Chapter 4
Rational Judgment. Rational Judgment.
Our party moved forward, leaving the first footprints on the snow that had fallen the day before, the sound of our boots crunching loudly beneath us.
I was positioned around the middle of the group. Thanks to Galad's consideration, I didn't have to walk at the very front or trail at the back.
Of the ten mercenaries gathered, six—Galad included—were people he had brought with him. A small band, just six members in total. They did introduce themselves with some sort of name, but it didn't seem important enough to remember, so I already forgot it.
"Priest Marnak."
A boy with eyes as clear as a cow's and an innocent-looking face, yet a body far too large to match. He looked like he was somewhere between a boy and a young man. He was the youngest member of their mercenary group, assigned to me by Galad in case I needed someone to run errands.
I answered with a kindly smile, "Yes?"
His name was... was it Phuer? He came from a village near Guis. Galad had recognized his natural strength, begged and bargained with his family, and finally brought him in after paying a generous sum.
And how do I know all this?
"Sir, you must've come from somewhere other than Guis. Could you tell me what the scenery's like there? If we keep going along this road, we'll pass by the village I used to live in. I wonder how my mother and father are doing. I mean, I'm sure they'll get through the winter fine thanks to the reward Captain Galad gave them, but... why do I still feel a little worried?"
Phuer talked a lot. The questions he asked were merely excuses to start a conversation—then he'd launch into long, unnecessary stories about himself.