New chapter of World Teacher is out! (1/1 chapter)

Gargan Trading Company and Master

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The nearest town from our house was Almest. Its scale was a size smaller than Medria, which we had visited recently, and public order did not seem very good. Perhaps because of the intentions of my father, Baldomir, the number of beastkin in this town was extremely small. Even so, this was the town where Dee and Noel had come to purchase supplies, and where Elina’s medicine had been sold. It had been an indispensable town for our livelihood.

We departed from our house early in the morning and arrived at Almest before noon. Soon after we reached the town, Dee went to meet one of his regular customers in order to secure transportation, and we parted with him. After wandering about the town for a while, we were now having lunch at the town dining hall where we were to reunite.

“By the way, is this the first time for you two to visit a town?” (Noel)

While eating, Noel, who had worn her hood low over her face, addressed the siblings who wore the same style of hood. They had not removed their hoods so as not to be recognized as beastkin, but with three people hiding like that, did it not actually make them stand out?

“It was not the first time. When we were slaves, we had come to towns several times. However, we had always been in the wagon, so we could not see the townscape.” (Reus)

“When we arrived at a town, we were always locked up, so it was the first time we had walked through one.” (Emilia)

It was probably proof that their spirits had grown stronger, for although they were speaking of a painful period, no anguish showed on the siblings’ faces.

“I see. Then it was no wonder you two were looking around so restlessly.” (Noel)

“Yeah, there were many strange things.” (Reus)

“There were various people, and many scents mixed together. It felt mysterious.” (Emilia)

“Right. When I first came to a town, I really could not calm down. At that time, it had been right after Aria-sama had taken me in, and I had been full of anxiety. But Aria-sama’s hand that held mine had been warm, and I had not let go even after we left the town.” (Noel)

“Noel-nee also had such a time, then.” (Reus)

“Of course. Besides, your Onee-chan knows that you clung to Sirius-sama’s clothes, you know.” (Noel)

That was indeed the case. Now that we were seated, they were apart from me, but from the moment we had entered the town the siblings had gripped my sleeve and had not let go. They might retain some distrust of humans from their time as slaves. My sleeve was stretching, so I wanted them to become accustomed to it soon.

“Well, there were so many people that I could not calm down. But when I was with Sirius-sama, I felt at ease.” (Emilia)

“That is right. There were so many people, and yet Aniki acted as ever. He really was amazing!” (Reus)

“I had been to towns with far more people. It was basically a matter of getting used to it.” (Sirius)

After all, if one had experienced the human avalanche at a scramble crossing in the city in my previous life, this level of population density was nothing.

“There are people everywhere, so get used to it quickly. Besides, you two could easily defeat the ordinary adventurers around here. Have confidence.” (Sirius)

“Understood.” (Emilia)

“Right. If many people like Aniki or Jii-san were around, that would be frightening. Nevertheless, this is…” (Reus)

While reaching for the stir-fried meat and vegetables that we had ordered, Reus tilted his head. He did not stop eating, but it was clear that he did not find it very tasty.

“This is completely different from what Aniki and Dee-nii make.” (Reus)

“That is so. It was rough, or rather, the heat had not been applied uniformly.” (Emilia)

“Ahaha, you two must not say that. Sirius-sama and Dee-san were simply superb, but that does not mean this is bad.” (Noel)

Indeed, the heat had not been uniform, and the vegetables had not been blanched. The flavor of the vegetables had been covered with salt and pepper, and the dish had been forced by relying on the meat’s savor. It was rough, but it had its own character, and it was not bad.

“Thank you for waiting.” (Dee)

By the time we finished the meal, Dee appeared with a man. He had short brown hair and wore a black eyepatch over his left eye. He was slightly overweight but seemed sturdy.

“Sirius-sama, this is my former adventurer comrade, Gadd.” (Dee)

“Nice to meet you. I am Gadd, the head of the Gargan Trading Company in this town.” (Gadd)

“Likewise, it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Sirius.” (Sirius)

When I took the offered hand, I noticed that Gadd’s dominant hand lacked a little finger. From the marks indicating long use of weapons, he too had probably retired from adventuring because of his injuries, just like Dee.

“Dee told me that you had bought our medicine and accommodated us with goods. Allow me to express my thanks properly.” (Sirius)

“Not at all. We were the ones who should be grateful. We have been able to secure good medicine and materials for a long term. Now that I have met you in person, I find Dee’s praise was not an exaggeration. You are indeed a remarkable person.” (Gadd)

“Right? That yakisoba you praised so highly was something I learned from Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

“That one? To take that overly thick sauce that had been difficult to use and to conceive of cooking it in that manner, such inventiveness. I should like to maintain a long relationship with you, Master.” (Gadd)

His handshake suddenly grew firm as he shook my arm up and down. Gadd was quite the opposite of Dee in temperament, but that Dee, who was normally cautious and not talkative, was on friendly terms with him suggested trustworthiness.

“Pardon my asking, what was your relationship with Dee?” (Sirius)

“No need for formal speech. Treat me as you would Dee. As I said earlier, we were former adventurer comrades. We had been members of a certain party, but one day I was attacked by a ferocious monster, and he saved me. Because of that, I lost an eye and a little finger. Upon retiring I became a merchant, which I had long been interested in.” (Gadd)

“I was surprised the first time I came to this town to buy supplies. I never expected you to be here.” (Dee)

“So was I. I was astonished to see you arrive as a retainer. I had been willing to suffer some loss in business out of gratitude to my benefactor, but before I knew it the profits had only increased. I could not turn my back on you or your master.” (Gadd)

Before I knew it, he had addressed me as “master” and treated me with deference, although I had ceased to be a noble and had never met this man before.

“In short, he is an entangled comrade and a benefactor. Now then, let us proceed to business. If I recall correctly, you wished to secure carriages?” (Gadd)

“That is correct. Noel and I will head east, while Sirius-sama and the two attendants will head west. We would like the carriages prepared within today.” (Dee)

“Today? I shall not ask the reason, but that is rather sudden.” (Gadd)

Gadd frowned and made a sour sound. As expected, arranging something immediately might be difficult. I had wished, if possible, to leave town today.

We were essentially fleeing to avoid Baldomir’s pursuit, though it was not strictly at night. I did not expect him to arrive within a day or two. Indeed, there was a possibility he would pay no heed at all. Nevertheless, I wanted to distance myself from his territory early as a precaution.

“If today is impossible, tomorrow will do, Gadd-san. We are aware we are making heavy demands.” (Dee)

“No, no, if I set my mind to it I can arrange something. However, it is a pity to part so soon after meeting.” (Gadd)

“What are you saying, Gadd-san? You intend to gain knowledge from Sirius-sama, do you not?” (Noel)

Noel seized the moment to tease him sharply. She had often come to town with Dee, and since Gadd had shown no sign of disliking beastkin, they were probably close enough for light banter.

“Haha, Noel-chan is unbeatable. But it is true that I feel sad to part. Dee has learned many things, and I too wished to learn from Sirius-sama.” (Gadd)

“Wished to learn? I am just a child.” (Sirius)

“You are the one who changed Dee so much. Do not think of your master as a child. Meeting you has made me even more convinced.” (Gadd)

“That is a correct judgment, Gadd. Now then, regarding the carriage?” (Sirius)

“As for that, you are in luck, Dee. I had planned to travel east by carriage from today. There will be cargo aboard, but I will take you with me.” (Gadd)

“That is good news. Yet Sirius-sama’s party is more important.” (Dee)

“Do not worry. That will also work out at a suitable time. For now, let us proceed to the carriage station.” (Gadd)

We left the dining hall and, being invited by Gadd, we headed toward the town’s carriage stop.

Various covered wagons of all sizes were lined up, and among them, Gadd walked toward one that could accommodate about eight people.

“Hey, Zack. Are the preparations ready?” (Gadd)

At Gadd’s voice, a man poked his face out from inside the carriage. He looked like a younger and smaller version of Gadd, without the eyepatch and with all fingers intact, yet when standing side by side, they could still be mistaken for brothers with a slight age difference.

“Preparations are perfect, Aniki. We are just waiting for the guards before departure, but are you here to see us off? Damn, this delivery might get attacked by magic beasts this time.” (Zack)

“Do not spout nonsense, you fool. There are people who want a ride, so unload two barrels and two ore boxes right now.” (Gadd)

“Hah? What is that? Our profit will go down.” (Zack)

“Just do it quickly. It is a request from a valued customer, and I will take responsibility.” (Gadd)

“Fine, fine. Help me out too, Aniki.” (Zack)

“Alright, alright. Oh, right. Sir, you said west, but may I ask specifically where you are heading?” (Gadd)

When Gadd turned back to ask me, he looked somewhat apologetic. Though he said he would not ask for the reason, it would be difficult to explain to Zack without at least telling the destination.

“The destination is Elysium.” (Sirius)

“I see, this guy’s destination is also Elysium, so that works perfectly.” (Gadd)

“Sorry for making you unload the cargo.” (Sirius)

“No, no, this is also a token of gratitude for all the business you have given us. I will go explain to him and help unload, so please wait around here for a while.” (Gadd)

After Gadd left, we sat down a short distance away from the carriage area. Yet for a while, no one said a single word, merely gazing at the passing wagons. That was only natural.

We were to part ways here. As I could not think of any suitable words, I idly stared until Dee took out a pouch from his pocket and broke the silence.

“Sirius-sama, it is not too late even now. I would like to return this.” (Dee)

“That is something I already gave to you. If I take it back, it would become a debt from you to me, and I dislike that.” (Sirius)

“However, it is too much after all. Even half of this would be more than enough for us.” (Dee)

The pouch Dee held was packed full of gold coins. To understand why he had such a large sum, the story went back to last night.

Last night, after Baldomir went home, we held a party, and when it ended, I gathered everyone together once more. On the table were the money we had saved up so far and the proceeds from selling jewels. What was there represented the entirety of our family’s fortune, excluding what the attendants kept personally. Originally, Kaa-san managed the finances, but now I had inherited that role. I counted each of the various coins lined up tightly across the table. After several minutes of calculation, the total of our household’s assets was finally revealed.

“Leaving out the small change, 73 gold coins and 10 silver coins. Considering the deductions.” (Sirius)

45 gold coins would go to the school’s entrance fee, leaving 28. One gold coin would probably sustain me and my disciples for a while.

“Sirius-sama, forgive me for interrupting your calculation, but may we have a moment?” (Dee)

While I was thinking, Noel and Dee called out to me. I set the coins aside and faced them.

“What is it? You both look unusually serious.” (Sirius)

“Yes, please accept this.” (Dee)

What Dee handed me was a gold coin. Just one, but to the two of them, it must have been a fortune, certainly not something one could just hand over casually.

“…What is this?” (Sirius)

“Actually, Erina-san has been giving us a small salary.” (Dee)

So, Kaa-san not only managed the household and daily expenses but also paid her juniors. Even a veteran housewife would be impressed.

“We saved it up, and together it became this gold coin. Please accept it.” (Dee)

“Wait, you two also need money for your own living, right?” (Sirius)

“It is fine. We have kept enough for ourselves, so there is no problem. Besides, we have learned many things from you, Sirius-sama. Though small, please let us offer this.” (Noel)

“From cooking to the way of living, you have taught us much. Please accept it as tuition.” (Dee)

Both deeply bowed their heads and showed no sign of rising until I accepted it. Tuition, huh. As for Emilia and Reus, perhaps, but Noel had only been watching casually, and I only taught Dee to cook because I wanted to eat his dishes.

“The feeling alone is enough, but that would not satisfy you, right? Alright, I shall accept it gratefully.” (Sirius)

““Thank you very much!”” (Noel/Dee)

To receive money and thanks at once was not something that happened often. Truly, they were dutiful and kind attendants. Right, I also had something to give them.

“Then, here is your salary. No returns.” (Sirius)

“…Huh?” (Dee)

I handed Dee a pouch containing a little over twenty gold coins. Both of them froze with eyes wide open.

“I had already discussed it with Kaa-san. We decided to give the extra money to you two.” (Sirius)

“This… 20 coins?” (Dee)

“Eeeeeeh!? That is far too much! Here, take it back, take it back!” (Noel)

The two flustered, but I ignored them. Whatever savings they had, Dee had a goal.

“Dee, you know it takes money to open a restaurant, right?” (Sirius)

“That is.” (Dee)

Yes, Dee planned to open a diner in Noel’s hometown. It certainly would not be possible with just a few coins.

“Sorry, if I did not have to repay Baldomir, I could have given more.” (Sirius)

“Please, do not. That was our shared decision.” (Dee)

“That is right! Even so, this is too much. Come on, Emy-chan, Reus-kun, say something!” (Noel)

She sought help from the siblings sorting copper coins beside her, but they only smiled at her.

“I share Sirius-sama’s opinion. And if it is for Onee-chan and Dee-san, I have no objections.” (Emilia)

“Me too. I think it is great that Dee-nii’s cooking will be eaten by many people.” (Reus)

“Ugh.” (Noel)

Noel yielded under their pure and innocent smiles. Yet, since they still seemed dissatisfied, I decided to shift the approach.

“If you cannot accept it, then consider it an exchange. Once we graduate, we will visit you, and you must treat us to as much food as we can eat. Of course, for free.” (Sirius)

“Even without that, it would be free.” (Dee)

“Listen, they say one should seek hardship while young. If you have too much money, you will forget its value.” (Sirius)

“We have always been supported by Erina-san and both of you. From now on, we wish to live by our own earnings.” (Noel)

“Aniki will be fine. We are here for him. I will also work hard.” (Reus)

As I forced my point, both of them teared up, bowed their heads, or rather, prostrated on the floor.

“Hey, that is too much. Get up already. Wait, why are all of you doing it? Huh? You say one must bow before the leader? I am not that kind of person, so lift your heads now.” (Sirius)

That matter should have been settled yesterday, but it seemed he was still dwelling on it.

“You are still talking about that? What is the problem? We do not need it, and you do. There is nothing wrong with that.” (Sirius)

“Even though we received such a great sum, can I truly meet your expectations? Can I really fulfill my dream? I do not know.” (Dee)

I see. Dee… you were anxious, were you not.

Though he was a former adventurer and had lived for many years, the Erina who had always protected him was gone, and from now on he would have to protect his beloved partner with his own hands. That was why he was overcome with unease. Even after receiving a large sum of money, he feared that he might fail to produce results and end up disappointing us.

“Dee.” (Sirius)

“Yes… guh!?” (Dee)

First came a punch to the stomach. I had held back my strength, but since Dee never expected it, he was completely unguarded and took the blow directly, staggering backward.

“W-what was that for…?” (Dee)

“Do not be spoiled, Dee!” (Sirius)

Grabbing him by the collar, I pulled him close and scolded him.

“You are already an adult and the husband who will protect Noel. Before long, you will also become the father of the child that will be born. A man like that must not lose his composure over something of this level.” (Sirius)

“Sirius-sama…” (Dee)

“It is fine to feel anxious. However, more than that, you already know how to live strongly. There is nothing to fear, live with confidence.” (Sirius)

“…Yes.” (Dee)

“Thank you very much, Sirius-sama. And you, I am sorry for not realizing it sooner.” (Noel)

“Noel…” (Dee)

“Dear…” (Noel)

Ah, the world of love welcomes two new guests.

In the end, it turned out this way, but with this, he would accept the money without issue. This time I had to scold him, but from now on, Noel would surely take that role in my place.

“Hey, Dee, mister! I brought someone to introduce… whoa!? What in the world is this!” (Gadd)

Ah, terrible timing, Gadd-san. Please wait for a little while.

At last, after the two of them returned, the man we had seen earlier was introduced to us.

“This here is my little brother figure, Zack. He is in charge of deliveries to Elysium, so he will be the coachman for the carriage that will carry you all.” (Gadd)

“I am called Zack. I am still an apprentice who studied under Gadd-aniki, but I look forward to working with you.” (Zack)

Standing side by side, they truly looked alike. If Gadd was in his thirties, Zack appeared to be around twenty.

“He calls himself inexperienced, but this guy has traveled to Elysium many times. We are hiring two guards from the guild as well, so your journey will be safe.” (Gadd)

“…Gadd. Is he reliable?” (Sirius)

“You worry too much. No, I get it, that just means they are important to you. But relax, this one is trustworthy. After all, he is my little brother.” (Gadd)

He said it with full confidence, so Dee seemed convinced. While the two were speaking, Zack came up to me and extended his hand.

“I heard from Gadd-aniki. It will take a while to reach Elysium, but I look forward to the trip.” (Zack)

“Likewise, I look forward to traveling with you and the others. This will be our first journey, so I would appreciate any guidance.” (Sirius)

“Ahaha, if it is within what I know, I will tell you anything. By the way, aniki told me that you, like Dee-san, helped increase our company’s profits. Would it be alright if I called you Master as well?” (Zack)

“Well… if you do not mind calling such a child that, then do as you please.” (Sirius)

“Got it, Master. The guards just arrived, so we can depart whenever you are ready. Call me when your preparations are finished.” (Zack)

Not only their faces but their personalities were also similar. Still, he was a pleasant man to talk to, so there was no sign that the journey would become uncomfortable. After watching Zack return to the carriage, I turned to see the siblings exchanging farewells with Dee and Noel.

“Onee-chan, thank you for everything up until now.” (Emilia)

“What are you saying? It is not like we will never see each other again, so do not talk like that.” (Noel)

“Even so. I will be supporting Sirius-sama, so Onee-chan, please support Dee-san properly as well.” (Emilia)

“Oh, you are being cheeky.” (Noel)

Though she said that, Noel’s eyes filled with tears as she lovingly embraced Emilia. Then Emilia shifted within her arms and lightly bit Noel’s shoulder.

“Ah!? That… could it be…?” (Noel)

“Yes. Because I love you, Onee-chan.” (Emilia)

For the Silver Wolf tribe, biting the shoulder was a sign of affection. Perhaps happy to be bitten, Noel tightened her embrace.

“Nyahaha, you can bite me harder, you know?” (Noel)

“That is only for Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

“My, love truly is a powerful thing.” (Noel)

The harder the bite, the deeper the affection. If Emilia were to bite me now, she might tear my shoulder clean off.

“I will bite too! Noel-nee, lend me your shoulder.” (Reus)

“U-um… I am happy, but please be gentle, Reus-kun. I am afraid you might bite hard enough to draw blood.” (Noel)

“I will be careful.” (Reus)

Reus bit Noel’s shoulder as well, and the beastkin continued their exchange as though reconfirming their bonds.

“Emi-chan, Reus-kun, please take care of Sirius-sama for me.” (Noel)

“Of course.” (Emilia)

“I will protect Aniki and Nee-chan.” (Reus)

“But make sure to protect yourselves too. I do not want either of you to get hurt.” (Noel)

“I will try my best after Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

“I will protect everyone!” (Reus)

“…I wonder if they will be alright.” (Noel)

I feel the same way. I wished they could be a bit more flexible with me, but that was something to be corrected gradually.

“Emilia, Reus. I showed you a shameful sight earlier.” (Dee)

Bending down to meet their eye level, Dee scratched his head as he spoke, but the siblings shook their heads, saying they did not mind.

“I have tried to act as your older brother, but by now your abilities surpass mine.” (Dee)

“Do they?” (Reus)

“They do. Even so, as your weak older brother, I have one request. As your brother and as your senior attendant… please take care of Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

“Yes!” (Emilia/Reus)

That was all Dee, who was not good with words, needed to say.

After parting with the siblings, Dee and Noel stood before me and bowed deeply.

“…So, this is farewell.” (Sirius)

“Yes. At least for the five years until graduation, we will not meet.” (Dee)

“That is a long time. If Sirius-sama had not chosen to attend school, I would have brought you to my hometown instead.” (Noel)

“That would not have been bad. But you would have nowhere to live, would you?” (Sirius)

“If it is Sirius-sama, you could easily build a house.” (Noel)

“That would be a bit difficult.” (Sirius)

Even if I am told to build a house… wait, perhaps it is possible. If I imitated Lior’s house, it might just work.

“After graduation, I will come visit the two of you. No, by then, perhaps it will be the three of you.” (Sirius)

“That may be a little premature, but we will do our best. And when that child grows up, please take them as one of your attendants, Sirius-sama.” (Noel)

“Huh? What are you saying?” (Sirius)

“I will make sure to teach them all the techniques I learned from Erina-san, so please look forward to it. And if it is a girl, you may even take her as a concubine if you wish.” (Noel)

“Onee-chan! You cannot just decide that on your own!” (Emilia)

Emilia flared up at Noel, who had gone on making decisions by herself. That was right. Even as a parent, one could not decide the life of a child who was not yet even born. Say more, Emilia.

“It is fine. The first position already belongs to you, Emi-chan.” (Noel)

“…Then, that is fine.” (Emilia)

So quick to back down! To say it bluntly, are you really fine with that? In the first place, the top reservation holder was the Elf Fia, no, that is not the point. Why are they deciding things without my permission? The women in this world are far too aggressive.

“Listen well, do not ever force it! It must be left entirely to the child’s own will.” (Sirius)

“Of course.” (Noel)

“So, brainwashing or persuasion is acceptable then?” (Noel)

“Absolutely not!” (Sirius)

I was already starting to feel exhausted. Continuing this conversation would lead nowhere, so it was about time we truly departed. Thinking that, I turned toward the carriage, but Noel placed her hand against my cheek and kissed me on the forehead.

“May your life be filled with happiness. We will always pray for your joy.” (Noel)

As she lifted her lips from my forehead, Noel showed me a radiant smile. Truly, she never failed to deliver such perfect timing in these touching moments.

“I wish the same for you. Be sure to find happiness as well… Nee-san.” (Sirius)

“!?” (Noel)

Please, spare me from being called “chan.” Turning my back to my weeping attendants, I boarded the carriage. Just as I was about to ask Zack to depart, Gadd appeared in front of us and handed over a rather large bag.

“Master, I gathered a few things you might need for the journey. Please make use of them.” (Gadd)

“Thank you. I feel bad for troubling you to prepare them.” (Sirius)

“Dee asked me to do it. Please do not worry about it.” (Gadd)

“Even so, take this.” (Sirius)

I took out a gold coin from my pocket and tried to hand it to him, but Gadd shook his head and refused to accept it.

“There’s no need for that. I would never take money from the benefactor of that man.” (Gadd)

“In that case, please accept this instead.” (Sirius)

From my travel bag, I brought out a hand-carved Reversi board. I had intended to play it during the trip, but after realizing that the carriage shook too much for it to be practical, I decided otherwise. Since this world lacked entertainment, I thought it might serve well as a plaything that could even sell for some coin.

“What is this? A wooden board with squares carved into it and black and white wooden coins?” (Gadd)

“It is a game I created. You may reproduce and sell it if you wish. Please ask Dee for the rules.” (Sirius)

“Heh, I have never seen anything like this before. I will gratefully accept it. Well then, shall we depart?” (Gadd)

“Yes, please.” (Sirius)

“Understood. Oi, Zack, get us moving.” (Gadd)

“Aye, Aniki. We’re off!” (Zack)

The carriage began to move, and the figures of Dee and Noel gradually grew distant. Until the two, who waved with tears in their eyes, completely disappeared from sight, we continued to wave in farewell.

It was said that the journey to Elysium, where the school was located, would take five days by carriage. The road to Elysium was well maintained, a nearly straight path of hardened soil. Magic beasts rarely appeared on the main road, and Zack laughed as he explained that the hardest part of the trip was fighting boredom each time.

At present, we had removed our cloaks and were sitting beside Zack on the coachman’s seat, chatting idly. All three of us wore clothing suitable for travel, and Emilia, whose hair was long, had tied it into a ponytail so it would not get in the way. Like his elder brother Gadd, Zack did not harbor prejudice against beastkin. Even upon seeing the wolf ears and tails of the siblings, he showed no shock. In fact, he praised their beautiful silver hair, calling them well-raised children. Because of that, we quickly became friendly, and the one he got along with the most was…

“So then, Aniki said it, ‘What do you think you’re doing to my little brother!’. Man, he was shining back then.” (Zack)

“I get it, Zack-nii. My Aniki is always shining too. He’s my goal.” (Reus)

Perhaps because they both respected their aniki, the two got along remarkably well. They enthusiastically praised their elder brothers’ good points, chatting like long-time friends.

“Still, Reus, are you alright? It’s been an hour already.” (Zack)

“No problem. This is also part of my training.” (Reus)

Reus was not riding the carriage but was instead running beside it on his own two feet. Since he had taken it upon himself to do this as training, I saw no need to stop him. Ordinarily, I would prefer he conserve his strength in case of an enemy attack, but at this pace, about half his usual speed, and with me present, there was little risk.

“By the way, this highway is supposed to be safe, is it not? Then why did you hire guards?” (Emilia)

Emilia directed her gaze toward the two guards sitting at the back of the carriage. Just like the siblings earlier, they wore hoods pulled low and spent their idle time tending to their large sword and spear. However, they had not spoken a single word since departure, which made them look suspicious.

“Recently, there’ve been a lot of bandits showing up in this area. That’s why we hired adventurers like them through the guild.” (Zack)

I see.

But there was something that had been bothering me for a while. Leaning close to Zack’s ear, I whispered softly so that the two guards could not hear.

“What about their actual skill? Their poor manners are fine, but their weapons seem unusually new, which worries me.” (Sirius)

Adventurers lived side by side with battle. Naturally, their weapons should show chips or bloodstains from frequent use, yet these men’s weapons were unnaturally pristine, and their maintenance was sloppy. It gave the impression that they were not accustomed to handling them.

“Maybe they just replaced them recently? Since we hired through the guild, they should be trustworthy.” (Zack)

I was not familiar enough with the guild system to judge, but my intuition kept nagging me. Following that feeling, I quietly expanded the range of my Search spell, and multiple responses appeared.

“Aniki!” (Reus)

After a brief pause, Reus shouted, drew the sword at his waist, and moved into alert stance around the carriage. Good. His instincts were sharpening. Startled by Reus’s sudden reaction, Zack hastily pulled the reins to stop the carriage.

“What’s going on, Master!?” (Zack)

“We are under attack. They are still some distance away, but several figures are surrounding the carriage. Likely the bandits you mentioned earlier.” (Sirius)

“That’s bad! Hey, you two! Bandits showed up, so… wha!?” (Zack)

When Zack turned to shout at the rear guards, the situation inside the carriage had already turned dire.

“Do not move, any of you.” (Guard)

Emilia had been seized by one of the supposed adventurers, held by the neck as a hostage.

—

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