The Herb King

204 Einar

Aethelwolf was confused by this news. Why did the emperor send Prince Renz to the main army? The emperor wouldn’t do something without planning far ahead. There must be a secret related to the first prince that he didn’t know. Thinking about this, Aethelwolf revealed a pondering look.

“Aenwyn, bring Olivia here.” He told the elven princess.

Aenwyn was puzzled, but she still nodded her head and headed to the room where Olivia was playing.

Soon, Aenwyn came back with an energetic Olivia behind her.

“Papa, Aenwyn said that you are looking for me.” The little girl looked at him with her big adorable eyes.

Aethelwolf rubbed her head and smiled gently as he said. “Since we have nothing to do here, papa will head out and travel outside Lion City. Do you want to go with me?”

Olivia immediately nodded her head upon hearing this. “I want to go! I heard from Rendell that Uncle Ramiel is there. I want to see him.” She said eagerly.

“Alright. You two should prepare first. I’ll go and take a cold bath before we go.” He then turned his head to his daughter and said. “Olivia, after you guys are done changing, tell Rendell to prepare the carriage and tell him to pack up some food for us.”

“Okay.” Olivia nodded her. She then excitedly dragged Aenwyn with her and the elven princess could only allow the little girl to drag her.

.....

Seeing this, Aethelwolf chuckled and headed downstairs to tell the servants to prepare his cold bath.

More than an hour later, Aethelwolf heard a series of loud knocking on the bathroom door.

“What is it?” He furrowed his eyebrows.

The bathroom door was opened and a small figure came inside.

Olivia with her hands on her hips said discontentedly. “Papa, hurry up! We’re already done with our preparations!”

“Y-Young Miss, Sir Aethelwolf is still bathing inside. Please step out first.” The anxious voice of Hyacinth could be heard outside.

“Alright. Alright. Papa is done now. Go wait downstairs with Aenwyn.” Aethelwold hurriedly pacified the little girl.

Hmph!

Olivia snorted before storming out of the bathroom.

When she left, Aethelwolf immediately wrapped himself with a towel and stepped out of the bathroom. He then changed into a set of clothes that could help him keep his body cool in the hot weather.

After changing into his clothes, he looked at himself in the mirror before going downstairs where he saw a pouting little girl sitting on a sofa.

Aethelwolf walked up to her and kissed her forehead. “Let’s go.” He said while smiling at her. He then carried her into his arms and headed to the carriage. Aenwyn followed after him.

The person acting as their coachman was one of the new Level 4 Espers of the Lassiter Household. He was a solitary expert before he became part of the household. His name is Einar, an old man in his seventies.

Einar didn’t look weak and feeble despite his old age. He stood straight like a sword and his eyes were as clear as lanterns. Although he was on the leaner side, this old man still looked pretty fit for someone his age. With sword-like eyebrows and sleek black hair that was neatly combed backward, he looked like a stern old general.

Einar was seventy-nine years old this year and he was already a mid stage Level 4 Esper!

“Sir Einar, we’re going out of Lion City. Let’s take a look at the camp of the main army.” Aethelwolf told the old man.

“Alright, Sir Aethelwolf.” The old man answered in a deep voice.

Hiyaa!

The carriage started moving when Einar urged the two Equuses.

Inside the carriage, Olivia leaned closer to Aethelwolf and whispered. “Papa, Grandpa Einar looks scary. Last night, I tried to sneak into the kitchen to get some cookies, but he quickly spotted me.”

Aethelwolf stared at her and saw her nervous look. He chuckled and squeezed her cheeks. “Don’t be scared of Grandpa Einar. He looks scary, but he is a good person. He was a traveling doctor before and he even helps poor people who can’t afford to pay for their treatment. You shouldn’t judge someone because of their appearance. Sometimes, the most scary-looking individuals have the kindest hearts.”

“Okay.” Olivia nodded her head.

This little girl was a naive magical beast who grew up all by herself in the wilderness. He had to teach her properly so that she won’t misuse her powers.

Aenwyn stared at the father and daughter duo with a faint smile that carried a hint of sadness. Her father and mother were also good to her. She couldn’t help but recall her happy childhood memories.

Soon, the group arrived at the camp of the main army and their carriage was stopped by two soldiers.

“Sir Aethelwolf of the Lassiter Household is inside the carriage, please make way for us.” Einar said to the soldiers.

Hearing this, the soldiers had a troubled look, but they still refused to let them enter. “We apologize for the inconvenience, but no private carriage is allowed to enter. If you’d like to go inside, you guys can travel on foot.” One of the soldiers said.

Einar frowned when he heard this and he immediately delivered the news to Aethelwolf.

“It’s fine. The main army must have their troubles so let’s not make things difficult for these comrades.” Aethelwolf got out of the carriage. He then walked towards the nervous soldiers and said. “Brothers, you must be tired from standing here all day. You two should take a short break and eat some snacks.” He handed a box filled with food and drinks to them.

The soldiers’ expressions eased up as they took the box from him. “Thank you, Sir Aethelwolf.” They didn’t decline the offer. Aethelwolf was one of the few people that are allowed to go inside the camp so they didn’t mind taking gifts from him.

Aethelwolf smiled and patted their shoulders. He then looked at his group and said. “Let’s go inside.”