Chapter 23

Leaving the town, the group proceeded toward the southern town of Dambler, taking breaks along the way as they traveled down the road.

Riding on Kokuyou, I had Lumina, who was also on horseback, leading the way beside me.

When I glanced over, I saw her melons bouncing with the horse’s movement... I couldn’t help but look away. It’s only natural for a man, right?

Noticing my gaze, Lumina called out to me.

"Still, what a magnificent obsidian horse. If a healer rides such a horse, you’ll stand out in a good way. I want one someday."

"I just happened to get it..."

I couldn’t tell her it was an item from my dimensional storage, so I nodded along with her continued words.

While talking, I used my detection skill to check the surroundings, but there was nothing unusual, and we safely reached our first day’s campsite.

The merchants and their servants started setting up tents from the wagons, and we guards also put up two smaller tents.

I could have taken out my own from my dimensional storage, but since the merchants had prepared them, I decided to take advantage of their kindness.

Because we were close to the forest, there was a possibility of monsters appearing, so Lumina explained the night guard rotation.

"The night watch will be in three shifts. First, Dye and Milka, then—me and Toya, and lastly, Kaito and Akina."

From a professional standpoint, the team composition was fine. Lumina had thought it through in advance. Although I explained that I was a healer, I was C-rank. However, Lumina believed I couldn’t fight alone despite being able to use offensive magic and wield a two-handed sword without any issues.

There was no need to argue, so everyone nodded in agreement.

The most difficult night shift was the second one, which we high-rankers were assigned, so there were no complaints.

Guards were generally responsible for preparing their own meals, but we could also buy ingredients from the merchants if needed.

I had no problem since I had everything stored in my dimensional storage. I took out the bread I had bought in town, a bowl, and a pot of soup I had prepared.

The shop owner had given me a strange look when I bought several pots, but I didn’t want to eat the same thing repeatedly. The soup, which had its time stopped, was still steaming when I took it out of my dimensional storage.

I ladled the soup into the bowl and took a sip. The broth was rich with the flavors of meat and vegetables.

"Delicious..."

As I nodded, a voice came from behind me.

"You’re eating something that looks really good... right?"

Turning around, I saw Lumina standing there with bread and dried meat in her hands.

Moreover, the four guards were also looking at me, their eyes on my pot even though they had their own dried meat.

"Would you like to share...?"

Lumina’s face lit up with a smile, and she nodded before sitting down next to me.

The four guards also gathered, their eyes full of anticipation.

Sighing, I took out bowls for everyone from my dimensional storage.

Lumina’s eyes narrowed in approval.

"You have a dimensional storage. It makes sense that you’re C-rank despite being a healer. If you’re C-rank at your age, you could join a high-level party in the future."

"I don’t have that much capacity... but it’s certainly convenient."

I ladled the soup into the bowls and distributed them. Everyone except Dye, who seemed to be hostile, took their bowls with smiles and thanked me. Dye hesitated but eventually took his bowl, saying, "I’ll take it."

"Delicious!!"

"Great broth!"

Everyone sipped the soup and shared their thoughts. I finished the remaining soup and bit into the bread.

After the meal, I washed the bowls with water magic and put them back into my dimensional storage.

"Then, as I said, we’ll take turns on watch in the order I mentioned. Be careful not to let the fire go out."

Nodding at Lumina’s words, everyone except the first watch went to their tents for a nap.

I also entered my tent and lay down, and my consciousness naturally faded away.

"...Hey, wake up. It’s your turn to take over."

When it was time to switch, I rubbed my eyes and left the tent at Dye’s words.

Lumina was already awake, sitting by the fire.

"Normally, it would be difficult to sleep on your first guard duty..."

I thought, “Yeah, that’s true,” but the reason I could sleep was because I had secretly taken out a mat and laid it down.

To stay awake, we chatted and passed the time. I didn’t neglect to use my detection skill. There were no signs of monsters, and we spent the time adding wood to the fire.

"It’s almost time..."

Looking at the hourglass at Lumina’s words, it was almost over. I couldn’t enter the women’s tent, so I woke Kaito and then returned to my own tent.

We welcomed the morning without any incidents.

Continuing on the same path, we set up camp once more and proceeded. By mid-afternoon, we could see the town of Dambler. The town was surrounded by a stone wall about three meters high, and Lumina explained that it was a precaution against monsters from the nearby forest.

"Just a little more! Don’t let your guard down just because you can see the town."

I nodded at Lumina’s words. But there are no signs of monsters...

We arrived at the town about an hour after we could see it.

At the town’s entrance, we showed our guild cards and entered. We escorted the merchants to their guild and then dispersed, heading to the designated inn.

Lumina and I left Kokuyou at the stables and checked into the inn.

The cost of the inn was included in the guard fee, and each party was given one room. Of course, I had a private room.

After changing out of my travel clothes, I took a deep breath and checked the contents of my dimensional storage.

"...I’m glad I prepared the tent. I can’t take this out, can I?"

In my mind, the item in my dimensional storage was labeled as a ‘house.’ If I took it out, my capacity would definitely be questioned. I decided to seal it away except when I was alone and left the room for the dining hall.

Happy New Year, a bit late.

The recharge period for the New Year is over, so I’m resuming writing.

Thank you for your continued support this year.