Chapter 57

So, we decided to head for the Lord's mansion in Roadst.

We set out from our hideout at night to avoid drawing attention and made our way out of town.

"Well, it's quite a distance to Roadst. I think we can make it on foot, but it would be troublesome if we're spotted along the way."

"According to Lloyd, we're one step away from being wanted, right? We could be caught at any time."

"We should try not to stand out. We should go like rats, quietly. Hehe."

"What do you suggest? ...Lloyd."

Ren looked up at me with her eyes.

Walking would be troublesome, and there's no need to hide my magic from them anymore.

If it's about movement, I can use magic to get us there.

"Let's fly."

"Huh?"

Everyone's voices chimed in together.

"I'll use 'Flight.' You've seen it before, right? We'll get there in no time."

Galilea waved her hands frantically.

"No, no, no, no, that's a spell to make yourself fly, right? I'd be in trouble if you forgot about us."

"I've heard that 'Flight' is an advanced spell with few users. It's not that fast, either, right?"

"Don't worry. I can carry all of you at once. Just stand there. Oh, and don't move. You might break your neck from the shock."

"Ah!?"

They all screamed at my words.

"Don't worry, I can heal you with healing magic if you break. But it's better if you don't, right?"

"O-Okay..."

Everyone nodded stiffly and stood still where I pointed.

I hope this has made them a bit more at ease.

According to Silfa—new subordinates are always anxious. Leaders need to take care of them to some extent. They need to ensure their safety and explain things properly. Eliminating their anxiety is essential for building trust. Yes, I think I did a good job.

"Lloyd, that's just fear control, you know."

"Eh? Is it?"

I didn't mean to instill fear... but when I glanced at them, their faces looked tense.

Hmm, I still don't quite understand normal feelings.

"Alright, let's go!"

Spatial magic 'Area Expansion.'

This spell expands the range of a spell's effect and can be used in conjunction with various other spells.

It's also a convenient spell that can increase the capacity of a bag or similar items.

I linked it with 'Flight' and activated it.

Our bodies floated gently into the air.

"Ahh! We're floating!?"

"Talking will make you bite your tongue."

"Mmmph."

Ren and the others hurriedly covered their mouths.

As I focused, we all flew toward the Roadst domain.

—About ten minutes after we started flying,

"H-Hold on... I'm... dying..."

"Eh? What's wrong?"

Turning around, I saw Galilea looking quite distressed.

"Probably Lloyd's 'Flight' is too fast for them. It's hard to breathe at high altitudes, and the speed is putting a lot of strain on their bodies. We should take a break, don't you think?"

"I did put up a magic barrier, though..."

Looking at them as Grim suggested, they all did look quite uncomfortable.

Some of them looked like they were about to vomit. I guess we should land for a bit.

I released 'Flight' and descended.

"Phew, phew... Ahh..."

Upon landing, everyone sat down and panted heavily, except for Ren.

"Everyone, are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah... Not really..."

Ren worriedly asked the others, who were all exhausted.

She seemed fine, though.

"I'm 'Cursed,' with poison in my body. My life has always been with poison. Maybe that's why I've never felt unwell."

"Wow, so there are advantages too."

They are, in a sense, born with magic mixed in their bodies, which can't be separated.

This unique condition has both disadvantages and advantages.

Ren, who can produce and spread poison, probably has a property that neutralizes the poison in her body.

She might also be resistant to various factors that weaken the body.

"Advantages... I've never been told that before."

"Everything has two sides. There are good and bad aspects. By the way, you shouldn't call yourself 'Cursed.'"

To me, Ren and the others are not cursed but have unique conditions.

It doesn't feel good to hear them belittle themselves.

Ren thought for a moment and then nodded.

"Okay, I understand."

Good, I'm glad she understands.

By the way, why is her face a bit red?

She said she wouldn't feel unwell. Oh well.

"Anyway, I have a question. From what you said, Ren, are you immune to poison? Any kind of poison?"

"Um, it's a bit unsettling to see you so excited... but yeah, I could eat any wild herbs or mushrooms. Thanks to that, I learned what forest plants and animals are tasty. Hey! How about we take a break for a meal? You must be hungry, right?"

"Now that you mention it..."

We've been moving non-stop since we woke up in the middle of the night.

It's almost noon, and now that I think about it, I'm hungry.

My stomach growled, and Ren smiled happily.

"Great! I'll prepare the meal. You all rest."

Before I could say anything, Ren ran into the forest.

She's amazing. She disappeared in no time.

After a while, Ren returned with ingredients and started cooking.

As the pot simmered, a delicious aroma filled the air.

"Here it is! Instant pot!"

In the pot, there were floating objects I had never seen before.

"Hmm, what's this? I've never seen these ingredients before..."

"It's wild herbs, mushrooms, a snake, and a wild rat."

"Wh-What!?"

Galilea and the others grimaced at this.

"This is quite poisonous-looking... Not only the appearance, but since it's made by that girl, there's a real possibility it contains poison."

Grimo chuckled as he looked at the pot.

In the silence, only the bubbling of the pot could be heard.

"Ah... Y-Yeah, you're right. Sorry. This isn't really a proper meal. You don't have to force yourselves to eat it. I'll eat it alone..."

Ren looked dejected and was about to start eating.

I reached for the pot before she could.

I took a bite.

"Mmm... It's actually quite good."

Everyone stared in shock as I started eating the contents of the pot enthusiastically.

In my previous life, when I had no money, I would throw scraps of vegetables, wild herbs, and animal carcasses into a pot and eat them.

I got sick a few times and some were really bad, but compared to that, the ingredients Ren gathered were quite normal in taste.

"...I'll have some too."

Next, Crow reached for the pot.

Seeing him eat it happily, the others followed suit.

"Wow! It's really good!"

"You're right. Looks can be deceiving."

"Ha ha, see? I picked the best ones!"

Ren, who had been depressed a moment ago, smiled proudly.

"Eating what someone offers you is an effective way to build trust. But to eat something even we, who grew up in the slums, would hesitate to eat... Is Lloyd really a noble?"

"But the effect was outstanding... Ren has been following Lloyd with her eyes ever since. Her cheeks are flushed, so innocent."

"Hehe, you're quite something, Lloyd."

"I like Lloyd too."

Everyone muttered to themselves.

It's polite to eat quietly during meals.

"Mmm, seconds, please."

"Sure!"

Ren smiled and filled my bowl generously.