Chapter 23

When I realized it, it was already the 300th episode (((;ﾟДﾟ))))

I owe it all to everyone! Thank you so much for always reading (*- -)(*_ _) *bows*

On this day, Alvis accompanied Rakwell and the others to the purification operation. The location was Gackle Volcano, a vast area spanning four territories. This year, it was the turn of the Belfias Dukedom. As it was known as a difficult area, entry and exit were strictly controlled. Adventurers and mercenaries were not allowed to enter without permission, and this rule applied even to the lord's children. Therefore, Alvis had never entered the volcano before.

This time, Alvis was there solely for observation. He was to watch Rakwell and the others perform their tasks and was not supposed to assist unless an emergency arose.

Naturally, Elina stayed behind. Edward and the maids who accompanied him also waited at the mansion. As Edward saw them off, he seemed to be saying something to his younger brothers, who were far away. From the exasperated look on Isra's face, it was easy to guess what he was saying.

"Really, that guy..."

"But it's just like Lord Haswork, isn't it?"

They laughed together, watching Elina and Edward who had come to see them off. Edward was undoubtedly telling his brothers to "don't let him get hurt" and "stay by his side" in place of himself, who was not with Alvis. Edward's father was also going, but he would stay close to Rakwell. Edward knew he would be a hindrance, so he did not go. The younger brothers, who were participating in the purification for the first time, would not be able to stay by Alvis's side. The younger brothers of the Haswork family should first get used to the paths in the volcano. That should be their top priority.

There are monsters in Gackle Volcano, but the reason it is called a difficult area lies in the paths. From what can be seen on the map, the paths are narrow and not paved, making the footing poor. Unfamiliar people often trip and get hurt due to the difficulty of walking. Alvis had been warned by his father countless times to watch his step and be careful of small rocks that could cause him to trip and sprain his ankle.

"This time, I can't bring Edward, and I don't think the younger brothers will have the leisure to worry about anyone else."

"Is it that difficult a place?"

"I'm going for the first time, so I don't know how bad it is, but..."

It's better to be cautious. Alvis's attire was similar to his light expedition gear in the royal guard, with a cloak over it. His beloved sword was at his waist. He also had a hooded cloak prepared. Although they wouldn't be approaching the crater, it would be quite hot. The cloak was enchanted with water magic to help with the heat.

Alvis himself could withstand the heat of the volcano using mana, but not everyone could do the same. With the number of people accompanying him, Alvis could protect them, but this time his presence was irregular, and it wouldn't be proper for him to assist. One of the purposes was to observe how they usually handled it. However, Rakwell had told him to use his abilities if it got too hot, but Alvis knew that was impossible.

Thinking about this, Alvis sighed.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing. I just... don't like the heat very much."

"Of course, it's a volcano."

And an active one at that. Even if it wasn't erupting, the temperature at the summit would be higher than on the plains. The purification site was somewhere between the volcano's mid-slope and the summit. Depending on the wind direction, the heat might make the temperature even higher. In such cases, monsters often fled, so encounters were rare. However, Alvis found fighting monsters easier than dealing with the heat, but Rakwell was unimpressed when he mentioned this.

"You really do prefer swinging your sword, don't you?"

No, there might have been a hint of sadness in that. Rakwell still felt responsible for taking Alvis's sword from him. Alvis had already come to terms with it and didn't want to dwell on it. It was in the past, and he no longer held a grudge against his parents for what they did. It was necessary for them, and that was all.

Before long, it was time to depart. Alvis's carriage was the same as Rakwell's.

"Lord Alvis, please be careful. I hope you don't get hurt."

"I'll be careful. Elina, don't overwork yourself and take it easy."

"Yes, I'll be waiting for your return."

"Thank you."

Alvis hugged Elina and patted her head.

"I'll be back."

"Yes!"

With that, Alvis climbed into the carriage with Rakwell.