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The new sun has risen.

The carriage that came from the Great Forest is ready to set off again, and behind it, several more carriages from the Count’s House are lined up in wait.

If the prophecy is accurate, we can’t just send the second daughter and her attendant into the lands of our allied powers where war may break out.

A few servants and knights are following us.

“Well, it turned out like this.”

I muttered quietly in a language only I knew, lamenting my situation in this world.

In the lead carriage, I can see several people gathering around a blonde elf.

Friel Arielte. They seem to be all set to board the carriage, engaged in some final discussion.

“Hmm…”

As I watched them, I recalled yesterday’s events while waiting for Shione, who had been called over by Ainel.

If I had to point out what happened yesterday, there was only one thing.

A spectacular sight that was different from the usual, arising during a day full of last-minute arrangements.

That holy, glowing necklace was a present from Sion, my lord Shione’s brother.

“That was quite unexpected.”

He expressed, saying it was a gift from the church for her efforts on the castle walls—not just his personal gift.

Later, he had shown a half-hearted concern and caution, asking her not to die in the Great Forest. I still vividly remember everything he said back then; it hasn’t faded.

Who could have imagined that Sion, of all people, would come rushing in to present a gift to Shione right into her hands?

“Even if a gift was given, it doesn’t mean the relationship has returned to how it used to be.”

Even though he offered such a precious gift, the deep emotional rift still couldn’t be bridged by just a necklace.

Unfortunately, the quest detailing the improvement of Shione and Sion’s relationship did not report success.

“A bit disappointing, I guess.”

Heading into the Great Forest, which would soon be a battlefield with demon spawn.

The power to vanquish demons. If I acquire that seed, it could be quite helpful.

Still, thanks to the valuable rewards gathered from the castle walls, I have my own achievements on this world, in this body of Ray.

“At least I have something different.”

Through this, I gained power related to anti-magic, if not outright demon-fighting abilities.

While it may not compare to those who can vanquish demons, powers connected to anti-magic are significant for beings like me, who bear magic.

The very essence of anti-magic in each of my attacks would suffice to tear low to mid-level demons apart, much like last time.

I ultimately tucked away my regrets about the quest I couldn’t finish at the Count’s House.

Just then.

“Ray.”

Shione, raising her hand slightly toward me, called my name with a tidier posture than usual.

“It’s been a while since we last talked.”

Beside her, Siabel’s exceptionally loyal knight, Diolia, accompanied Shione.

An expert knight who spars daily with Siabel, stirring fierce auras, was also there.

“With the long journey to the Great Forest, and now selected as your guard in the forest, I hope you’ll depend on me like last year.”

Unlike when we visited the Feiosha Marquis House, Diolia respectfully bowed her head.

Knights generally embody righteousness, setting aside all emotions to remain loyal to their lords.

Yet, contrary to this image, they share sweat and camaraderie on the battlefield, forming bonds of humanity.

Perhaps thanks to my decent performance during the spar with Siabel and some notable actions on the castle walls, Diolia seems to feel some camaraderie with me.

“Yes, thank you for being on board.”

I responded to Diolia in a slightly more relaxed manner.

Having a few servants following us reduced my workload a bit, but less work is always better.

If possible, I should use this opportunity to subtly ask her to share some of my tasks with her.

“Then, Shione, I’ll go check the armament of those who will journey with us once again.”

“Haven’t you checked multiple times already?”

“Haha, there are quite a few new recruits that worry me.”

“Okay. Then take care, Lady Diolia.”

“Yes, understood.”

Just as Diolia attempted to move to check on the recruits, her body suddenly stopped for some reason.

“By the way…”

She seemed to realize something and tilted her head slightly, turning to Shione.

“I forgot to ask a question about the carriage.”

“The carriage?”

“If it would be better for me to ride the same carriage as you, Shione.”

“If that’s the case—”

Shione squinted her eyes for a moment, beginning to imagine something.

Watching my lord like that, I thought.

“Shione riding with Diolia.”

If she gets a little tired, she might just flop on the carriage seat.

And if she decides not to move for a while, she could build a fortress for herself, laying down her leather and covering with blankets.

When she awakens, she often appears disheveled, munching on the snacks I offered, stuck in a loop.

That lifestyle is already familiar to me, as the attendant deftly lets her be, doing only their own work.

“Well, it would be amusing.”

Even though there’s not much to do in a carriage, there should be some simple hobbies available.

Reading a book or meditating for a peaceful mind.

Or, with the memories of countless battles from the recent war still fresh in her mind, she could take this chance to review her past fights with the enemy, looking for areas to improve.

Yet Shione, in the carriage, is far from those developmental activities.

“My imagination would just crumble.”

After nearly a year of her transformation, Shione Shianella has broken through the expert walls.

During this time in the fortress, while she certainly is talented, her public image as a dedicated archer practicing daily at the shooting range, without a doubt, was supported by countless unseen efforts backing her remarkable achievements.

Instead of the anticipated diligent worker, Diolia only sees a glutton, and watching her reaction could be quite entertaining.

While I was lost in thought, Shione finally broke her gaze from me and responded to Diolia.

“Lady Diolia… I would like you to ride in the back carriage with us. Can you do that for me?”

“The back carriage? Is that okay?”

“Of course.”

Shione approached me softly and placed her right hand gently on my shoulder.

“Isn’t there someone strong next to me, just like a knight?”

“Oh.”

Diolia nodded, agreeing with Shione’s words.

Her small smile indicated her agreement.

“Sure, since someone who can turn a demon to ashes with a single arrow is here, I’m not sure if we need another escort knight.”

“Yeah.”

“Moreover, he has been endowed with enough talent in swordsmanship… I believe it should work out well. Then I will follow along in the back carriage with the soldiers.”

Diolia’s loyal gaze turned towards me.

“If anything happens, Ray, have him call us. I will come running.”

“Reliable, thank you, Lady Diolia.”

“Just doing what’s expected. Well then…”

Diolia lightly smiled before turning away from us.

Shione watched her leave quietly and then began to whisper to me.

An unexpected, playful expression that reminded me of Siabel tugged at my heart.

“Ray, did you hear?”

What kind of prank does she want to pull, going as far as to whisper?

Curious about her antics, I decided to play along.

“What are you talking about?”

“…Just because it’s just the two of us in the carriage, don’t do anything. I’ll immediately call Diolia, got it?”

While saying that, she wrapped her arms around herself, taking a step back.

How can her expression mix such arrogance and playfulness?

“Oh, sure. You don’t have to worry, I won’t lay a hand on you.”

I also stepped back a bit to distance myself from her.

“But still, if it’s Ray…”

“Yes, yes, don’t you worry. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Ray?”

“I brought some cookies. Would you like some?”

“…Sure.”

Shione took a cookie from the pouch I had brought, wearing a sulky expression.

“Um…”

Munch munch.

As she chewed the cookie, her annoyed gaze remained fixed on me.

Well, her judging face won’t change anything.

“If you don’t do it, then I—”

“Attacking a frail man? I’ll be calling Lady Diolia.”

“Ray is weak…?”

I merely shrugged her gaze away, spending time idly.

While I was doing that, Friel Arielte, who had concluded her discussion with others, approached us.

“My lady is about to depart. Have you said your goodbyes to everyone?”

“Yes, we just need to board the carriage now—”

At that moment, footfalls were heard from behind us, the sound of a woman approaching without a hint of subtlety.

“Excuse me, but there’s still one person left. Would you mind sparing a moment?”

With the appearance of Siabel Shianella, the eldest daughter of the Count’s House, Friel nodded in agreement.

“Then we shall depart in 15 minutes. Please, enjoy your time until then.”

Friel bowed lightly without lingering and, today, with an unusually darker and somber atmosphere, stepped into her room.

‘Since I first saw her this morning, she’s been acting like that. Something must be going on.’

No need for me to get too curious about the negative emotions she feels.

After that, I began to say my goodbyes alongside Shione to Siabel Shianella.

There wasn’t much to discuss.

Words to take care of Shione, and reminding me not to get lazy with my sword training.

Her parting advice and chit-chat swiftly passed the 15 minutes.

“Well then, sister… we shall be off.”

Shione first climbed onto the carriage.

“Until we meet again, may you have peace.”

Turning to follow Shione, I prepared to get on the carriage.

“Wait a moment.”

For some reason, Siabel, who had easily let go of Shione, grabbed my wrist.

Tilting her head slightly, Siabel glanced around before cautiously asking.

“Ray, have you kept that stone I gave you safe?”

Ah, she must be talking about the Spirit Stone that Siabel bravely handed over.

I nodded silently in response to her question.

“Yes, I’ve put it safely away in my possession… but is this really alright?”

“I’m glad to hear you kept it. Once you leave the Count’s House, that’s the end of it. As for the one I took from the storage… I’ll explain it well to my mother later.”

“Handing over a precious item from the storage without warning, you might get quite an earful from the head of the family.”

“Well, considering one of those stones can give you and Shione a chance to survive a critical situation, I doubt my mother will hold a grudge.”

As Siabel spoke, her expression softened, the joy dimming slightly.

More shallow, but not entirely light-hearted seriousness filled her gaze.

“Well, this is another farewell. I hope our next meeting will not be in the afterlife, but in this world. Can we manage that?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Great, then… may fortune favor you.”

I bowed my head to Siabel and climbed aboard the carriage.

“We shall be departing!”

Finally, the wheels of the carriage began to roll, marking the start of our journey, the sound of the wheels turning echoing continuously for a while.

 

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