Chapter 5

From the next day on, Kiri and I began our comfortable hunting life.

Kiri tried out the body enhancement from the bracelet and anklet while hunting monsters with the Flame Sword. According to Kiri, she had become about 100 times stronger.

The communication device was also working well. Unlike smartphone signals, magic power spreads easily. When we took down a monster as big as a mountain, it was a real thrill. It made a "thud" sound when it fell. It felt like an anime. The magic stone was huge, about the size of my torso. Kiri said it would fetch a good price if we sold it. Since I don't understand the currency value in this world very well, it's a relief to have Kiri, who is more knowledgeable.

Kiri's bracelet and anklet are incredibly strong when used together, but the backlash is significant. It seems to make her very tired. I can cast a recovery spell on her, but it feels like doping and might not be good for her body, so we usually use only one at a time and both only in emergencies. Kiri can use them at her discretion, but she needs my permission afterward to recover.

Kiri and the Flame Sword are a perfect match. When Kiri uses the sword, her eyes seem to glaze over, which is a bit scary. The magic stone can store magic power, and by storing excess magic power in it during normal times, the magic burden during battles is almost zero. It's also possible to cast fire magic simultaneously with sword techniques, and the sight of flames swirling around Kiri's body and slicing through monsters via the sword is mesmerizing. If Kiri were a guy, I would definitely be smitten. I would have wanted to wave a fan and cheer, "Kiri-chan!" It's that impressive.

Thus, we advanced through the Grass Forest. Despite hunting all the monsters we could see, they didn't seem to decrease. Maybe the monsters themselves were increasing. The Grass Forest's cave, which we could probably conquer now with Kiri and me, is a bit troublesome, but there's no obligation to do so.

Because we were hunting so many monsters, Kiri's level skyrocketed. She's getting stronger at an incredible speed, like in the early stages of an RPG. She probably surpasses the deputy leader of the Grass Forest extermination team, Greed, who is the strongest. Wow, she's the best maid and guard.

Finally, on the 45th day after being kicked out of the team, we managed to leave the Grass Forest and reach the Marita Kingdom. In this world's calendar, that's half a season.

We could have arrived sooner, but we got sidetracked by the fun of hunting. It wasn't just me; Kiri also agreed to try out new techniques. The Grass Forest had large monsters, which was fun. Thanks to that, my storage magic is full of monsters, but there's still room.

After crossing the border and walking for a while, we reached a road. If we go straight, we should reach the edge of the Marita Kingdom, the town of Eile. Even though I've never left the Grass Forest, I know about the neighboring country's town because, during my time as the Holy Maiden, my nightly entertainment was reading maps and the few books available.

In the front lines, where there was no other entertainment, my only pleasure was imagining what the other towns in the Daido Kingdom and the Marita Kingdom were like by looking at maps. I also learned about the town's specialties, like wine, from other books. Now, thinking back, it's pretty nerdy to look at maps and smile at night, but it's useful now.

When I told Kiri this, she hugged me and said, "Let's have a lot of fun in the Marita Kingdom." What a handsome guy. Kiri's level of attractiveness has risen to a dangerous level.

While chatting, we saw the first person on the road. That plain, simple carriage is a merchant's carriage. And, as expected, it's being attacked. Maybe it's a fantasy novel cliché.

The carriage has guards, but they seem to be struggling. There are many wolf-type monsters. Those wolves call for reinforcements. They're not strong, but there are many, so the guards are having a hard time.

"Shina-sama, may I go?"

Kiri is already in combat mode. In the Grass Forest, we hunted monsters almost every minute, but on the road, the effect of the monster repellent made the monsters disappear, and Kiri was complaining that her body was getting rusty. She looks happy, but it's a bit scary.

"Let's ask if they need help. We don't want to take the guards' jobs."

On the first day after being kicked out of the team, I took away Kiri's jobs as a maid and guard, so I've learned to reflect. We should confirm properly.

"Understood."

Kiri started running. Oh, Kiri, the bracelet's magic power is already activated. You should confirm properly.

A short message from Kiri, who had reached the carriage, came through the ear cuff: "They asked for help." Yeah, by the time I get there, it will be over. I could see Kiri cutting down wolves one after another from a distance, so I walked toward the carriage at a steady pace.

As expected, by the time I reached the carriage, the battle was over. Kiri had apparently restrained herself and used only physical strength, not the Flame Sword's magic power. With the bracelet's magic power enhancing her body, those monsters were probably no match for Kiri. The guards looked tired, but no one was injured, which is good.

When I approached the carriage, Kiri came over, knelt, and bowed her head. No, no, we've talked about this in the Grass Forest. Kiri, you don't listen at all. I told you to stop using formal language too, but you don't.

It seems that Kiri's attitude made it clear that I was her master, and the head guard approached me. He was a tall man with a beard, named Jin. He had red hair and a red beard covering his face, like a lion. But his bright blue eyes were gentle, contrasting with his appearance.

"Thank you so much. We were surrounded by Silver Wolves, and it was tough. They're not strong, but they keep calling for reinforcements. Is this your servant? She's incredibly strong!"

Jin thanked us sincerely. He didn't say anything about a woman interfering, which is good. In the Grass Forest, when Kiri performed well in battle, some soldiers would grumble about a woman being cheeky. I think strength has no gender. It's about being strong or weak.

"Thank you for praising Kiri. She's my pride. I'm Shina."

It's important to greet good people properly. It's the basics of being a professional.

"Thank you for your kindness. As I said earlier, I'm Jin. This is my companion, Barry. We two and another group of adventurers are guarding this carriage. Are you two traveling alone?"

"Shina-chan," how old does he think I am? I'm an adult, you know.

According to Kiri, I look smaller and younger than average. I look about 12 or 13. Hmm. During the Grass Forest extermination, I didn't eat much nutritious food. The monsters we killed were often charred or frozen, and there wasn't much edible food. Even if there was, the soldiers and mages got priority. For five years, I ate one or two meals a day, mostly potatoes and thin vegetable soup. It's not suitable for a growing child. That's why my chest is still developing.

"Yes, Kiri and I are traveling together. As you can see, Kiri is very strong."

Silver Wolves... the wolves from earlier are called Silver Wolves. Kiri cut down about five with one swing. She didn't use the Flame Sword, but she's not restraining herself at all.

"Still, it's dangerous for two people to travel. We're close to the Grass Forest. If you're going to Eile, why don't you travel with us?"

Jin said this kindly. His words and eyes are very gentle. He must be very worried about us. It's hard to say that we were hunting monsters in the Grass Forest. Kiri also looks uncomfortable, avoiding eye contact.

I observed Jin. His face is bearded, but he is neatly dressed, even if simply. Barry is also tidy. The other group of adventurers are young but show respect to Jin and Barry. They look at them with admiration. The merchant, an old man, is smiling. He's offering us fruit, saying, "It's dangerous, so please ride in the carriage. Here, have some fruit." We're not his grandchildren, old man.

"Yes, thank you. We'll go with you."

I smiled and answered. Not just as Shina, but as Yui, I trust these people. The appraisal magic is also silent.

By the way, the appraisal magic can't judge a person's character. It's strange that it can judge strength. When I tried to judge if someone was good or bad, I was told to improve my judgment of people. But it will tell me if it's dangerous. What kind of system is that, appraisal magic?

Kiri doesn't go against my judgment. From her expression, she seems to agree. Traveling alone is fun, but I want to try traveling with a group too.

"Great, I'm glad. Welcome, Shina-chan, Kiri."

Jin smiled. It was a warm, summer sky-like smile.