Volume 2 Chapter 8 Travel Companion
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
A gentle breeze brushed across the highlands, carrying a chill that lightly kissed the skin. The solemn atmosphere blanketed the landscape, where rugged terrain rose from the wild fields, sloping toward distant plains.
Traveling by carriage was one thing—but walking? That demanded strong legs and solid stamina. Only those with some training could handle this road without collapsing in a heap. Still, with wetlands stretching north and impassable mountains looming south, there wasn’t much choice.
”…So, how long do you plan to follow me?”
”What, am I not welcome?”
The voice came from behind, sharp and composed.
It was Tiet—the blonde knight who had rejoined them at midnight. Since then, she had stuck close, trailing them as naturally as if she were always part of the group.
Klock, walking a short distance ahead, glanced her way. He felt tense around her. Not because she’d done anything openly hostile, but because she could. That potential alone made her presence unsettling.
”…No. That’s not it,” he replied quickly, careful not to provoke her.
”Or maybe you’re worried? About Ada, was it? You just left her behind.”
Now, it was just the three of them—Klock, Adelina, and Tiet. Ada, who had been captured the day before, was no longer traveling with them. When she left, she threw them a glare that could kill, then turned back down the road without a word.
Klock remembered that moment well. He hadn’t said much—just one short line.
”You haven’t picked up your weapon.”
That was it. With that, they parted ways.
She’d likely gone back to retrieve her equipment from where she’d fallen, and would return to town to regroup. Her combat skills had already been returned, so there was no reason to keep her close—especially with someone like Tiet around.
In any case, returning a skill required it to be used first. Tiet had released Ada’s power with a needless strike while Ada was still asleep inside the wall—a risky move, but one that worked. Letting Ada continue tailing them would’ve been even riskier.
”Don’t worry about her,” Klock said, brushing it off. “What about you? Are you seriously going to keep following us?”
”Why? You don’t want me here?”
”That’s not what I meant. I just want to know your intentions. Are you traveling with us or not?”
He didn’t have the guts to push her away outright. But if she was coming along, she could at least say so clearly.
”They say journeys are best shared,” Tiet replied casually.
”…I see.”
Klock had expected that answer. The way things had been going, it was only natural. But that didn’t mean he liked it.
To him, Tiet wasn’t a companion. Yes, she had helped them defeat Ada. But that didn’t make her an ally. He had no doubt that if new heroes or party members showed up, she wouldn’t take his side.
”Just so you know,” he muttered, “we’re not exactly fast travelers. Don’t complain later.”
”Hmph. Don’t worry about me. Just think of it like I’m riding on the back of a dragon.”
That comparison did not help.
Riding a dragon’s back? Seriously?
No part of that sounded calming. If anything, the idea of being stuck on a rampaging beast summed up his feelings pretty well.
Having Tiet around might help keep monsters away. But she was scarier than the monsters themselves. Maybe a sixty-forty split in pros and cons—just barely tolerable.
”So… is the capital our next stop?”
”…Ah. You know this area?”
”I wouldn’t say I know it, but I’ve been to the Federation before. If we keep heading east, we’ll probably hit the capital or at least the outer districts.”
”…Really?”
That was surprising. Until now, Klock had been relying entirely on information gathered back in town. Having someone who actually knew the region was a big help.
She was proving to be more useful than expected. For now, Klock decided to keep watching her.
”Hmm?”
Tiet suddenly stopped and turned her head.
Klock caught her movement and looked back. Something had caught her attention. He scanned the area too, straining to hear.
”What is it? Monsters?”
”…Maybe. Sounds like fighting.”
Fighting? That meant someone nearby was in danger.
Klock narrowed his eyes and scanned the slopes. The plants here were low, but the uneven terrain made visibility poor. Still, he couldn’t see—or sense—anything.
He opened his mouth to suggest taking a longer path around, but Tiet moved first.
”It’s a human. They’re under attack. Looks like they’re in real trouble.”
”…You sure? Then—”
”There’s no time. Avoiding it now would be risky. Klock, you and the others keep going. I’ll take care of it.”
Just as Klock was about to suggest running, Tiet bolted ahead without a word.
She moved with startling speed. Was she always this fast? Maybe she was holding back when she was chasing him before.
A girl who throws herself into danger to help others.
Even if she’d left her hero party behind, the knight’s code still burned strong in her heart.
”Well, this is going to be a pain,” Klock muttered.
He considered turning back. But that idea lasted all of two seconds—Tiet was strong enough to handle anything that came their way. Monsters didn’t stand a chance against her. So instead, Klock followed at a slower pace, just like she told him to.
Not that he could fight even if he wanted to. He’ve got nothing—no skills, no weapons.
Stripped of his combat abilities by someone else, Klock could only walk.
Eventually, as they crested a small hill, a carriage came into view. From this distance, he couldn’t tell the type, but there were monster corpses scattered all around it. Four people stood nearby. As soon as one of them—a young knight Klock recognized—spotted him, she ran over.
”Hey! I told you to walk, not crawl.”
Tiet immediately started scolding him the moment she arrived.
”Huh? I mean, come on. I don’t even have a weapon. If a monster pops out, all I can do is run. Gotta be careful, right?”
Tiet gave him a blank stare. Like she didn’t expect him to be unarmed. Klock couldn’t blame her. He probably would’ve thought the same thing if their roles were reversed.
Still… no time to argue. The journey continued.
Now side by side with Tiet, Klock turned north and started walking again, casually steering away from the carriage wreckage without a word. Adelina and Tiet followed without asking why.
It looked a bit like he was trying to flee from something.
”Hey, wait up!” someone shouted behind them.
The people Tiet had helped were now trying to catch up, the carriage rumbling after them. It seemed they had more to say. Klock glanced at the ornate decorations on the carriage, sighed, and shot Tiet a look.
She turned her head away and ignored him.
…They look important. What did you get us into this time?
With an annoyed glare at Tiet’s back, Klock turned to face the approaching carriage.
It rolled to a stop beside them. Three figures stepped out—each dressed in fine clothing.
One was a young maid, identifiable by her uniform. Another was an older gentleman, likely a butler or servant. The last was a man in a rich, tailored coat, every inch of him exuding refinement and authority.
”Ah, adventurers. Please, wait,” the man said, speaking quickly but politely. “You saved our lives. I can’t, in good conscience, let you walk away without expressing my thanks. It would be a disgrace to future generations. Allow me just a moment more of your time.”
Klock sighed inwardly. What a pain. He said nothing, instead nudging Tiet forward with a look that clearly said, This one’s yours.
”Thank you for your kind words. Tiet, this one’s for you,” he said, stepping aside.
”Viscount Fennec. This is my master—Klock.”
Klock froze. Wait, what?
”Oh my. What a pleasure, Lord Klock,” the man said with a warm smile. “I am Albert Fennec, the governor of Basselow. Though perhaps unworthy, I bear the title of Viscount.”
Klock stared at the man, then at Tiet, then back again.
…Master? Did she seriously just throw him under the bus?
He could already tell what had happened. She figured out this guy was some kind of noble and pushed Klock into the spotlight as her “master” to make things easier for herself.
You sneaky little… And what’s this about being a Viscount? Isn’t the nobility system supposed to be abolished? Was that just a rumor?
The Viscount continued, unfazed. “I heard you were headed toward Basselow. As it happens, we’re returning there as well. If you’d like, please ride with us. I would be honored to offer a token of thanks.”
Oh, wow. That sounds… profitable.
Klock hesitated. He hated dealing with high-ranking people. But he was also painfully weak to the idea of easy money. That was his one weak spot. Not charm, not cuteness—just money.
Then, Tiet leaned closer and spoke quietly.
”There’s a monster presence nearby. Probably more Garm, like the ones I wiped out earlier. If we leave them, they’ll die.”
Klock narrowed his eyes and scanned the area. The terrain was open, making visibility better than average. Far to the south, something flickered—movement on the hill.
They’re coming down from the mountain…
Riding in the carriage was safer. Easier. Better for everyone, including Adelina.
”I see,” he said simply.
Decision made.
They would ride with the Viscount. Leaving him and his people behind would go against Tiet’s principles—and honestly, it didn’t sit right with Klock either. Plus, it meant fewer worries about Adelina’s safety.
Money, safety, and fewer problems. That was enough reason for him.
Notes:
• Tiet – A companion and friend of Anna. A holy knight from the royal capital. She wears light armor and carries a shield adorned with a dragon holding a sword, indicating her affiliation with the National Military Police. She is concerned about Anna’s well-being and tries to support her emotionally.
• Ada – Female. Ada the Wild Wind. An A-rank adventurer. Her appearance is striking, with black hair mixed with fiery red, multiple earrings, and an axe spear as tall as she is. She is incredibly strong and fast, with a Unique Skill called the ‘Blessing of the Wind’ that enhances her speed and agility. Ada is ruthless in combat but shows a surprising willingness to negotiate. She is highly respected in adventurer circles and feared by criminals. Her relationship with Klock is adversarial, as he stole from her and escaped using trickery.
• Adelina – The slave girl.
• Albert Fennec – Male. A middle-aged man and the local governor of Basselow, holding the title of Viscount. He is graceful and wears lavishly decorated attire, symbolizing his high status. Fennec is grateful to Tiet for saving his life and offers her and Klock a ride in his carriage.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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