he shook him firmly.

"It’s no problem. I will make sure your daughter’s safe." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

After they retracted their hands, Lorenzo spoke:

"Speaking of my daughter, she’ll be ready at sunset tomorrow morning. Ready to move and waiting for you," Lorenzo looked upward, toward the stairs. "I’d told her to come greet you earlier, but–" He scratched his cheek, "She’s a bit shy, you see."

’Noted.’

"I’ll see you tomorrow then, Count Lorenzo."

"Please! Call me Loren. I prefer it."

Maxwell nodded, turning to make his leave.

’Where’s Frilo?!’ He thought.

’Frilo!!’ Maxwell yelled in soul-link.

"Be safe."

"I will."

Just as Maxwell left the door, Frilo seemingly appeared from nowhere, a mischievous grin on its lips as it made its way to Maxwell’s head.

Maxwell swallowed his annoyance, letting out a restrained sigh as he finally left the Giralian Estate.

’How am I going to explain to Vin and Eithan that I’m leaving for good tomorrow?’