Chapter 22

When we arrived at the East Gate, there was a caravan of merchants. Gilne-sama and I went to show the letter of introduction we received from the inn to the leader of the caravan.

"Ho! A letter from Chris! It's rare to be recommended by that guy, I might have to stay at that run-down inn again!"

The caravan leader spun his ten-gallon hat with his finger and laughed heartily.

"Of course, you're welcome to ride with us! However, we only carry sturdy goods and merchants. I can't guarantee a smooth ride, though."

"Thank you! The carriage does shake quite a bit, doesn't it..."

When I turned my gaze to Gilne-sama, who looked worried, she nodded in agreement.

"Well, that can't be helped. If I stumble and end up clinging to Tim, please forgive me."

"Of course! Even if I'm not very reliable, please hold onto me!"

Gilne-sama made a small, mysterious fist pump with her right hand, and the caravan leader began to introduce himself.

"My name is Rock. I hope we have a pleasant journey to the Kingdom of Linhall. You're not some princess from somewhere, are you...?"

"My name is Gilne—no, just Gilne. Don't worry, as you can see from my clothes, I'm just an adventurer. Nice to meet you."

"My name is Tim. I hope you have a pleasant journey to the neighboring Kingdom of Linhall!"

Gilne-sama introduced herself while hiding her true identity. Indeed, her beauty could easily be mistaken for a princess.

"Can I wrap the wheels in thick cloth? It might make the ride much smoother."

"Whoa, don't touch the wheels. I'm not doubting you, but if they get damaged and we can't move during the journey, it would be a big problem. I'd rather avoid any unforeseen use."

"Is that so... then at least..."

I used "Sewing" to create a large number of fluffy cushions.

"If you place these under your seat, the long ride shouldn't be too uncomfortable. Please feel free to use them, everyone."

"Wow, I'm impressed! Being able to create things means Tim has quite a high level in the 'Sewing' skill! Let me try one."

Rock grabbed one of my cushions.

"Wow, this is incredibly soft! The texture is amazing! Carriage travel can be stressful, so these cushions will be a big help!"

"Hmm, I see... stress relief. Tim, what about this?"

I responded to Gilne-sama's beckoning and she whispered an idea in my ear. I followed her suggestion and added some embroidery to the cushions. I sewed hands, feet, and a cat's face onto the cushion, completing a large cushion shaped like a cat. Gilne-sama's eyes sparkled at the finished product.

"Wow, it's cute! Let's call it the 'Fat Cat Safety Cushion'!"

Gilne-sama hugged the cushion contentedly and began to explain my creation.

"Cats are universally known to be soothing. This will make everyone feel relaxed and reduce stress."

"Ha ha ha! A fat cat, that's unique and funny! We can call it 'DSC' for short!"

"Also, the arms stretch when you pull them! You can wrap them around your waist and use them as a seat cushion!"

"Ha ha ha! Why do the arms stretch on a cat? It doesn't make sense! But it's great!"

Although I didn't understand, Rock seemed to find it hilarious, laughing and holding his stomach. Gilne-sama's creativity is truly amazing.

"Ha~ I'm laughing so much. Is it okay for us merchants to receive so many of these wonderful items?"

"Of course, please use them! We're riding with you, so we'd like to do this much for you!"

"Thank you, you guys are the best. I'll distribute these to my companions. We should reach the Kingdom of Linhall after a night of continuous travel. Be careful not to hit your head on the bumps."

Rock pointed to the carriage's cargo area with a smile.

～～～～～～～～～

And so, we decided to leave this country. I left my hometown to start my life as an adventurer in a new country.

"I'll become the best adventurer!"

Saying that and running out of my "home" feels nostalgic now.

When I made this promise, my sister Ail was on the verge of tears. But by now, she must have grown into a proper lady as a "princess."

My brothers and father must have forgotten about me, the prince known as "the failure, Tim." They never showed me any affection, only disdain and malice.

But perhaps the chores I was forced to do for my brothers, the other princes, after being branded as a "failure," were useful.

There are no people as arrogant and self-important as they were. They treated the servants, who took care of their daily needs, as if they weren't human. They looked down on "chores" and even said that such tasks were beneath human beings.

So I decided to leave home and become a top-tier adventurer.

—I boarded the carriage with Gilne-sama.

Starting my life as an adventurer with Gilne-sama. Together, we can surely overcome any difficulties.

Gilne-sama and I set out from my father's country, the "Empire of Cynthia."

—The reason the empire's name wasn't mentioned earlier is because of this.

Our journey begins!