Chapter 149: Apparently, Flying Is Against Regulations

I slept surprisingly well that night. But that didn’t mean I’d gone to bed without taking precautions.

Before lying down, I placed several protective formations around the room. One near the door, another beneath the windows, and a third surrounding the bed itself. They weren’t particularly complicated, but they were more than enough to detect unwanted visitors, magical interference, or any suspicious attempts to tamper with my body while I slept.

The following morning, sunlight slipped through the curtains and illuminated the guest chamber.

I opened my eyes, stretched beneath the blanket, and checked the formations. Everything remained intact. I dismantled the formations before getting out of bed, allowing their remaining mana to disperse harmlessly into the air. Then I headed toward the washroom.

A little cold water against my face helped clear the lingering drowsiness. I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and changed into a fresh set of clothes I’d brought from my estate. Dark trousers, polished boots, a finely tailored shirt, and a long black coat embroidered with subtle silver patterns.

A knock interrupted my thoughts. One of the servants had arrived with breakfast.

Since Cassian had apparently instructed the household staff not to disturb my rest unnecessarily, they’d prepared a simple meal and brought it directly to my room. Fresh bread, eggs, smoked fish, sliced fruit, and a cup of warm tea. Simple, but it smelled delicious.

I thanked the servant and settled beside the window to eat. After I finished everything, I pulled out my tacky white gloves from my ring and slipped them on. Perfect. The bait was ready.

With that pleasant thought, I adjusted my coat and left the room.

The administrative building was already bustling with activity. Servants moved through the corridors carrying trays and documents, while guards prepared for their morning patrols. The moment I stepped into the courtyard, I noticed something peculiar.

Vera had her arms folded. Tessa was rubbing her forehead. Rina looked irritated. Syl appeared concerned, while Nora and Maeve were discussing something with one of the stable attendants.

I approached them at a leisurely pace. "Good morning, ladies."

Six heads turned toward me.

"Lord Valen!" Vera greeted.

I glanced between their troubled expressions. "Something wrong?"

Rina groaned. "We can’t find a stable willing to sell us a horse."

Syl sighed. "We’ve asked several people already, but most of the horses in Lumenford belong to merchants, fishermen, or families who need them for transportation. Nobody wants to sell."

"Especially on such short notice," Nora added.

Tessa folded her arms. "Apparently, buying a horse isn’t as simple as walking into a stable and throwing money at someone."

I stared at them. "Right..." I glanced toward Vera. "Captain, I believe I’ve mentioned this before, but I can fly. You don’t need another horse."

"Lord Valen, you need to travel with us."

I looked at her.

She looked at me.

I waited. Unfortunately, her expression remained perfectly serious.

"So," I said slowly, "I still need to wait?"

"We’ll find a horse as soon as possible."

I nodded. "Then I’ll look around town while you handle that." I turned.

"Wait!" Vera immediately stepped forward. "You can’t just leave like that."

I stopped and glanced over my shoulder. "Oh?" I smiled. "Captain, I’m not your subordinate. And I’m not working for the Light Temple, either." My smile widened slightly. "So unless you’ve suddenly received an official order granting you authority over my movements, I believe I’m free to take a morning walk."

Her lips pressed together.

I tilted my head. "Or have I misunderstood something?"

Silence.

"Well, then." I waved casually. "Have fun finding a horse." Then I walked away.

Behind me, I heard Vera sigh. "Rina, Tessa, Nora, Syl, Maeve. Continue searching. Ask the merchants near the eastern market if necessary. I’ll accompany Lord Valen."

I didn’t bother looking back.

A few moments later, footsteps approached. Vera fell into step beside me.

I smiled faintly. "Changed your mind about taking a walk?"

"I’m making sure you don’t disappear."

Lumenford’s morning market was already lively. Merchants called out their wares beneath colorful awnings, fishermen unloaded fresh catches from wooden carts, and the delicious scent of baked pastries drifted through the streets.

I approached a bakery I’d noticed yesterday. Its display was filled with golden pastries, sweet rolls, fruit tarts, and delicate little cakes decorated with coastal flowers. Lily would love these. Although, considering how often she cooked for everyone else, I supposed she deserved to be spoiled. I selected several varieties.

A few honey pastries for Lily, fruit-filled cakes for Ariel, something rich and buttery for Seris, sweet cream rolls for Nia, and a selection of delicate almond biscuits for Liora. I bought extra. My dimensional ring could preserve everything in its original condition.

I paid the baker, discreetly transferred the packages into my dimensional ring, and continued walking.

Then to the seafood stall. Buttered shrimp.

I immediately approached. The vendor recognized me and greeted me enthusiastically, insisting on adding an extra portion to my order. I accepted. Refusing generosity would have been terribly impolite. I also purchased several seafood sandwiches stuffed with grilled fish, vegetables, and a creamy coastal sauce. Then I stopped at a drink stall and bought a selection of chilled beverages.

All of them disappeared into my dimensional ring while Vera was distracted by the passing crowd, except for two cups of lemonade.

I turned toward her. "Here." I offered one of the cups. "For you."

Vera looked at the lemonade, then at me. "Oh. Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

She accepted it somewhat awkwardly.

I took a sip from mine.

For several moments, we walked in comfortable silence. Vera occasionally glanced at me, perhaps trying to understand why a supposedly dangerous mad Magus was spending his morning buying desserts.

Eventually, we returned to the administrative building. And judging by the expressions waiting for us in the courtyard... The horse situation hadn’t improved.

Tessa shook her head as soon as she saw Vera. "Nothing."

Rina threw up her hands. "Nobody wants to sell!"

Syl sighed. "We even offered more than the usual market price. They still refused."

I slowly sipped my lemonade before I lowered my cup. "I have an idea."