Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Off to the North!
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We left the Rodon City, and at last, the full-scale escort mission began. That said, we were just enjoying a chat inside the warm carriage with Princess Beretta, so there was absolutely no tension. That was because outside, the elite soldiers led by General Verger, who came from Remnos, along with the regular soldiers dispatched from our academy, were guarding us. Moreover, the soldiers from Remnos, who knew Heinz’s true identity, would not let him step out into the open, so we had no need to act.
…I do feel a little sorry about that.
After all, we weren’t really traveling on official business. To put it bluntly, all that mattered was reaching the northern fort. Once we arrived and spoke with the commander for about an hour, it would be over. Since it wasn’t an urgent matter, the pace of the carriage was slow.
“There are two small towns beyond Rodon, so we will stay there overnight.” (Verger)
Before we set off, General Verger explained the itinerary. By the way, Princess Beretta was not staying in a town inn, but in a specially prepared carriage with a bedroom she had brought from Remnos. For security, Sonia, Lev, Hana, and the female guards from Remnos would also sleep in the same carriage. Lev was very apologetic about it but ultimately gave up.
“Beyond the second town, there’s a forest, and after that, there won’t be any towns until we reach the fort. I’d like to pass through as quickly as possible, so the carriage will be a bit bumpy during that time. Please be aware of that.” (Verger)
“Understood. Thank you, Verger.” (Beretta)
“Yes, then please ensure the protection of Princess Beretta, as well as the rest of the party.” (Verger)
When General Verger spoke with a serious expression, we also tightened our mouths and replied, “Yes”. In retrospect, that moment before departure felt the most like an actual mission. And so, we spent a relaxed time, well, not that we were deliberately being lazy, but mentally, it was very unfocused, enjoying Holand-san’s sweets while gazing at the gently falling snow, which was beginning to accumulate.
By the way, Princess Beretta liked Holand-san’s sweets so much that after that, an officer under General Verger went to Holand-san and placed a large order for items that would last longer. Holand-san hurriedly stayed up all night to make them, so I did feel a little guilty, but it was probably good advertising.
After all, I’m sure he realizes that she is a real princess. The sweets liked by the princess of the neighboring country. It’s not a bad selling point at all.
“Still, staying inside the carriage the whole time isn’t very relaxing. Would it be alright if I run ahead while doing some exterior guard duty?” (Lite)
I could understand Lite’s feelings. I thought the same during our summer vacation, but inside a carriage, there was really not much to do.
“Honestly, Lite. You’re on guard duty.” (Lev)
Lev scolded him, slightly exasperated.
“That’s true,” Lite said, quickly retracting his request. It was likely just something he blurted out.
“Oh, then I brought some cards. Would everyone like to play, degozaru?” (Hana)
Hana, who had been chatting with Beretta and Sonia, took out some cards from her bag, and we all started playing a game together.
With this special allowance, I can’t help but wonder if this is really the kind of task we should be doing…
—
The first town closest to the northern fort, or rather, the village, was a small settlement.
It wasn’t large enough to house all of us, so the soldiers on guard had to stay in empty houses or borrow rooms in people’s homes for the night. Even though the town mayor had been contacted beforehand, the town was in a bit of a celebratory mood, both welcoming us and observing us with curious eyes.
I could totally understand how they felt. If I had still been living in the southern village, and such an event had occurred, I would probably have been the subject of conversation for the next ten years.
Princess Beretta rarely left the carriage, but even so, a simple welcoming ceremony was held, and greetings were exchanged. General Verger, with his bear-like physique, was especially popular with the children.
For Heinz, Lite, and me, an empty house was assigned. Other soldiers were also staying there. They had apparently heated the house beforehand, so it was surprisingly comfortable inside.
What I found interesting was that the entrance had two doors. I was told it was to prevent snow from blowing in and to keep the warm air inside, which I found very impressive. Such a design wouldn’t have been possible in the southern village.
After a small welcoming party, we returned to our accommodations and relaxed as we pleased. Heinz was reading, Lite was working out, and when I told them I was going for a walk around the town, they gave me a strange look and asked, “In this cold?”.
The two of them, who had lived in the capital of Remnos to the north of Rodon, must not find snow scenes like this unusual, but for me, seeing the snow accumulate in the town is a completely new experience. If there really is a ceasefire and there’s no need to go to the front lines, I probably won’t get another chance to see it, so I want to enjoy it while I could.
When I explained this, they responded with a nonchalant “Hmm”, showing quite a difference in our enthusiasm. I thought about inviting them, but they clearly had no intention of going.
Since that was the case, I decided to head out into the town by myself as the sun set. It was cold, but somehow, it wasn’t like the biting cold of Rodon. It was hard to describe, but it felt like a softer cold. I wrapped my scarf tightly and walked through the streets, holding a lantern in the less-lit areas. The sound of snow crunching beneath my feet was enjoyable. However, the snow was slippery, so I had to step carefully.
There were a few people around, but the town covered in falling snow was surprisingly quiet.
Come to think of it, Heinz had once said that snow absorbs sound, so snowy nights are quiet. Now I understand what he meant by that.
As I strolled leisurely down the street, I heard voices from an alleyway, and I absentmindedly glanced toward it. It was too dark to make out clearly, but the voices seemed to belong to men.
“Then, as planned…” (??)
“What about Zel-sama…?” (??)
The conversation was hard to make out. Then, as if noticing my gaze, the conversation stopped abruptly. I figured staying there any longer would only make them wary, so I took a clumsy step back and slipped into a nearby alley.
After a while, a man in a black coat emerged from the alley. He had his collar turned up to hide his face, but he didn’t appear to be one of the guards accompanying us. He also didn’t seem like a local. I thought about following him, but reconsidered, realizing it would be too difficult on the snow.
Soon, the man disappeared from sight.
I was a little curious, so I decided to inform General Verger, walking in the opposite direction from where the man had gone.
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