Chapter 62 of 100
Chapter 62
7 min read1,657 words
There were some contradictions, so I made improvements m(_ _)m
I will write about the protagonist's past hobbies next m(_ _)m
She went to the front of her mother's room and knocked on the door.
A response came from inside,
"Excuse me."
Saying this, she opened the door and entered the room.
"Rain..."
Sophia, who had already been informed by Lisa, called out Rain's name with a face that seemed to say, "Again?"
"Mother... I'm sorry..."
Feeling guilty for worrying Sophia again, she couldn't help but apologize.
"No, it's not your fault.
I know you have to go, but..."
She couldn't bring herself to say, "I don't want you to do anything dangerous."
She knew.
That something might happen.
As a parent, as a mother, she couldn't hold Rain back.
Rain, born with the talent of a hero, was going to a place that might become a battlefield.
There was no way nothing would happen.
This was Rain.
She would surely achieve some kind of merit.
Sophia wasn't confident enough to sincerely celebrate and support Rain's strength.
But she knew Rain's fragility.
That's why she was so worried.
For Sophia personally, merit didn't matter.
She wanted Rain to grow up normally and safely.
If she said that, Rain would waver.
Then Rain would say, "I won't go," with that unstable air.
Although she hadn't heard the details, Sophia had been given a general explanation and understood Rain's thoughts.
There was a possibility.
Then Rain should go.
Even if she didn't go now, she would probably have to go to the capital by royal order.
Not saying anything wasn't an option. As a noble, it was impossible.
As a mother, she couldn't say anything that would make Rain hesitate about going to the capital.
Thinking this, Sophia said,
"You don't have to bring back any great achievements. Just come back to the Orion territory safely."
"Thank you for worrying about me.
I promise I'll come back safely."
Saying this, Rain left the room and headed to the courtyard.
There, Lisa, the slaves, and 20 lightly armored knights were already prepared.
"We have been waiting for you.
We are ready to go.
We can depart immediately."
Rain got on the horse with Kou's help.
"You're always so quick.
Thank you to everyone who has gathered.
Let's go, then."
As I said this, Kou led the horse toward the castle gate, and at the same time, everyone's horses started moving in the same direction.
After riding for about 6 hours, it was already midnight, and even with this body, which was much stronger than a 6-year-old, the lack of sleep was starting to take its toll.
We took a break.
For camping, we set up sentries, and Rain sat on a blanket that had been laid out.
Rain was still thinking about whether his plan was correct.
He was afraid that mobilizing so many people would result in a loss.
As he was worrying, a voice came from behind.
"Master Rain, are you not feeling well?"
"Huh?
No, I'm fine.
It's just that I'm worried my plan might be wrong."
"I see...
You don't have to worry. Even if it's wrong, you won't be held accountable."
"No, that's not it.
I've mobilized so many people.
I'm afraid it might turn out to be a foolish plan..."
He couldn't bring himself to say that he felt like giving up.
"I agree with your plan, Master Rain.
Everyone makes mistakes.
You will inherit the Orion territory.
You will make many mistakes, and in some cases, they might be irreparable.
But this time, it's different.
If it's a mistake, it's a path everyone must take.
Don't worry too much about it."
Lisa encouraged Rain.
"Thank you, Lisa. I feel a bit better.
I'll rest a bit, then."
"Yes, I'll take care of the sentry.
Good night."
Then I lay down and closed my eyes.
From the fatigue of the past few days, my eyelids became heavy, and I lost consciousness.
After a few hours, I was woken up as the sun rose.
"Master Rain, it's time."
"Ugh... hmm, ah—, phew—...
Good morning, Lisa."
After a big yawn, I greeted Lisa.
"Good morning, Master Rain.
Please wash your face with this water."
Saying this, she brought a bucket made with earth magic filled with water.
"Thank you.
Please put it there."
Because of the magic absorption, I asked her to put the bucket on the ground.
When I touched it, the water seemed real.
I washed my face with the water and got up, feeling refreshed.
I cast the status-external magic called Heal Fatigue, a water level 5 magic to heal fatigue, and Physical Power, a fire level 5 magic to restore motivation, on Skuna and the others, who were already awake.
(I should have cast it before going to bed, I regretted inwardly.)
I had already taught them how to use magic, so they didn't hesitate to use it.
The knights didn't use it because it was still dangerous.
I originally intended to go to the capital with only Skuna and the others.
Using the wind magic for speed, we could have arrived much faster.
But then I realized that the horse I was riding would absorb the magic, so I decided against it.
After riding for a few more hours, we finally arrived at the capital around noon.
(I didn't think I'd have to come back here again in less than a month...
The capital is usually where the trouble starts, really.)
I complained about the capital.
I had been casting Heal Fatigue on myself, but the magic was instantly absorbed.
Moreover, magic has a recast time, and the higher the level, the longer it takes, making it impossible to cast repeatedly.
Despite being tired, I headed straight to the castle.
"I, Lisa, and Captain Land will go. The others, please go to the Orion family annex."
Saying this, Rain and the others headed to the castle.
We arrived at the gate of the castle, which was still as beautiful as ever, with white as the main color.
"Stop! Please show some proof of your identity!"
The gatekeeper said.
"Here."
Saying this, Rain took out the emblem of the Duke of Orion from his pocket.
"The emblem of the Duke of Orion, it's genuine.
What is your business here?"
The gatekeeper asked suspiciously.
If it were misused, even if they weren't involved, it would be seen as the Orion family being behind it.
It wasn't something to be given to a child.
It required a blood seal from the head of the family and was made of precious metals, making it impossible to replicate.
It was worth enough to buy a prime location house.
In fact, the Orion family only had three of them.
It was reasonable to be suspicious that a child had one.
"We have something to discuss with the Duke of Orion about the 200 warships sent by the Gallean Empire.
Can you call him for us?"
Land answered.
"Understood.
Please wait a moment."
Saying this, the gatekeeper went inside.
After a while, Father came out of the gate.
"Oh! Rain! It's been a while!
How have you been?"
He had dark circles under his eyes, but seeing Rain after a long time seemed to cheer him up a bit as he opened his arms to greet him.
"It's been a while, Father!"
Saying this, Rain hugged his father.
"So, why are you here today?
I thought you were on your way back from the Harbor barony... Did you stop by on your way back?"
"No, I went home first.
But I have some concerns about the Gallean fleet, so I came to the capital on a fast horse."
Hearing this, Land's face became serious.
"I see...
I understand. Come inside. Let's talk in a room."
Saying this, the four of them entered the castle.
Rain, Land, Lisa, and Captain Land went to a conference room in the castle that no one was using. As soon as they sat down, Land spoke.
"Alright, Rain, let's hear your story.
I know about the fleet.
The number is 200, but it's probably more.
The idea of a surprise attack from the rear with reinforcements from Luminon and our country is too simplistic.
They're not that stupid.
Attacking our country would be meaningless.
Our navy can gather 30,000 men in four days.
If it's just a delay, the eastern side can handle it.
Even if the numbers increase, the conscription order has already been issued.
If we can buy some time, we can send reinforcements to the east immediately.
It won't stop the reinforcements to Luminon.
So, what is it?
Perhaps they are trying to surround the allied forces by placing ships to the east of Luminon, as you suggested."
But, I think it lacks a decisive blow, he muttered at the end.
(I see, that far.)
Muttering this in his heart, Rain shared his plan.
~~
After the talk ended.
"..."
Land frowned, thinking hard.
"It's possible...
No, it's the only explanation.
There were reports of dozens of ships setting out on expeditions once a week.
But I thought it was just pirate hunting or patrols.
There are multiple ports and military ports, so I didn't pay much attention.
I see! Good job, Rain! Well done!"
He was overjoyed.
"Thank you.
But it's just a plan from an amateur.
I haven't slept much, so I think it would be better to reconsider after a good night's sleep..."
He said hesitantly.
"No, if we're going to think about it, we should involve others, at least the king, the general of this expedition, and the elders. Time is precious.
Let's go."
Saying this, he stood up.
"Eh, um..."
Of course, he was prepared, but he became timid at this moment.
"Come on! What's wrong? Let's go!"
Saying this, he picked me up and headed toward the stairs leading to the main conference room.