Chapter 80

We sprint down the road that stretches through the forest. Since we are matching the pace of Hak, on whom Tera is riding, we have some leeway, but we are still moving at a considerable speed.

The flow of the trees is fast.

The journey is also proceeding according to plan.

Occasionally, we pass through the mountains, but this is to avoid towns and villages. Generally, we follow the road.

After passing through two villages, Leiton suddenly began to speak.

The wind noise is a hindrance, but if we continue to enhance our hearing, Leiton and I can communicate.

"So, do you understand the advantages of traveling on the road?"

"Advantages, you say?"

Why would such a topic come up suddenly?

The surroundings are a dense forest as far as the eye can see, and the compacted earth is hard and solid. In this monotonous scenery, is it just a conversation to pass the time?

"Compared to what?"

"Well, compared to traveling through the mountains where there is nothing, right?"

Leiton, grinning, looks ahead without turning to me. I am particularly bothered by the way he keeps his hand on the hilt of his sword, as if ready to draw it.

"First, it's easier to walk, which is an advantage."

Occasionally, tree roots protrude, but generally, there are no obstacles to trip over, and the road is smooth and even.

"You're not wrong to use that as an excuse to run here. But that's not all."

"Are there other reasons?"

"Do you remember the situation Tera is in now?"

"Is it about being a traitor to the city?"

As a traitor to Claris, she visited Iline and is now on her way back to Claris. Many assassins have been sent after her, which is to be expected for a traitor.

"Yes, she is in a position where she is being targeted."

Suddenly, Leiton kicked up a small stone from the ground and kicked it again, sending it into the bushes ahead.

The small bush is about a hundred meters ahead.

"What are you—"

"Look. The time is up for that question."

Just as I was about to ask about Leiton's intention, he pointed ahead with his chin.

A man in leather armor, holding his arm, rolled out from the bushes.

His arm seems to be broken as he staggered out. Could it have been the stone just now?

Despite the considerable distance, we, moving at high speed, quickly reached the man.

"Hey, hey, what do we do?"

"We keep going straight."

Before Tera's anxious cry could finish, Leiton gave Hak an order.

Hak, being so intelligent, responded with a single cry and seemed to put even more effort into her stride.

As we crossed paths with the man, I turned back to see him collapse and a head roll away from his body.

Question marks flew over my head.

Leiton chuckled at the sight.

"Was that one targeting Tera...?"

"Yes. It seems Gustav didn't tell you everything about traveling on the road."

"Is it something like, it's easier to deal with assassins...?"

Leiton's hand is no longer on the hilt of his sword.

"Right, that's one of the advantages. Compared to the mountains, the road, which has been developed by humans, has limited places to hide. If you observe, you can predict an attack to some extent. Of course, our passage is also easier to predict."

...You make it sound so easy.

With magic, I could probably do it too, but discovering an enemy hidden in a bush a hundred meters away is no small feat. If I were to rely solely on my senses, I couldn't confidently say I could do it.

However, Leiton said something more significant.

"...When did you realize it was advice from Gustav?"

"Since I predicted he would interfere. But so far, the only action of yours that I suspect is that one. So, it must be that one."

"...I see."

I am simply impressed by the insight that he could deduce so much from just suggesting a route change.

Indeed, this man cannot be underestimated.

"Overprotection has its limits. We have no relation with the stone people now, yet he gives us advice."

"Is that so? I want answers more than advice."

I said this, as I did to Nixky, with a sense of urgency.

"Hehehe. Well, try to figure out the meaning."

I couldn't hide that the suggestion to change the route came from Gustav.

However, it doesn't seem to be a big problem.

Leiton has already factored in Gustav's interference. So, Gustav must have also factored in that Leiton would notice.

...In other words, everything is in the palm of Gustav and Leiton.

Thinking about this, a slight unease stirred in my chest.

But, it also means there is a chance.

It's hard to believe Gustav would have us travel on the road just for the sake of dealing with attacks.

So, the situation Leiton noticed could be a message from Gustav.

"Yes. I think it was just a warning to make me aware. More importantly, how you, who received the instruction, feel about it is crucial, isn't it?"

As if reading my thoughts, Leiton gives me advice.

...Just how far ahead does this man see?

"More importantly, we are almost halfway through the journey. Have you come to a conclusion? Time is running out."

"Ah, come on! I'm not done yet!"

I can't help but raise my voice.

Tera, on Hak, also seems surprised by my voice and looks at me.

When she understands the meaning, she looks at me again, pleadingly.

I'm at a loss when she looks at me with teary eyes. After yesterday's discussion and a night of thinking, no significant ideas have come to mind. We both feel like we've exhausted all possibilities.

There is still time.

But Tera seems to have given up.

Her eyes have lost their light, and she hangs her head in silence.

"Can't we just pay a reward and ask for help to rescue Helena?"

The words slip out. It was one of the early ideas that I immediately dismissed as impossible.

Bribing Leiton with gold coins.

Leiton's mission is to slay monsters, and monster handlers are not included. Killing Helena is a personal matter for Leiton.

I thought it wouldn't work, but I should try anything.

I expected him to ignore it with a bored look, but surprisingly, Leiton laughed with delight.

"Hehehe. Trying to bribe me with a reward?"

"Well, I know it's impossible."

As I turned my face away, Leiton, with a laugh, spoke in a conciliatory tone.

"No, no, keep going. The direction is not wrong."

"Huh?"

Bribing Leiton isn't wrong?

Could he be bribed with the right amount? No, that seems too simple.

"...Just out of curiosity, how much would it take to change your mind?"

"Hehehe, it's impossible."

My question was dismissed as a matter of course.

Then, what does he mean?

The direction is not wrong? Not a bribe, but something else?

"Well, since you got advice from Gustav, let me give you one too."

"Really, I wish you would stop giving fragmented instructions."

It's the truth.

"Hehehe, don't say that. If you don't keep thinking, you won't grow."

"That's true, but... I wish you would choose the right time and place..."

I want to hear your guidance later, in a more relaxed setting.

I thought this as I pulled a tree root that caught my foot.

"Anyway, give up on that. What is your, or rather, Hedron's goal?"

"Correcting tax evasion..."

I say it out loud, then negate it in my head. That's not it.

Her goal was probably decided from the beginning.

"Rather, rescuing Helena..."

"Hmm, you understand well. Then, what is Helena's likely future?"

"To be killed by you."

As I say this, I glare at Leiton with as much anger as I can muster.

Leiton smiles, brushing it off like a willow.

"If you understand that much, the rest is just gathering the materials. And a shift in thinking is also necessary."

"Materials...?"

Gathering them means I don't have them yet. At least, that's what Leiton thinks.

And it's probably something I can obtain now. But it's not something like fruit or materials... I think.

In other words, there is some information I lack. Or information I haven't considered.

From there, I can derive a solution. That's what Leiton is saying.

A sigh escapes me.

"...So, it will take some time, then."

"Hehehe. Well, you still have some time. Keep trying."

With that, Leiton fell silent again, a delighted smile on his face.