The sun had barely risen when the manor came alive with activity. Horses neighed softly, carriages rattled as supplies were loaded, and the faint scent of herbs and fresh bread filled the courtyard. Baker tightened his cloak around his shoulders, his Enduring Body Magic humming faintly beneath his skin, ready for the long journey ahead.
"Baker! Clarisse! Everyone ready?" Ventis called from the front steps, hands folded neatly, eyes scanning the preparations one last time.
The courtyard was a bustle of farewells. Harven, the head chef, came forward first, his broad hands gripping Baker's shoulders. "You've done well, young master. Take care of yourself, and don't forget what you've learned in the kitchen. Keep eating properly!"
Baker nodded, grinning. "I'll make sure every meal is perfect, Chef Harven. Thank you for everything."
Several junior chefs bowed in unison. "Farewell, young master! May your journey be safe and your meals delicious!"
The gardener, a wiry man with a wide-brimmed straw hat, waved a trowel cheerfully. "Don't forget to look after yourselves! The herbs won't water themselves, but I'll make sure everything stays in order while you're gone."
A few of the ordinary maids, carrying cleaning supplies and baskets of laundry, chimed in with warm smiles. "We'll keep the manor presentable, sir! Don't worry about a thing!"
Melody, ever diligent, adjusted Baker's cloak and packed a small satchel with travel supplies. "I'll make sure everything you need is within reach, Master Baker. Be careful on the road."
Baker felt a swell of gratitude, bowing slightly. "Thank you, everyone. I promise to return safely — and with stories, meals, and maybe even some new recipes."
Clarisse's healer's scarf trailed gracefully behind her as she approached the carriage, chestnut hair glinting in the sunlight. "Time to go, Baker. The road awaits, and your grandparents won't meet themselves." She smiled faintly, excitement and discipline woven together in her expression.
Captain Selene Ironhart adjusted her spear, fire-red hair gleaming as she surveyed the assembled group. "All right. Carriages ready. Everyone, mount up. Let's move."
Baker slid into the family carriage alongside his mother, Ventis, and Melody. Clarisse's healer carriage followed close behind, her maid accompanying her, with Captain Selene ensuring the rear was protected. Baker felt the hum of his blessings deepen, the faint golden glow of his Enduring Body Magic adjusting automatically as the carriage began to roll forward.
As the wheels creaked and the horses' hooves clattered on the stone driveway, Baker looked back at the manor. The waving hands of the gardener, the junior chefs, the ordinary maids, and the head chef made his chest tighten with affection. He could feel the care of everyone here — the warmth of family, the support of friends, and the trust of those who believed in him.
I won't let them down, he thought firmly, adjusting his posture and reinforcing his body subtly with magic. I'll grow stronger, smarter… and I'll make them proud.
The manor faded slowly behind the trees as the carriages set out for the northern road. Ahead lay forests, rivers, and villages — and eventually, the estate of his grandparents.
Baker chewed a small piece of mana-infused Mandearoz jerky, letting the fatigue-recovery seasoning and his Enduring Body Magic prepare him for whatever the road might throw at him. Between bites, he flexed subtly, reinforcing muscles and joints, and focused on his breathing.
Selene rode beside the carriage, spear resting lightly across her shoulder, eyes scanning the horizon. "Keep your magic flowing at low cost, Baker. You'll need it for hours if trouble comes. Pace yourself, and don't overextend."
"Yes, Captain Selene," Baker replied, voice steady. He adjusted the flow of his mana, lowering it to the minimum sustainable level while keeping the healing and reinforcement active indefinitely. The road was long, but he was ready — physically, mentally, and magically.
And with that, the journey north had truly begun.