Chapter 77

"Alright, this should do it!"

I tied my usually loose hair into a firm braid at the back. Checking the mirror, I straightened my collar and lightly slapped my cheeks to muster up some courage. The reflection in the mirror seemed sharper and more determined than usual. This was partly due to the outfit I was wearing, but I wasn't entirely confident that it suited me.

"Um... How does it look?"

I turned to look at Captain Blanche and Lillian, who were waiting in the room.

"I think it suits you very well."

Captain Blanche, who said this, looked even more dignified and handsome today. The knights of the Alderite and the Dragoon Corps wear black knight's armor, but the female knights, like Captain Blanche, wear white armor with black accents. The chest plate and elbow guards are also silver, and Captain Blanche's beauty makes her look like a noble prince.

"I'm glad the alterations were completed in time... However, the dirt will show easily, and I wonder if the frills on the hem were necessary?"

I looked at my reflection in the mirror again. The knight's armor was specially prepared for me by Alderite, as the dress I usually wear for battles doesn't provide enough protection. It is primarily white, like the female knights' armor, but the accents are a green color that matches my eyes. The hem of the coat is also adorned with green lace, and the trousers, which prioritize ease of movement, are white with thick green fabric reinforcing the inner thighs and buttocks.

"Princess, you have to be cute! Hehe, it's so nice that we match!"

Lillian tied a green ribbon to the end of my braid as a finishing touch. This knight's armor was actually Lillian's new ceremonial armor, tailored to fit me since our body types are almost identical. The hem is longer than the other knights', and the shoulder badges and cuffs are more intricately embroidered.

"I'm sorry, but it's just a temporary solution. After the hunt, I'll have a suit of armor made specifically for you," Alderite promised. However, I would have preferred black like Alderite's. White shows dirt easily, and I can't even lie down on the ground.

(Still, it feels very comfortable.)

I swung my arms around and squatted to test the mobility of the armor. The joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, and knees, have slits to allow for a wide range of motion. I tightened the leather belt with a magic tool pouch and sheathed a small sword from the Lucévre forge. I might look like a proper knight... or at least somewhat like one.

"Come, Princess. Shall we go?"

"Yes. Captain Blanche, please take care of me."

"Yay! This expedition is all thanks to you, Princess!"

Lillian, who had been left behind on previous hunts because she was only fifteen, was finally allowed to participate this time. Her role was to guard me, not to participate in the hunt, but she was excited to be close to the action.

"Lillian, stay focused."

"Of course, Captain! I won't leave Princess's side no matter what!"

Lillian's enthusiasm was contagious. Natalie was staying behind, and a female knight named Sabrina from the Blanche Corps was joining us (she won a competition involving sword, shield, and bow).

The place where Captain Blanche led me after I finished preparing was the stable for the Stirling, a large four-legged bird. These magical birds, unique to the Elsenei Great Forest, are excellent for transportation. They can't fly, but they have endless stamina and are very fast. They look like giant birds with brown and white speckled feathers and sharp talons on their thick legs.

(I wonder if they're delicious? But as a mount, I shouldn't eat them, just like the Grissheld Dragon.)

When I see magical creatures, I tend to think about eating them, but for Captain Blanche and Lillian, they are trusted partners. I swallowed my words and focused on the Uglosh Centipede Crab we were going to hunt.

"Here you are, Melfi... Ah, no, you're so cute!"

Alderite, who had come to see us off, covered his mouth with his hand, which he had raised to greet me. He cleared his throat after being nudged by Chaos.

"You look quite cute, no, brave. Yes, the braid is not bad."

"Leaving it down would get in the way. And I'm sorry if I get the armor dirty."

"Don't worry. Blanche and the others get covered in mud every time. The Midleague laundry team is very skilled. They can make even the most bloodstained armor look brand new."

The knights of Galbreath have different colors for each unit. The female knight corps, which Alderite founded, is a new unit. When I asked Captain Blanche why they chose white, she simply said it was a color no other unit used. They experimented with the design to make the armor stand out.

"From the air, we'll have the Mulan team. We should arrive by morning... Are you sure you don't want to come with me?"

Alderite, looking worried, asked me. The main team, including Alderite, will ride flying creatures like the Grissheld Dragon and the Flame Eagle and set out for the Uglosh Salt Lake at dawn. I will go with Captain Blanche and the advance team to transport supplies.

"This isn't a trip. I'll work hard to be recognized as a warrior."

"Umm, I understand. I'll ensure your safety as a non-combatant, but I'm still worried. There will be a camp even for one day."

Alderite rummaged through his bag and pulled out many shiny objects and cards.

"Jewelry?"

"Barrier stones, amulets, and other things. I made them all."

I peeked into the bag he handed me. There were seven necklaces with barrier stones, and so many amulets I couldn't carry them all.

"Lord, what were you doing so late at night?"

Chaos asked, sounding exasperated.

"I finished some work while I was at it."

"At it, huh."

"Shut up."

I thought the magic language used was ancient, but it turned out to be modern magic.

"Sorry, ancient magic takes time. Modern magic is effective enough... I think."

"The magic is very intricate. The barrier stones are infused with a lot of your magic, and they feel very comforting."

Especially the amber-colored barrier stone reminded me of Alderite's eyes. His magic is golden, so when activated, it will shine beautifully in gold.

"Comforting?"

Alderite looked at me with wide eyes. I hugged the bag with the barrier stones and amulets to my chest. Closing my eyes, I felt a warm sensation from my chest, as if Alderite were right beside me, giving me a strong sense of security.

"Yes, very. Thank you for so many. I'll take good care of them."

I took out the amber-colored barrier stone necklace, and Captain Blanche immediately put it around my neck. When I smiled, Alderite looked relieved.

Meanwhile, the preparations continued. Ground-running dragons, large lizard-like creatures, pulled wagons loaded with supplies, and the Stirlings were equipped with all the necessary gear. The advance team was responsible for rear support, consisting of carpenters, mages, blacksmiths, medics, and cooks, including knights. The Dragoon Corps, led by Mulan and Ambry, would provide air support to protect against flying and attacking creatures. Among the cooks was the sous chef, Reina.

"It's time to depart."

Alderite signaled to the rear support team leader when the preparations were complete. He then walked over and embraced me.

"Blanche, Lillian, take good care of Melfi."

Captain Blanche and Lillian, who were entrusted with this task, assumed the knight's salute.

"Yes, I will protect Princess with my... no, with my honor as a knight."

Captain Blanche must have heard from Alderite that I didn't want her to risk her life. She changed her words, but her determination to protect me was clear. Lillian, who had been playful earlier, now had a serious expression. Despite being five years younger than me, she was a proud Galbreath knight.

(I'll be fine. I have the cloudy crystal barrier, and Alderite gave me barrier stones and amulets. I'll use them without hesitation if danger approaches.)

When I gripped the barrier stone at my chest, it felt slightly warm. But more than that, I was nervous because Alderite was so close.

"See you tomorrow, Melfi."

"Yes! I'll be waiting for you there."

"Still, I'm worried."

"The main team needs your leadership. If I were there, it would be chaotic."

This isn't a trip; I have a job to do, preparing delicious camp meals to boost morale.

Alderite reluctantly let go of the embrace and lightly patted my shoulder. I nodded vigorously to reassure him.

"Everyone, mount up!"

Since I was nervous about riding alone, I started by sharing a Stirling with Captain Blanche. I waved goodbye to Alderite, who raised his hand in return and then faced forward with a determined expression, befitting the lord of Galbreath.

It's time to depart.

The Uglosh Centipede Crab, a creature from my childhood memories. It can be as large as twenty furlongs, and I'm eager to confirm if it's as delicious as I remember!