I heard about my companions’ and my own reputation at the party.
I gathered everyone and returned to my room before the party was ruined. Come to think of it, I left Sen no Tsurugi, Lauren, Pauline, and Elana behind. They’re members I don’t usually see talking much, so I wonder if they’re doing alright?
When I opened the door, I saw the four of them, with Lauren in the center, laughing together happily. That’s good, it seems they’ve warmed up to each other.
“Oh, oh, you’re back already?”
“Sorry for leaving you behind. You all look like you’re having fun.”
“Y-yes, we were just talking about what we’ve been up to, and, well, manga.”
Bags of snacks were scattered around our feet. They really spent their time eating snacks instead of meals. Still, Sen no Tsurugi seemed to have a smile on her face again. Her frozen expression was as warm as a spring thaw.
“How was it for everyone else?”
“Pauline should have come too! It was fun!”
Piyo said this to Pauline, who replied that she was being considerate. She seemed to sense the situation. Then, everyone began preparing to sleep. We had to be ready to move since we didn’t know when we’d depart.
Just then, Shimon came to visit.
“Yoo-hoo, did you guys already leave?”
“You’re drunk.”
“Heehee, no no, I’m fine. By the way, they say we’re departing tomorrow.”
Such an early departure. The Sage’s schedule seems quite tight.
“Do you know which route we’ll be taking?”
“Yeah, we’re heading north from here. It’s through several towns.”
“So, what’s the situation in Bicorn like? Are the surrounding towns being attacked?”
I whispered to Sen no Tsurugi so she wouldn’t hear.
“No, we haven’t done anything.”
Huh? They haven’t done anything, yet they’re going to battle? With so many people? Is that why Unicorn is alone, just observing?
“It’s just that we received a message, or rather a challenge. They said they’d become the Dark Elf’s strength and settle their long-standing feud.”
“A long-standing feud…?”
“We weren’t originally enemies. But one day, an incident occurred. A member of the White Horn was said to have killed the wife of Bicorn’s chieftain. No one saw it, so the truth is unknown, but ever since then, the two have been in a state of hostility.”
A member of the White Horn killed her? For what reason? Perhaps someone within held a grudge.
“He said he was trying to return a handkerchief she dropped, but she mistook it for being chased and fell off a cliff. That’s what the person involved claimed. Of course, Bicorn’s chieftain didn’t believe it. He insisted his wife was murdered.”
Was that the trigger? The two who were originally on good terms are now enemies. The balance between light and darkness that was maintained is about to collapse.
“So you’re going to settle it this time.”
“That’s right. I’m sure it won’t be settled with just talk. They said if we didn’t come to them, they’d come to us.”
And his sister is standing on the front lines. It’s understandable that she’d be worried and want to come along. Shimon looked down slightly, then suddenly looked up.
“So, that’s why we’re departing tomorrow. Get some sleep early! See ya.”
I hope this journey will be a safe one. Especially for this brother and sister, that they may realize each other’s feelings and help each other.
The next morning, we were to depart with the White Horn as promised. As for Shimon, he was brought by his two attendants and finally appeared. He was staggering, whether from sleepiness or a hangover.
“G-good morning.”
“Leave me behind.”
“You cannot, Lord Shimon. We must go quickly. We cannot leave you behind alone.”
While they were saying that, the other members had already started moving. They might be weak in the morning, and the two attendants, or rather caretakers, seem to have their hands full.
“Ugh, give me a ride.”
“You must walk. You’re traveling with Older Sister, aren’t you? Come on, hurry.”
I somehow managed to push Shimon, who was grumbling, and we fell to the rear of the procession. Still, there seem to be quite a few people. I’d say easily fifty. The residents stared curiously at the straggling group. I even heard someone ask, “Is it some kind of festival?”
There were armed combatants, support staff for administrative tasks, a medical team, and local guides. Clarissa and Justal were naturally at the front of the line. Justal rode a white horse, shoulder to shoulder with the Sage.
If only Shimon were over there.
“I’m tired~ We’re going too fast.”
“Lord Shimon, please speed up, or we’ll be left behind.”
No, that’s still a long way off.
