After dropping Gabriel off in the city, Lily's carriage continued on its way, leaving the capital behind to pursue its path across the vast great plains. Inside the carriage was Lily, sitting comfortably, and in front of her, a kind of virtual screen in which appeared the silhouette of a man with whom Lily was holding a conversation.
- Do you really think they were just simple bandits and not an assassination attempt from your brother? Asked the girl of flesh and woman of the soul.
- Yes! I'm almost sure of it. They had no way of knowing which route you were going to take, and even if that had been the case, then I don't think they would have sent simple low-ranking mercenaries for such a precious job. They know very well who they are dealing with. He replied. In their place, I would probably have called upon more experienced mercenaries and, in particular, mages from the Tower of the North. Everyone knows that the two towers hate each other to the point of coming to blows, so that could have served as an excuse. And besides, I don't think my brother is stupid enough to believe that simple bandits could kill the second most powerful magician on the continent, even if she has sealed her power. You don't share my opinion, Lily the gentle... despair?
- You may be right, but then... since when am I the second strongest mage on the continent? Do you sincerely believe that there exists someone stronger than me in this world? She shouted.
- Of course! The witch of the Tower of the North is stronger, and if we leave the domain of magic, it seems to me that the Princess of Destruction of the Empire as well as the Funeral Fists of the second continent, not to mention the Silver Lance, are stronger than you, aren't they? The silhouette answered without the slightest hesitation.
His words angered Lily to the highest degree. She used all of her reserves to contain her fury, to the point of trembling with rage, unable to conceive that one could still think that someone stronger than her existed in this world. In her mind, she had surpassed the other beings to that extent.
- I... I'm in a good mood today, so we'll act as if you didn't say anything. One day, I'll make you regret those words, you filthy brat. She threatened, trying to hide her deranged grimaces.
- Oh, that angry face hahaha, I see you're still as sensitive as ever, huh. Mocked her interlocutor. You haven't changed. I apologize. I shouldn't have said that. After all, everything I have today, I owe it to you. But tell me, what put you in such a good mood? He asked.
Lily then took a deep breath before making herself comfortable again.
- I found it. She exclaimed.
- Found what? The man replied.
- Well, what I had lost.
- I'd really like to imagine the number of things you lose per week, but I'm afraid that would be impossible.
- Stop that, will you. I'm saying that I found again what I lost three years ago.
- Three years... WHAT?? You mean... are you really sure?
- I took the time to verify it. He was right in front of me and I probed him to be completely certain. It was indeed that thing I lost three years ago. I am one hundred percent sure.
- Hmmm, did you recover it? The voice asked, trying to remain calm.
- No! I judged that it was better to wait for him to come to me. After all, I am his master, right?!
- Lily... do you realize its importance? The problem of succession, the internal and external conflicts of the kingdom, the disagreement over the coalition project, the humanitarian threat — all of this would have a solution if we had it in our hands, and you...
- Julian, who taught you everything you know and took care of your education?
- You, of course. Why that question?
- I have found my weapon. It is mine and belongs to me. So if I tell you that it will return to my hands, it means I am absolutely certain of it. Never doubt my words again. She stated with a heavier and more serious tone.
- I see. I'm sorry. After three years since its disappearance, my nerves are a little on edge. But you're right. You are the one best placed to know, because after all... you are its summoner. I'll let you handle this. Hahaha hahaha.
- What is it?
- Nothing! It's just that I like this. It feels like things are finally starting to move. Said the silhouette.
- Ahh, indeed... the apocalypse of shadows will soon be upon us. I'm already shivering from it. Replied the girl. Will you return to me before that, my little lost hero? Murmured the young girl, painting a small perverse smile upon her face.
And the carriage continued its route across the great plains. On his side, Gabriel was walking alone in the city with a thoughtful and troubled expression.
- It's nice to have a quest, but how am I supposed to get to a place that's half a day's journey from here without a single coin? He wondered.
He stopped suddenly and looked all around him. Everyone was going about their business, so he resumed his path and began walking again.
- I was stupid to leave my horse with that old woman. Now I'm going to walk on foot, haaaa, what a tragedy.
He was saying to himself when, passing in front of a man sitting on his cart, he overheard a conversation between him and another man beside him. The man was talking about crossing the Crooked Bridge to reach the village of Hartu.
- The Crooked Bridge? Noted Gabriel. The village of Hartu? That means that… this man will pass not far from where I need to go.
Gabriel hurried to approach the man who was about to leave. With a bit of insistence, the latter agreed to take him along.
Alright, you can get on. It'll give me a bit of conversation for the road.
- Thank you!
Thus, the man agreed to take Gabriel with him for a good part of the journey. They left the city and began their travel through the forest.