Chapter 29

I apparently have no luck with carriages.

In the rattling carriage, I sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time. Kokushin, who was concerned about me, was being watched by two young ladies with hearts in their eyes. A man was trying to get their attention by talking to them incessantly.

In the end, we were heading to the next town, Kazun. Simply avoiding the capital left us with no other choice.

The passengers were just us, the two young ladies, and the driver. Three guards were accompanying us. Two were on horseback, running ahead of the carriage. And one, the leader, was inexplicably riding inside the carriage.

This man kept talking to the young ladies. He had supposedly boarded to keep an eye on the rear, but he showed no signs of doing so. He was just extending his nose and glancing at their cleavages.

“Hey, hey, listen up. I got this the other day.”

He took out what seemed to be a mineral he was proud of.

“I’m thinking of making some accessories with this. I think it would suit you, so I could give it to you as a gift.”

He’s a bad actor. Even I can tell he’s not getting any attention. His mental strength is impressive. Can he see the faces of the young ladies? They seem used to being approached. They look like they might be in that kind of business.

And they are infatuated with Kokushin. Although Kokushin is brushing everything off with a vague smile.

“Hey, listen. A guy who acts like a guardian to a kid like that won’t amount to anything.”

Oh. He’s targeting me now.

“It’s not a guardian.”

Kokushin, you don’t have to be so polite. It’s best to ignore him. But I have a criminal record too, so I can’t say much.

“Huh? Then what are you?”

“An adventurer.”

The man burst out laughing, slapping his knee. He smells like an old man; maybe he’s older than he looks.

“What can a kid like you do?”

“…I don’t really care, but, guard.”

He really hasn’t noticed.

“Your companions are fighting, you know?”

“What? When did that happen?”

He hastily grabbed the sword by his side and tumbled out of the stopped carriage. Literally, he fell out. His ears turned bright red as the young ladies giggled, and he ran to the front.

I could hear some angry shouts and commotion.

“Forest Wolves, I guess. Do they seem okay?”

I peeked from behind the driver. There were three wolves. They’re D-rank, so it shouldn’t be a problem. One of them is swinging his sword wildly.

“Only if there are no more.”

“More?”

Kokushin, looking out from the back of the carriage, his expression suddenly clouded. He looked forward. The battle wasn’t over yet. He looked at me, asking what to do, so I waved my hand, giving him the go-ahead.

Kokushin got out of the carriage with his sword. Of course, he didn’t fall out. His slender stance made the young ladies “kyaa” in excitement. Yeah, he’s just standing there.

Without drawing his sword, he extended his palm forward. Oh, he’s going to use magic. One wolf was coming at him. A Forest Wolf. It flew! A tearing sound echoed through the air, and the wolf rolled over, howling.

“Shallow.”

He drew his sword and ran over to decapitate it. It wasn’t a one-hit kill, but it was impressive. ... Compared to the others. The howling is still audible.

Kokushin turned and beckoned me. I got out and walked over.

“What’s up?”

“Can we eat it?”

Kokushin, you’ve been influenced by me. To care about that first.

“Unfortunately, it’s too tough and tastes bad. Let’s just take the magic stones and fangs and burn the rest.”

“Got it.”

We worked together to take the magic stones and parts, then moved them to the side of the road and burned them.

“Hey! What are you doing, taking my prey!”

Oh, he’s here. And why is he injured?

“You didn’t notice? What if the passengers were hurt?”

Kokushin’s logic made the man’s face contort.

“B-but the guards are us!”

“Adventurers have the obligation to participate in battles when riding a shared carriage. You have no right to complain.”

“Hmph! There won’t be a next time!”

That’s my line. The leader turned and stomped off, fuming. Kokushin and I exchanged a shrug.

This journey is a three-day, two-night trip. I’m worried about what’s to come.

“Hey, we’re leaving you behind!”

It’s good that they called, but they’re the guards, right?

“Why aren’t you cleaning up the bodies? When you defeat them on the road, you’re supposed to move them to the side and burn them. Even a newbie like me knows that.”

The wolves, now reduced to mush with their magic stones taken, were still lying on the road. I can’t believe they were planning to just leave them there.

“I, I was about to do it. Hey, hurry up and burn them over there!”

The other members were clearly reluctant. One had a staff, so he’s probably a mage. The other seemed to be a dual-wielder.

“Hurry up, guards. We’ll be late.”

The young ladies’ words made the three suddenly motivated.

They dragged the bodies and piled them up, striking the flint.

“Really? No one can use fire magic?”

I couldn’t help but say it. They can’t even use a basic fire spell? Looking at Kokushin, he tilted his head. What about the young ladies?

“Actually, I can’t use it either. I can’t even make a spark, and I was often mocked for it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Haha, it’s okay. But in return, I can produce a lot of water. The water I produce is cold and tasty, and it’s popular with the kids at the store.”

“Wow. I didn’t know there could be such a difference between people.”

I thought even if they weren’t good at it, they could use it a little.

“Are there people who can’t use life magic at all?”

While I was at it, I asked.

“Hmm, there are some. Some can’t use magic but are incredibly strong.”

“That’s interesting. You’re so knowledgeable, Miss!”

I praised her as a thank you. “What are you talking about?” I got a headbutt. My “cute” didn’t seem to work. I don’t get it.