Chapter 95

Six days after being promoted to B-rank, the day of the escort mission finally arrived.

The meeting point is set at the eastern gate of the capital.

So, I plan to go to the Adventurers' Guild now to borrow horses and then head there.

"Alright, let's get going."

"It's our first escort mission alone... I'm nervous."

"Yeah. We're good at taking down enemies, but we're not used to fighting while protecting someone. We need to be careful."

This is our second time doing an escort mission.

Last time, Grin was with us, but this time it's just us.

I don't feel any lack of strength, but it's not just about hunting like before, so we need to stay focused.

"Sis, stop sulking and cheer up."

"...Okay."

Unlike our enthusiastic group, Sis is looking down with a gloomy expression.

It seems she's quite shocked about not being able to see Luna for over ten days.

"Is it time for you to go, Heishiro?"

"Huh!? Why are you awake? It's still morning!"

As I was trying to cheer up the gloomy Sis, Luna came into the living room.

Come on, it's morning. It's so unexpected that I feel like a spear might fall from the sky.

Noll and the others are surprised, and Sis, who had been looking down, is now looking up with a happy expression.

"It might be a while before I see you again. Isn't it normal to see you off?"

Luna tilts her head at my reaction.

Could it be that she woke up just to see us off?

Despite her coldness, she does care when it matters.

"Luna... I'm kind of touched..."

"I don't think it's that big of a deal... but thank you, Luna."

"If anything happens, contact me on the transceiver. I've stored food in your bag and placed it on the table, so make sure to eat it. I've also put money in it, so use it if you need to."

"Yeah, don't worry. If anything happens, Noll and the others will call me immediately."

Luna seeing us off in the morning has Noll covering her mouth and trembling.

While I'm a bit exasperated by Noll, Estelle is smiling happily.

I'm a little touched too. It's hard to imagine Luna getting up in the morning.

But knowing it's to see us off makes me happy.

"Ugh, Luna! Luna!"

"Ugh... don't hug me..."

"But, but...!"

Unable to hold back, Sis approaches Luna, kneels, and hugs her.

Luna looks up with a bewildered expression but remains still.

Sis, happy with this, starts crying and rubbing her cheeks against Luna.

Wow... Luna letting Sis do this much.

Maybe she's really sad to see us go.

"Oh, it's rare for you to accept Sis like that."

"Yeah, this is goodbye. I'll accept her for the last time."

Luna, who was being hugged, gently strokes Sis's head with a kind expression.

So... Sis, you're going to disappear... What do you mean by that!

It sounds like something you'd say to someone who's about to die!

"I'm not going to die! Don't say it like I'm going to die!"

"Hahaha, just kidding. Make sure to come back safely."

Luna laughs in a somewhat monotone voice and pulls Sis away.

Then, she slightly relaxes her mouth and pats Sis's shoulder, encouraging her.

In the end, she was still concerned about Sis.

●

We stopped by the guild to borrow horses and made our way to the eastern gate of the capital.

There were already two carriages there. One was a luxurious black carriage, and the other was a simple wooden cart with a cloth covering.

The luxurious carriage was enclosed with black panels and had a door.

This must be the carriage for our client.

"Excuse me, are you the party of Lord Adelbert?"

"Who are you!?"

"I, I'm an adventurer who received the escort mission from the guild! I'm not a suspicious person!"

Near the carriage was a man wearing a white cloak with a sword at his waist.

I called out to him to confirm if this was the carriage for our client, Lord Adelbert.

The moment he saw me, he stepped back and drew his sword, pointing it at me.

Why is he so on guard just because I called out to him!?

I quickly showed him the silver plate around my neck to prove I was an adventurer.

"Indeed, that plate is an adventurer's... I apologize. I mistook you for a suspicious person. I'll inform Lord Adelbert, so please wait."

"Hehe... I'm sorry."

The man lowered his sword and relaxed his guard.

He then bowed and apologized before heading towards the black carriage.

I didn't expect to have a sword pointed at me.

What did I do... Oh, suspicious appearance... Could it be?

"Mr. Ohtsuka, at least take off your helm."

"I forgot because I'm used to it."

"Indeed, anyone would be suspicious if someone like that approached."

It seems the reason he was so on guard was because of me.

I've been called suspicious less often recently, so I was a bit careless.

I'll take off my helm now.

The man who spoke earlier opened the door of the black carriage and was talking to someone inside.

It's probably Lord Adelbert.

Soon, a middle-aged man and a girl came out of the carriage.

The man was wearing a well-tailored black suit and had a calm demeanor.

This must be Lord Adelbert.

Behind him was a girl with long brown hair.

She looked to be around Estelle's age.

She was wearing a pink shirt with frills, black skirt, and a cute outfit.

"You are the adventurers who will be escorting us. I am the client, Adelbert."

"Thank you for the introduction. I am Ohtsuka Heishiro. These are my party members."

The man who came out and approached us introduced himself as Adelbert.

I bowed and introduced myself, then gestured to Noll and the others to do the same.

"Ohtsuka Heishiro... Could you be the E-rank adventurer who fought with the Deus group?"

"Yes, that's me."

Adelbert put his hand on his chin and asked, as if thinking.

It seems he knows about that incident... I hope he doesn't have a bad impression of me.

"Well, I didn't see it, but it was quite a topic. To have become B-rank, you must have been quite capable. I'm looking forward to this mission."

"Thank you. I will do my best to meet your expectations."

Adelbert laughed.

Good, it seems he doesn't have a bad impression of me.

But, the expectations seem to have risen... I'll do my best.

"Father."

"Annelie, is something wrong?"

"Are these the adventurers who will be escorting us?"

"Yes, that's right."

The girl, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.

She looked at us and asked Adelbert if we were the adventurers.

Hmm? What is it? It feels like she's not looking at me but at someone behind me.

Maybe she's looking at Noll and the others?

"Is that girl about my age? Is she okay?"

"Rest assured. They are B-rank adventurers. They are skilled among adventurers."

"Hmm... I see."

Annelie seemed to be looking at Estelle.

She might be wondering if a girl her age can be a bodyguard.

Estelle has a staff, so she must look like a mage... but maybe she finds it hard to believe?

Adelbert seemed to be unsure how to answer and took a moment before responding.

After hearing his answer, Annelie seemed unconvinced and quietly returned to the carriage.

"I'm sorry. She didn't mean to be rude."

"Oh, I'm not bothered."

Adelbert apologized to Estelle.

But Estelle smiled and said she wasn't bothered.

I thought she might be upset about being doubted, but it seems she's not.

Adelbert returned to the carriage, and the preparations for departure began.

First, we confirmed the route to Queres.

"Before we depart, let me confirm a few things. I am Egon, Lord Adelbert's dedicated bodyguard."

The man who spoke earlier turned out to be a dedicated bodyguard.

There were two others in similar attire in the simple carriage, so they must be hired for personal security.

We are specifically requested for monster protection.

After greeting Egon, we immediately discussed how we would proceed.

The carriages are divided into one for Adelbert and his party and one for luggage.

The drivers are Egon and his team, and they asked us to split into two groups, one leading and one following.

We also confirmed the procedures for encountering monsters.

If we encounter monsters, the carriages will stop and remain stationary until safety is ensured.

Egon and his team will provide protection, but one of us must always be near the carriages.

If it seems impossible to repel the monsters, the priority is to get the black carriage to safety.

These are the points we need to be mindful of.

"Do you have any questions?"

"Can I ask one question?"

"Sure, go ahead."

After the discussion, Egon asked if we had any questions.

Estelle seemed to have something she wanted to ask.

I didn't think I had any questions, but what is it?

"Is it okay to cast support magic on the horses?"

"Can you do that!?"

"Oh, yes. I just haven't had the opportunity. I can't strengthen objects, though."

So, can you cast support magic on any living thing?

This is a shocking fact I learned late... but, thinking about it, it makes sense.

We usually use Beacon and a magic carpet, so we never had the chance to try it.

"Sure, go ahead..."

"Then I'll do it. It should reduce the burden on the horses."

Egon looked surprised.

Maybe normal mages don't do this?

If we can cast support magic, we might arrive in Queres earlier than planned.

But, is it really okay to do this?

Support magic doesn't consume much MP, but we'll need to recast it multiple times during the journey.

Even if Estelle is amazing, it might be a burden...

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, my magic recovery is much faster now. It's fine to maintain support magic, so don't worry, brother."

"Okay? But if you feel tired, tell me right away. Don't push yourself."

I asked, worried, and Estelle said she was fine.

She didn't say it in front of Egon, but it means her magic recovery speed has increased due to the gacha equipment.

If she says she's fine, I believe her... but I don't want her to overdo it.

With that settled, we discussed how to handle the horses.

We planned to have two people per horse, but how should we split up?

Noll and Sis can ride, so they will be split up.

So, the question is, who will ride with me and Estelle?

Sis and Estelle are support magic users, so it would be best to pair them with either me or Noll.

Sis can fight in close combat, but we won't be using that this time.

"Hmm... How about Noll and Estelle, and Sis and me?"

"That sounds balanced. We'll go first, so please follow behind."

"I'll be with Noll... I'm a bit worried."

I suggested a plan, and Noll nodded in agreement.

She said she would go first.

That's good; I can trust her to lead the way.

Estelle looked unhappy at the idea of being with Noll.

Noll is the best at handling horses, so there shouldn't be any issues... but I have a bad feeling.

Well, it should be fine... right?

"Riding with Mr. Ohtsuka... I feel like something naughty might happen."

"Shut up!"

Sis hugged her shoulders and made a gesture as if trying to escape from me.

Riding with her would be enviable for most men.

But, knowing her, I don't feel that way at all.

I feel a bit deflated, but I hope we can complete the mission safely...