Chapter 45

***

Two days later.

After leaving the snowy lands, Aidan lingered a bit, as he spent several training sessions in the cold regions. This did not really affect the effectiveness of ice magic, but it turned out to be much more pleasant to train it here. After that, he took out a map and orientated himself. In the past, when he was on a mission, he managed to visit Clover and pay back old debts. Fortunately, that merchant turned out to be smart, and as soon as the smell of money, and even interest, he quickly changed his anger to mercy and even sold Aidan a detailed map of Fiore. This turned out to be very useful, since in the ability to navigate or follow the trail, he was much better than sneaking into the buildings of victims and committing thefts.

- I think if you go to the west and go around the mountains, then you can ... Although, if you go straight ... - With some discontent, looking at the snow-capped and giant peaks ahead, Aidan could only sigh. It came from the east and was just on its way through the Seven region and encountered the Bear Claw. Now he passed the snow-covered hilly massif and entered an already warmer region, there were even places where the snow had melted. Although, it is only now - ahead of Mount Jacobe. That's just to get to them - you need to suffer properly.

- Well, if you think about it, there is a border town somewhere nearby. Although, there seems to be no railway ... Damn it, I don't want to go around, eh ... I'll have to ride through the mountains. Shirotsumi is on that side, and there is a station nearby. - deciding on this, Aidan hit the road again. He didn't want to waste time, so he decided to cut it.

After almost a full day, he was finally able to relax. He almost wiped his feet on his own ice while rolling along these kilometer-long mountains. Fortunately, now this annoying snow is over. The lands near the city of Shirotsumi are immersed in a summer climate. Finally he got rid of his jacket and put it in his backpack. Walking half-naked being too thin was not a particularly impressive sight, but Aidan didn't care, having been in this ice for so long - being in such a warm area felt like some kind of steam room.

- Ohh, this is the path ... - lounging on a bench in the city park, Aidan exhaled cold steam and slowly cooled, creating a cool area around him.

Shirotsumi was a small town, much smaller than Magnolia, maybe even smaller than Clover, but like many other cities in Fiore, it didn't look too bad. It can be said to have been prosperous, even though the infamous Duke of Everly was in charge here.

- How tired I am! - but, even lamenting about his fate, Aidan still could not argue with the fact that he reduced the time of his journey, maybe even more than five times. Thanks to the icy climate, he literally could just drive his way, and in warm lands it would be much more difficult to do this. And thanks to the steep slopes of the mountains, he considered not just driving, but almost flying at an unimaginable speed. If he decided to go around, it could drag on for another couple of weeks.

- I want a dragon or at least a flying snake. Walking for so long is too tiring. Besides, I'm not that rich ... A miserable couple of lamas are not money. This old man will also demand rent now!

Aidan was distracted from his lamentation by a pleasant voice.

- Young man, do you feel bad?

He immediately raised his head and found a pretty girl in front of him, dressed as a maid. Bright red hair, blue eyes and a nice smile. Aidan involuntarily remembered the beauties from the guild, and then sat up straight and shook his head.

- Everything is normal, I just haven't taken my “medicine” for too long.

- Oh, that's how, - the girl smiled: - Then, I'll go. Excuse for troubling.

- Nothing, - the guy waved his hand and began to watch the departing silhouette of the maid.

- Hmm, maid ... Sobriety suits me, probably ... How long ago it was, I would rather return to the guild. Hmm, by the way ... Maid huh? - As if remembering something, Aidan fished a map out of his backpack and looked at some of the notes.

- Everly! - the guy immediately nodded: - That's it. I guess he lives here somewhere. Well, since there is time ...

Folding the map, Aidan slung the strap of his backpack over his shoulder and walked slowly towards the other side of the city. Even from here he could see the roof of the huge mansion, the famous Duke. Not surprisingly, in this little town, Everly's home was almost like Magnolia's Fairy Tail Guild. The main street led directly to him, as if to the palace of a king!

"Hmm, he's probably obscenely rich, so ..." With a sly grin, Aidan quickly put on his jacket and immediately concentrated. After a strange clap, a completely different face emerged from the purple veil. Aidan hadn't changed in height or dress, but his face was completely transformed, it resembled the face of some wrinkled old man, so old that his face was covered with brown spots. Aidan pretended to bend over, put the backpack on both hands, picked up the nearest stick, and walked slowly towards Everly's mansion. Since there was an opportunity to profit from wealth, he was not going to miss it! But, not money is the reason why he headed to this place, Everly had something more valuable. From this treasure, even Aidan had a deeply hidden greed.

With a leisurely step and barely moving his cane, he walked towards his goal. A strange old man with a sly grin and eyes sparkling with anticipation frightened all passers-by. So, he quickly approached the mansion.

*

As soon as Aidan approached the steel gates of the Everly Palace, he found a funny picture: a long and creepy-looking maid escorting another maid. However, Aidan recognized her, it was the same girl who met him in the park. Judging by her sad expression and the situation in which she found herself - most likely she came to get a job, and everything turned out not so well for her.

"This Everly is really a strange type, to send such beauty out ..." - again looking at the trail of the retreating beauty, Aidan shook his head and was about to go further, when he suddenly stopped and raised his head higher. Just a few centimeters from his body towered a long, thin woman with a flat face and black mustache. Aidan swallowed and took a step back. He was not one of those who insulted even ugly girls, but damn it, this girl scared him terribly!

- Old man, are you lost ?! This is Mr. Everly's mansion, get out!

“How polite ...” Aidan didn’t say it out loud, but then he made the huskiest voice possible and hissed:

- Ze-he-he, girl, this old man has a request, bend over, I'll tell you.

Even this terrible maid flinched from the old man's creepy grin:

- Old man, trying to touch this beauty? Are you tired of living ?!

- What are you, what are you! - waving his flabby palm, the old man shook his head: - If you don’t want to, I can come myself ... Hehe ... You’ll like it!