The county seat was, for an ambitious wizard apprentice, only ever a transition—and an uncompromising second choice at that.
.......
The Royal Capital was the grander stage.
After a moment, Regg smiled.
“People strive for higher ground; that is true.”
He did not try to persuade him further. Persuasion would be meaningless. A man like Matthew did not seem like someone who would change his mind just because of a few nice words.
Since he could not keep him, it was better to turn the parting into a more substantial favor.
“The recommendation letter is not a problem,” Regg said.
“While the Holder family’s name might not be considered top-tier in the Royal Capital, it is enough to get you through the gates smoothly and allow you to stay in the outer city and parts of the inner city normally.”
Matthew nodded. “That is enough.”
Regg raised his hand and called for the butler. “Draft a recommendation letter for Lord Matthew. Note that he is a guest recognized by the Holder family, visiting the Royal Capital for potion-related and academic channels.”
The butler bowed. “Yes, Young Master.”
Regg added, “And bring that summary of intelligence on the Royal Capital as well.”
The butler acknowledged the command again and quickly retreated.
Matthew looked at Regg. Regg smiled. “The Royal Capital is much more complex than the county seat. Since it is your first time, you should know some of the rules beforehand.”
Before long, the butler returned with two items: a recommendation letter and a thin information booklet.
The recommendation letter was written on thick paper with fine lines pressed along the edges, and a red wax seal was stamped at the bottom. The seal bore the Holder family crest—a soaring falcon overlapping a long sword, the details clear and distinct.
The information booklet was not thick, but it was neatly bound. After Matthew took it, he flipped to the first page.
His eyes narrowed slightly after reading just a few lines. This was no ordinary map.
Inside, it recorded the divisions of the Royal Capital's districts: the Outer City, the Inner City, the Noble District, the Academy District, and the Palace District, as well as the locations and access restrictions of several special markets.
Following that were brief introductions to various factions: the major noble families, the main chambers of commerce, the knight order stations, the Adventurer Guild branches, and the areas where potioneers gathered.
There were also several people and locations marked as “approach with caution” or “avoid if possible.” Matthew’s reading speed slowed down.
This document was highly valuable. Not because it recorded some world-shattering secrets, but because it would save someone entering the Royal Capital for the first time from taking many unnecessary detours.
Many troubles did not stem from a lack of strength, but from ignorance. Not knowing which streets one could not simply walk down, or which family was currently feuding with another.
Not knowing who stood behind which chamber of commerce, or that some underground markets might look free but were actually already under someone’s control.
In a place like the Royal Capital, such ignorance could cost a heavy price. The information booklet Regg gave him was equivalent to sketching out a relatively clear path for him in advance.
This favor was not light. Matthew closed the booklet, his tone becoming a bit more solemn than before. “Thank you.”
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Regg’s eyes. This was exactly the effect he wanted.
However, he did not appear too eager, merely saying lightheartedly, “It is just some basic information; it is nothing.”
He then continued, “Once you arrive at the Royal Capital, if you encounter anything you need to inquire about, you can go to the Silver Deer Fur Shop in the East District. It is a foothold for the Holder family in the capital.”
“You can give them my name. They might not be able to solve everything for you, but they can certainly pass on messages and gather basic information.”
Matthew’s eyes flickered. “I will keep that in mind.”
Regg smiled again. “There is also a coincidence. The morning after tomorrow, our family happens to have a caravan heading to the Royal Capital.”
“They are mainly transporting furs, herbs, and several cases of silverware, and the guards are all experienced hands. If you are willing, you can travel with them.”
Matthew did not answer immediately. He picked up his tea cup and took a slow sip. The taste of the hot tea was light, with a hint of bitter sweetness.
He quickly weighed the options in his mind. Following Regg’s family caravan naturally meant his itinerary would be completely known to Regg.
But he was already here. He had already taken the recommendation letter. Dwelling on this point any further had little meaning.
Furthermore, traveling with a noble caravan was indeed steadier than he and Aidan traveling alone. First was safety. A noble caravan had guards, a set route, and fixed relay station arrangements.
Ordinary bandits would likely not provoke them upon seeing the Holder family crest. Second was convenience.
Upon reaching the gates of the Royal Capital, the noble caravan itself would have transit permits. Combined with the recommendation letter, inspections would be much less troublesome.
Third was concealment. Two people traveling to the Royal Capital alone would actually be more conspicuous. A wizard apprentice and a Black Iron Rank Class holder with luggage would be too clear a target.
But mixed within a noble caravan, they were just part of the accompanying group. Finally, there was time. Matthew did not want to waste too much time on the road.
To him, time was no longer just a matter of the journey's length. He could now absorb magic stones every day, and through meditation, he could move a step closer to being a Third-Grade Apprentice.
Every day delayed on the road could affect his progress. Moreover, during his meditation, he could occasionally sense changes coming from the academy.
That perception was not clear. It was like a door existed behind a distant mist. He could not yet fully judge when the academy would truly open or when he could enter.
But Matthew knew that if the opportunity arrived one day in the future, being closer to the academy and having a shorter journey would be an advantage in itself.
Of course, he secretly hoped he could break through to become a Third-Grade Apprentice before entering the academy. A Second-Grade Apprentice was too low-level.
Entering such a place with that rank would likely make even self-preservation difficult. If he could enter as a Third-Grade Apprentice, he would at least have much more confidence.
But such things could not be rushed. Magic stones could speed up cultivation, but they could not make him leap across all his accumulation overnight.
Matthew suppressed these thoughts. The most important thing right now was still to successfully leave the county seat and head for the Royal Capital.
After a moment, he set down his tea cup. “I accept.”
The smile on Regg’s face deepened. “Then it is settled. The morning after tomorrow, we will meet outside the East Gate.”
“Bring your follower along, and I will instruct the caravan manager in advance to arrange a carriage for you.”
Matthew nodded. “Thank you for the trouble.”
“There is no need for such politeness between friends,” Regg spoke warmly.
But both of them knew this was not merely help between friends. It was an investment. It was also a favor.
Matthew did not resent it. In this world, there was no kindness without reason. Regg was willing to provide resources because he saw potential in Matthew.
And Matthew was willing to accept because these things were indeed useful. With both sides having their own needs, the relationship was actually more stable.
Next, Regg mentioned a few more things to watch out for in the Royal Capital. “The Adventurer Guild in the Royal Capital is different from the one in the county seat; there are many factions involved behind the scenes.”
“Do not easily accept missions introduced by strangers. Avoid the Noble District for now if you can; there are many rules there.”
“Often, it is not that you want to cause trouble, but that you do not know when you have already stepped over someone’s line.”
“There will be many apprentices and potioneers active near the Academy District. If you want to find wizardry-related resources, you can start by inquiring around the outskirts there.”
“There are also underground trading markets, but I suggest you do not rush into them when you first arrive. You can indeed buy good things there, but there are also plenty of swindlers, bait, and those looking to rob their peers.”
Matthew listened very intently. These were not wizardry knowledge, but they were equally important. Matthew never looked down on rules, especially those of a foreign place.
Many people died not at the hands of someone stronger, but because they did not know what they had touched. After Regg finished, Matthew thanked him again.
This time, his tone was more formal. “I owe you a favor for this.”
Regg’s smile finally became more pronounced. “I will remember that.” He did not pretend to decline. Declining would be too hypocritical.
“Once you have established yourself in the Royal Capital, do not forget that you still have a friend like me back in the county seat.”
Matthew looked at him. “I will not forget.”
Their gazes met briefly. Both understood that while this was not a vow, it was enough as a response for their current relationship.
Matthew did not stay long. His goal had been achieved, and staying any longer would just be wasting time. He rose to take his leave.
Regg personally escorted him to the door of the reception room. This level of courtesy caused another stir in Aidan’s heart.
After they left the Holder family mansion and walked back along the roads of the Noble District, Aidan finally could not help but whisper, “Brother Matthew, Young Master Regg is truly respectful toward you.”
Matthew’s expression was calm. “Mhm.”
Aidan looked at the recommendation letter and information booklet in his hands. Though he did not understand the true value of these items, he could sense that they were definitely not ordinary.
Especially that Royal Capital information booklet. Even the cover was exquisite, and the contents inside were unlikely to be circulated casually. “These things must be very valuable, right?”
Matthew said flatly, “Very valuable.” Aidan’s heart tightened. Matthew continued, “So remember this favor.”
Aidan immediately nodded. “Yes.” Matthew did not say more.
His impression of Regg had indeed improved quite a bit. Regg was very smart. He did not pry into things he should not ask about, nor did he use his help to pressure Matthew.
The recommendation letter was given straightforwardly, the information was thorough, and he even provided the convenience of traveling with the caravan.
This showed that Regg not only wanted to befriend him but also knew how to befriend a cautious wizard apprentice.
However, having a good impression was one thing; Matthew would not lower his guard because of it. Favors were favors, and interests were interests.
Regg helped him today because he had value. If one day in the future he lost that value, or if the risk he brought far outweighed the benefits, Regg might not necessarily still stand by his side.
Matthew saw this very clearly. But that did not prevent him from accepting Regg’s goodwill. As long as both parties' interests were aligned, the relationship was worth maintaining.
After returning to the Stone Statue Inn, Matthew left all the remaining chores to Aidan. For the next two days, Aidan was almost constantly on the move.
He bought travel supplies in batches, confirmed the caravan’s gathering time, and went to the carriage rental shops and other stores to deal with some miscellaneous items that were difficult to carry.
Matthew, on the other hand, spent most of his time in his room. He organized his storage ring, storing magic stones separately and sealing magic materials in different containers.
He placed the recommendation letter and Royal Capital information in the safest location. At the same time, he absorbed one ordinary magic stone every day.
Not many... just one. The dizziness after his first absorption made him realize that his spiritual capacity was limited.
No matter how many resources he had, he could not use them recklessly. One stone a day: absorb, convert, and settle. The rest of the time was spent stabilizing with ordinary meditation.
This progress was not intense, but it was steady. With each passing day, Matthew could feel himself moving a bit closer to being a Third-Grade Apprentice.
That feeling was faint, yet it was reassuring. It was like walking along a narrow path in a long, dark night. The way ahead was still dark, but the path beneath his feet was real.
Two days passed quickly. On the morning of the third day, outside the East Gate of the county seat, the thin mist had not yet fully dispersed.
The morning light had just broken, and the torches atop the city walls had been extinguished, leaving only the figures of patrol soldiers moving slowly on high.
On the road outside the city gates, a sizable caravan had already begun to assemble. The Holder family crest hung from the frontmost carriage.
The soaring falcon overlapping with a long sword was striking and solemn in the early morning light. The caravan consisted of over a dozen vehicles.
In front were several more respectable passenger carriages, followed by cargo wagons laden with goods. Those wagons were bundled with fur packages, herb boxes, sealed wooden barrels, and several silver chests reinforced with iron strips.
The guards were checking their equipment. Most of them wore matching leather armor with swords at their waists and crossbows on their backs.
Some were mounted on horseback, scanning both sides of the road. The drivers were busy checking wheels and reins. The horses snorted, their hooves occasionally pawing at the ground.
The caravan manager held a parchment register, checking off goods and people one by one. The morning chill had not yet receded, but the bustle before departure had already made the air tense.
When Matthew and Aidan arrived outside the East Gate, the caravan manager immediately came forward to meet them. “Lord Matthew.”
His attitude was very respectful. “Your carriage is ready. Young Master Regg specifically instructed that if you need anything on the road, you can come directly to me, and I will do my best to serve you.”
Hearing this, Matthew nodded with satisfaction and said, “Thank you for the trouble.” The middle-aged manager quickly replied, “You are too kind.”
Promptly, he led Matthew to an individual carriage. This carriage was located in the middle-front of the caravan. It was not the most conspicuous, but it was clearly far more comfortable than a standard cargo wagon.
The exterior of the carriage was a deep brown wooden structure with copper strips along the edges. The wheels were thick, and the shock absorption was well-done.
The windows were hung with thick cloth curtains that could block out light and keep out prying eyes. Aidan stood by the carriage, his gaze somewhat dazed.
He instinctively recalled the scene when they had first traveled from the small town to the county seat.
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