Chapter 23

After finishing the preparations the next day, we decided to head out to hunt the monsters.

Fifteen of the guards led by Albert mounted their horses, each holding the weapons I had enchanted.

Albert and I were escorted by them, with Silfa following slightly behind.

"By the way, Lloyd, this is your first time leaving the castle, right? How do you find the scenery outside?"

Actually, I sneak out from time to time.

To be more precise, in my previous life, I was just a commoner, so the scenery outside isn't that rare to me.

"Yes, there are so many people, and it's fascinating to watch."

Well, I wouldn't say that.

If I act really happy, I might get to come out again.

As I expected, Albert nodded in satisfaction.

"Oh, Master Albert! Where are you and your team heading?"

"Probably to hunt monsters! Oh, he's looking this way!"

"Kyaa! Master Albert!"

As we walked through the town, young women started squealing at the sight of Albert.

He's quite popular. Indeed, Albert looks like a perfect prince, so it's no wonder the women are going crazy.

"By the way, who is that little boy?"

"I've never seen him before. He's wearing nice clothes, so he might be a younger brother."

"Hmm, he has a cute face, but compared to Master Albert... you know."

It seems they were also looking at me.

But they didn't seem very interested.

As I was thinking this, Silfa let out a heavy sigh and glared at the women.

The women yelped and quickly dispersed into the crowd.

"Phew, the women of this world don't understand. Indeed, Master Albert is a wonderful person. But Master Lloyd is no less impressive. In fact, considering his potential, he might surpass Master Albert... How blind they are. It's truly lamentable as a woman."

What is she mumbling about?

She's giving off a scary aura. ...I should keep my distance.

I kicked my horse's flank and moved forward.

***

Leaving the town, we headed straight for the forest.

The place where the monsters appeared is a small village deep in the forest, near a large lake.

The lake has been a vital water source for the village for a long time, but monsters started appearing there suddenly one day.

The troubled villagers requested the Adventurer's Guild to exterminate the monsters, but with the low reward and the remote location, no one was willing to take on the job.

So, the guild ultimately passed the responsibility to the kingdom.

This kind of public service is the kingdom's job.

Incidentally, monster hunting also serves as practical training for soldiers and entertainment for nobles.

"Master Albert."

Silfa spoke up.

Sensing the tension in her voice, Albert and the guards stopped their horses and drew their weapons.

Of course, I had already noticed.

A unique, unpleasant 'aura' was emanating from the surroundings. It was a monster.

The guards formed a circle to protect Albert and me, and Silfa pulled out a throwing knife from her maid's skirt.

The knife disappeared into the grass and made a soft thud as it hit something.

"Aaaaaah!?"

A cry of pain followed.

It seems the knife hit the monster.

The grass rustled, and a humanoid monster with a dog-like face emerged.

That must be a Kobold. They live in forests and hunt in packs.

Kobolds are dexterous and skilled with weapons, far surpassing Goblins.

Moreover, they wield steel swords.

Seeing this, the guards' expressions changed.

"Damn, these guys have good weapons..."

"Yeah, they must have taken them from adventurers. This is going to be tough."

When physical abilities are equal, the difference in weapon quality often determines the outcome of a battle.

Hmm, the number of our side and theirs is about the same, so this is a good opportunity to test the enchanted weapons.

"Ooaaaaaah!"

The Kobolds let out a howl and charged.

The guards drew their swords and met the attack.

The steel sword of a Kobold clashed with the steel sword of a guard.

"..."

Both the guard and the Kobold were surprised.

The Kobold's steel sword broke without resistance, and the guard's sword sliced through the Kobold's body.

It cut through with a sickening sound.

"Guaaaaaah!?"

Blood spurted out, and the Kobold fell.

In other places, the enchanted steel swords I had given were also breaking the Kobolds' weapons.

"What is this sharpness...?"

"This is the power of enchantment... To cut through the tough fur of a Kobold in one stroke...!"

The guards were clearly amazed by the sharpness.

It seems the enchantment is working well.

The guards, with their superior weapons, quickly dispatched the Kobolds.

"Haha! How about that, everyone? This is my brother's skill! You must be impressed! Be sure to thank him later!"

Albert laughed proudly.

Come on, cut it out. I don't want to stand out.

As I glared at him, Albert smiled broadly and patted my shoulders.

"Great job, Lloyd. Not only the success rate, but the sharpness was incredible. I was really surprised that you could use such advanced enchantment magic."

"Uh, well... hehe..."

Oh no, did I overdo it?

The evaluation is higher than I expected.

I thought it would be okay to go a bit overboard since there are few users, but it might backfire.

As I was thinking about how to respond, Albert continued.

"I always thought you were up to something, being a bookworm and staying in your room all the time. But I never imagined you had mastered enchantment magic to this extent. Silfa must have gathered the materials for you, right? You have incredible talent. You're worthy of being my brother."

...It seems I was overthinking it.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"Y-Yes, as you say, Albert. It seems I have a talent for enchantment... hehe."

"Yep, that's right. ...So, can I ask you to do more enchantments in the future? I'll provide the materials. Please, I'm counting on you."

"Materials!? Really!?"

"Yep, of course!"

The materials we used this time were basic, but enchantment magic requires various other materials.

If Albert can gather them for me... I can do a lot more.

"Hehe, Lloyd, you've truly blossomed. Not many people can practice enchantment magic with ample funds and resources at such a young age! If you keep this up, you might become the best enchantment mage in the kingdom, or even the world...!"

Albert was muttering to himself, but I was too busy thinking about various enchantment combinations.