Chapter 10

When they had just started traveling together, there was a sense of reserve and caution. Iris, who hardly spoke in detail about her family, gradually opened up and shared her personal stories after four days of traveling together.

Iris's father had been a blacksmith, but he passed away when Iris was 12 due to an illness. Since then, she has been working the family's fields with her mother, three younger sisters, and two younger brothers to make a living. However, their life is barely manageable, and they live without any luxury. Iris often worried about whether her siblings were doing well, and it seemed to be a constant concern for her.

In our territory, many families rely solely on agriculture to make a living. However, if there are no disasters, most families manage to have a decent financial cushion. According to Iris, the taxes in her territory are heavy, which puts a strain on their lives.

"Then why don't you come to the Helan territory? Our taxes aren't that high, and the territory is gradually prospering. I'm sure you can have a better life here."

"Thank you, but I can't just abandon my hometown so easily."

I was rejected outright. Indeed, it's not something to be decided lightly.

There are bad lords in this world. My father shines in comparison.

Iris was academically gifted from a young age, and her mother persuaded her to take the entrance exam for this academy. At first, she refused, but after her mother's enthusiastic persuasion and imagining herself supporting her family in the future, she decided to take the exam. She studied the three subjects—basic education, magic, and swordsmanship—on her own during her breaks from field work. I thought it was a wonderful display of perseverance and talent.

"So, when I got accepted, I was really happy, but when it was time to leave home, I felt really sad. I still wonder if the path I chose was the right one."

"I was worried when I left my territory too. My father is a peaceful guy, so I wondered if he might get tricked. But I'm sure he's doing well. I think your siblings are more capable than you imagine."

"Um, I hope so."

"Of course they are."

"…Yeah!"

She seemed to have regained some of her energy. Fortunately, it was a beautiful day outside. It would be a waste to keep talking about gloomy things. I should tell her some heroic stories about my father to cheer her up.

"Something seems to be happening outside."

I was about to speak, but Iris beat me to it.

"It looks like there's some trouble."

A servant reported with a grim expression.

We got off the carriage and checked the situation.

A merchant's carriage was stopped on the road ahead. The crew members were all out.

"Excuse me, could you please clear the road?"

I called out to the men who had stopped.

"Sorry, we'll move the carriage right away."

A slightly overweight man hurriedly gave instructions to his subordinates. The carriage was larger than usual due to the heavy load, and it was taking some time to move on the narrow road.

"What happened?" I asked out of curiosity.

"We were delivering tribute to the royal family, but our entry permit was stolen during an incident."

"What kind of incident?"

"A monster suddenly attacked us. Fortunately, no one was injured, and there was no damage to valuable items, but unfortunately, our entry permit was taken."

"That's unfortunate."

I listened, but it wasn't a particularly interesting story. I wanted them to move quickly.

"You seem to be carrying an expensive sword. Are you going to hunt the monster?"

"No, this is just for self-defense when I go out."

The sheath and sword are handmade. Your eye for quality is good. You must be a good merchant.

"Ah, I see. I was thinking of paying one gold coin to anyone who could hunt the monster."

That's rude. I'm a noble, you know. I won't be swayed by a single gold coin!

"Really!?"

To my surprise, Iris was very interested.

"Are you really going to pay one gold coin?"

"Of course! If you two go, I'll pay two gold coins."

Iris looked at me with teary eyes.

I can't say no to that.

"Let's do it."

"Okay!"

"The monsters are wolf-like, and there are two of them. They attacked us. Their den is about 500 meters into the forest from here. We can't help you beyond this point since we can't fight."

"Understood."

After a brief explanation, we headed back to our carriage.

"Iris, how is your magic?"

"I passed the Elenwahl Academy exam, but this is my first time in a real battle. But, I use magic every day for daily life, so I might be able to do something..."

Hmm, I remember Iris had exceptional talent in both swordsmanship and magic. It should be fine, even if it's her first real battle. I can back her up if needed.

"Do you have a weapon?"

"Yes, I brought a sword for the swordsmanship class."

"Then equip it, and let's go."

As the merchant said, we saw two wolf-like monsters about 500 meters into the forest. We kept a good distance to avoid being detected by their sense of smell. Honestly, I could take them out from this distance alone with minimal risk. I'd prefer to do it this way if possible.

However, if I did it alone, there would be a problem. Iris would likely refuse the reward, saying she didn't do anything.

"Iris, can you hit them with magic from this distance?"

"Um, probably not. It's too far."

As expected, it's not possible.

Alright, then there's only one plan.

"Iris, I'll take out one of the monsters from here. The other one will likely notice us and attack. Can you handle it?"

"Sure, I think I can."

"Great!"

I gathered my magic and applied the properties of ice to the water. I created an ice arrow in my palm. It was my first time making one, but it felt good. I then used more magic to create a powerful gust of wind and launched the ice arrow. It pierced the monster with a whistling sound, and it died instantly without a scream.

"Perfect!"

"Amazing!"

"Here comes the other one."

The other monster, enraged by the death of its companion, charged at us. Iris released her magic, turning it into fire and aiming it at the monster's feet. The goal was to slow down its charge, not to kill it. As intended, the charge lost its momentum, and Iris's sword struck the stunned monster.

Her movements were impressive.

The monster's head cleanly flew off. It was smooth and quick, but I heard a strange sound.

"Great job, Iris."

"..."

"What's wrong?"

Iris was looking down, showing no sign of joy.

"My sword, my sword, it's broken."

"Haha, it seems you got a defective one."

"My mother, my mother worked hard to buy this sword... aaaaaa, uaaaaaahhhh."

What!?

She's crying for real!

"If you need a sword, I'll give you a new one. Don't cry."

"My mother, my mother spent all her money to buy this sword... uaaaaaahhhh."

Ah, I see.

I finally understand how she feels.

"Don't worry!

This sword can still be repaired. I'll fix it for you when we get to the academy."

"Really? Can it really be fixed?"

"Really, really. I'll make it even cooler and stronger than before."

"Okay, okay, just like before is fine."

"Alright, let's go back to the road and get the permit."

"Okay."

The permit was made of leather, which is why it was taken by the monster.

We retrieved the permit and checked on Iris. Her eyes were red from crying.

I didn't suggest hunting the monster, and I didn't break her sword.

Why does my heart hurt so much!?

I'm not to blame, right?

I asked the gentle smile of Raser, who was far away.

Of course, I created Raser's response in my mind.

"Thank you very much. Here are the two gold coins as promised."

We received the reward in exchange for the permit. I gave one to Iris, and she immediately started jumping around.

She must be relieved that her sword can be fixed.

"My name is Famir. I mainly deal in historically valuable goods.

I will never forget this kindness. I hope to repay it someday.

If you don't mind, could you tell me your names?"

"Kurri Helan. That's Iris Parara.

It might be rude for a noble like me to give you business advice, but I suggest you never forget the name and face of the girl behind me."

"Yes, a merchant appreciates all advice. Thank you.

Kurri Helan and Iris Parara. I hope our encounter will lead to future profits."

"You say that in front of us?"

"Yes, that's what merchants do. See you again sometime."

After a formal farewell, the merchant left.

With the road cleared by the merchants, the carriage could finally move. Iris was rubbing the gold coin against her cheek.

"What are you going to do with that gold coin?"

It's obvious, right?

"I'll send it to my family. With this, we can have some good food for a while."

Of course.

I really want to give her my gold coin too, but she wouldn't accept it.

"But, I really want to give this gold coin to you, Kurri.

You've been so helpful, and you said you'd fix my important sword.

I don't think it will make it zero, but I want to pay you for these four days."

That's a tough one.

"Of course, I won't accept it. It's money you earned."

"But, I really have nothing else to give. At least this much."

"Do you want to send this gold coin to me or to your family? What's your true intention?"

"..., I want to send it to my family."

"Then you should do that. It will make everyone happier.

Do you think I would be happy with just one gold coin?

The most expensive hot spring resort in Helan charges 50 gold coins per night, including hot springs, meals, and other services."

"50 gold coins!? That's ridiculous. I don't think I'll ever be able to visit a Helan hot spring."

"Well, that's the top-tier service. There are plenty of cheaper options."

"Ah, that's a relief.

..., Kurri, I'll send this gold coin to my family."

"That's the right choice."

"But, I will never forget this kindness! I will definitely repay you in the future!

I'm a woman who stands by my word, so please believe and look forward to it."

"Definitely?"

"Definitely!!"

Alright!!!

It feels like I've joined a big insurance company.

"Come on, the academy is just ahead. Let's go with excitement!"

"Right. I wonder what it's like."

I've been looking forward to it and feeling excited too.

The carriage arrived at the academy at dusk. It was so large that it seemed like an entire city existed there.

"It's huge... It's big..."

Those were the only words that came to mind.