Chapter 7: A NEW CAPITAL CITY
Clip-clop clip-clop creak creak
There were no other sounds except the wind, the horses’ hooves, and the turning wheels of the carriage. As far as the eye could see, there was only a vast stretch of green grasslands. Three horse-drawn carriages had departed from the city of Barqa toward the capital, Nuzantra, escorted by a group of adventurers. I wasn’t one of the escorts—I was just a passenger riding in a merchant’s carriage headed to the capital.
[One day earlier]
After a good rest, Elise, the others, and I returned to the city ahead of the rest. On the way, they talked a lot about what had happened before. They also asked me about some of the magic I used when fighting the goblins. Since our bodies were sticky with sweat, we decided to go to the inn to wash up. After bathing, we went out for dinner.
"Everyone, there’s something I want to say."
"What is it, sis? You sound so serious."
"Yeah... I’ve decided to go to the capital."
"Ehh?!"
My sudden declaration naturally shocked everyone, especially Elise. Tears streamed down her face. Her hands trembled as she tried to wipe them away, but the more she wiped, the more the tears flowed. Sooner or later, I had to go to the capital to search for Rima. Seeing Elise cry made my chest feel tight. Even though we’d only known each other for a few days, it felt like we’d known each other for a long time. This farewell was harder than I had imagined.
After some time, they finally calmed down and accepted my decision. Since it was my last night in Barqa, we had a small celebration with lots of food and drinks. We shared stories, and Lynn and Phina—who usually stayed in another room—decided to join me. It felt like a pajama party from a movie or comic.
The next day, I went to the Adventurer’s Guild in case there was a mission headed to the capital that needed escorts so that I could tag along. At the Guild, I was given a letter from a merchant who allowed me to ride with him.