Weed felt the situation was completely unfair.
“What crime did I commit...”
He could only recall a miniscule evil he committed recently.
‘There is only the small amount of time I played as Undead, conspired with pirates and fought Hermes guild’s Polon with the Undead Legion but...’
They were actions that reduced reputation. But if he wanted to work and eat, this much was necessary!
The knights and soldiers did not draw their weapon and threaten Weed, rather they raised their hands to their chests and greeted him respectfully.
“Welcome travelers.”
The players who were expecting an enjoyable spectacle were perplexed by the soldiers actions.
“Huk.”
“I have been doing business here for over 2 years and it’s the first time seeing the soldiers acting like that. Even the knights are bowing their heads!”
“Who is that person?”
“Do you think rankers from the central continent came here to play? But seeing the response from the soldiers their fame must be...”
The gazes of people coming and going from the castle gates were on Weed and Seo Yoon. Weed tried to ignore them and enter but at that moment the knight spoke.
“His majesty wanted to welcome the travelers and directed me to lead them to the castle.”
The effect of fame and achievements! He could meet any kings in the Versailles continent, but seeing as Rosenheim Kingdom was the region Weed started in, the treatment he received was vastly different. If he stayed behind and remained active in Serabourg Citadel, it was possible that Rosenheim Kingdom would experience tremendous development.
“There is work I have to do to keep the peace on the continent. Meeting his majesty, who rules over Rosenheim Kingdom is a great honor even for me. But there is an urgent matter I have to attend to so I must pay my respects later.”
He had dragged on the quest from the old handmaiden for so long that he wanted to do resolve it as quickly as possible. He could always meet the king of Rosenheim Kingdom later.
“Well if it's like that then there is nothing we can do. His majesty will be waiting so please attend his audience.”
“I shall do so.”
Weed and Seo Yoon under the gaze of many players entered Serabourg Citadel.
*****
“I am buying and selling items. I do procurement or resale.”
“I can make any equipment you need.”
“Before you go to hunt please check your necessities. I sell them here.”
Weed decided to head to the Square and take care of his bags. An unusually obese man with a parked carriage was waiting there.
“Are you perhaps Weed-nim?”
“Yes, you are right.”
It was the merchant waiting there after being contacted by Mapan. He was ‘Gimme The Money’ an up and coming trader in Rosenheim Kingdom known for his refusals.
“Did you bring the items?”
“Money first.”
“Here. I am being uselessly cautious but these definitely are the goods?”
“Check for yourself.”
If people who did not know the situation listened in on Weed and Gimme The Money, they might have mistaken it for illicit dealing.
“These are definitely the goods. The quantity is without a doubt correct. I receive them in good faith.”
“It was a good deal. If we have a chance then next time as well...”
“Whenever you have the goods, you can search for Gimme The Money anytime in Serabourg Citadel.”
The scene was giving off a bad influence like the crime movies shown on cable.
For Weed, the faster the transaction the better so he received the money bag and turned around with no regret. The leather pouch didn’t look like anything special but inside was 168 thousand gold! As these items were from hunting in Grapass, he received quite a sum. It was also thanks to the japtem Seo Yoon collected as he sold them for quite a good price. It was good practise to not only collect japtem but also to sell them for the right value.
“Right, let’s go now.”
They went to the residence of the old handmaiden. In general the street was filled with similar looking houses but Weed spotted her house quickly.
“I haven’t delivered milk for 3 years and newspapers for 7 years just for nothing!”
When Weed entered the old handmaiden’s house, he noticed that she looked much older than before.
“The adventurer finally returned I see.”
“Yes. I braved the cold wind and morning dew, wandering the continent to keep the promise I made to you.”
“Then did you meet Zahab-nim?”
“You were correct about him. Also he made more amazing sculptures.”
“Regretfully I do not know much about sculptures. For me I only have memories left of Zahab-nim whom the Queen loved. I want to listen to the song from then.”
Weed pulled out a harp to accompany his singing.
“Then I shall start.”
KEEK… BAAK… QUAAK… CREEK...
As soon as Weed finished his song, the handmaiden’s tilted her head.
“It’s strange.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t think it was this noisy when I heard it then, but it also doesn’t seem different...”
It was on a level where the tune was made up! It would possibly be easier for Weed to go back to Jigolaths than singing.
“But I was happy that I could recalled the memories from the past. Do you know? As you get older the happy memories from the past are like jewels.”
“I think so as well.”
“Zahab-nim and the queen really did make a good match. I really want to see a scene of them making sculptures while travelling together...”
Tears dropped from the old handmaiden’s eyes. Weed became weak seeing the old granny shedding tears.
Weed took out 3 small blocks of wood.
Saksak.
One in the shape of young Zahab, another of the queen and he even sculpted the young handmaiden from the video he viewed in the past.
Please set a name for your sculpture.
“Handmaiden… No, Grandmother’s Memory.”
Is ‘Grandmother’s Memory’ correct?
“Yes.”
‘Grandmother’s Memory’ has been completed.
A sculpture made by Weed, who is close to the highest level of sculpting.
Has been sculpted in a very short time.
Artistic Value: 289.
Mastery of Sculpting skill increased.
“This is a gift for you.”
“To have received such a great sculpture! I do not know much about sculptures but it seems to be made with great skill.”
Weed had an idea that it would increase friendship with the old handmaiden greatly. While he did not do this with expectation of receiving something from her, he did think he could perhaps get a free meal at least. Wyvern’s movement speed increased with his level. Therefore Weed and Seo Yoon flew over from Grapass in a moment and could not eat anything on the way.
Seo Yoon and Weed looked upon the old handmaiden with a warm gaze.
“Thank you. To have received such a present before I die. I have enjoyed listening to your song.”
DING!
‘Continue Zahab’s Legacy’ Completed
Zahab’s song awakened the handmaiden Elzase’s memory. She will tell you a story you did not get to hear last time.
Quest Reward: Gift from her and information on the next quest.
Fame increased by 569.
Experience increased by a small amount.
‘The quest doesn’t end here....’
This was the quest that started from the training center and gave him the chance to choose the class , Moonlight Sculptor. Weed did not expect a big quest reward, which reflected on the 3.7% worth of experience he earned due to his high level. But more surprisingly the quest story that covered Zahab and the Queen was still not finished.
“This is something that I have saved for the person who would allow me to listen to that song again.”
The old handmaiden stood up from her seat and pulled out a small box from the drawer.
“Please open this. It’s a jewel the Queen gave me, I want to give this to you now.”
Weed opened the box and saw 3 diamonds sparkling brilliantly.
‘This must worth at least 70 thousand gold.’
Weed estimated the price the moment he saw it.
“This reminds me about the story of the Queen from back then. When Zahab-nim left, the Queen fell into a great sorrow. As the Queen of the nation, she did not show any grief outwardly and appeared to be well. But something happened back then and she died of a mysterious sickness a year and a half later. I know for a fact that there is a diary she wrote during that period…”
The woman who had to live as a Queen after sending off the man she loved since her childhood! As a Queen of Rosenheim Kingdom she was noble and virtuous, but at a young age she contracted an illness and crossed the great divide.