Who Says I’m Not a Legitimate Adventurer?

Chapter 71: Letter

She did not choose to gather everyone this morning for a formal farewell. She was probably afraid of seeing everyone’s sorrowful expressions, and even more afraid that she herself would be unable to leave.

If he guessed correctly, Nia and Flora should each have a letter in their hands as well.

“What a coward.”

Lance quietly cursed in his heart, yet a faint bitter smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

He took the envelope handed over by the maid.

Sure enough, at the seal of the envelope was an iris wax stamp that looked especially glaring at this moment.

“Thank you.”

Lance thanked the maid and did not rush to open the envelope.

It was too noisy here, not suitable for reading a friend’s farewell message.

He carefully tucked the letter into the inner pocket of his clothes, placing it close to his chest.After that, he did not leave immediately, but sat down as usual.

“As usual, give me an extra-large grilled meat set, and a cup of rye beer.”

The Breathing Technique could accelerate skill training and physical conditioning, causing his nutrition to fall behind. Right now, he was hungry enough to swallow a whole cow.

Before long, the fragrant food was served.

When it came time to settle the bill, the maid habitually reported a discounted price.

“In total, eight copper coins.”

It seemed this was also something Amber had specifically instructed— even after leaving, she still wanted to take care of her friends’ wallets.

Lance looked at the maid and shook his head.

He counted out fifteen copper coins from his pouch and neatly arranged them on the bar counter.

“No need for a discount. Charge the original price.”

The maid looked at him in surprise, about to say something, but Lance stopped her with a glance.

Back when Amber was still here, those discounts and freebies were an unspoken understanding between friends.

Although Lance accepted them, he would also quietly repay the favor by buying expensive desserts or other small gifts, maintaining a subtle balance.

That was to deepen their friendship.

But now, his friend had already left.

If he continued to enjoy those discounts without a care, then he would truly become a petty man taking advantage of others.

This feeling of being “inferior” in a relationship was something Lance could never accept.

Whether facing Amber, or Nia and Flora, he always adhered to this principle.

After eating and drinking his fill, Lance felt his body finally come back to life.

He bought several bags of black bread from the maid; this kind of basic food was also sold at the tavern.

He planned to continue training tonight, and this food was unavoidable.

Walking out of the tavern, the cool night breeze dispersed the scent of alcohol from his body.

He returned to his new home.

Originally, according to plan, he should immediately begin making Hemostatic Ointment.

But he did not.

Lance went to the second floor, to the workspace he had deliberately set aside, and lit the kerosene lamp on the table.

He pulled out a chair and sat down, taking the letter from his chest.

Under the dim yet warm light, he carefully broke the wax seal and unfolded the slightly wrinkled letter.

However.

The moment his gaze fell on the paper, Lance couldn’t help but let out a “pfft” of laughter.

The sorrow of parting he had been brewing instantly vanished under the impact of the wildly scrawled handwriting on the page.

The handwriting was far too unrestrained—some places were even covered with several blobs of messy corrections.

“Amber…”

Lance looked at the words and shook his head with a smile.

“You really should practice your writing. It’s honestly too ugly.”

【Lance, by the time you see this letter, my dad and I should already be on the road with the caravan】

【That’s right, I’m a coward】

【You’ll definitely say that about me】

After this sentence, there was even a simple doodle of a tongue-sticking ghost face. With just a few strokes, it vividly captured the girl’s playful expression.

【Actually, I’m afraid that if I see everyone looking sad when we part, my feet will never step out of Graystone Town’s gates again】

【So after thinking about it, I decided to leave a letter instead. It’s cooler this way】

【But this feather pen is so hard to use! I snapped one before even writing this much! That scribe job of yours is really not something humans should do!】

Seeing this, Lance couldn’t help but laugh again.

【Oh right, you don’t need to worry about Nia. She’ll accept it soon】

【She’s a strong girl, and so am I】

【So don’t worry about me】

【This time, following my dad back to the Stardust Cross, I’ve also made up my mind to train properly with him and the seniors in the group】

【The old me only knew how to hang around the tavern listening to gossip, not knowing what purpose life should have】

【But seeing all of you working so hard, maybe I can also try becoming a real Adventurer and go see different sights】

【Let me tell you a secret—one of the seniors tested my talent, and I’ve got Extraordinary-level talent!】

At this point, the strokes of the writing clearly became more spirited, revealing a hint of pride.

【Maybe one day, we’ll meet again on the road of adventure】

【When that time comes, let’s see who’s stronger】

【Actually, I already knew you would leave Graystone Town someday. Training so desperately every day, saving money so diligently】

【Sooner or later, you’ll step into a broader world. This place can’t hold you】

Lance hadn’t expected that Amber, who usually seemed so carefree, had seen him so clearly.

What followed surprised him even more.

【Oh right, actually I know it was you who beat that scumbag Hakon into a pig’s head in the back alley that day】

There was a big smiling face drawn after this sentence, looking especially smug.

【Surprised?】

【There’s no gossip in Graystone Town that I, Amber, don’t know!】

But after thinking about it, Lance roughly understood the reason.

Amber had probably guessed it based on how hurriedly he left that day, and how Hakon was beaten up afterward.

【Remember to write to me. You can send letters through the guild channels to the White River City Adventurers’ Guild, and have them forwarded to the Stardust Cross Adventurer Party’s station】

【If you dare not write to me, I’ll snap your shortsword in half the next time we meet!】

【After getting through this winter, when the land warms again, the adventurer party will have a rest period, and I’ll come back to Graystone Town to take a look】

【If you’re already gone by then, I’ll feel a little disappointed】

【But it’s okay. If Graystone Town can’t keep you, then let’s agree—someday in the future, we’ll meet again on a broader road of adventure!】

【Keep swinging your sword, Lance】

【May the starlight of the goddess Areteia always illuminate your path ahead】

【I know you can do it. I sincerely wish for you to become a legendary adventurer renowned across the continent!】

【Your forever friend and future great adventurer: Amber】

At the very bottom of the letter was a slightly childish fine-line drawing.

Though the lines were immature, they carefully outlined the features of four people.

Three girls and one boy held hands together. Even with the clumsy technique, one could feel the emotion the artist poured into it.

It was a portrait of the four of them.

And Lance, who was surrounded in the middle, wore a somewhat helpless yet indulgent expression.

Lance’s fingers gently brushed over the drawing as he let out a long breath.

He found an exquisite wooden box, carefully folded the letter, and placed it inside with great care.

Partings were always sorrowful.

But just as Amber had said, this was not a final farewell.

Life still had to go on, and everyone had to set off toward distant places for their own futures.

“Goodbye, Amber.”

Lance murmured softly.

“I hope we can meet again on the road of adventurers. By then… we must both become better versions of ourselves.”