As a villain, he could do whatever he wanted.

Page 176

Chapter 406: An Unexpected Encounter (Part 3)

"So, this is what I wanted to tell you, do you understand?" After telling his "story," Lius did not continue to preach, because he knew that sometimes, a relatable example is far more touching than a hundred empty words of comfort.

Sure enough, after a long silence, a faint, suppressed sound of someone sucking in alien particles came from inside the carriage. "Thank you." The girl's voice had a heavy nasal tone, but the self-pitying sense of loss had been replaced by a new emotion called "being moved."

“Thank you, Mr. Magician, you…you were willing to tell me something so embarrassing.” It’s not embarrassing at all. “Lius continued gently, offering words of encouragement,” he said, “this is one of my most treasured assets, because it taught me how to face failure.” “Hmm!”

The girl nodded heavily. Although Lius couldn't see it, he could clearly sense that her mental state had undergone a complete transformation.

"I understand! You're right, Mr. Magician! One failure is no big deal! I... I can't lose confidence because of this little setback!"

The girl's voice became clear again, filled with renewed fighting spirit.

"Once we get back to town and the carriage is repaired, I'll immediately go back to Ms. Aurora and apologize sincerely for my mistake! Then... I'll ask her for another chance! Next time, I'll be much more careful and cautious, and complete the mission perfectly to make amends!"

Hearing her energetic words, Lius smiled with relief, knowing that his words of encouragement had worked.

"That's right. Being able to learn from failure and bravely face the next challenge is far more commendable than succeeding on the first try."

The atmosphere became relaxed and pleasant for the rest of the journey. The girl stopped dwelling on her failure and instead curiously asked Leus many questions about magic.

She asked him if learning magic was difficult, and whether he could still use magical spells like levitation. Her words were full of curiosity and longing for the unknown world. She also mentioned that she had some knowledge of magic and could use some unique spells and concoct potions. Lius patiently answered her questions one by one, telling her some interesting stories about the magical world. And so, one outside the car and the other inside, separated by a wooden board, they had a wonderful conversation.

The two did not know each other's names or appearances, but they built a brief but sincere friendship based solely on their voices.

For the young girl, this mysterious magician was like a lighthouse in the fog, illuminating her way forward when she was at her lowest and most helpless.

For Lius, being able to use his own experience to help a complete stranger regain her confidence also brought him a unique sense of joy.

Soon, as the wheels of distant towns appeared on the horizon and the lights of every household began to twinkle like stars, this short escort journey was about to come to an end.

Lius guided the carriage to a relatively quiet street near the town entrance, not far from the blacksmith's shop, making it easier for her to find help. He slowly waved his cane, and the blue aura surrounding the carriage gradually dissipated, the heavy carriage landing smoothly on the ground with a dull thud.

“Alright, we’ve reached town,” Lius said. “There’s a blacksmith’s shop not far from here; you can go there for help.”

"Thank you so much! I really, really thank you!" The girl's voice was filled with boundless gratitude. "If it weren't for you, I don't know what I would have done. May I know your name? I will definitely repay this kindness in the future!"

Lius shook his head and chuckled, "We've only met by chance, why bother leaving your name? Being able to help you regain your confidence is already the best reward for me. Well, it's getting late, hurry up and find someone to repair the carriage."

After saying that, without waiting for the girl in the car to try to stop him, he turned around, gripped his cane, and quickly disappeared into the flow of people on the town streets and the deepening night.

Inside the carriage, the girl remained silent for a long time after hearing the footsteps fading into the distance.

She knew that the kind and powerful magician had already left. She pushed hard against the jammed car door; perhaps the landing had shaken the door frame, because this time, with a sharp scraping sound, the door opened a crack.

"Mr. Magician!"

She eagerly squeezed through the gap, jumped off the carriage, and looked anxiously in the direction the gentleman had gone. However, amidst the bustling streets and dim lights, she could no longer find the figure holding the staff and speaking with a gentle voice.

Who was he? What did he look like? The girl knew nothing. All she had was that warm conversation and the story he told about learning magic for the first time.

The young girl stood there, staring intently for a long time before finally turning her gaze away. After taking a deep breath, the girl's face no longer showed any disappointment or confusion. Instead, it was filled with an unprecedented determination. With a firm resolve, she clenched her small fist, turned around, and walked with firm steps toward the blacksmith's shop not far away, where the clanging of metal was coming from.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Lius, who had already walked far away, suddenly heard a slightly lazy, teasing voice in his mind.

"Oh my, I woke up to find my host rescuing a complete stranger from a beautiful young girl, and even giving her a life coaching session. What a touching scene!"

It was Miss System. She had woken up sometime earlier and teased Leus, who smiled helplessly and replied in his mind:

"Did you hear everything?"

"Just the second half." The system's voice was tinged with amusement. "But, using your own experience of practicing magic to encourage others, host, you really know how to make things up."

"As long as it works, that's fine." Lius shrugged dismissively.

"Hmm... that's true, it's not the first time anyway." After another teasing remark, the system's voice seemed to become more serious again. "However, host, what you said today was quite convincing. It made this system look at you with new respect."

"Really? That's my honor. Hehe, it's so nice to receive your praise, Miss System."

"Ha, stop being so smug. Hurry up and go home. If you stay out too long and get back too late, those girls at home might try to split you up. You'd better hurry up and get going!"

"Well, let's go."

Lius patted the System Girl's head and smiled, quickening the swinging of the rope. The moonlight tonight seemed to brighten considerably.

Chapter 407: Two People in the Caravan (Part 1)

Tonight, Lius returned to the mansion with Miss System and continued to spend time with the girls around him, which will not be described in detail for now.

Next, let's shift our focus to another place, namely the caravan girl named "Sophia" who was previously saved by Leus, and see what happens to her next.

"Calling Night," Sophia said with a sigh, as she slowly walked forward, leading the two horses that also looked somewhat dejected, and dragging the wagon behind her, which had been repaired by the blacksmith to at least be able to run but was still battered and bruised. Finally, she saw the familiar glow of the Aurora caravan camp ahead.

By this time, the sky had completely darkened, plunging the entire land into shadow.

The camp was set up in a flat river valley outside the town. It was a temporary camp with dozens of tents of different sizes arranged in a neat semi-circle in the night, which combined defense and living convenience.

If you take a closer sniff, you'll detect the aroma of roasted meat, the smell of hay from livestock feed, and the faint scent of sweat mixed with the fragrance of Xiangxian County on the women's bodies. It seems that after a day of preparation, everyone is now taking a break, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere belonging to the caravan.

"...The shop we visited earlier was really good; the carriage tools and other goods were of very high quality."

Yes, hahaha, and the flowers in that town are of very good quality too. I wonder if it's worth buying. I'll ask Ms. Aurora later, and if possible, I'll buy a lot and sell them to nobles for decoration.

"I must say, this town is really nice. I heard it's managed by Prince Lius, right? Not only is it completely unaffected by the previous rampant cults, but it's even more lively than usual. No wonder Leader Jeonora cares so much about him. Not only is he so handsome, but his abilities are also extraordinary. Oh my... I can't help but want to meet him. Maybe he'll take a liking to me too, hehe. The camp is brightly lit, and the women are gathered in twos and threes, chatting amongst themselves while doing their own work. Some are washing the livestock, some are preparing dinner, and some are cleaning their weapons and tools. Everything seems lively and orderly."

This scene perfectly reflects the meticulous and rigorous management style of the caravan leader, Lady Aurora. "Hmm? Sophia, you're back? Why is the carriage behind you like this…?"

Sophia's return immediately caught the attention of the guards at the camp gate. When they saw the damaged carriage, their faces showed surprise.

Soon, some busy caravan members noticed the commotion and cast curious glances their way. Among those glances were sympathy and pity, and their moods seemed to be affected by the girl's dejected appearance. They stopped their conversation and quietly looked in Sophia's direction.

Sensing those gazes, Sophia instinctively straightened her back, trying her best to maintain her usual serious and calm expression, as if the carriage symbolizing defeat could not break her spine, and she forced herself to make this strong posture.

But only she knew that beneath this feigned composure lay a heart tormented by the failure of her first mission and filled with conflicting emotions, rekindled by a serendipitous encounter.

"These... please go and repair them. I don't know much about this. There should be some undamaged items inside. Please." "Okay, don't worry, Sophia, we'll take care of it. As for you... go and rest for a bit."

Sofia solemnly handed over the wagon and goods to the logistics team members, nodded slightly, and paid little attention to the inquiring gazes and concerns around her. She simply buried her suppressed feelings in her heart and walked straight toward the largest and brightest tent in the center of the camp.

This account book served as Aurora's temporary residence and also as the command center for the entire caravan. "Leader, it's me, Sophia, coming in..."

As she lifted the thick curtain, a warm aroma, a blend of ink, black tea, and a subtle fragrance, wafted out and was fully detected by Sophia.

The interior of the tent was much more spacious than it appeared from the outside. A huge field table was placed in the center, covered with detailed maps, parchment ledgers filled with writing, and various business letters.

The bookshelves beside the table are neatly arranged with all kinds of books, from geography to commercial law. A soft and comfortable fur rug is laid on the floor, and on the small coffee table in the corner, an exquisite tea set is emitting a gentle steam, filling the surrounding space with a reassuring atmosphere.

Everything here, like its owner, combines practicality with an understated elegance. "Oh?"

Upon hearing the sound of a girl entering the tent, a mature woman dressed in a neat dark travel dress and with long, flowing black hair slowly raised her head and looked towards the door.

Before Sophia entered, Aurora was sitting behind a table, intently reviewing a report by the bright magical light. As the soul of this caravan, Aurora was renowned for her shrewd and decisive business acumen and her gentle and kind nature. Unlike the team members resting outside, she was still working, seemingly examining some files. When Sophia entered the tent, she smiled slightly and greeted her.

"You're back, Sophia. How was it? Was the trip smooth?"

As she uttered those words, the surrounding air became even more peaceful. The candlelight illuminated the young woman's face, perfectly showcasing her beautiful appearance.

It seems that time has been particularly kind to this dark-haired young woman. Even though she is a generation older than Billius, it has not left many marks on her face. Instead, it has endowed her with a mature charm that is as mellow and charming as a fine vintage wine. Her profile is soft and her expression is focused. She is like an older sister, exuding a reassuring intellectual charm.

The team leader pursed her lips slightly, and Sophia clenched her fist, seemingly deep in thought, a hesitant expression on her face.

Chapter 408: Two People in the Caravan (Part Two)

Sensing the sound of the girl entering the tent, Aurora put down the file in her hand and turned her gaze entirely towards Sofia. "Hmm?"

When she saw the travel-worn look on Sofia's face, the black-haired young woman narrowed her eyes slightly. In her eyes, which always held a gentle smile, a hint of relief flashed as she thought Sofia had returned safely. Then she noticed the black-haired girl's tense face and slightly indifferent expression.

After Sophia pondered for a moment, Aurora seemed to realize something, and the joy on her face slowly disappeared, replaced by a knowing concern.

She didn't ask any questions immediately, but just looked at Sophia quietly, stood up from her chair and walked to the girl.

Upon seeing Aurora standing before her, Sophia was initially taken aback. She quickly straightened her posture, bringing her feet together, adopting an impeccable subordinate-to-superior stance, and gave Aurora a standard caravan salute, loudly greeting her:

"Team leader, I... am back."

Taking a deep breath, Sophia composed herself, trying to calm down and avoid letting the previous negative emotions affect her further. She forced herself to remain detached and spoke again:

“The transport mission for cargo number C-23, executed by Sofia, is now reporting to you.”

"Well, it's good that you came back safely. But judging from your expression, Sophia, could it be that... something happened on the way?"

Looking at the black-haired girl in front of her, Aurora tilted her head slightly, making a caring gesture, and leaned forward slightly, placing her right hand on Sophia's shoulder, looking very serious and concerned.

"Speak up, relax, don't worry. Now that you're back in the caravan, nothing will harm you anymore. Tell me everything that happened on your journey."

“Yes, team leader… but it wasn’t that I was injured, but rather that I… caused a crisis that shouldn’t have happened because of my own mistake.” With that, Sophia took a deep breath and began to report concisely and accurately in an almost rigid, businesslike tone, recounting her experiences in detail:

"I... cough, this mission transported thirty bolts of silk, five chests of spices, and two chests of magic crystal raw stones. At around 2:30 PM today, on the southern outskirts of the town, while trying to avoid a rock that suddenly rolled down the road, the left rear wheel of the carriage ran over another sharp rock. The wheel shattered on the spot, the axle was damaged, and the impact deformed the carriage, jamming the doors and windows. As a result, I was trapped on the spot along with the goods. At the same time, some goods were damaged, which also caused losses to the caravan."

She paused here, and her voice finally betrayed a hint of sadness, as well as self-blame and disgust.

All of this mishap... stems from my own shortcomings. Due to my lack of experience and improper handling, the mission failed, and the goods were not delivered safely on time. All the goods have now been handed over to the logistics team for inventory, and the wagons... have also been brought back, having suffered severe damage. Although some repairs have been made, judging from the actual results... it is estimated that they will need to be replaced.

"Hmm... a carriage... I'm going to town soon, so it might be a good idea to change the carriage then."

Listening to the girl's words, as if to ease her mind a little, Aurora frowned slightly, pretended to think for a moment, and muttered a few words to herself, indicating that the loss of the carriage was not a big deal.

Sofia, upon hearing the young woman's seemingly casual words, felt an even deeper sense of loss. She looked extremely sad and, accompanied by self-reproach, pressed her hand tightly to her chest to suppress the heavy feeling within her.

"I'm sorry... Team Leader, I will take full responsibility for all the losses caused by this mistake. I... beg for your punishment." After saying this, Sophie lowered her head deeply, waiting for the expected reprimand.

At this moment, amidst the turmoil within her heart, she had even prepared herself for demotion, pay cuts, and even the temporary removal of her qualification to carry out missions independently—things she had already privately decided upon in her heart.

After all, in the disciplined Aurora caravan, failure, especially failure caused by personal negligence, comes at a price, both for oneself and for Aurora itself.

However, the expected harsh words did not follow.

After Sophia finished her apology, a brief silence fell over the tent. The two remained silent, with only the faint hissing of the magic lamp and the distant noise of the camp faintly echoing, creating a lively atmosphere inside the tent, which seemed to have stopped in time.

"Why isn't the team leader saying anything? Could it be... that my sins are beyond redemption, which is why she's so silent?" These thoughts flooded the girl's mind, making her increasingly uneasy. Just as Sophia's heart sank, soft footsteps sounded again, echoing in front of her. "Hmm?"

She raised her head slightly and saw a warm hand gently and soothingly resting on her head, slowly stroking her hair, sending waves of soft and gentle sensations into the depths of the girl's mind.

Looking up again, he found that Aurora was even closer to him, practically standing right in front of him. Her eyes flashed with concern, and a pang of heartache at the pain in the girl's gaze.

"Sofia, my...daughter..."

Shocking words flowed from the young woman's lips. Aurora's voice was no longer the authoritative and distant one she used as a caravan leader, but rather the unique, meltingly gentle voice of a mother. "Mother," and this word "daughter" caused a crack to appear in Sophia's hardened exterior, and tears welled in her eyes, causing the black-haired girl to tremble slightly… Why hasn't the leader spoken? Could it be… that my sins are beyond redemption, hence her silence? These thoughts flooded the girl's mind, making her increasingly uneasy. Just as Sophia's heart sank, soft footsteps sounded again, echoing before her.

"Ok?"

She raised her head slightly and saw a warm hand gently and soothingly resting on her head, slowly stroking her hair, sending waves of soft and gentle sensations into the depths of the girl's mind.

Looking up again, he found that Aurora was now even closer to him, practically standing right in front of him. Her eyes flashed with concern, and a pang of heartache at the pain in the girl's gaze.

"Sophia, my...daughter." These shocking words flowed from the young woman's lips. Aurora's voice was no longer the authoritative and distant one she used as a caravan leader, but rather the unique, meltingly tender voice of a mother. This word, "daughter," caused a crack to appear in Sophia's hardened exterior, and tears welled in her eyes, causing the black-haired girl to tremble slightly...

Chapter 409: Two People in the Caravan (Part 3)

"When faced with Aurora's words, Sophia pursed her lips, and her shoulders twitched slightly. For a moment, she felt her eyes getting hot, and she almost burst into tears, but in the end, she stubbornly did not respond much, but just clenched her fists tightly."

“Mother. No, it should be… Team Leader.”

Facing the black-haired young woman directly in front of her, Sophia spoke in a low voice, her tone carrying an undeniable firmness, "Right now, it's working time, and we're still on a caravan mission... It's a leader-subordinate relationship, so please address me by my title during working hours."

"?"

Hearing this, Aurora's hand paused on Sophia's head, seemingly surprised by the girl's sudden words. Then, a helpless yet indulgent chuckle sounded above Sophia's head. "Ah, you child." Looking at her adopted daughter, Aurora gently bent down so she could look the still-headed, strong girl in the eye. "Sometimes, Sophia, you're just too serious, so serious... that even I, as your mother, don't know how to respond. I didn't raise you like this when you were little, so why have you become so serious now? Could it be... that there's something wrong with my parenting methods?"

"No, it's not the team leader's fault. I did something wrong and shouldn't have made you worry so much..." "Oh, silly child."

Faced with the girl's words, Lola smiled helplessly again, then reached out and gently patted the girl's clothes to brush off the dust, while looking directly into her eyes.

As she looked into her mother's eyes, Sofia's eyes slowly reddened, and her heartbeat began to slow. Her eyes, which were always as clear as a deer's, were now filled with resentment, unwillingness, and deep self-blame.

"I'm sorry, Team Leader Ming. Listen, Sofia."

Seeing the girl crying, Aurora looked at her with great seriousness, her gaze gently fixed on Sophia's cheek, her tone full of concern.

“I am indeed your leader, but before that, I am first and foremost your mother. Work discipline in the caravan is important, but what I care about more is whether you are injured or scared.”

Sophia opened her mouth, but didn't know how to answer. She could only look at her mother with a confused and disappointed gaze, looking very hesitant.