Chapter 2

It has already been three days since the carriage started moving. We should reach the border in about one more day. My destination is the Rodel Empire, a much larger country than the Artemia Kingdom where I was.

The two knights accompanying me do not even look at me. It’s incredibly boring. And the fact that they occasionally whisper to each other is worrying.

"Are those two plotting something?"

I ask Metis jokingly.

"Yes"

But the answer I get is a sad one.

Oh no.

"Are they after my life?"

"Yes"

I look up at the ceiling of the carriage and let out a deep breath.

Who could it be, I wonder, but the options are limited.

"Father's order?"

"No"

It's not him.

"Hail's order?"

"Yes"

I had suspected as much after realizing it wasn't my father, but it still hurts to hear it clearly. My own brother is after my life. Does he want the position of the next head that badly? We weren't close, but the fact that he hates me this much almost brings tears to my eyes.

"Should I run now?"

"No"

"Tonight?"

"Yes"

I'll trust Metis. The escape will happen tonight.

Night falls, and we stay at an inn on the way. It stands alone on the road, surrounded only by grass and trees. I have a different room from the two knights. They are apparently waiting in the next room. Beyond here lies a forest filled with monsters. Once through it, it's the Rodel Empire.

"Should I run now?"

"Yes"

"Should I go north?"

"No"

I was planning to head north through the forest, but apparently, that's not a good direction.

"West?"

"Yes"

West it is. It seems like the best option.

I quietly leave the inn without making a sound. As I start running west, the two from the inn come out with worried faces. I quickly hide in the grass, but it seems they haven't noticed me. If they come this way, it's over.

"Hey, he's escaped! How did he notice!?"

"How should I know? What will Lord Hail say if we let him escape! He must have headed towards the forest. Let's ride after him!"

The two mount their horses and head towards the forest.

"Turns out I was still right here, huh"

I stand up and quietly head west, making sure not to run into them. After half an hour, I start thinking it might be safe to head into the forest. If I enter from a different direction, I won't run into them.

"Is it safe to head into the forest now?"

"Yes"

With Metis's permission, I head into the forest, guided by the moonlight.

Even after reaching the forest at night, I continue walking through it all night. I didn't encounter the two pursuers again.

"Will a monster appear on this path within the next thirty minutes?"

"Yes"

"Should I stop for a while?"

"Yes"

Following Metis's instructions, I hide. If I encounter a monster, the chances of losing are very high. I have to be cautious. I've already asked over a hundred times.

Then, I hear the sound of a carriage approaching from behind.

They're still chasing me, those guys!

"Is it safe to stay hidden?"

"Yes"

I hide as best as I can. The person who appears behind me is a merchant on a carriage.

"Is he dangerous?"

"No"

"Should I interact with him?"

"Yes"

It seems to be just a merchant. I stand up and call out to him.

"Hello"

"Hello. Meeting someone here... Are you a mercenary? Or a knight, perhaps?"

A plump, bearded merchant smiles. He must have judged by my clothes.

"Something like that. Are you heading to the Rodel Empire?"

"Yes, to Delcour in Rodel."

"Ah, I'm heading to Delcour too. Would you like to travel together? I'm quite good at scouting."

I can rely on Metis...

"That's a coincidence. Sure, if you don't mind. But I can't pay much for a guard, is that okay?"

"That's fine. A meal would be enough."

"Thank you."

This way, I manage to get a ride and head towards the Rodel Empire.

By asking Metis detailed questions, I reach the border without encountering any monsters.

"Wow, Mr. Sibyl, your scouting skills are amazing! It's rare not to encounter anything until here!"

The merchant says excitedly.

"Thank you, thank you."

I can't fight, after all. There are soldiers at the border checkpoint.

"ID, please?"

"Um, I don't have it right now."

I didn't bring my ID.

"Hmm... That's suspicious."

The soldier raises an eyebrow. Indeed, it is suspicious.

"Well, you might run if something happens, but I can't let you through like this."

He glances at my leather bag. I understand.

"Sorry, I have my ID."

I hand him a silver coin. He smiles.

"I see, it's confirmed. You may proceed."

After bribing him, he lets me through easily. Is this level of security really okay?

But thanks to that, I was able to cross the border. I continue on the carriage and a few days later, I finally reach Delcour.

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