We headed to Wesley territory before the Empire naturally because of Katie. More specifically, because of the Katie-specific item we obtained in the Empire.


    Though Katie was a runaway girl, she still used the Wesley family name, and it wasn''t like the Duke had removed his runaway daughter from the family registry. He''d probably wanted to drag her back immediately but let her roam freely because of her achievements with the hero party.


    But how could they ignore finding their ancestor''s relic in the Empire rather than the Kingdom? Regardless of running away or hero party business, ancestral artifacts and traces needed to be verified by the family.


    Because in K-fantasy that mixed Chinese and European titles, a duke was distant royal kin. In a monarchical state ruled by a king, they couldn''t just stash away royal family artifacts discovered in some corner, especially when that ''royal blood'' was a lineage chosen by the Goddess.


    "W-wow, woaaah--!"


    "Katie, wait, be careful."


    "Eek, the horse, what about the carriage?!"


    But none of that mattered before the iron giant carrying our carriage in both hands. A northern knight using the golem like some all-purpose exoskeleton suit had started escorting us.


    The driver went into hysterics seeing the carriage suddenly lifted from the muddy road. Peeking out the window, I saw they''d apparently unhitched the horses connected to the carriage to lift it. Well-trained horses cost more than people, so no wonder the driver panicked at potentially losing both carriage and horses to the iron giant.


    ...The ducal house would handle compensation, right? Either have another knight catch them or pay for them.


    The situation of pulling the carriage through mud then suddenly having the load lighten and vanish. Even well-trained, intelligent horses seemed uncertain, never having experienced an iron giant carrying their carriage - they nickered nervously and stopped in their tracks.


    They wouldn''t openly steal Katie''s carriage horses in front of crowds, so they''d be recoverable. As I thought this while leaning out the window to reassure the driver, I felt something soft pressed against me.


    "Katie! Be careful!"


    "It''s fine, Irene! The carriage isn''t even moving, I can stick my head out a bit!"


    Our kid had finally managed to stick her head out the open window, pressing against me without a care as she observed the golem and its controlling knight.


    Even in a top-class carriage covered in magic, there was no spell to infinitely widen windows, so we naturally got cramped in the small opening. Though Katie had a small build and slim figure, my massive shoulders and frame meant close contact was inevitable.


    Regardless, Katie waved enthusiastically at the golem''s cockpit in greeting, seemingly unbothered. Well, if knights piloted these golems, the pilot was naturally an experienced knight. So they might know Katie.


    "Where are we going! To Father? The mansion?"


    "Since His Grace is away, we''ll escort you to the mansion!"


    A booming voice from the golem''s center confirmed my thoughts. The golem strode through the mud carrying our carriage, avoiding the horses staring blankly at their airborne carriage. ?Α?NO?ΒE?S


    Though they said wheels would get stuck, northern mud only froze and thawed on the surface, not deep enough to trap a bipedal iron giant''s ankles, so we quickly arrived at the Wesley family mansion.


    In my 11 years as an adventurer, to think I''d travel to a ducal house sitting in a carriage on a golem''s palm. Felt like my fantasy life was sprinting in strange directions. If I told this to the old guys I used to drink with at bars before becoming the holy sword''s owner, they''d worry I was drunk.


    "Hm? Why''s it back already? What''s with that carriage?"


    "Is that the young lady? That head sticking out the window, isn''t that the second daughter?"


    "Oh my, so the young lady has returned."


    Hot water and fragrant bath oils might be too common in modern society to call luxuries, but full-body massages and skincare from skilled maids with 20+ years experience... Han Se-ah could probably afford it with her income.


    Anyway, she was happy because these services were free.


    "Yes, I''ll have it prepared immediately."


    But no matter how much viewers wailed and screamed, their cries couldn''t reach the old butler NPC. Countless maids moved in perfect order at his single gesture.


    The iron giant left the mansion entrance still carrying the carriage, with the driver rolling his eyes in his seat still processing the situation. Maids who''d come out to watch scattered in all directions preparing their tasks amid excited chatter.


    Gossiping about the runaway young lady bringing the hero.


    "Ahh, this is nice..."


    And so began the luxurious web surfing time.


    Sinking into the private tub full of hot water, the bathroom filled with pleasant fragrances - some kind-hearted auntie must have generously added aromatics and bath oils since the young lady was visiting. My muscles melted even without getting a massage or bath attendance.


    As I relaxed watching a pre-selected comedy action movie, there was a sudden knock.


    "...Who is it?"


    "Um, I''m here to, to help attend your bath..."


    A delicate voice trembling despite attempts to stay calm. Seemed to be one of the maids, but this was clearly strange. After all, I''d rejected all such sexual services to ensure smooth web surfing.


    An unexpected sexual service thrust upon me without mention or request. As I thought "What kind of incomprehensible event is this--" I very slowly rose from the tub.


    Because I sensed someone else besides the speaking maid outside the door.


    "Oh? Wait a moment."


    "What?! Oh, y-yes..."


    Though logically assassins couldn''t infiltrate a ducal mansion and ambush me through a maid... this event happened right after the Four Heavenly King moved forces outside the tower. Better be careful since who knew what illogical things might happen.


    Thinking I might need to summon the holy sword, I roughly wrapped a towel around my waist, gathered aura in my fist, and burst out ready to smash down the door--


    "Ho, I didn''t expect you to notice so quickly."


    "Eek! S-Sir Roland?!"


    The startled maid and northern Grand Duke stood before the door.


    Fuck, not an assassin event but a daughter-obsessed father event.


    Enjoy the chappy!