Page 123

(Derisha Teigitan)

It has been seven days since Walson went on his way, and we have been on the road for four days.

The weather was cloudy for the first three days, but this morning the sun came out. Fortunately, it didn't snow... Otherwise, our speed might have been slowed down even further.

Holding onto the reins, we sway up and down, caused by the brisk pace. The wind rushes by, whipping our faces, lifting my accustomed ponytail. The magnificent horse, known as the 'Mischievous Darkstar,' neighs with vigor...

With a body length of two meters and legs measuring one and a half meters, it has a glossy black coat of fur and a flowing white mane. Not only is it much larger than ordinary horses, but its black color is also quite rare.

I heard that it's a type of horse-like magical beast from the Black Dragon Peak, extremely difficult to tame. Its temperament is so unruly that it has kicked and injured many people. The horse merchant regretted buying this beautiful-looking horse, which was an unsold steed before.

...But I only found it noisy; once I directly mounted it, it became obedient.

Alice did a remarkable job acquiring such a magnificent horse.

"Der... Derisha... Slow down... Ugh..." a voice comes from behind, from the person whose hands are wrapped around my waist.

Well, yes, Alice has come along with me too.

After obtaining the horse for myself, She didn't set any conditions for me, not even asking for money. The only price was for me to travel with her.

I don't know why she's so attached to me. Doesn't she still have some adventurers to manage?

When I asked about it, all I got was, "Well, I don't want to deal with those whimsical guys anymore. I can assign them to other receptionists, but only you can handle it." She's truly a good friend.

But... her snake tail is missing. She said she used a magic item called the [Mermaid's Legs] to transform her snake tail into legs, making it easier to ride a horse.

The side effect is that she can't walk during its usage, but since we're only riding horses, there's no need to walk.

"Huh? What did you say? I didn't hear clearly."

"It's too bumpy... I... I feel sick... Ugh..."

"Eeeeehhhh?"

And so, in the end, we stopped by a small pond to clean up... I watched as she cleaned herself and her clothes, half-naked.

...She's usually so smart and capable; I forgot that Alice's physique is just that of a [Villager] and went a bit too far...

"Ugh... I'm starting to regret finding this horse for you..." When Alice finished changing and came out looking a bit disheveled, she said that to me.

"Huh? Don't say that. I quite like Little Black." I looked at Little Black drinking water nearby.

"It's more than just liking! It was tailored specifically for you! Do you know how many people the 'Mischievous Darkstar' has kicked and injured? I was dumbfounded when I saw you tame it!"

"Huh? I didn't tame Little Black."

"Oh, sorry, I misspoke. I should say you violently subdued it, you muscular princess."

"..."

"Why are you speechless!? Do you know how much you're defying common sense!? When that horse lifted its hind leg and tried to kick you in the air, you just grabbed its hoof and threw it back to the ground! Your strength is even greater than that of a horse! The 'Mischievous Darkstar' was scared into obedience by you!" Alice pointed at me, hysterically shouting.

Sorry, but what can I do? It's not my fault that I'm a fool... It's just that I naturally have more strength... I can't help it...

"Ah, forget it... But seeing you so desperate, do you really miss that person that much?"

Upon hearing her words, I sheepishly nodded.

It's actually quite funny when I think about it. I'm really a coward... Before understanding many things, I always hesitate and refuse to face them, and then opportunities slip away.

If I hadn't kept thinking "There's no reason for me to follow Walson" and instead directly asked, maybe I wouldn't have to chase after him so desperately now.

"..." While contemplating, I walked onto the road and squatted down, feeling the dog paw prints on the ground.

Based on their route, they should rest for a few days in the Nonokuta Town before continuing forward.

The paw prints were even drier than last night... Did they get farther away? It might be difficult to catch up before they reach Nonokuta.

He might be attacked there... While dealing with ordinary attacks shouldn't be a problem for them, what I'm really concerned about is the rumored elite forces under the Vantinom-Grella branch Church... whatever they're called. Anyway, they're definitely not ordinary enemies.

There must be a reason why the Vantinom-Grella branch Church was able to break away successfully.

Now, he might need me because he's about to face the Vantinom-Grella branch Church's influence that likely covers the entire Eastern countries... Never underestimate those who have long been oppressed. Even the most harmless sheep, when pushed to their limits, can turn into a level of disaster comparable to a monster.

Just like the Vantinom-Grella branch Church, which has long been oppressed by the Bishop Branch.

"...By traveling at this speed, how long do you estimate it will take for us to catch up?" Alice approached, leading little Black by her side.

"They're getting farther away. I hope nothing happens to them," I said.

"What!? They're getting farther away!? But we've been rushing so much!" Alice exclaimed, coming over to examine the footprints.

"I didn't expect it to turn out this way either."

The one pulling Walson's carriage is that abnormally large [Nakula wolf]... How can it pull such a massive thing and still move so fast?

If we continue at this speed, it will take at least another week to catch up. I'm most afraid of losing their tracks in the middle, and if they change their route, it will be even worse.

This is not an optimistic situation...

"Derisha."

"Yes?"

"Although it's not a good thing for me to say this after vomiting, we have to hurry."

"Okay," I responded.

Perhaps my words can intimidate those guys.

I'll be right there soon, Walson.