Volume 3 Chapter 17 The Fuse Is Short, But...
The morning after defeating the goblins, I woke up.
Thanks to Kyunei's dedicated healing, my body, which had been injured from the recoil of the "Enchantment - Weight Increase", was fully healed. Now I could wield the spear to my fullest potential.
Still, although we had managed to reduce the number of goblins considerably yesterday, it was still unclear how many remained in the nest. And there was no guarantee that there weren't more powerful monsters like trolls lurking around.
"Yukina-sama, we are ready here."
"My side is also good."
I nodded in agreement. Both Mikage and Kyunei had managed to maintain a moderate level of tension since yesterday. With this, there would be no room for complacency.
And just as we were about to embark on the extermination of the nest, something unexpected happened.
Mikage's ears twitched as we were about to leave the village.
"...? Yukina-sama, please wait. Something is approaching here."
Mikage focused her eyes on a certain point. It was the same direction we had come from when we arrived in the village yesterday.
After waiting for a while, we noticed a carriage being pulled by two horses approaching from a distance.
As the carriage reached the village entrance, a group of about ten armed mercenaries descended from the carriage.
"Good, did I make it in time?"
The carriage coachman, upon seeing Mikage's face, breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest.
Although I had informed the coachman of the urgent message from the guild, I hadn't expected reinforcements to arrive so quickly.
"Silver Flash, it's a request from the guild."
One of the mercenaries said as he took out a rolled-up document. The wax seal proved that it was an official guild document.
With a furrowed brow, Mikage received the document and broke the seal. Kyunei and I looked over the document from both sides.
'Dear Silver Flash, due to an emergency situation, the mercenaries who delivered this document are tasked with taking over the current mission, and you must return to the royal capital immediately.'
Right from the start, there was a sense of urgency in the air.
And finally, it was written like this:
'A horde of monsters is approaching the royal capital. By the authority of the guild, Silver Flash is ordered to participate in the counterattack operation.'
"What...!?"
Mikage's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yukina-kun, what is this?"
"It's starting to smell fishy, isn't it?"
Me and Kyunei exchanged glances.
I had heard the rumors.
As mercenaries rise in rank, they can earn more rewards, but at the same time, they also face the danger of accepting more risky missions.
And in the event of a major crisis, the guild has the right to forcibly assign mercenaries to participate in the mission.
That is the situation Mikage is in right now.
"As stated there, we will take on the remaining jobs. Silver Flash, please hurry and head to the royal capital on this carriage."
"...Understood."
After that, Mikage briefly explained the events that had happened in this village to the mercenaries for handover. The mercenaries were surprised by the seriousness of the situation, which was worse than expected.
"We have taken care of many goblins by last night, but we are uncertain how many are still remaining in their nest. There is a possibility that there are powerful individuals like trolls as well. Please be cautious and do not underestimate the goblins."
"Got it. If Silver Flash says so, it must be serious. I will inform everyone."
"Please do."
After telling what needs to be told, Mikage looked at me after putting away the documents from the guild.
In those eyes, there was anticipation for something, yet also a sense of restraint holding it back.
"Yukina-sama..."
"Don't say it out loud. Obviously, I'm going with you."
"...Thank you."
While mainly admiring me, there was guilt in her about taking me into dangerous situations. And beyond that, there was even more joy on her face.
As for me, I don't consider myself rotten enough as a person to send a woman I've fallen for to a dangerous place alone.
"If that's settled, let's go quickly. Oh, and Kyunei..."
"Don't say you're leaving me behind after coming this far."
"Yeah, you're right."
Emotionally, it's very much appreciated to have healer (Kyunei) with us in terms of combat strength.
'I'll stick with you, partner.'
From the beginning, I have always intended to protect and defend, no matter what happens.
Although we reached an agreement, it was only among us. The mercenaries who were listening nearby had a different understanding.
"Wait a minute. You're not seriously bringing that lackey with you──"
"──Who's a lackey to who?"
Before the mercenary could finish his sentence, her words were forcefully silenced. Mikage swiftly unsheathed her sword and placed the blade against the mercenary's neck.
"What!?"
"Let me ask you again. Who's the lackey?"
The terrified mercenary let out a scream. Mikage's gaze was utterly chilling. With just a slight movement of the blade, it seemed like the mercenary's head and body were about to be separated.
"...Could it be that Mikage has a hot temper?"
"Despite appearing calm and composed, she's surprisingly impulsive."
Kyunei's face contorted at Mikage's violent act. I placed my hand on my forehead, sighed, and then spoke to Mikage.
"Mikage, stop it."
"──Understood."
Reluctantly, Mikage sheathed her sword. The mercenary, breathing heavily, repeatedly rubbed his neck with his hand, making sure it was still intact.
"Know that insulting my lord is equivalent to insulting me. If you utter something similar again, I won't hold back next time."
Mikage's warning, filled with a menacing aura, struck the mercenary, who nodded nervously.
"Also, since you seem to have misunderstood, let me clarify. The troll we mentioned earlier, it was not me who defeated it, but Yukina-sama."
"What!? B-but he's still only a 4th rank!"
"The rank of a mercenary is not a true measure of their ability. Or do you think I'm lying?"
As Mikage's gaze settled on him once more, the mercenary shook his head vigorously. He didn't want to experience the fear of his head separating from his body again.
"I don't have time to deal with someone like you. Let's head to the royal capital immediately."
I nodded at Mikage's words, and we climbed into the carriage that had transported the mercenaries this far. The coachman, who had been watching the exchange between Mikage and the mercenaries, seemed surprised but drove the carriage once he confirmed that we were on board.
Still holding my neck, I watched the departing carriage in astonishment. After observing that, Kyunei turned to us with a worried expression.
"Hey, is it okay like that?"
"He insulted Yukina-sama, so it's only natural punishment."
"No, that's not what I mean."
Kyunei shifted his gaze from Mikage to me. I could only shrug my shoulders in response.
I don't care what rumors spread about me, and it's a hassle to make excuses to strangers like mercenaries.
Although...
"Mikage"
"I'm sorry, I just..."
No, it's not just a simple mistake.
Does she think she'll get scolded for acting before thinking? I lightly chop down on Mikage's head as she drops her ears and look down.
"Ouch!"
"I don't really care what anyone says about me, but I'm not such a pervert as to actively spread bad reviews. So, please tone it down."
"...I understand. I'll be more careful from now on."
Mikage, who seemed down, I pat her head this time. As a punishment, I also tickle her ears, causing her to make a itchy face, but I thought of it as a penalty and gave her a good head rub.
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