Chapter 214: The Journey Continued
The journey continued, the carriage creaking and swaying gently as it rolled over the uneven forest path. The trees were towering around them, their branches intertwining to form a green, leafy canopy that allowed only patches of sunlight to filter through. The dappled sunlight danced across the path, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. The rhythmic sound of the horse hooves echoed around them, blending with the rustling of leaves and distant calls of birds hidden high above in the foliage.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was far from the peace of the forest around them. Rhea sat beside Mikhailis, her eyes full of admiration as she showered him with compliments.
"Milord, you were just so wonderful this morning. Honestly, I can't help but think how lucky we all are to have you with us," she said dreamily, her head tilting as she gazed at him.
Estella, seated on the other side of Mikhailis, let out a small laugh, shaking her head slightly.
"Rhea, you do know he's not going anywhere, right? You might want to save some of those praises for later," she teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Mikhailis glanced at Lira, who was listening quietly, her eyes narrowed with focus. She didn't say anything, but he could sense her irritation building up, especially whenever Rhea leaned in a bit too close. The usual calm and composed demeanor of his maid seemed to be cracking slightly at the edges.
While the conversation continued around him, Mikhailis leaned back in his seat and touched the side of his glasses, activating Rodion's communication.
Time to check in on those little guys.
<Mikhailis, the twenty chimera ants that were deployed have successfully scouted ahead of the current route. There is a significant alteration in their reports due to our route change. Some unexpected deviations have occurred, though nothing currently dangerous.>
Rodion's voice echoed through the connection, smooth and efficient as always.
Anything noteworthy? Mikhailis thought, glancing briefly at the others to ensure they hadn't noticed his distraction.
<The ants have discovered multiple potential routes for avoiding high-traffic areas. There are also signs of a wild animal—a large predator that appears to have moved through this area not long ago. Based on initial data analysis, I would categorize it as an unnecessary risk. Avoidance would be the logical action.>
I agree. No need to provoke anything right now. How's the path ahead, though? Any problems?
<The terrain is becoming more difficult to traverse the further north we go. We have encountered some hilly regions that may pose a challenge to the carriage. Fortunately, the ants have found paths that circumvent the steepest hills. I will now transfer the visual feed from the ants.>
Mikhailis blinked as a display materialized in his glasses, showing images taken from the perspective of the chimera ants. He saw glimpses of the surroundings—gnarled tree roots twisting across the path, patches of grass swaying in the breeze, and the shadow of an animal as it moved beyond the treeline. The ants moved in an organized fashion, scuttling along paths that humans would struggle to traverse, making notes of the best routes.
<I must admit, watching insects scouting is about the closest thing to entertainment you've provided lately.>
Rodion's dry voice broke in, laced with sarcasm.
Glad to see I can entertain you, Rodion, Mikhailis thought with a smirk, tapping his finger against his knee.
It's good to know that you're keeping entertained while I have to manage a group of very lively companions.
<Of course, Master. Watching you juggle personal relationships while also avoiding mortal peril is quite the spectacle. Though, perhaps next time, you could refrain from indulging quite so... personally with strangers during scouting missions.>
Mikhailis cleared his throat, his eyes shifting to Rhea, who was still leaning close to him, practically hanging off his shoulder. He tried to ignore Rodion's commentary, though he could feel a smirk forming on his lips.
You're never going to let me hear the end of that, are you?
<Never, Mikhailis. Never.>
He sighed, shaking his head, and switched his focus back to the lively conversation around him. The feed faded from his vision, leaving him with the vibrant green of the forest. Outside, the scenery was shifting—the thick woods were beginning to open up, making way for stretches of grassland. Rolling hills came into view in the distance, the landscape gradually shifting from forest to expansive grass, the wind playing across the tall blades.
Vyrelda rode ahead of the carriage, her sharp eyes catching sight of a herd of strange creatures in the distance. The animals had large, antler-like protrusions and were grazing peacefully, their fur glinting in the sunlight. She raised her hand, pointing towards them.
"Korthus Stags," Vyrelda said, her voice carrying to Cerys, who trotted up beside her on horseback.
Cerys studied the animals for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in their details.
"The Erythian variant, it seems. Local farmers try to lure them into grazing near their crops sometimes. Their manure is said to have great fertilizing properties."
Vyrelda nodded thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on the stags.
"It's rare to see them this far south. I wonder if something disturbed their usual grazing grounds."
Cerys shrugged, her expression indifferent.
"Could be anything—a predator, perhaps, or just a change in the weather."
The herd of Korthus Stags eventually moved out of sight, disappearing behind one of the hills as the group pressed on. The forest was left behind, replaced by expansive grasslands that seemed to stretch endlessly, dotted with bright wildflowers swaying in the breeze.
Mikhailis couldn't help but smile as he took in the view. The weather had turned warmer, with the sun climbing high in the sky. A gentle breeze provided comfort from the sun's warmth, the wind tugging at the hair of the travelers and rustling the grass around them.
As they continued, they came across small villages nestled between the hills—clusters of wooden huts painted with vibrant colors, and small stone structures that seemed weathered yet sturdy. Children ran alongside their carriage, waving and giggling, their laughter echoing through the air as they tried to keep up before eventually being called back by their elders.
"Look at them," Estella said, her eyes lighting up as she leaned forward, looking out of the carriage window.
"The children here are so lively. It's been a long time since I've seen this kind of atmosphere—so peaceful, yet full of life."
Vyrelda, riding beside the carriage, turned her head slightly towards Estella.
"The villagers here hold seasonal festivals to celebrate the harvest of Verdaes Grass. They decorate their homes, dress in colorful clothing, and hold dances that last late into the night."
"Sounds lovely," Estella said, her voice tinged with admiration.
The peaceful journey was soon interrupted by the sight of a merchant caravan on the road ahead. It was a small caravan—three wagons covered with cloth, pulled by strong oxen. The merchants waved cheerfully as they passed, calling out greetings.
Estella's eyes lit up even more, her attention fully captured by the sight.
"A merchant caravan! They're so important out here, aren't they?" She looked at Vyrelda and Cerys, clearly excited.
Cerys nodded slowly.
"They bring information, goods, and sometimes even permits for trade. They're the lifeline between these small villages and the larger towns."
Mikhailis watched as Estella leaned out slightly, her eyes scanning the items being carried by the merchants—exotic fabrics, colored glass, crates of strange fruits. She seemed intrigued, her gaze lingering on the wares.
"Those fabrics," Estella muttered, almost to herself, "I haven't seen anything like them before. We could probably make a killing by importing them to the right markets."
Mikhailis nodded, his own thoughts drifting.
Maybe there's a way to introduce some items from my previous world. Something small, something that could gain interest. He smiled, his mind already working on potential ideas.
Inside the carriage, things were becoming increasingly tense. Estella, filled with her newfound inspiration from the merchant caravan, pulled out her collection of maps and scrolls. She unfolded them with practiced precision, her fingers tracing routes and markets.
"Look at this, Mikhailis," she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"If we can hit these untapped markets—here, here, and here—we can potentially double the profits. It's risky, but the reward… the reward would be enormous." Her eyes glimmered with excitement.
Mikhailis leaned in, studying the maps, nodding along to her explanation. Lira, ever vigilant, handed him a small drink, her eyes glancing between Estella and Mikhailis as if ensuring that no one overstepped their bounds. She adjusted his position, making sure he was comfortable in the cramped carriage.
"Milord, your comfort is paramount," she murmured, her tone calm and composed, yet her eyes flickering with a hint of jealousy.
Rhea, sitting across from them, watched the entire exchange, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Are we discussing business, or are we just fussing over Milord?" she teased, her voice dripping with amusement.
Lira clicked her tongue in irritation, shooting Rhea a sharp glare.
"We are ensuring the success of our journey. Unlike some people, I prefer to focus on practical matters rather than distractions."
Rhea just giggled, her eyes never leaving Mikhailis.
"Oh, Lady Lira, always so serious. Milord can handle a little distraction now and then, can't you, Milord?" She winked at him, her playful demeanor only adding to the tension in the small carriage.
Mikhailis sighed, rubbing his forehead.
Why do I feel like I'm constantly navigating through a battlefield of emotions? He forced a smile, trying to keep the peace.
"Alright, everyone, let's not turn this carriage into a warzone. We've got business to discuss, and I'd rather not be the cause of any more headaches today."
Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire
Just as the atmosphere seemed to settle down, Cerys, who was riding at the head of the group, signaled for everyone to stop. Her hand shot up, her gaze scanning the area ahead. The horses slowed to a halt, and the carriage came to a creaking stop.
"What's going on?" Vyrelda asked, her eyes narrowing as she approached Cerys.
Cerys dismounted from her horse, pointing towards a section of the road ahead.
"Look there. Signs of a monster attack. The road's been trampled, claw marks on the trees, and those crates… they've been torn apart."
Mikhailis stepped out of the carriage, his eyes following Cerys's pointing finger. He could see the destruction—deep gouges in the earth, claw marks slashing across tree trunks, and shattered crates scattered along the path. The air seemed thicker here, a lingering tension that hinted at something dangerous.
"It's a Skorak," Cerys said, her tone calm but serious.
"A large, bear-like beast. Razor-sharp claws, armored hide with flame affinity. It's probably still somewhere in the area. And the most troubling thing is that it travel in herds,"
Mikhailis frowned, his mind working quickly.
A direct confrontation would be risky, especially with everyone here. We need another way around. He glanced at Vyrelda, his gaze thoughtful.
"We could take a detour," Mikhailis suggested, his tone confident.
"There's a narrow pass a little further east. It might take longer, but it'll keep us clear of the Skorak's territory. No sense risking an unnecessary fight."
Vyrelda nodded, her eyes meeting his.
"You're right. A detour is better than a fight we might not leave unscathed."
Mikhailis smiled, glancing at the group.
"Alright then. Let's do this."