Chapter 18

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We are making steady progress and cutting through the obstacles.

It's the sixth day since we set out.

We have left the second town. Nigel's companions are all good people.

There has been no contact with the knights.

They are called the Mensis Knights, and are mainly composed of the children of nobles.

I don't know the original number of members, but it seems there are about forty, including the commander and deputy commander. All of them are human.

Nigel's companions, including the deputy commander representing the earl, are twenty elite members. Nigel is the only beastman.

We proceed with the Mensis Knights sandwiched between horseback and carriages.

My carriage is at the rear.

For six days, except when we arrived in town, I spent my time being jolted around in the carriage. I am completely a burden.

Technically, I am treated as a relative of the uncle, so I am told to just stay put.

We encountered monsters a few times, but Nigel's companions took care of them quickly.

I only went out when it was time to replenish supplies. I couldn't help much, but at least I did that.

Price is important, but freshness is also crucial. Skills are convenient.

The carriage stopped.

We are about to set up camp.

At that moment, my bracelet felt cold.

It repeatedly turned cold and then returned to normal, as if it were blinking.

"...Nigel"

"What's wrong? Dinner will be ready soon."

I opened the small window of the carriage, and I could see Nigel's face on horseback.

Nigel, who had ridden alongside the carriage, leaned in, and I spoke to him in a low voice.

"Shouldn't we move a bit further ahead?"

"The river is nearby. We need to rest the horses. Is something bothering you?"

I'm glad he listens to me even when I interfere with the group's decisions.

After thinking for a moment, I said,

"Um, do the knights know about the monsters by the river?"

"Uwaaaaaah"

A scream and the sound of splashing water came from the river.

One horse was lost.

Someone from the Mensis Knights must have approached the river carelessly.

Nigel told me that a knight was almost dragged in by the river monsters but was saved.

We didn't encounter any large monsters because we stayed on the main road.

The only incident was by the river.

On the seventh day, at noon, we arrived safely at the Essex castle.

As soon as we reached the castle, we parted ways with the Mensis Knights.

I could see Veronica standing in front of the knights. She seems to be guiding the uncle.

I occasionally exchange letters with her. I'm sure I'll see her later.

I'll probably meet the uncle after the knights' greetings and the evening banquet.

I thanked the elites who took care of me and entered the castle with Nigel.

The uncle said that the room where I lived for seven years is still as it was, and it really was.

I think it means that I can return anytime.

"Feeling settled"

Nigel laughed when he saw me sit on the bed and take a deep breath.

After unpacking, I went to the courtyard. There, a slender knight in armor was standing.

"Finally, you're here."

"Chris, it's been a while!"

Chris was standing in the corner opposite us, in the corridor of the courtyard.

I approached her at a quick pace and greeted her lightly.

Nigel knelt and bowed.

Chris signaled to Nigel, and he stood up again.

Still, he looks even better than before.

Chris is the uncle's daughter.

The uncle didn't have a male heir.

In this world, it's mostly the males who inherit the family, so Chris's position was delicate.

Chris and I spent a lot of time together when we were in the castle, so we are childhood friends.

She has her flaxen hair braided and tied back, and her posture in armor is very impressive. She's beautiful, yet she has become a beautiful woman in men's clothing.

I smiled a little at the reunion with my childhood friend, who has become a beautiful woman in men's clothing.

Chris started dressing as a man after "Fimbul's Year," I think.

She used to have long hair and wore frilly dresses.

While talking with Chris about recent events, I felt a shock on my back.

"Noah! Finally, we meet!"

"Whoa, Veronica?"

It was the half-elf Veronica.

I asked about the knights' guidance, and she said she came to see me right after guiding the uncle. Is that okay?

"Let those young masters be disciplined by Randolph."

Veronica, still clinging to my back, waved her hands and said.

The elves around me are really different from the general image.

"Noah"

"Uncle!"

All the important people of this castle are gathered here.

We finished greeting the Mensis Knights, and he came to see me while I was unpacking.

The uncle is fifty-two this year.

He boasts that he is still in his prime and, in fact, guards this border well.

He became known as the Lion King because he led the beastmen in the front lines during "Fimbul's Year."

"I'm sorry, Uncle. I should have come to greet you."

"Nonsense, I just came to see my son's face. You're still so formal."

The uncle laughed heartily.

He has the same light brown hair and eyes as Chris. His eyes sometimes flash sternly and sometimes gently.

"Uncle, you always say that."

The uncle treats me like a son, even though I am one of the people he dislikes the most, someone who has been running away without any resolve.

"If you marry Chris, it will be so."

"Father!"

"Uncle!"

That's another thing.

He didn't say it out loud before, but since I left here, he has been suggesting marriage at every opportunity.

Chris is too good for me. I have no resolve to live as a noble.

I've said that many times.

"I can't join you for dinner today, but let's meet again tomorrow."

He laughed and left. He's like a storm.

2015/01/10 Revised