Chapter 43

This is the first time staying at an inn reserved for nobles.

The chandelier made of crystal, the cute table with cat's feet, the beautiful floral wallpaper, and the fluffy futon bed. I couldn't help but exclaim, "This is amazing!"

As a noble lady, Liette was used to it and had already asked the attendant to draw a bath.

Amelia, unfamiliar with the room, looked around and eventually settled on the long sofa. Her jumping ability has really improved lately.

Verry, the deputy squad leader, was looking at a map. He was apparently going to be the carriage driver tomorrow.

After each of us took a bath and chatted for a while, we went to bed.

Amelia came to my side and curled up.

I'm a bit worried about how we'll manage to sleep together when we grow up.

But I guess it'll be okay as long as I say it's not possible.

"Good night—uh!"

Just as I was about to go to sleep, I saw Liette standing by my pillow, looking at me with an envious gaze (or so it seemed).

"What's wrong?"

"I'm envious of sleeping with a griffin."

"Liette?"

It seemed she had come to her senses and took a few steps back, her face turning bright red.

It appeared to be an unconscious action.

"It's nothing. Good night."

...Yeah. She must really love beasts to forget herself like that.

I decided not to point it out.

The next morning.

I went to see the sunrise as promised with Zara. It was still dark, so we set out with lanterns in hand.

"Quie!"

Amelia was in a good mood from the start, her steps light.

"Mel, are you not cold?"

"I'm fine."

I had come prepared, wearing extra layers in case it was cold.

We walked to a place where we could see the sunrise.

We climbed a hill and went up stone steps to an open area. It seemed to be a high platform built for tourists.

Perhaps because it was cold, there was no one else there.

In the dim light, we gazed at the horizon over the lake. A mist spread, creating a mysterious atmosphere, but a strong wind blew it away. I was relieved.

Then, the sun finally peeked out, gradually brightening the surroundings.

"Wow!"

The sun illuminated the lake beautifully.

The lake and the sky turned orange, like a mirror reflecting each other. It was truly beautiful.

"Quie~ Quie Quie!!"

Amelia chirped, her eyes sparkling. It seemed that even beasts could be moved by beauty.

Zara was smiling at her excitement.

"I'm sorry, it's a bit noisy."

"No, it's fine. You seem to be enjoying it."

We watched the sun rise above the horizon.

It was a fantastical scene, indescribably beautiful.

After seeing the sunrise, we returned to the inn.

It was early in the morning, and I was sleepy, but I thought it was worth coming.

◇◇◇

We continued on our journey to the Calkuk swamp. Verry, the deputy squad leader, was holding the reins of the carriage.

I silently wished everyone would get along in the carriage. If a fight broke out, there would be no one to mediate. In that case, I would have to shout, "You're out of your mind!" like Urgas.

The carriage moved along the road with a creak. The carriage was silent.

...Well, it's awkward, isn't it?

Verry was the coolant of the second expeditionary force.

"Um, Captain Roodtink"

In such a situation, Liette spoke to the captain. She's brave.

I watched her nervously, thinking she didn't have to push herself.

"What is it?"

The captain's response was clearly in a bad mood.

I silently asked Urgas to mediate with my eyes, but he shook his head.

Garu was looking out the window with a serious face, and Zara was filing her nails.

I couldn't intervene as skillfully as Verry.

So, I couldn't do anything.

In the awkward atmosphere, Liette continued to speak.

"I felt bad about showing up suddenly."

"It's too late now."

Ah~ the way he said it! He even clicked his tongue! So rude!

There are more tactful ways to say it. The captain's words were direct.

Fortunately, Liette didn't flinch.

"I'm sorry. I'm reflecting on it. Sometimes I can't see the big picture."

"You're not cut out to be a knight."

"Yes... but my desire to protect beasts—"

"Knights protect the people, not beasts."

Each word was harsh, but not wrong.

I felt that the captain and Liette should face each other properly here.

"Then, I will fight. For the people."

"That's a shallow and forced resolution. By the way, do you have any experience fighting monsters?"

"No, but—"

The captain folded his arms and snorted.

Liette's cheeks turned red, and she looked frustrated.

If it were the old her, she would have complained. But she held back.

Just as I was wondering what to do, an unexpected ally appeared.

"Captain, how about a trial period?"

It was Zara.

She suggested that if Liette could handle the expedition, she should be recognized.

"This time, it's a swamp, with humidity and mud, a terrible environment. I don't think a noble lady can endure it."

If she doesn't give up, she's something special.

"Hmm, that's true. If you're not just talking, I'll recognize you."

Liette took the challenge from the captain, who looked extremely intimidating, as a challenge and responded with determination.

"...Alright. I won't give up, I promise."

Liette's eyes were teary. I felt sorry for her, thinking she didn't need to be pushed so hard.

But if she joined the knight squad with half-hearted intentions, it would be a disaster. Everyone was risking their lives in battle.

The captain's words were probably not just harsh. He knew what it meant to be a noble lady.

We arrived at the Calkuk swamp without a word of conversation.

It was extremely awkward.

◇◇◇

A light drizzle was falling.

It wasn't as cold as expected, but the dampness made it quite uncomfortable.

In front of us was a vast grassland. This area of the swamp is classified as a peatland. Peat is soil formed by the incomplete decomposition of plants.

Apparently, peat is flammable and can be used as fuel when dried.

I stepped on the peat on the ground. It was soft and spongy, containing a lot of water.

I see. Horses wouldn't be able to walk on this terrain.

We left the carriage in a nearby village and walked here.

Amelia's feet were stuck in the mud, and she looked uncomfortable. Maybe she needed something like shoes.

Then, we all set up our base—a tent.

Even with a mat spread out, the squishy ground was noticeable. I was worried the poles might sink.

Once the base was set up, the others went to fight the man-eating lizards, leaving me, Amelia, and Liette behind.

Left in the dim swamp. But it was reassuring to have someone with me, unlike being alone.

"Let's go look for ingredients."

"Huh?"

"Quie?"

Liette and Amelia looked at me with wide eyes at my suggestion.

"Why would you do that?"

"To have a delicious meal."

I received a look of disbelief.

"Also, I'm bored."

It would be a waste to just sit around while everyone else was fighting monsters.

"Will Amelia come with me?"

"Quie!"

"What about Liette?"

"If the griffin is going, I have no choice but to go too."

So, that's how Liette and I ended up looking for ingredients.

In a swamp, there should be lakes where fish and other creatures live.

Liette looked genuinely unhappy. She's a very honest person.

"Are you okay walking around and dealing with monsters?"

"Yes, my hearing is good, so I can run if I sense danger."

I wanted her to trust my elf ears.

She reluctantly agreed to come with me.

Liette took out a staff from a long, narrow bag.

It was a crystal staff with a red gemstone at the tip, the handle made of gold with small gems scattered on it.

"Wow, it's cute."

She smiled when I complimented it. It was the first time I saw her smile outside of beast-related matters.

"Then, let's go!"

"Quie!"

"Let's find something quickly and get back."

We moved forward through the difficult terrain.

Amelia's feet got stuck in the mud multiple times, and Liette and I had to pull her out.

It was really hard to walk. I hoped the captain and the others were doing well in battle.

"Kyaa!"

A scream came from behind me as I was lost in thought. I turned around to see Liette sitting on the muddy ground.

She didn't seem to be okay, so I silently offered her a hand.

Her prized staff was also covered in mud.

"Um, what should I say..."

Liette's face was bright red, and she was biting her lip.

She must be holding back complaints. She seemed to be quite competitive.

"Liette, since the captain isn't here, you can say whatever you want."

"B-But, it's nothing, really!"

Liette grabbed my hand and stood up quickly.

"Quie~"

Amelia picked up the staff with her beak and handed it to Liette.

"Thank you, you're such a good girl."

Liette, who received the staff from Amelia, started to cry.

To be moved to tears by a beast's kindness...

But it's understandable. It's unimaginable for a noble lady to be covered in mud.

We finally reached the lake.

I immediately noticed bubbles coming from the mud at the edge.

I took out a knife and started digging.

"What's in there?"

"I don't know!"

The creatures living in the mud might be—creek crabs, land shrimp, or mud frogs.

"Frogs!?"

"Yes, they're quite delicious."

"I can't believe it."

As I dug through the mud, I heard a thud. I scooped up some water and poured it over.

"Ah!"

I picked up the ingredient I found. Liette screamed in disgust.

"Kyaa! Don't show me, it's scary!"

"It's okay, it's not a frog."

"What is it~?"

What I found was a large, dark purple clam.

"No way... I don't want to eat a muddy clam."

"This is probably a high-end clam."

It's a freshwater clam that I've seen sold at a high price.

"Liette, have you had it before?"

"Now that you mention it, I think I've seen it as an appetizer."

The old man at the market said this was the only purple clam.

I cleaned the mud off with lake water and put it in a leather bag.

If possible, I wanted to get enough for everyone. As I looked around—

"Quie Quie~!"

Amelia, who was nearby, chirped. She seemed to have found a clam's habitat.

When I went to check, I saw bubbles coming out, just like before.

"Good job, Amelia."

"Quie!"

Amelia not only found it but also started digging. A larger clam came out than the one I had found.

"Wow, that's amazing."

"Quie~!"

It was impressive that she could find ingredients. I washed my hands and patted her head.