Chapter 98 The Newly Spoken Light
The lingering scent of the rainy season is faint, during the first week of Leo's month (July).
The sound of hooves and wheels overlaps with the flowing scenery. The air along the valley is humid but not sticky. It's probably because the sunlight is strong.
The refreshing temperature is just right for hanging laundry, enough to make one forget that they're on a knight's mission.
"Ugh... ah..."
Now, that was just a little escape from reality. If I hear groans from close by, the charm of the moment disappears.
"Sis Shura, are you okay?"
"I'm... not okay. I feel dizzy and it's tough."
"Goodness, I never thought Shura would be bad with carriages. That's an unexpected weakness."
"Mr. Quollio, she's suffering, so don't say it like it's something interesting. Please wait a moment, Ms. Shura. I'm getting the mugwort medicine that helps with motion sickness... Mokumon..."
"Mokumon!"
I told Ruzure that people can change, but it seems it's not that easy.
Seeing Shura leaning against my shoulder with a pale face made the harshness of reality hit me even harder.
"Mokukku..."
"Mokukku... ah... it's... shaky. To think I'd be receiving help from a white beast..."
"Stop actin' all superior already! Just chug it, ya hear? And quit clingin' to me."
"But if I sit up straight, it shakes and rattles. This way is better. So, no complaints. I'll cut you if you keep it up..."
"Don't even think about throwin' that weak-sauce intimidation my way."
When I straighten my back, the shaking seems tough, and maybe it's just too much effort to move. Shura doesn't seem to want to let go. Meanwhile, I'm on edge, worried about when she might throw up.
But somehow, she's changed enough to take the medicine bottle from Mokumon. Lyam seems relieved too, so maybe it's a good sign.
"Even though the journey is part of the mission, it's always so lively. Your chatter might throw off my handling of the reins."
"Wait. Could it be that you're also prone to motion sickness, Captain?"
"It's just sarcasm, Sham Neshana."
On one hand, Captain Shidou, who was holding the reins of the carriage, let out a sigh as if to say we should calm down a bit. Maybe it's because we have a team full of tricky characters, but he's gotten used to grumbling like this.
Well, not just Sham, but I also sometimes get carried away, and I know I'm a source of worry for the captain. Kukuku.
"We're almost at the town of Joosa. Now's the time for each of you to get your mindset straight. We can probably afford to be this relaxed only for a little while longer."
"Huh? What're you even talkin' about?"
"You all still don't understand how the status of being a knight is perceived. You're still unaware of that reality."
"Perceived, you say?"
"Yes. Lyam Neshana said, 'To be a knight is above all, a matter of honor.' The newer knights, who tend to get a bit too excited, often hold onto such idealistic views. But the reality is, not everyone looks up to you like that. The farther you get from the Western Country, the more you'll feel that whether you like it or not."
Feeling the tension rising among us, Captain Shidou sharply pulled on the reins. It wasn't just a threat; it felt like he was delivering a serious warning filled with unavoidable worries.
"The further away, screw it! If that's how it is, then in Joosa town, we're gonna..."
"Yes. Moreover, the ones who invited us this time are not from Joosa but from a theater group, and there will likely be many who harbor resentment towards knights. So, keep in mind that we might face some harsh treatment."
"...Hmph."
I felt a weight on my right shoulder.
The corruption of knights and the loss of trust, which had been hinted at by various people before, might finally be weighing down on us during this escort mission...
I had my moments of thinking like that too.
"Well, well, this is something. Thank you for coming all the way to our town of Joosa, members of the Reginleif squad!!"
Uh, yeah. I didn't expect such a warm welcome.
A person who looks like the town mayor is bending down a bit, and their hands are rubbing together with a sparkling smile.
"Sorry for the late introduction, I'm the town mayor of Joosa, Haboch. I heard about the request for protection from Leader Wagner. We welcome you all!"
"Y-yes... I appreciate your warm hospitality, Mr. Haboch."
"Oh, no, no, it's only natural as a citizen of Asgardam. Wahaha!"
Without hesitation, he grabs both hands and shakes them vigorously.
This is completely different from what we heard. What's going on?
The team looks at Captain Shidou, who seems just as surprised.
Even while shaking hands, his usual serious face is breaking into a look of shock.
And honestly, the mayor's smile is something else. It's just so bright. It shines even more than the huge diamond ring on his finger. With his thick features, that smile feels almost overwhelming.
(Hmm. I didn't see this comin'. Even with my top-notch vision, got played.)
(Master can be pretty clueless. Or maybe Captain just exaggerated to keep the overly excited Masters in check.)
(Could be true, but Captain Shidou looks straight-up lost herself)
It's not a bad thing, but I can't help but feel a bit let down. Honestly, I was even a little puzzled myself.
When Shura and I visited Korghi Village, there was a lot of distrust and disappointment towards the knights.
"Now then, by the way... hmm, hmm. A gray-haired maiden and a blue-haired young man with a cross fringe. It seems like you two are the ones I'm looking for."
"...Huh?"
"W-what is it?"
But this question is quickly resolved. Suddenly, Mayor Haboch leans in close to Shura and me, nodding as he speaks.
"This Haboch, I really, really wanted to meet you!! The two young hero knights who bravely defeated the nightmare that attacked Korghi Village...! Lady Eshurareze Midgard and Lord Hiiro Merifar, right!!!"
...Oh. Hero knights, huh.
......Wait, me too?
.........Seriously?
Wow.
Dear Goddess,
It seems like the moment when my efforts finally pay off might have come.
I'm about to cry.
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