Although the height difference between them ant that Xia Nan could only reach the dwarf’s head if he stretched out his hand, which might seem a bit impolite, he settled for patting Soldin’s shoulder in return, causing so awkwardness.
However, he felt Soldin’s heartfelt welco.
He rescued them from the Purgatory Flas of the Devil, saving the Oathkeeper Blackwood Squad as well.
Though he subsequently received a share of the mission reward, Xia Nan had undoubtedly beco a trusted friend for the straightforward dwarf, who was also well aware of his capabilities.
Even if they were just temporary teammates for ten or twenty days, it was enough to make Soldin feel jubilant and excited.
Standing a bit further back was Margaret, who didn’t express her feelings verbally or through actions, yet her face visibly relaxed upon seeing Xia Nan, indicating her inner tumult.
Thinking back, it’s quite amusing.
When they parted in the Association hall, Xia Nan heard her say, "I hope we have a chance to cooperate in the future," as courteous conversation, which made him jokingly consider it best for them not to have such an opportunity, given his track record of teammates’ survival rate since his crossing.
To his surprise, less than a month later, there was indeed another "cooperation opportunity."
This ti, it seed to be a regular escort mission with no significant risks.
Xia Nan arrived at the station just in ti, placing his luggage in the carriage as the convoy was preparing to depart and the team mbers were having their final conversations.
His gaze swept over, carefully observing the convoy’s details.
Most strikingly, protected at the center, was a large four-wheeled box carriage, seemingly custom-made, fitted with reinforced spring suspension and wide oak wheels.
It was slightly larger than the surrounding carriages, painted a deep, dark green, with a subtle golden line on its side depicting an ear of wheat—symbolizing that the convoy belonged to "Golden Wheat Comrce" and was under its protection.
All the tal parts on the carriage, including the door handles, hinges, and fras, were made from rust-proof brass and polished to a shine; even the horses pulling the carriage appeared more robust, with sleek, shiny coats.
This carriage undoubtedly belonged to the convoy’s owner, Mr. Horak, a rchant and a mber of Golden Wheat Comrce.
Although it was unclear why soone of his status and wealth was personally involved in the transport process,
his presence clearly added a touch of richness and opulence to the entire convoy.
All freight compartnts far exceeded the market average standards, uniformly sized for easy loading and unloading, covered with taut waterproof canvas; the goods inside were securely fastened with ropes and padded against collisions, making the overall setup solid and durable.
The personnel were efficiently organized:
The convoy manager was a stern, experienced, lean middle-aged man, reputedly Mr. Horak’s trusted assistant, responsible for coordinating the convoy’s journey, rest, and camp setups.
The private drivers were skilled, the guards dressed in matching durable studded leather armor, equipped with standard-issue good machetes and crossbows, displaying strict discipline and sharp eyesight, seemingly all from military backgrounds.
Additionally, there were several accompanying servants handling miscellaneous tasks and attending to everyone’s daily needs.
In contrast, Xia Nan and Margaret’s group, wearing distinctly styled "exotic outfits," appeared relaxed and easygoing, sowhat out of place.
However, the reality was the opposite.
As veteran experts, they were the primary ans for the convoy to tackle specific problems, their status second only to Horak and his assistant.
Regardless of whether it was the drivers, servants, or those guards with a suspected military background, they showed significant respect towards them, never daring to slack off.
Upon Xia Nan’s arrival at the station, Mr. Horak himself, inford by the servants, cheerfully exited his luxurious carriage to greet him.
"Ah!"
Before approach, a sincere and enthusiastic exclamation echoed from the air ahead.
"You must be the renowned ’Gray Sword’ Mr. Xia Nan of River Valley Town?"
In view was a slightly plump, rounded, and well-off middle-aged man.
Approximately forty or fifty years old, sturdy yet upright, exuding a sense of plumpness and largesse from indulgence and composure.
His congenial, rosy face bore the unique warm and sincere smile of a seasoned rchant possessed of great affinity.
He was wearing a dark green goose down robe matching the carriage, seemingly tailored, cut fittingly to complent his physique without appearing tight, while the collar, cuffs, and front edge were embroidered with wheat-like golden patterns, once more highlighting his identity as a mber of Golden Wheat Comrce.
Mr. Horak appeared utterly unconcerned by anyone coveting his wealth, displaying it in a near "showy" manner.
On his left hand, all five fingers glead with the luster of wealth.
A family-crest-imprinted, gold-base, dark red jadeite ring; a comrce ring with a transparent blue gemstone; a wide gold ring intricately carved; a ring made entirely of translucent athyst...
And on his right wrist circled two bracelets made of gold thread with different radiant small stones—Xia Nan had seen many similar sparkling stones on the shelves of the "Fairy Wind" Grocery Store, their prices starting in double-digit Gold Coins.
"Really brave..."
Xia Nan secretly clicked his tongue, marveling at his courage.
Daring to flaunt wealth in River Valley Town, teeming with adventurers and a mixed crowd—indeed not afraid of trouble.
Just from what Xia Nan observed, during Horak’s short journey from the carriage to him, at least five malicious gazes crossed him.
However, thanks to the carriage’s unique "wheat" symbol and the presence of guards and Xia Nan’s team, all they dared was rely gaze without approaching.
"Previously heard from the two adventurers of the Oathsworn Blackwood Team that a capable professional would accompany us."
"Unbelievable to see you are so young."
"That’s great indeed!"
Despite his sowhat "nouveau riche" style, Horak himself seed particularly affable, far from the high-handed magnificence often associated with employers.
His emotional intelligence was exceedingly high.
In a few words, he expressed respect for Margaret and Soldin while warmly flatteringly Xia Nan, without casting any doubt over his youthful appearance.
"eting for the first ti, without much preparation..." Horak’s face brimd with a pleasant smile, like a kindly elder,
casually took a silver chain pocket watch with a pearl-decorated casing from his waist and pushed it into Xia Nan’s hand.
"A small token, I hope Mr. Xia Nan takes care during the journey."
Not quite buddy...
The corner of Xia Nan’s eye caught the lustrous glow from the pearl, feeling the warm touch of the tal case in his palm.
For a mont, Xia Nan almost failed to maintain his composure.
Despite generating ample inco, occasionally needing funds for equipnt forging after his crossing, he rarely worried about daily living expenses.
But encountering soone for the first ti and getting an obviously valuable pocket watch as a gift inevitably caused so inner turbulence.
Thankfully, his control over his body muscles allowed him to maintain a polite and calm deanor facing Horak’s generosity.
Thoughts swiftly raced through his mind.
He and Horak have no connections, so such sudden lavishness might be a character trait...
Nevertheless, it inevitably made Xia Nan harbor so doubts internally.
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