[Current Balance: £2,733,570 11s. 8d.]
---Two Days Later---
Two days had passed, and the inn's first-floor common room had become a simple refuge for Alaric during his travels.
[- 2s 2d.](This is from his meals during his stay)
[Current Balance: £2,733,570 9s. 6d.]
Alaric sat at the counter with a warm cup of coffee in his hand. He casually read a newspaper article titled "Frequent Robberies of Dangerous Highwaymen." His eyes moved over the words as he relaxed, until the creak of the door broke his quiet moment.
The door opened with a clear sound, and in walked a pair of travelers who stood out in the calm atmosphere.
A cheerful, middle-aged man with a white wig entered with lively energy. Right behind him, a tall man with neatly parted black hair followed, his expression calm and observant.
"Ahh... finally, The Rusty Horseshoe... at last!" the white-haired man said with a smile that showed he had been looking forward to this moment.
The man with black hair looked around and said in a dry tone, "It's kind of a weird name for an Inn. I don't see any rust here."
Alaric looked up from his newspaper and gave a small, friendly smile. He set his cup down carefully and turned toward the newcomers.
"Damn... took you long to arrive," he said with a hint of sarcasm that came from their long history together.
The duo, William Penn and Reuben, stared back in surprise. "'Laric!?" they chorused, their voices carried a mix of relief and disbelief.
A few quiet murmurs spread among the other guests, but Alaric raised his hand to quiet them.
"Damn... tone it down, will ya?" he said lightly, smiling as he signaled the innkeeper over. "You guys must be tired. Order anything you like."
The innkeeper came quickly, and William Penn clapped his hands with a cheerful sound. "We've taken our time on the road... wanted to make sure no one was rushed," he explained calmly. Reuben, standing close behind, gave a small nod that showed both relief and unspoken questions.
Soon, the room filled with the sound of orders being given. William Penn, ever the considerate man, not only ordered a meal for himself but also made sure that his daughter Letitia and her husband James received their share of food. The rich smells of roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced ale began to fill the air as the innkeeper wrote down the orders.
While dishes were brought out and glasses clinked, the conversation moved naturally. "Swindon's charm is something else," said Penn, his eyes looking around the room. "The mix of simple living and busy trade is almost like a fine verse."
"Yes, indeed," Reuben replied quietly, sharing a glance with Alaric that needed no extra words. "And soon we will leave for Reading. The restocking men are getting the final supplies ready."
Just then, gentle laughter and soft footsteps announced the arrival of Letitia and James. The couple entered with a mix of curiosity and warmth, their eyes lighting up at the sight of Alaric. Letitia said softly, "This is a surprise..."
James added with a mix of amusement and disbelief, "You've surprised me again, 'Laric. We've traveled together before, but here you are..."
Alaric simply shrugged with a small smirk.
"I always like to choose my own way," he said with a glint in his eyes. "A detour never hurt anyone... especially when it means a little secret work in Glastonbury."
Penn leaned forward and spoke in a low, friendly tone. "We've got quite the journey ahead. For now, let's enjoy our meal here in this old inn."
They all gathered around a large wooden table, and as they shared their meal, the conversation flowed in a natural, unhurried way.
---
After an hour, the group moved outside toward the waiting carriages. The mood shifted as they prepared to continue their journey to Reading.
"Damn... it's been two days since I bathed," Reuben said with a sigh as he looked at the blonde Kenway. "You don't seem to smell bad, did you manage to bathe at the inn?"
"There are no bath tubs in the inn," Alaric replied while they walked along behind William Penn. "You guys didn't pass any rivers on the way here, did you?"
"We did..."
"...and?"
"..."
Alaric sighed and looked at Reuben, who avoided eye contact. "Don't forget where you come from, Reuben. We're heading towards the countries east from here soon, and you won't find a bathtub at every stop."
"...I know," came the quiet reply.
They stopped by a row of well-kept carriages, still in fine condition after many days on the road. Penn then called everyone to attention... Alaric, Reuben, the coachmen, and the guards.
"Alright," Penn said in a clear, firm voice. "Get ready, we leave for Reading in five minutes."
A respectful silence fell over the group. Penn continued, "If all goes well, Reading should be two days from here. When the sun begins to set, the scouts will go ahead to find good camping spots. Clear?"
"Yes!"
Everyone answered together, except for Alaric and Reuben. The tall, silent man with black hair remained quiet, and Alaric was lost in his own thoughts as usual.
Soon, the group took their positions: coachmen at the front with guards at their sides, hired soldiers on horseback, and the rest, Penn, Letitia, James, Alaric, and Reuben, settled into their carriages.
"Hiya!" (??x)
And with that, their journey resumed.
---
An hour later, Alaric sat quietly in his carriage, watching the slow progress of the road. The ride was long, especially with the carriages carrying the Celestial Salves. The silence made him think.
'I mean, I understand,' Alaric thought, as he rested his face on his palm, staring beyond the window. 'But what the fuck... I could have reached London on my own by now...'
*SNORE*
His thoughts were interrupted by one clear detail, Reuben was sleeping soundly.
It was understandable though... travelling wasn't easy for Reuben as he was used to the life of comfort in the Kenway Estate despite the training. 'Heck... he was even living comfortably when we used to live inside the Penn Estate...'
---
Another hour passed by as Alaric felt like he was about to lose his mind.
And then another hour, then another, then another...
Alaric pulled out his pocket watch to see that it was currently two in the afternoon. Sighing, he pocketed his watch back and then raised a brow as he sensed someone, no... Alaric gathered a tiny amount of chakra and activated his Foresight Pulse, spreading out a huge pulse.
As the pulse came back, twenty-four people could be felt aside from their party.
'Interesting... they seem to be waiting,' Alaric thought with a small smile. 'It makes sense. When a wealthy man like William Penn is traveling, word gets around. Someone must have tipped off a highwayman...'
Within half an hour, all the horse-drawn vehicles came to a sudden stop. The abrupt halt woke Reuben.
"H-Huh? What happened?" Reuben asked, blinking in confusion.
"Get up," Alaric said as he opened the carriage door. "Someone's trying to rob us."
"...Fuck, I had the greatest dream," Reuben muttered as he stepped outside, still a bit groggy.
Both men stretched their limbs as a group of men on horseback approached steadily. The air was tense as the riders drew near, their hands moving close to their weapons.
"Who are you, stranger!?" asked the captain of the escorts, his hand resting near his flintlock pistol.
William Penn had hired the best escorts available. Each escort carried a musket, a flintlock pistol, and a cutlass, and they wore fine leather armor that was both practical and strong.
As the captain spoke, his men followed suit, ready for whatever was about to happen.
The man in the middle of the incoming group smirked as he announced himself.
"Gentlemen, what a fortunate afternoon! You find yourselves blessed with the presence of none other than..."
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