On the outskirts of the Ashford Empire, in a wild land filled with forests, small mountains, and barren fields, a group of Stromchasers was running fast toward the west, throwing up dust in its wake.
Riding the Stromchasers was a small group of Knights clad in full-body black armor, equipped with equally formidable weapons.
These Knights were surrounding a carriage in the middle, guarding it with such diligence that it seemed they would not allow anyone to disturb the guest's rest.
As someone once said, time truly waits for no one, and it was already the morning of the next day. Ian had already said goodbye to his parents and was now heading toward the Ignisia Tower.
Unlike his previous departure, this time, he would be away from home for an extended period, traveling to an extremely distant place on a completely different continent.
Last night, Ian had a long conversation with his parents and only went to sleep late into the night. After that lengthy discussion among father, mother, and son, they had finally come to terms with this inevitable parting and the circumstances of their lives.
Thus, Ian said a simple goodbye before embarking on this journey with Lyra.
Feeling emotional and sad? Of course, Ian felt those emotions; after all, his heart was not made of stone.
However, life had to go on, and he had to set out on this journey to grow stronger, as he never wanted to be a Passerby Villain in someone else's story.
To take control of his destiny, Ian could see no other choice but to become strong.
While his mood was dampened by the thought of being far from his family, he was also filled with anticipation for the magical world of Wizards he had dreamed about since the beginning of his transmigration.
There was also the exhilarating thrill of competing with the original protagonist, Carl. With so many events ahead and challenges to overcome, Ian's spirits gradually lifted.
"Huh? Are you missing them already? I told you to meet them properly at least once more. Why are you so stubborn?"
After lifting his mood, Ian noticed that, just like him, Lyra was also sulking.
"No, I already said goodbye. I'm just feeling sad for a while."
Hearing Ian's reply, Lyra shook her head, grabbed his arm, and placed it between her bosom, acting cute.
After that fateful night and the signing of the Soul Seal Bond with Ian, she had become more and more dependent on him. So, although she did feel sadness at leaving her family, it was not unbearable, as she was with the one she loved.
"Hey, I know a method to make you feel happy. Do you want it?"
Feeling the softness on his arm, Ian smiled mischievously and teased Lyra.
"Oh? What is it? Tell me."
Lyra looked at him with her blue eyes and asked innocently, as though she had no idea what he was referring to. However, Ian could clearly see her uplifted mood and the glint hidden in her eyes.
'Yeah! You succubus, you definitely know what I'm talking about.'
Ian rolled his eyes at her act of innocence. He wasn't sure if it was her bloodline's influence, but Lyra was undeniably more forward than he was in this aspect.
Nevertheless, Ian didn't spoil her act and happily played along.
"You know, there's something we can do that will make both of us happy."
He said while grabbing her bosom with his other hand.
"Mmm... what are you doing? We are in the carriage... Mmm~~ What if someone sees us?"
Lyra protested but didn't try to stop him. Instead, she unconsciously adjusted her position to make it easier for Ian to touch her.
"Don't worry, it's completely enclosed, and there's no one near our carriage."
Ian reassured her while shaping her bosom through her dress with his hand.
"Mmm..."
"But what if they hear the sound?"
Lyra still seemed concerned and voiced her worries, as if trying to dissuade him. However, what she didn't expect was that Ian actually stopped, letting go of her, leaving her surprised.
"You're right. Although no one can see inside, they can still hear. Let's stop this."
Ian acted as though he agreed with her concerns and moved away.
'Heh, who are you trying to fool? Let's see what you'll do now.'
Sure enough, after seeing Ian back off, Lyra was dumbfounded. She wanted it as much as he did, but now she was stuck between acting reserved and not appearing needy.
Did she just shoot herself in the foot?
With two conflicting thoughts battling in her mind, Lyra fidgeted in her seat, appearing visibly anxious. By now, she had already forgotten the sadness of leaving her family.
In a way, Ian's tactic did work—but she was just not as happy as she thought.
While Lyra wrestled with her emotions, Ian was laughing internally.
'She looks so cute when she's distressed.'
He was thoroughly enjoying watching her expressions, which seemed to convey that she wanted to say something but couldn't bring herself to voice it.
Unable to hide his amusement any longer, Ian's smile became visible, and Lyra immediately caught it with her sharp blue eyes.
"You... you bad guy."
How could she not understand his behavior now? He was clearly making fun of her. Pouting with an aggrieved expression, Lyra punched him on the arm, seemingly casually.
However, the actual force was anything but that.
"Ouch! You're really punching me."
Ian rubbed his sore arm, grimacing from the solid hit.
"Of course, I'm punching you. Did you think I was teasing?"
Lyra giggled, clearly proud of catching him off guard. Did he think he was the only one with tricks up his sleeve?
"Really? Let's see what I'll do then."
Watching her smug face after landing that punch, Ian couldn't let her win. Although this whole ordeal looked childish, you needed to consider who you were sharing this moment with.
Not minding her cute giggling one bit, Ian grabbed her waist, pulled her backward, and placed her directly onto his lap.