John was really eager for the journey to Rakllan. It wasn't often that Melch, a man not often out of the estate ventured beyond their borders. For the most part, everything Melch knew about the world was a story, yet he had seen very little of it. For John, this was only the first month on this world, so for him it was an exploratory journey in a world that is quite mysterious to him.

Patricia went about her preparations, ensuring all was in readiness for the departure of the young master. There were medicines of all sorts and ointments, clothes of every kind and herbs together with some books Galen had left in her care. Galen had already made a point that some medical equipment was needed for the young master's crafting experiment process, so Patricia packed them with great care. She also took the initiative of packing extra food as she knew Melch was eating very differently than before. Patricia noticed his problem with the bread and rice here. The actual reason was that the bread while tolerable wasn't up to Earth's standards, and the rice was not the variety he was used to. Patricia thought that maybe because of what happened at the ancestor's room might have been cause so she did her best to include meals that might suit his palate better.

Patricia also packed some tools and glass containers, recalling Galen's advice about experimenting on the road. He had told her how important it was for the young master to keep his mind active and engaged. She carefully put these items into the bags, along with a collection of handwritten notes from Galen detailing various medicinal concoctions and techniques. In as much as these were the particular crafts John would be interested in, Galen could see an opportunity to use this trip both to deepen such interest and get him more resourceful.

The carriage finally arrived, a massive sight with its sleek design and eight powerful horses pulling it. John briefly admired it when his attention was drawn to a commotion in the distance. Approaching steadily was Galen, his imposing figure unmistakable even from afar. But what really caught John's eye was the figure trailing behind him. Leif, laden with several bags was being dragged along, his face a mix of exhaustion and annoyance.

Leif had been enjoying a rare period of peace. With Melch behaving better recently and causing less trouble, Leif had finally found time to relax and sleep soundly in his room. He had hoped these calm days would continue but his hopes were dashed when his door creaked open late at night, revealing the one person he least wanted to see—Galen.

For Leif, Galen had never been a mentor but rather a taskmaster who never relented. His memories began flashing of his earlier days. He used to be a careless happy soul, living within a church walls until Galen uprooted him and chucked him into the Vasti family. Rather than feeding him or sheltering him, he sent him performing grueling chores that tested his endurance. Leif would come to appreciate some of the work done by him but he never forgot that tiring journey that brought him here.

"Pack your belongings" Galen commanded with an air that could not be opposed. "You are accompanying the young master next morning at dawn."

Leif groaned and sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Go where? The Theoder Academy doesn’t allow servants. If someone needs assistance, they hire staff from the academy."

Galen's face was expressionless. "You're not going as a servant. You're going to take the entrance exam for the academy."

Leif stared at him, dazed. "Me? Why? I like it here. Strolling around the estate, running errands for whoever needs something. it's good enough."

“Your potential is wasted” Galen replied sharply. “You’re capable of far more than you allow yourself to believe.”

Leif wanted to protest but knew it was a waste of time. Galen's decisions were final. Muttering under his breath he began packing, grumbling that he was being dragged into foolish situations.

When Leif finally arrived with Galen, he did not waste another minute to voice his complaints. "Do you know how early he woke me up?" Leif threw his hands into the air. "And for what? To take some exam I didn't even sign up for, I was fine where I was."

John chuckled with Leif's irritation. "Well, it looks like we’ll both have our hands full. Misery loves company, right?"

Leif shot him a glare. "Oh, great. Just what I needed. A travel companion to remind me how miserable this is."

Galen turned away from Leif's grumbling and addressed John. "Young master, ensure that Leif doesn’t get distracted during this journey. He has a tendency to… wander."

"Wander?" Leif repeated indignantly. "I'll have you know I'm perfectly capable of staying on task. When I want to."

"And that's the problem" Galen retorted. "It's only when you want to."

John shook his head, suppressing a laugh. He could already tell this trip was going to be far from dull.

Meanwhile, Patricia and Galen had a quiet conversation. "Are you sure you want to send Leif?" Patricia asked. "He doesn't seem ready for something like this."

"Leif has great potential" Galen said. "He just needs the right push to realize it."

Patricia sighed. "If you say so but don't blame me if he drives the young master insane along the way.".

Patricia’s preparations also reflected her cautious nature. Alongside the books and herbs, she had included items she knew John might need for his personal experiments, following Galen’s earlier instructions. The inclusion of rare medicinal herbs and reference materials hinted at Galen’s subtle encouragement for John to continue honing his craft, even while away from the estate.

Leif continued to mutter under his breath as he walked along under Galen's watchful eye. While he sulked, it was apparent that Galen's firm hand held him from slackening off altogether.

At one point, Galen and John spoke a few words to each other in silence. "Young master" he said steadily, "are you ready for the entrance? The Theoder Academy is not a place of learning alone but a crucible. It will try you in ways you can't even think of."

John nodded, though his face still said he wasn't quite sure. "I'm ready to learn. That's all I can promise right now."

Galen's eyes were gentle. "That's a good start but remember though, that knowledge without discipline is a sword without a hilt - useless and perilous."

John thought on the words of Galen as the carriage creaked into motion. The road ahead went for miles, curving through dense forests and broad plains. It was calming yet intimidating at the same time a stark reminder of just how vast and unexplored this world was to him.

Sitting across from John, Leif had finally stopped complaining and was now staring out the window. "You know" he began, his tone more reflective "this might not be so bad. A change of scenery could be interesting."

John smirked. "Coming from the guy who was dragged here kicking and screaming, that's a big admission."

“Don’t get used to it” Leif replied, his usual sarcasm creeping back. “I’m just saying it beats polishing floors back at the estate.”

Their banter lightened the tension inside the carriage. Despite all that they knew they would have to face, they were growing closer. From Patricia's careful planning, Galen's quite wisdom and a Leif's reluctant humor all combined to create an air of cautious optimism. John was mixed with anticipation and curiosity as they journeyed towards Rakllan, which lay ahead  full of challenges, discoveries and perhaps a few surprises.