The fast-moving Inquisitors had already returned to the Palace to report, along with their support team. In their report, those Inquisitors specifically expressed their gratitude toward "the experiment material" (Aister). Without his help, this cleansing operation would have been nearly impossible to execute cleanly. Thanks to the detailed maps Aister had sent, they were able to identify strategic locations, the rat paths closest to the square, and the layout of Baron Gier's residence. Aister's situation had truly facilitated their dirty work.

  Back to Aister.

  I, completely unaware of Baron Gier's death, continued my task of mapping the areas around this city. After days of living in the wild and avoiding main roads, I finally managed to complete the map of that region. I sent the scroll through the tube artifact hidden beneath my clothes.

  "I think we should leave this area," I said while packing up.

  "What's wrong, Master?" Isvana replied.

  "Nothing. I just feel I've completed my mission here."

  "What about that tiger slave? Is she still glaring at Master as well?"

  I glanced at the tiger Beastwoman slave sitting silently. "Yes, though sometimes she doesn't. But I'm curious why she still does that."

  That night, by the campfire, I told Isvana everything I had experienced. About the encounter with Espinas Mortales (Titan) and that reckless moment when I cut the line extending into that tiger slave's contract.

  Isvana listened intently. "So... you're a Vow Knight?" she asked in amazement.

  "Yes. More precisely, I'm a 'Lesser Vow Knight'."

  "Hah... What's that?"

  I then explained the crazy events involving Duke Airan, the Archbishop, and the strange sorcerer who erased people's memories. I told her how I was made a test subject for their ambitions.

  "So... you're a Vow Knight with an incredibly heavy task," Isvana concluded softly.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  "Yes. If I could refuse, I would have from the start."

  Our conversation flowed on. Isvana kept trying to understand me without any judgment, and that made me feel comfortable. The burden on my shoulders felt a little lighter.

  Even so, Grandmaster Tristan's warning words still haunted me.

  The next day, we departed for the next location, continuing to map roads and wilderness.

  During the journey, we encountered many strange phenomena in the wild. From sudden energy storms that appeared and vanished, to terrifying Titan family habitats—those nests felt like forbidden zones for other animals, filled only with trees.

  The path we took was truly wild. However, one thing made me suspicious. Somehow, it felt like no one was chasing us. As if Baron Gier's threat the other day was just empty talk. Even though he had sworn to display my head.

  The journey continued until we finally met a herder grazing his livestock on a vast savanna.

  "Sir, do you know the nearest inhabited area from here?" I asked.

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  That person answered with a series of unfamiliar sounds.

  We all stared blankly. What did he say? Was there another language here? Wasn't this still kingdom territory? Why was there someone who didn't understand the official language?

  Finally, we communicated using sign language. Fortunately, he understood our intent and pointed toward a village in the distance.

  That village was truly scenic. No grand buildings or "fancy" things. At least more than 50 households lived there. Luckily, there was a villager who turned out to be able to speak the kingdom's official language.

  "What's the name of this village?" I asked that resident.

  "Kalitho Village. We're under the jurisdiction of Aegis City."

  "How long is the travel time from here to Aegis?"

  "Hmm... about a week maybe, on foot."

  "What language were the residents speaking earlier?"

  "Oh... Are you interested in learning it?" he asked enthusiastically.

  "I don't think I can. My tongue is stiff," I declined politely.

  "Alright. Our language's official name is Laghak."

  That man guided me and Isvana around the village. Until we finally arrived at a village entrance gate that looked quite crowded with gathered residents.

  ";#+$;#(#+#! #++#8#! " someone in the crowd shouted.

  "What did you ask him and what's going on here?" I asked our guide.

  "Hahaha, you're asking the same question I just asked. And he says the Young Princess is here."

  "Hah... The Royal Princess?" I was surprised. What would a Princess be doing here?

  "No. That's the daughter of Earl Nargar, owner of much land in this region. Are you curious to meet her?"

  "No. I'm still tired from the long journey," I refused firmly. I didn't want to deal with nobles again for a while.

  I and Isvana turned around, intending to go to the place where we were allowed to stay.

  However, it turned out that we didn't meet her—she came to us instead.

  "You're Aister, aren't you?" asked a young noble girl with a characteristically spoiled tone.

  Beside her stood her guards: several human soldiers and Beastman slaves with horse and deer physical features. Their contracts looked quite strong, possibly Tier 1 or 2.

  "Yes, what is it?" I replied curtly. Despite lacking the convoluted noble etiquette, I still tried to respond politely.

  That girl stared at my line of slaves with arrogantly sparkling eyes.

  "I challenge you! More precisely, let your slaves fight my slaves!" she challenged, pointing at her horse Beastmen. Truly a spoiled noble. Did she think slaves were fighting cocks to be pitted on a whim?

  "No," I refused firmly.

  Hearing my immediate refusal, her face flushed red. She started stomping her feet, whining, and finally cried loudly like a child not getting candy.

  "Waaah! Just fight! Fiiight!"

  I chose to ignore her. I turned around, entered the house provided for me, closed the door tightly, and immediately went to sleep.