I Have a Task Log

Chapter 305: Chapter 304: A Swift Return

After parting ways with Battier and the others, Colin’s group didn’t dare return to the Church of Morninglord to report, fearing that Orelia, sleeping in the carriage, would be discovered at any moment.

They drove the carriage along the coastal trade route.

They hurried past Umberlee’s Trace, then followed the main road north.

Worried about Orelia, Colin didn’t spare a thought for his newly learned Specialty, instead focusing solely on making haste with the others.

Though it might sound perilous, they encountered almost no danger on their journey.

After all, they were all Black Robes—field operatives. An injured, unconscious Tiefling in their carriage wasn’t that strange, so most city-state Guards or passersby wouldn’t ask too many questions upon seeing them.

After several days of hard travel, the reassuring sight of the Black Tower in Thousand Masts City appeared on the horizon.

Perhaps because Lady Rime’s Divine Power was waning, it no longer snowed around Thousand Masts City. Though still a bit cold, the weather was much like a typical spring.

"We’ve finally arrived."

Kase yawned from his seat on the carriage. He glanced back at the still-slumbering Tiefling and asked, "Is it alright for Pointy-Tail to be asleep this long?"

"Our boss is a Legendary Paladin, you know. There’s nothing to worry about." Colin gave a huge stretch. "So, where should we put Orelia? We can’t just leave her at the Church, can we?"

"Leave her at my place," Ale said.

"Alright, then you two get Orelia settled. I’ll go report to Horn Castle?"

"Forget it. You should come with us first." Colin sensed Kase’s irritation and patted his arm. "I know you’re trying to help, Kase, but can you really explain everything we’ve been through?"

Kase grumbled, "Fine."

He could certainly recount the events of their journey, but he couldn’t do it with Colin’s attention to detail.

Chatting, the group made their way toward Thousand Masts City.

As they got closer, they noticed many new houses being constructed around the slums outside the city.

Countless stacks of processed timber and stone were piled around the slums. Workers from the Carpenter’s Guild and the Stonemason Guild were erecting simple houses, assisted by people who clearly looked like they were from the north.

Colin watched the scene, puzzled.

’Ever since the poor built these slums, the city authorities in Thousand Masts City have rarely interfered, always leaving the residents to fend for themselves. But now they’re actually building houses here.’

’Is it because there are too many refugees? Or is it because Edwin and the others have taken action?’

Colin thought about it, but couldn’t make sense of it.

Still, this was a good thing.

The able-bodied refugees who’d been hired had a way to settle down, and the new houses could shelter other refugees who arrived later. It meant Thousand Masts City was finally starting to deal with the refugee problem.

The group entered Thousand Masts City and made their way to the Dock District, but after circling for a while, they couldn’t find a main road leading to their apartment.

"What do we do now?" Kase asked.

"I guess this is the price for living in a nicer place. If this apartment weren’t so out of the way, we never would have gotten it." Colin sighed. He walked to the back of the carriage and said, "You carry Orelia. I’ll watch the carriage."

"You have to be the one to go. I need to stay and look after Big-Hoof Baby," Kase said. "This Dock District isn’t safe."

"Can you stop calling it that? We have to return this horse, you know," Colin said, exasperated.

Orcs believe that the bigger a creature’s hooves, the healthier it is. Kase also knew that humans often call their children "baby," and so the bizarre name "Big-Hoof Baby" was born. Kase, at least, was extremely proud of it.

Kase retorted, "We’re returning it later, not now."

"What do you mean, ’later’? After we unload our things, you’re taking the carriage to the Church."

"Alright, alright. Big-Hoof Baby doesn’t like you."

After a bit more bickering, Colin lifted the sleeping Orelia from the back of the carriage.

The young girl was dressed in an elegant long dress Ale had given her, with a pair of Leather Boots pulled on to hide her hooves.

Perhaps due to childhood malnutrition, the Tiefling was incredibly light—as light as a feather, or a dried leaf ready to be carried away by the slightest breeze.

Carrying Orelia, Colin followed Ale toward their apartment.

They collected the key on the first floor of the apartment building and went upstairs.

It was only then that Colin realized he was about to walk into Ale’s room.

He asked, "Is it okay for me to come into your room?"

"Hm? Why would there be a problem?"

"Like some ancient Elven custom, for example?" Colin asked.

"No." Ale tilted her head, sizing him up with a puzzled look as she opened the door.

Colin carried Orelia into the room.

The room’s layout was much like his own, with identical furnishings. The only difference was that Ale’s storage alcove was stuffed with things, including the Sable Fur from Snow Deer Valley.

Another thing worth mentioning was the large number of throw pillows on Ale’s bed.

To be honest, there’s nothing wrong with having throw pillows.

But she clearly had far too many. A dozen or so throw pillows and smaller cushions were stuffed onto the double bed, along with several thick quilts, all piled up into a small mountain.

Ale walked over to her bed and began making gestures, chanting to begin her Casting.

It was one of her Cantrips: Magic Tricks.

This spell could perform many odd tasks, like lighting a campfire, changing the flavor of food, or instantly cleaning or soiling a small object. It was essentially a strange collection of minor spells for a Caster.

It was quite useful while traveling; at the very least, they didn’t have to worry about their clothes getting dirty. Once, it had even saved a barbecue Kase had oversalted.

After Ale finished Casting, she carved out a space in the mountain of bedding large enough for a person. Only then did Colin tuck Orelia under the covers.

Once that was done, the two of them unloaded their luggage from the carriage and moved it into the apartment. Kase then left to return the carriage.

"Make sure she isn’t covered too warmly, and turn her over every so often to prevent bedsores." After giving these instructions from the doorway of Ale’s room, Colin left the apartment and headed for Horn Castle.

Colin felt a growing nervousness as he walked.

When he reached Edwin’s office, he knocked gently on the half-open wooden door.

"Come in."

Edwin’s voice drifted from inside. Colin breathed a sigh of relief and pushed the door open to enter.