I believe the order is important. The guard duty rotation ends with Orietta, I get one day off, and it starts again with Priscilla.
The White Lily Corps complained that I was the reason for the delay, and we left the inn later than scheduled. When things are delayed, it’s usually Priscilla’s fault, so I was deeply discouraged by all the complaints.
“Is everything packed? We depart now.”
The Captain himself drives the carriage as usual, but sometimes I wish I could just relax in the back. Alana sat beside me, as always, and we couldn’t depart as scheduled, as usual.
“Come on, move already.”
Even when I jiggle the reins, it won’t budge. I felt so dejected, wondering if even the horse was looking down on me. Was Alana beside me smiling at me because she expected something?
“This is how you do it!”
Priscilla came from the cargo area to my side and snatched the reins. She swung them with a force that looked painful even to me before returning.
Priscilla’s method of whipping is rough. She shows no mercy to the reins she swings. It’s less about a trusting relationship with the horse and more about subjugation. I wish there was a little more kindness… In my past life, even I could drive.
We stumbled at the start, but it was nothing compared to the blood incident this morning. Still, to think that I share the same blood as Orietta, even if it’s a special kind… I’ll try not to think about it.
We left the town and drove along the road. It’s two days to the garrison, one more day to Nuyoo, and we’re camping out tonight. It’s my day off, so I want to make it a good one.
We continued driving the carriage into the evening, and it wasn’t until the stars began to appear that we finally found a place to camp. There were no trees around, just a grassy plain with a river flowing nearby. It was a perfect spot to get water and let the horses rest.
Rufina was in charge of tonight’s dinner. I had Alana watch her to make sure she didn’t add anything dangerous. I took care of feeding and watering the horses while everyone else was free to do as they pleased. The alcohol we drank and ate together was incredibly delicious, fueled by the exhilaration of finally heading into battle. Of course, I have to add that it was all thanks to Rufina’s culinary skills.
With everyone complaining, I walked towards the river alone. Their complaints were about one person being unfair or other petty matters, so I just ignored them and went to enjoy my only hobby: stargazing.
The stars in this world are very clear, perhaps because there are fewer light sources or the air is cleaner. They shine so brightly, truly a magnificent sight, and it’s something a city-dweller like me enjoys.
It’s truly beautiful. I don’t know the names of the constellations, but the starlight alone makes the grassland seem to glow. Since coming here, my mornings have been filled with battles, and my nights have been life-threatening. Having time to calm my mind by looking at something beautiful. I could almost get lost in the moment.
“Hey!”
A voice, cool and dignified, yet carrying an air of authority. It was a voice I hadn’t heard among the White Lily Corps. Startled, I whirled around, ready to draw my sword, and there stood a naked, white-furred demi-human. She had white fur on her hands and feet, but her body was smooth. A full chest and a single horn on her head.
Could she be a demon?! Demons have one to two horns and vastly surpass humans in physical ability and magic power. They view humans as nothing more than trash, and many were killed by demons during the battles of my past life.
Are everyone else okay? I’m worried, but this creature comes first. If she’s a demon, I’ll kill her here. With my current cheat-like abilities, I can do it. I’ll avenge my past. I instantly braced myself and tensed my arm, ready to draw my sword and attack.
“The Captain’s whip handling is terrible.”
What is this demon talking about? Before she can get to everyone else, I’ll settle this. The demon, as if hiding it, took out a whip and swung it.
“That’s how you swing it, like this…”
She ignored my short sword and swung the whip repeatedly, looking entranced.
“Who are you…?”
I blurted out the question, but I will kill this demon. However, looking closely, she exuded a purity uncharacteristic of a demon. Sometimes demons emit a magical power that makes you feel sick just by being near them.
“I am the horse. The horse pulling everyone’s carriage.”
I looked towards the carriage and saw that the horses were not tied up. There was no commotion from the White Lily Corps tents.
“What did you do with our horses!”
“I told you, I am the horse. More precisely, a unicorn. Prostrate yourselves, humans. I am Aisha Otolier, a holy beast!”
What is this creature saying? Our horses are just horses. I don’t know anything about unicorns or holy beasts.
“My horses don’t have horns. They are just horses.”
“Don’t I have a horn right here?”
The creature pointed to her horn, speaking with confidence, but we weren’t on the same page. It doesn’t matter, just give me back my horses. And if you’re not a demon, disappear.
“The reason I’ve revealed myself is none other than the Captain’s poor whip technique. I expected something from you, Priscilla, but your whip handling is the worst.”
What? Am I being scolded? What is whip handling? Horses are controlled with reins.
“What in the world are you?!”
It was childish, but I yelled a little. It’s just incomprehensible. Why a unicorn? What about our horses? What is a whip? Someone, please “summarize” this.
“I am Aisha Otolier, a holy beast, a unicorn. For reasons, I am the one pulling your carriage.”
“I understand that much. But I don’t quite grasp the whip thing. You mean my whip handling is bad? Aren’t reins enough?”
“They are not. You have to swing the whip, and even then, the timing is off.”
Is this person Rufina?! She talks just like her. So, basically, she’s complaining about the whip, my whip. No, the unicorn’s whip.
“You mean I should use a whip when operating the carriage…”
“Just hitting it isn’t enough. You have to hit it harder and at the right time. Like this, like this…”
Aisha Unicorn swung the whip, creating a whistling sound. Isn’t that a bit too much? I want to move briskly with a light touch of the reins.
“Do you understand? If you understand, try it.”
Aisha Unicorn threw the whip and turned her back, presenting her behind. Is she expecting to be hit? I can’t possibly hit a girl’s behind with a whip.
“Umm, how should I…”
“Hit it!”
I knew it. …But I really can’t. I’m not a good person. I’ve killed people and monsters. I make war my business, so I have no hesitation in killing. But being told to hit a presented behind with a whip… What am I supposed to do?
The area around her behind had no fur, and her fair skin was dazzling. For now, I’ll just tap it lightly. If I hit it hard, it would leave a red mark on the whip, and that would be a shame.
“Pat…”
“Too weak!”
She rejected it immediately. How could I possibly hit it? No, no. I don’t have that kind of hobby. It’s different from killing people. Aisha Unicorn snatched the whip from me and said,
“This is how you do it.”
And then she struck me with the whip. It hurt more than I expected. I thought it was just a flexible stick, but its “flexibility” was painful. Even bullying doesn’t go this far.
“Try it again.”
Aisha Unicorn turned around and presented her behind again. Why do I have to be scolded and whipped? My anger began to rise.
“Fine, I’ll do it. Don’t blame me for whatever happens.” I intended to swing the whip with all my might, but it was still too much. However, putting considerable force into the swing, Aisha Unicorn began to let out small sounds.
“Good, that’s the spirit. …Ah, good. More, more…”
Excuse me, but I’m the one suffering. If this continues for an hour, her behind will be bright red and swollen, and it will be unbearable to look at.
“You can do it if you try. Keep it up!”
Aisha Unicorn, looking like she was about to pass out, staggered back to the carriage.
As soon as Aisha reached the carriage, I turned my back and looked up at the stars. Countless stars twinkled, and my heart soared at the magnificent sight.
I decided to consider the dreamlike starry sky as an illusion.
