"Yes, this is the same standard for every royal highway." Kiana explained. "All of them need to have rest stops and water spots near them, or else they won't be considered. It's for the benefit of everyone."
"I see. Thank you for the explanation. This place is adequate even for sleep, isn't it?" Lucius nodded.
"It is. When it's windy, it can fly away some tents. That's why this rest stop offers some protection from stronger gusts too." Kiana nodded, then looked a little worried. "I tried to pack enough to make your tent comfortable, but I'm a little worried…"
"It's fine, Kiana. Thank you." Lucius reassured her. "This is nothing for me."
Meanwhile Gellor and his team, were more or less settled down for their temporary stop.
"Phew, I'm glad that we've caught the chance to drink and breath." Albus said, drinking from his waterskin.
"Help me bring the horses to the water spot." Barty told the guy.
"Feed them with the grass first, I bet they're hungry, because I'm starving." Ariana laughed as she plopped down on the ground. "Where's the food, Finch? Wish we could start a fire and cook something."
"I'd start a fire with my hands, but let's just eat what we packed first." Finch said, unpacking some of their supplies and then helping distribute them with Gellor.
This would go on for the entire second and even third day, all that Lucius and the people with him would see were the highway beyond them and the travelers that they'd encounter.
"Okay, that was the sixth guy with a dark horse in the past two hours, Albus." Barty commented dryly.
"No fair, who'd expect that much? Aren't they supposed to be much more expensive and well-bred?" Albus sighed. "Man, do I have bad luck. Ariana, how's your bet going?"
"We're not betting over the people we encounter down the road." Ariana called out. "That's just stupid, we're not that bored—right, Finch?"
"We've encountered at least three families on the road traveling together, more than double the number for merchants and as for the soldiers patrolling, they're about a third than what I expected." Finch sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "How much are you guys betting on the horses coming, Barty?"
"You sure?" Barty raised a brow. "I've been quite lucky the past two days. I don't think you're up for the challenge."
"I'll wager. You too, Ariana." Finch said.
"Win back my money, Ariana." Albus called out with a pained laugh.
"I hope that you can uh excuse my team's conversation at the moment, Lord Asher." Gellor said, feeling more or less sure with the name since there wasn't anyone around to hear them. "It's been a couple of days, and we tend to have little bets to pass the time."
"It's all good. Whatever preoccupies the mind during the travel," Lucius said, feeling a bit of the boredom as well but mostly keeping to himself.
Riding a horse was more or less easy for Lucius so he was able to meditate, although he didn't quite left his body to enter his soul space in case of anything happening unexpected on the road.
"Thank you, I think we will be reaching Etara's Cross by tomorrow, Lord Asher. I think Kiana will be appreciating being able to sleep on a proper bed again." Gellor said and eyed Kiana.
"That's for Lord Asher!" Kiana protested, looking a bit embarrassed.
"You were complaining about your back, if I recall." Gellor said, slightly amused, but then shook his head when he looked at his team. "But ah, let me break up the bets between my team first. It sometimes gets a little too heated. Barty is unfortunately one of the people who instigates it."
Once Gellor caught up with his team, Kiana cleared her throat and addressed Asher.
"Etara's Cross is aptly named for being one of the most important cities in the Land of Etara, Asher. I'm sure that Master Kain already taught to you about it, before, but please look forward to seeing it. It's quite a sight." Kiana said.
"Yes, I do recall it, Kiana. The city is run by Baron Hugh and is actually one of the main supporters of the Inanis Family, isn't it? I recall their name being in the congratulatory letter that was addressed to us once we won the war against the Drew army." Lucius said.
"Oh yes," Kiana remembered. "Wouldn't it be something for the celebratory banquet to be held in Etara's Cross? It's not too far from Inanis City compared to others. Although, I think they're delaying it a little."
"Delaying it?" Lucius raised a brow.
"Well, after you being nearly assassinated, I don't think even our supporters are excited to meet the Count, since he is quite terrifying even for them." Kiana said seriously.
Lucius noticed that her expression darkened, and he had a feeling it was because of the memory of the attempted assassination.
"Once things are settled, I'm sure there'll be time for more festivities and celebrations though." Kiana said, trying to cheer Asher and herself up.
"Indeed." Lucius said. He had planned on connecting with the nobility once that event came up, along with expanding the reach of the Dionysia Brewery and the introduction of Miss Alessa.
"But we'll finish things with the Bergan's Band first." Kiana reassured him with a smile.
On the fourth day, just as Gellor promised, they reached Etara's Cross.
Lucius realized it was aptly named due to the sight of a large crossroads which the city was built around in, and it was filled with the movement of quite a number of travelers.
Its numbers were far greater than the ones Lucius and the others encountered while on the road. Soon enough, they stepped into the city.
It was a prosperous one that Lucius couldn't help but be curious about what type of person Baron Hugh was, and knew that it could have been a good time to meet with one of the Inanis supporters.
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