Chapter 140
Chapter 140.1. The Return Journey - To Keten (1)
After departing from Selene, we ventured into the southern forest.
As Balner and Verett had reported, the forest bore the appearance of winter.
Perhaps a few carriages had passed through, as deep ruts stretched endlessly along the road.
We followed them as we headed south through the forest.
It was easier to walk on the remaining snow than on the partially melted patches.
Sekies and the others had no trouble, and Lambert and Felix, being well-trained, advanced without much effort.
Verett's stamina was a slight concern, but it should be fine.
Besides, we were traveling light.
After advancing to the forest's entrance, we organized our luggage, storing items we wouldn't need immediately in the magical bag, Terpes Bag. We carried only the bare essentials: preserved food, water, and personal belongings. It felt more like a stroll than a journey. As we moved through the forest, exhaling white breaths, Sekies, who was leading, turned around and said, "By the way..."
"Better late than never, but I want to ask. How should we interact with them?"
"Well... adventurers can be tricky. Just call me Alter. But don't be too formal, especially during combat."
"Same for me. Traveling incognito only invites trouble."
"Understood, Lambert-sama, Alter-sama."
With a smile, Sekies bowed his head.
Prompted by this exchange, Lambert continued.
"You seem quite familiar. Was it during a field exercise?"
"No, we met just before that. It's been almost two years now. There was a ranch along the way, remember? It got attacked by monsters—"
I recounted the defense of the ranch.
Starting from the death of the livestock, we ambushed and exterminated the Declama in the manure shed, and while dealing with the dragonfly-like monster, Dreppen, we suddenly encountered a major threat.
I hadn't told anyone about the battle with Kudurga, so I recalled what I had told the ranch hands and shared that.
After hearing everything, Lambert turned his gaze to the forest.
"Recommended B-rank, huh? You were fighting some formidable monsters..."
"Could even be B-rank. What I fought was around mid-C-rank. Oh, I forgot."
I nocked an arrow and let it fly, felling a goblin in the distance.
Simultaneously, its companions screeched and fled in all directions.
I approached the goblin through the snow, pulled the arrow from its forehead, and stored it in the Terpes Bag before returning to the group.
"Surprisingly tasty."
Lambert, who had been standing dumbfounded with his sturdy sword at the ready, quickly shook his head.
"Don't fight in the middle of a conversation. And eating that... who's the monster here?"
"It's only polite to consume it properly. Waste not, want not."
"Still, no snakes."
"Ah, but it really was delicious. Kudurga."
Sekies chimed in from the side.
Then, the others nodded one after another, starting a discussion about the taste, texture, and which dishes were the best.
Anyone would be intrigued by such talk.
Even Lambert, who had been somewhat exasperated, joined in, and the conversation about Kudurga cuisine continued for a while.
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As expected, bad roads take time.
We had planned to exit the forest on the first day, but before we knew it, the sun was setting.
Accepting Sekies' suggestion, we decided to camp in the southern forest.
We found a suitable giant tree and began preparing a campfire at its roots.
Leaving fire management and dinner to Verett, the rest of us gathered dry wood.
Sekies suggested we rest, but Lambert and I were experienced campers. Moreover, Felix and I had been hiding in the forests of Keten and Selene.
Even as a noble's son, Lambert wasn't just a sheltered child.
Thanks to that—or perhaps because of it—we soon had a large pile of dry wood.
"Maybe we gathered too much."
"Better to have too much than too little. Once we leave the forest, it's mostly grassland. No fuel anywhere."
Saying this, Lambert added more to the pile.
"There are towns along the way, right?"
"Jutel and Silveck. We can replenish firewood there, but not on this road."
"If we're delayed, we might run out. Got it, let's store it."
Leaving only what we needed, I tossed the dry wood into the Terpes Bag.
Later, we gathered around the campfire for dinner.
We enjoyed the soup Verett had prepared and engaged in casual conversation.
As dinner was winding down, Sekies, with a serious demeanor, asked for permission to speak.
After Lambert granted it, he bowed and began.
"On long journeys, we usually share information beforehand. However, we were hired just before departure, and due to the mission's confidentiality, that wasn't possible. I'd like to take this opportunity to share some information."
"Very well. Go ahead."
"Then—first, the itinerary."
With that, Sekies started explaining.
We would pass through the southern forest to the town of Jutel, then head southeast to Silveck, and either cross or bypass the Lazarag Mountains to the east. After that, we'd head north through Baron Ezreit's territory, finally reaching Viscount Keten's domain.
Normally, it would take about a week on foot, but the lingering effects of the great cold wave would surely extend that.
Additionally, according to Lambert, Baron Ezreit's patron was Viscount Keten.
About a hundred and fifty years ago, Viscount Keten's younger brother, who managed the town of Ezreit, was ennobled and became independent, supported by Viscount Keten as thanks for defending against monsters from the south.
A cynical view might suggest that it was cheaper than maintaining control.
Regardless, as Lambert had mentioned earlier, most of the road was grassland.
Ambushes in open areas would be difficult.
The most dangerous part would likely be the Lazarag Mountains...
Sekies seemed to share this view, first mentioning crossing the Lazarag Mountains, then the detour south of the mountains as hazardous spots.
Curious, I asked Sekies.
"What about the north side of the mountains?"
"It's a forested area—"
"And a marshland."
Lambert took over Sekies' explanation.
"Three years ago, when heading to Selene, we crossed the mountains, but the coachman repeatedly warned us not to enter the northern forest. If you get too close, you could be swallowed by the marsh."
"I see. This year, it's especially dangerous. It's likely buried in snow. You might not realize until you're in the marsh."
With my [Jumping Rabbit] skill and magic, I could escape, but the others wouldn't stand a chance.
Going north was out of the question.
"Finally, after the Lazarag Mountains, the next most dangerous spot is here. Even though the snow makes ambushes difficult, we should proceed with caution."
"Understood. It's a long journey, but we're counting on you."
"Leave it to us."
With that, the group bowed in unison.
In the end, we didn't discuss specific plans.
That was unavoidable. We had no information to go on, and it wasn't even certain if we'd be attacked.
Also, since we hadn't informed the group about the family dispute, expecting them to prepare was unreasonable.
After some thought, I spoke up.
"Probably unrelated, but I'd like to share this as well."
I told them about a man I had encountered a few months ago.
He was walking near the academy in commoner's attire, and my intuition told me he was at least a high C-rank scout.
Of course, he could have been an adventurer or involved in something else.
But if he was one of the assailants, he'd be a formidable opponent.
Verett asked about his build, and I answered as best as I could remember.
I thought they might recognize him, but unfortunately, he was a complete stranger.
At least, there was no adventurer who matched the description.
Whoever he was, someone who could blend in as a commoner while hiding their presence wasn't normal.
With that, the conversation ended, and we prepared to sleep.
As everyone pulled out their furs and got ready, I called out to Lambert, excused ourselves to Sekies and the others as "internal matters," and moved away from the campfire.
We stopped just out of the firelight's reach, and I began.
"There's something I want to confirm. Baron Ezreit, south of Keten—what kind of person is he?"
"Strange question. Why do you want to know?"
"No matter which route we take, we'll pass through Baron Ezreit's territory. It's the perfect place for an ambush."
After some thought, Lambert shook his head.
"Even if we pass through, we don't know where. The barony is mostly grassland, with many eyes around. Even if they tried to involve Baron Ezreit, he's a man of integrity. I doubt he'd fall for my second brother's schemes."
"I see. Then, one more thing. I checked before we left, but is Keten really safe?"
"It's safe."
This time, he answered immediately.
"My second brother doesn't want to kill me. His goal is to become our father's successor. If I were assassinated in Keten, my father and eldest brother would investigate thoroughly. Especially since my eldest brother is keeping a close eye on things. If it were discovered, his trust would plummet. He wouldn't just lose the succession—it'd be worse."
"I see. Not just you, but if your father and eldest brother were killed simultaneously, it'd only tighten the noose around his own neck. So, even outside Keten, he can't afford to have the assassination known."
"That's right. If I just disappear, my second brother can spin it any way he wants."
Hearing Lambert's answer, I was convinced.
The attack would likely happen on the road—somewhere remote.
In towns or near them, there are too many eyes, and disposing of a body would be troublesome.
On the road, simply taking any identifying items would suffice. Monsters or animals would ravage the body, making identification difficult even if it were found.
"Understood. No matter what happens, I'll get you there."
"Thank you. I'm counting on you."
Lambert and I nodded to each other and returned to the campsite.
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