Reincarnated in the trash of the count family (rewrite)

Chapter 3: Arrival at Henituse Territory

The sun had barely risen when Adrian prepared to leave Harris Village. Choi Han stood by, watching as Adrian secured his belongings onto Raven, the majestic black wolf with glowing green markings. The saddle fit perfectly, and Raven huffed softly as if eager to set out.

"Take care, Adrian," Choi Han said, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of concern. "We'll meet again soon. Don't push yourself too hard."

Adrian nodded, adjusting the saddlebags. "You too, Choi Han. Keep an eye on the village and stay sharp."

Before mounting Raven, Adrian reached into his belongings and pulled out a small, glowing object—the Golden Lasso he had purchased earlier. He handed it to Choi Han, whose eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

"What's this?" Choi Han asked, inspecting the shimmering lasso.

"It's a dimensional storage tool," Adrian explained. "It holds a companion—a wolf I bought through... well, let's just say unconventional means. You'll need it more than I will. Consider it a thank-you for getting me out of the forest."

Choi Han looked at Adrian, surprised by the gesture. "A companion?"

Adrian nodded. "It'll be useful. Trust me."

Choi Han accepted the lasso, nodding in gratitude. "Thank you, Adrian. I won't forget this."

With that, Adrian climbed onto Raven's back and gave Choi Han a final wave. "Take care of yourself," he said before urging Raven forward. The wolf surged into motion, carrying Adrian swiftly away from the village and toward the Henituse territory.

Adrian's journey was quiet but far from peaceful. His injuries throbbed with each passing hour, and the weight of the news he carried pressed heavily on his mind. The dark forest gradually gave way to open fields, and the sprawling lands of the Henituse territory came into view.

At the gates, two guards stood watch, their gazes narrowing as Adrian approached on the back of his massive wolf.

"Halt!" one of them commanded, stepping forward. "State your business!"

Adrian reined Raven to a stop, wincing slightly as his body protested the motion. "My name is Adrian," he said. "I've been injured and need medical attention. I also have urgent news for Lord Deruth Henituse regarding a threat to a nearby village."

The guards exchanged wary glances, their eyes flicking to Raven before one of them spoke. "Dismount and follow us. The wolf stays here."

Adrian slid off Raven's back, wincing again as he landed. He placed a hand on Raven's head. "Wait here, boy. I won't be long."

Raven let out a soft growl, settling onto his haunches as Adrian followed the guards through the gates.

The Henituse manor was grand yet modest, a reflection of the family's practical nature. Adrian was escorted inside, his boots clicking against the polished floors as the guards led him to a waiting room. He was offered water, which he gratefully accepted, and told to wait while his request was relayed to Lord Deruth.

As he sat there, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in his side, the door opened, and a man with sharp eyes and an air of authority stepped inside.

"I am Ron Molan, head butler of the Henituse family," the man said. "You've requested an audience with Lord Deruth. Please state your purpose."

Adrian rose slowly, careful not to aggravate his injuries. "My name is Adrian," he began. "While traveling through the Dark Forest, I overheard a group—ARM—planning an attack on a nearby village. Their plans seemed imminent, and I thought it best to report it to someone with the resources to act."

Ron's expression didn't waver as he studied Adrian. "A bold claim. What evidence do you have to support it?"

Adrian hesitated, knowing he had nothing tangible to offer. "I don't have proof," he admitted. "Only what I heard. I understand your skepticism, but I came here despite my injuries because I believe this threat is real. If nothing else, I thought the Henituse family would want to know."

Ron regarded him for a moment longer before nodding curtly. "Wait here."

Adrian sank back into his seat as Ron left, exhaling slowly. He had done what he could, but he couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability. His knowledge of the novel was his only advantage, and he had to be careful not to reveal too much.

A short while later, the door opened again, and this time Ron was accompanied by a tall, imposing man. Adrian recognized him immediately—Lord Deruth Henituse.

"I have been told of your claims," Deruth said, his voice steady but firm. "You say there is a threat to one of the villages under my protection. Elaborate."

Adrian stood once more, ignoring the protest of his battered body. "While traveling through the Dark Forest, I overheard a group discussing plans to attack a nearby village. They mentioned causing as much destruction as possible to send a message. I don't know their exact motivations, but their intent was clear. The village won't stand a chance if they attack."

Deruth's expression remained thoughtful as he studied Adrian. "And what brought you into the Dark Forest in the first place?"

"I was traveling when I was attacked by mutant creatures," Adrian lied smoothly. "I escaped deeper into the forest and stumbled upon the group by chance."

Deruth nodded slowly. "We will investigate your claims. If they prove true, the Henituse family will act to protect its people. As for your injuries, you will be treated here while we verify your information."

Relief washed over Adrian, though he kept his expression neutral. "Thank you, Lord Deruth."

Adrian was escorted to a comfortable room where skilled healers tended to his wounds. The healing process was slow but effective, and Adrian felt the worst of his pain begin to fade.

As he lay back on the bed, his mind raced. The events of the novel were unfolding, but his presence had already begun to alter the timeline. He had to tread carefully—Choi Han and Cale had to meet as they originally did, and he couldn't interfere. Not yet.

Before falling asleep, Adrian reminded himself of the next steps. "Three days," he murmured. "Three days before the real story begins. Until then, I stay low and prepare."

The quiet of the room settled around him, but Adrian knew the calm wouldn't last. The challenges ahead demanded his focus, and he intended to be ready for whatever came next.