Volume 4 Chapter 29 It's My Fan, But...
After consulting with Kyunei and the others, I decided to accept the request brought up by Karan. Of course, they are accompanying me as well.
Having a clear goal of becoming a 2nd rank mercenary, there is no room for hesitation if it helps me get closer to that goal.
Upon closer inspection, this is the first request I have received to deal with 'humans'. It's different from the usual requests I've taken to exterminate monsters.
Nevertheless, it's not like I have no experience in combat against humans. It goes without saying that if it's an amateur opponent, but I have already had a battle with a demon in the previous incident. While battling a demon might be different from battling humans in various ways, that experience shouldn't go to waste.
Three days after reporting my acceptance of the request to Karan, we set out from the royal capital. Riding in a carriage arranged by the guild, we are heading towards a town that is about a five-day journey away.
Near the royal capital, there are not many troublemakers because of the regular patrols by the soldier army and the presence of a powerful guild with skilled mercenaries. However, in areas farther away from the royal capital, the security is not as good and can get worse.
This time is an example of that. However, for the villages and towns that are suffering damage, it's not just an "example."
Now, the guild has provided two carriages, each carrying six mercenaries besides the coachman. In total, there are twelve mercenaries involved in this mission. Except for Mikage, all of them are 3rd rank mercenaries, which is a considerable fighting force.
'In other words, this kind of task must require quite a bit of fighting force, huh?'
Of course, all four of us are riding in the same carriage, but there are also two mercenaries with us. One is a sharp-looking middle-aged man with a beard. The other one is not as rugged as Relix, but quite a handsome man. He looks about the same age as me or slightly older.
Suddenly, I made eye contact with the handsome man, and he smiled at me. Even though we haven't interacted before, I've come across mercenaries before, so this reaction was unusual.
...Come to think of it, he seems somewhat familiar. Gram, do you remember?
'Don't ask me everything. Sometimes you need to think for yourself.'
I was scolded in a surprised tone.
After being scolded, I realized that I've started to rely on Gram to ask whenever I don't understand something lately.
Gram is too reliable when it comes to knowledge and memory, so I tend to depend on him without realizing it.
'I'm glad that you rely on me, but if you become too dependent, it'll be a problem when you really need me. I might not always be by your side."
Reflecting on this part is essential. Even though I can call him at any time with 'Summon,' there may be times when I can't do so depending on the situation.
'It's crucial to train your mind to think regularly, not just when things get really bad. Besides, I don't always guarantee a correct answer myself.'
I receive a rare sermon from Gram. There's no room to interject his opinion, so I'll accept it willingly.
'However, since that might be tough on you, partner, I'll just give a hint. You've met that person before. I won't tell you where, though.'
Gram was actually quite caring in various ways.
After progressing for a while, as the sun sets, the carriage stops, and we set up camp. Although there are several inns between here and our destination, due to travel constraints, we have to camp like this for several days.
As expected from a 3rd rank mercenary, they seem accustomed to this kind of work. Despite many being strangers, everyone divides tasks and efficiently prepares.
"Still, Aina seems to be getting used to this, huh?"
Even though this isn't the most comfortable carriage journey, Aina was spending time in the cargo area without much trouble. She was setting up camp and carrying out tasks without any problems.
Even when it came to food, she ate without making a fuss, even if it was just some simple, salty dried meat rehydrated in hot water for preservation.
Just like during the village reconstruction request the other day, she was so efficient, people wouldn't think she was a former princess.
"As I mentioned before, I received thorough training as per the policies of my family."
"You're quite the go-getter, aren't you, from your family?"
I used to have this image of royals lazing around in the castle, but listening to Aina's story completely changed that.
"...It may not be the case in the world at large, but when it comes to my family, that image might not apply so much."
The Arcus royal family previously mentioned the concept of 'practicality.' Thanks to this, even after becoming a mercenary, she doesn't stand out much in terms of her mercenary activities, despite being noticeable in appearance.
Despite her lovely appearance, she is a very active princess.
"Hey, can I talk to you for a moment?"
A handsome man approached me after dinner, when things had calmed down. He sat down next to me by the campfire.
"Hey, I haven't answered yet."
"Haha, well, that's fine, right?"
I gave the suspiciously smiling man a puzzled look. Despite his well-kept appearances, there was something shady about him.
"My name is Rudel. I'm a 3rd rank mercenary. It's natural for me to be 3rd rank at this point when taking on this request."
The man introduced himself without being asked. However, we will be working together for a short period of time, so some interaction is necessary.
"I am—"
"Yukina the Black Blade――right? I know you."
Before I could say anything, Rudel, the gentle young man, anticipated my words. My mouth, which was about to open, suddenly stopped, contorting into a weird shape.
Maybe he sensed a bit of caution from my expression. Rudel quickly waved his hands, looking flustered.
"Oops, my bad. I didn't mean to tease you when I called out to you. I just genuinely wanted to talk to you."
Come to think of it, in the guild of the royal capital, I'm a bit of a celebrity. Being known for using a spear, I stand out one way or another.
'Well, having big-breasted beauties like Mikage and Aina by your side definitely attracts attention in a not-so-good way.'
The way you said "by my side" is not very polite. It's a bit tough to deny, though.
But hold on a second.
The title 'Black Blade' was given to me by the guild a few days before departing the royal capital. It seemed too quick for it to spread so widely in such a short time.
"Well well, I'm lucky. I never imagined I'd be able to work with you like this. I'm actually a fan of yours."
Saying that, Rudel smiled again.
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