The rest of the journey was peaceful but dull. I spent most of my time alone in the spacious carriage, quietly reading. Occasionally, I chatted with Emily when she brought food and water. My low-key behavior actually added a layer of mystery around me. The mercenaries' gazes grew increasingly respectful.

After about ten days of travel, a massive city appeared on the horizon. A steady stream of travelers and caravans flowed toward it like a river. Cheers erupted from the mercenaries outside the carriage. Saxton City had finally arrived.

Sitting in the bumpy carriage all this time had made my butt sore. I feared my hemorrhoids might flare up. Now, I could finally climb out and jump down, curiously gazing at the grand city ahead.

The city walls stood over 30 meters high. Arrow towers and watchtowers dotted them at regular intervals. A moat surrounded the front, with a drawbridge that could be raised anytime. This fortress was incredibly well-defended, a strong bastion even by medieval standards.

Leonard, the caravan boss, sidled up to me with a flattering smile. "Sir Black, ahead lies Saxton City. Thank you for escorting us. Please accept this small token..."

I took the coin purse without hesitation. I jiggled it in my hand; it felt like over twenty gold coins. My mood lifted. "Boss Leonard, you're too kind."

"Not at all. It's a huge honor to have a Mage accompany our caravan. But there's one small matter about the mercenary group..."

As expected, these mercenaries had impersonated the Red Wolf Mercenary Group on the road. If word got out, the real ones would come after them. I jiggled the coin purse again and replied smoothly, "I've been focused on studying magic this whole trip. I know nothing about any Red Wolf Mercenary Group."

"That's wonderful, wonderful..."

At the city gate, guards were inspecting everyone. My hood and mask looked suspicious. Following Leonard's advice, I hid in a secret compartment in the carriage. I slipped past the inspection and into the city. Once far from the gate, I returned to the carriage.

About an hour later, the carriage stopped before a grand circular building. People streamed in and out every second. Leonard volunteered to explain, "Sir Black, this is the Saxton Guild. I need to handle paperwork and hand over the goods. If you're not in a hurry, why not come in for some tea..."

"No need. I have other matters to attend to. Farewell."

Not far away stood a tall Mage Tower. I needed to go there first for identity verification and magic assessment.

As I was about to leave, a young fat man, weighing about 300 pounds, waddled over like a penguin. He shouted loudly, "Hey, isn't that old Leonard? You're finally here! I've been waiting for days, dying of impatience."

Leonard forced a flattering smile on his aged face and stepped forward. "Oh, if it isn't Young Master Raymond! What a coincidence!"

"Enough, enough. Cut the chatter. Did you bring that adopted daughter of yours? Let me see her now."

Leonard, still smiling obsequiously, pulled Emily over. "Come, come. This is Young Master Raymond. Bow quickly."

Emily's face was full of reluctance, but she obediently curtsied.

Before she could finish, the 300-pound young master rudely lifted Emily's chin with his fat paw. Drool almost dripped from his mouth. "I've long heard old Leonard has a very beautiful adopted daughter. True enough. Girl, you don't need to follow this cheap old man anymore. Come with me directly. I'll show you the wonderful taste of becoming a woman."

What girl could stand such a fat, ugly, rude, and lecherous man? In desperation, Emily turned to look at me. The despair and helplessness in her eyes pierced my heart like a dagger. Yet, I showed no reaction. I just stood silently in place.

Probably because my outfit was so conspicuous, Fat Raymond soon noticed me. He asked Leonard, "Hey, who's this weirdo? A mercenary you hired?"

"Oh, this is Sir Black, a true Mage. Thanks to him, we arrived safely."

"A Mage?" At that word, Raymond's expression flickered slightly. He puffed out his fat belly and walked up to me. "You're Black, right? I don't recall any Mage in Saxton City with that name. Are you an outsider or newly promoted?"

I nodded faintly behind my mask. "Correct. I've only recently advanced to Mage. I'm on my way to register with the association."

"I see. Our Saxton Guild loves making friends with Mages of all kinds. Please visit us when you have time."

"Alright."

After that bland reply, I turned and left immediately. I couldn't bear to meet Emily's sorrowful gaze any longer.

"Pah, just a Mage. Acting so high and mighty..."

Raymond spat at my back. Then, with a lecherous grin, he dragged Emily into the guild.