He had only been out in the world a few days. Vyke truly hadn't given much thought to what path he should take.
Helping the villagers drive off the bandits had simply been a surge of honor and hot blood in the moment.
Nolan did not seem bothered by his hesitation. Smiling, he continued,
"Since you haven't decided what to do next, why not travel with me?"
How could a Lord walk alone, with no one at his side?
The invitation left Vyke conflicted.
On the one hand, Nolan had already shown him kindness. Refusing outright would feel ungrateful.
On the other, what he had experienced these past few days had shown him how twisted people's hearts could be. It was nothing like the days beyond the thick fog, where all he needed to do was fight.
"I need some time to think," he replied tactfully.
Nolan smiled. He had already thought of a way forward, a way to announce his return to the one he loved and to break the current deadlock.
Seeing the clear flicker of interest on the young man's face, he pressed further.
"Look at this so-called Golden Age. Is it truly as good as you once imagined?"
"Does it match the wishes of the heroes who once followed Godfrey and fought in bloodshed?"
"What are you trying to say?" Vyke looked up. What young man setting out into the world was not full of fire?
He had a feeling Nolan was about to speak of something immense, something that would linger in the hearts of heroes.
"Now the Elden Ring lies shattered, yet no Lord stands in sight."
"As a result, warlords rise in every land, fighting for power and profit. The flames of war never cease. Bandits run rampant."
"Not only do the Golden lineage suffer, but all living beings in the Lands Between are trapped in this endless torment."
"That is why the Two Fingers have recalled the Tarnished, to rebuild the Golden Age."
Nolan's words struck Vyke like a tolling bell. He found himself agreeing with every sentence.
His eyes shone brightly as he fixed Nolan with an intense gaze.
"Do you also carry such ambition, to ascend the supreme Elden Throne?"
Faced with the blunt question, Nolan gently shook his head. A faint look of compassion crossed his face.
"The world's suffering has no end, and its people cry out. I only do what I can."
To claim the throne, he was still far from ready.
Vyke felt a deep surge of respect. He raised his cup and drained it in one breath.
Then he looked at Nolan earnestly.
"Lord Nolan, your words put me to shame. Please allow me to travel at your side."
Vyke truly felt inadequate.
He had once admired the glory that surrounded the great heroes.
But after hearing Nolan speak, he realized how far he still was from becoming one.
Just then, hurried footsteps approached from outside.
A flustered villager rushed in.
Stopping before them, he panted,
"Sir Tarnished, this is bad! The Mortons are here looking for you!"
Before his words fully settled, another voice drifted in from the doorway.
"Carian Knight, and this gentleman."
"Regarding the Tarnished killing the tax collectors, His Lordship is quite concerned and hopes the two of you can provide a detailed explanation."
"We ask for your cooperation."
The speaker was a retainer from the lord's manor. His tone was polite, and he stood at the entrance with a faint smile, waiting for their reply.
"The Mortons can't be up to anything good. Lord Nolan, we should leave," Vyke muttered, his expression darkening.
"If we leave, what happens to the village?" Nolan replied lightly.
Vyke fell silent. He had not thought that far.
They had been in the village less than a day, yet he could not bear the thought of innocent villagers suffering because of him.
"Then please leave first, my lord. The fault is mine alone. I'll go meet the lord," Vyke said through clenched teeth, having made up his mind.
He knew facing the lord could mean danger, but he had no intention of dragging Nolan into it.
"What are you talking about? You just agreed we'd travel together. If we're going, we're going together."
Nolan shook his head with a smile, a trace of helplessness in his eyes.
This kid really was too simple. If he ever ran into some shameless, mischief-loving dragon, he would probably be toyed with in no time.
"I was just looking for a chance to settle this nuisance. I didn't expect them to deliver themselves to my door."
"When the time comes, watch yourself."
Nolan patted Vyke on the shoulder, speaking lightly.
Vyke nodded at once, secretly glad he had met someone as dependable as Nolan.
He had never seen Nolan make a move, yet every instinct warned him that the man before him was far stronger than he was.
Even in presence alone, Vyke felt a step behind. During their earlier drinking, he had been the passive one.
In the end, their exchange had rested on the gap in their strength.
Without power to stand on equal footing, many things would likely have turned out differently.
"Your Excellency, please follow me."
The retainer gave a slight bow, every gesture refined. He bore none of the reckless arrogance the young noble had shown earlier.
He swung onto his horse, signaled for Nolan and Vyke to follow, and rode east at a swift pace, a squad of cavalry trailing behind.
Nolan wore the resplendent Carian Knight armor, shining like a star against the night.
Precious gemstones were set across the plates. With each movement, they chimed crisply.
Clatter, chime, clatter.
The sound was almost musical.
Such lavish equipment drew envious looks from the surrounding riders.
Five men rode close around Nolan and Vyke.
Each was clad in heavy armor, gripping blades and spears.
But the greed in their eyes made it clear they did not see honored guests before them.
"So the Carian Knight title isn't enough to scare them. They actually dare to harbor killing intent."
Nolan gave a faint nod. There was no way he could miss those looks.
In the end, it always came down to strength.
If they did not fear the Carian Knight, then they would see whether they feared death.
This lowly Tarnished had offended the lord, and he still dared to smile?
The retainer's lips curled slightly in a cold sneer.
Before long, they arrived at a manor.
The surrounding village appeared fairly prosperous, ringed by wide stretches of fertile farmland.
On higher ground stood fortified buildings enclosed by tall walls.
The cavalry rode into the estate and finally came to a stop.
"Where is Lord Morton?" Nolan asked from horseback.
"His Lordship? His Lordship has no time to deal with nobodies like you," the retainer replied, his expression turning sharp.