We’ve been heading toward the Kingdom of Argon for two days already.
There hasn’t been much inconvenience during the journey.
Maybe because it’s a trip led by the Crown Prince, the schedule was meticulously planned.
Once we left Lady Selene’s territory, we were no longer on imperial lands, so we had to camp outdoors.
Still, the food wasn’t bad.
At the very least, it was far better than the army in my past life and compared to wartime, it was like food served by celestial maidens.
I heard they even formed a temporary cooking unit just for this trip…
Ah, that explains why there are more people than expected.
So this is the power of the Crown Prince, huh?
“Come to think of it, I didn’t even get to greet Duchess Selene.”
It couldn’t be helped since Black Wolf and I left right after arriving.
Even though I did see her back in the capital, our first impression wasn’t great.
Guess I’ll have to visit her after we return.
Earl shrugged his shoulders as he turned to me.
“Well, does it matter? The Commander has a tendency to be meticulous at odd times.”
“It’s only proper etiquette. Whether you look at rank or experience, she’s an elder, isn’t she?”
Not to mention, she’s also a parent.
Even if Ariana and Duchess Selene don’t get along, it wouldn’t be right for me to sour things too.
At least, that’s what I think.
“Being meticulous isn’t accurate—it’s dedication. Allen is diligent.”
Black Wolf randomly interjected, causing Earl to stick out his lip.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re so great. It must be nice being smart.”
“Isn’t it obvious that mages need to be intelligent?”
“Magic is instinctual. As long as you can do basic calculations, that’s enough.”
“If you were really smart, you’d already be an Archmage by now.”
“T-This bastard…! Commander! Can I hit him?”
Shaking Earl’s way, I spoke up.
“Go ahead. I’m curious to see what happens.”
“…Fine. I’ll let it slide this time.”
Watching him naturally turn his head away, I had to suppress a laugh.
Seriously, why would you try something without knowing your opponent’s strength?
Just then, Black Wolf casually added with a flick of his foot.
“Coward?”
“W-WHAT!”
“Where did you learn such words? Stop tormenting the kid and show some restraint.”
Looks like all that studying paid off…but apparently, he learned some strange things from the students.
When I patted his head, Black Wolf silently nodded.
Earl shouted with an annoyed expression.
“…Playboy…! Casanova!”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Rather than asking pointless questions, how much further do we have to go?”
“How am I supposed to ask while the carriage is moving?”
“Can’t you use telepathy or something?”
“That’s not my specialty? Mages aren’t omnipotent, you know. That’s why knights…”
Looking at this guy…
I shook my head as I quietly ignited flames towards Earl.
“…What?”
“You’re a fire mage, aren’t you? Immune to fire, right? Let’s test that.”
“No, that’s a stereotype! Just because someone uses fire magic doesn’t mean they’re immune… AHH! STOP! IT HURTS! IT’S HOT!”
Just as I was about to personally throw a fiery punch, someone knocked on the carriage window.
Knock knock-
After quickly withdrawing my mana, I opened the window to see a Royal Palace Guardian Knight bowing his head.
Riding alongside a moving carriage at this speed isn’t easy—I guess when you reach Guardian Knight level, horsemanship is a given.
“What’s the matter?”
“We’re now entering the territory of the Kingdom of Argon. There shouldn’t be any issues, but it’s good to keep it in mind.”
“Ah. By the way, how much farther do we have until we arrive?”
“According to the plan, we have two more days. After traveling a bit further, we’ll stop at a village for one night before heading to the capital of Argon.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
“Please bear with us a little longer; it might be tough.”
The knight slowly rode away after bowing.
Quietly closing the window, I shrugged and said,
“He’s really considerate. No one beats him.”
“Surely you’re not talking about me, right?”
“Hmm? Does that bother you?”
“K-Keh…”
Watching Earl awkwardly cough, I leaned back into a soft cushion.
As Black Wolf and I drifted off to sleep heading toward our next destination, I thought to myself—nothing beats sleeping in a carriage.
***
By the time the sun began setting in the west, we arrived at a town called Dagun in the Kingdom of Argon.
The accommodations were decent enough.
For a place located near the border, the room conditions were surprisingly good, and the unexpected bonus of having a hot spring made it even better.
After roughly unpacking our luggage, we decided to explore the town for dinner.
Theron had said it was okay to move around freely tonight.
“Ugh~ Being cooped up in a carriage for so long sure makes the body stiff.”
“I agree.”
Seeing Black Wolf stretch beside me made me smile unconsciously.
Though he’s definitely a wolf spirit, why does he look so cat-like?
Annoyed by my expression, Earl started grumbling again.
“…My sides hurt. Commander! Don’t you have any female acquaintances to introduce me to? Take care of employee welfare a bit. Don’t enjoy your youth all alone.”
“Are you going to say useless things again? Just ask your father. If you really want, there are plenty of girls you could date. Why are you complaining to me?”
With a wealthy family, impressive skills, position, and good looks, why is this kid whining?
If he just asks Balkan, he could easily arrange a match with a noblewoman.
He’s truly unpredictable sometimes.
“I’m not really into arranged marriages between families. You know, natural meetings are better.”
“Talking nonsense again.”
“Hey! If my intelligence drops and my magical abilities weaken because of stress, you’ll be responsible, Commander!”
“What was our unit’s motto again?”
“Uh… survive on our own?”
“Good job remembering.”
Now that it’s become an old joke, Earl wore a face like he swallowed something unpleasant.
I probably wore the same expression back then.
Nowadays… I can at least cherish it as a memory unless someone brings it up.
“Is this it? The staff recommended this restaurant.”
A trusted local recommendation is essential for any good eatery.
The exterior of the restaurant recommended by a middle-aged man who claimed to have lived here his whole life looked shabby.
Some letters on the sign were missing, making it hard to tell its original appearance—trustworthy, indeed!
Survival proves strength.
Bad taste wouldn’t allow this place to last so long.
“But isn’t it too run-down? I’m worried about hygiene.”
“Tsk. Don’t talk nonsense. The fact that it’s popular speaks for itself.”
I dismissed Earl’s ignorance.
Full of anticipation, we pushed open the creaky door and entered to find quite a few patrons inside.
“See? If the food were bad, would there be so many people?”
“Mm… smells interesting.”
Earl still wore a confused expression.
Tsk tsk, that’s why you shouldn’t dine with someone who doesn’t appreciate gourmet food.
As I clicked my tongue internally, a waiter approached with a smile.
“Welcome! Is it three of you?”
“Yes.”
“Right this way, please.”
Truly skilled service worthy of a hidden gem.
Enough with the formalities—I held up the menu card the waiter handed over and smiled.
“Three of your best-selling dishes and three beers, please.”
“Yes! Please wait a moment~”
The waiter bowed and hurried off, prompting Earl to tilt his head and mutter.
“Don’t you at least check the menu? What if there’s something we can’t eat?”
“Then we’ll order something else later. This is what ‘romance’ feels like.”
“What’s that supposed to mean…”
Ignoring Earl’s baffled expression, I glanced around.
I had noticed it upon entering, but the number of suspicious-looking individuals was odd.
Based on my experience, these types were usually mercenaries.
Weapons scattered around their tables confirmed it.
Is there something nearby?
“I hear there’s a dungeon nearby. There’s also a branch of the Adventurer’s Guild here. Judging by the numbers, they seem to have a partnership.”
Adventurers primarily explore dungeons and are essentially mercenaries.
I heard that most of them were former soldiers who couldn’t endure war and shifted to dungeon exploration instead.
Initially, they called themselves adventurers to avoid being labeled as losers or cowards.
Over time, the term solidified.
“Dungeon, huh. Sounds fun. If I had time, I’d take a look.”
“The hot spring at the inn is also influenced by the dungeon. They say it helps recover stamina. Let’s go before bed.”
“Alright… or is this my first time? Feels like it.”
“At the snowy mountain.”
“Oh, that’s right. The water quality was good there too.”
“…Am I the only one finding it strange? Isn’t it normal for men and women to bathe separately?”
Oops, I forgot Earl was sitting beside me.
I simply shrugged in response.
“Just ignore it. Where was there ever gender separation on the battlefield?”
“That’s true, but… still feels weird…”
Why should it matter if Earl knows when my apprentices already do?
As we chatted idly, the food arrived.
A hearty stew featuring large chunks of meat, a massive grilled fish, and a spicy-looking marinated steak.
Truly fitting for an adventurer’s favorite spot—a protein-packed menu.
“Enjoy your meal~!”
The cheerful smile of the server must be another reason adventurers frequent this place.
Pointing at the mouthwatering dishes, I proudly declared to Earl.
“See? I was right.”
“Grrr…! Annoying…”
“Heh heh, let’s finish eating and head to the hot springs.”
“Yessir! Bon appétit!”
Expectations high, I picked up my fork when suddenly—
“Wow, didn’t expect to see you here?”
An unwelcome voice echoed through the room.
Turning around, I saw a man with scars all over his face swaggering toward our table.
“Don’t tell me… 7?”
The unexpected response came from none other than Black Wolf.
“…3.”
Something about his tone exuded discomfort, sparking a distant memory within me.
[…7. Human.]
The name Black Wolf introduced himself with on our first meeting.
Thus, this unwelcome guest was also part of the ‘Blackwater’ unit.
The man resting his hand on Black Wolf’s shoulder smirked as he spoke.
“So you got kicked out too, huh?”
“…”
“Figures. A smelly beast like you beating me in selection always felt off. Guess even those perverted instructors got tired of you, huh? Must be rough wandering this far from the empire.”
“…”
Something was off about Black Wolf.
Though his expression remained blank, I could sense it.
The fear he felt toward this man.
“Why so quiet? Embarrassed? Worried about how you’ll survive? Don’t worry. If you work under me, at least you won’t starve…”
Whoever this guy was, why Black Wolf feared him didn’t matter.
I didn’t care to know.
All that mattered was recognizing it was time for me to step in.
“I don’t know who you are, but maybe you should…”
“Hey you son of a bitch.”
Earl frowned, seemingly about to speak, but it wasn’t my problem.
Meeting a typical piece of trash after so long put me in a foul mood.
Earl sighed deeply.
“Haa… Killing him isn’t allowed.”
“And who are you? Oh, another new toy for this beast girl? You’ve got some kinks too, huh?”
“Shut your damn mouth.”
Silencing foul mouths is simple.
Crack-
“! K-Kyaah! My hand…!!!”
Oops, I only meant to dislocate the joint…
Didn’t realize I crushed it into powder without thinking.
Guess I can chalk this mistake up to charm, right?
