Volume 4 Chapter 11 The Beginning Of The Journey
After finishing our errands in the royal capital, we set off on our journey right away.
Our destination is the invasion zone of the Forest King's Army.
This is a dangerous area located at the easternmost edge of the Central Continent.
Therefore, we will leave the Compost Kingdom and head east, crossing into other countries.
Basically, our means of transportation will be a carriage, but depending on the location, we will have to walk on our own feet.
And here in the 'Eifis Great Forest', there are many monsters and carriages cannot operate, so we were progressing on foot.
"It feels like it's been a while since I've traveled with a party like this..."
As I walked through the forest with Rose, Cosmos, and Ms. Nemophila, I suddenly found myself immersed in a nostalgic feeling.
Moments later, bitter memories from my time as a hero surfaced in my mind, and I couldn't help but sigh.
Seeing this, Rose tilted her head.
"...Was it not a very good memory?"
"Well, when I was in the hero party, I was always worked to the bone, so I don't really remember having fun."
──Do this, do that, do you have any motivation, how many times do I have to say the same thing, try to be a little useful.
Those words from Dahlia echoed in the back of my mind.
I remember having quite a hard time back then.
I was mostly worn down by Dahlia's scoldings and the harsh words from the other party members.
But back when I was a novice adventurer, I was in a party with fellow newbies, and it was really fun to grow together as we kept pace with each other.
More than that, right now...
"Traveling with these 4 feels completely comfortable, so I really hope it just continues forever"
"...That's great to hear"
Rose smiled softly, looking relieved.
I hope it continues forever....
I mean, I'm saying this myself, but I really seem to lack a sense of crisis.
Especially with the Forest King's Army and Spirit King's Army about to invade, the level of tension is surprisingly low...
Maybe it's because the companions I'm traveling with are incredibly dependable, which allows me to feel so relaxed.
"The princess also looks quite happy"
Cosmos said while peering at Ms. Nemophila's face.
Sure enough, when I looked, Ms. Nemophila had a faint smile on her otherwise emotionless face.
For some reason, when she noticed I was looking at her, she bashfully looked away and muttered.
"It's the first time I've gone on a trip with friends, so..."
Then Ms. Nemophila shifted her gaze to us one by one and continued.
"And also, I've kind of admired doing 'adventurer' things a little"
"Adventurer-like things?"
"Going on a journey with my friends. I did spend a little time as a novice adventurer in Hyamars town, but that was for training."
So she feels happy to be able to do something like being an adventurer again.
Seeing Ms. Nemophila quietly smiling, Cosmos gently speaks up.
"If we get the chance, let's go out somewhere together again. Adventures are great, but just shopping normally would be nice too. Well, I don't think a princess has that much free time though."
"...I'll do my best to make some time."
Ms. Nemophila clenched her fists tightly in front of her chest, showing her eagerness to go out.
Somehow, the two seem unusually friendly.
However, I felt bad for interrupting, but I wanted to offer a piece of advice.
"By the way, Cosmos..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Ms. Nemophila is a princess, so you need to speak more properly. In some countries, there have been cases where people had their eyes gouged out just for using casual greetings to the king."
Even though I'm sharing such a horrifying story, Cosmos shrugged without any sign of fear.
"It's fine, isn't it? After all, the princess herself said it was okay to talk like this."
"Eh? Is that really true...?"
Ms. Nemophila nodded sincerely.
I had summoned Cosmos to help with her training, so they probably talked about it at that time.
By the way, I've been casually calling her "Ms." now, but that's because I got permission from Ms. Nemophila.
She probably doesn't like it when people speak to her in a distant manner.
"It's fine to talk like friends, Roezé and Rose."
""N-n-no way...!""
As I violently shook my head and hands, my movements and voice overlapped with Rose's.
I can't really approach the next queen in a friendly tone.
Only someone as fearless as Cosmos could manage that.
Well, Cosmos is technically a lady too, so it's not surprising that she has more composure than us.
Besides, there are similarities between Ms. Nemophila and her, like having a bad relationship with a brother and not being favored at home, so maybe they feel a sense of camaraderie.
"By the way, how much longer do we have to walk through the forest?"
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Cosmos complained with a weary expression.
"I knew it would have been better to take a detour by carriage, right? At this rate, we'll be exhausted before we even reach the Forest King's Army's invasion zone."
"But, apparently, that would be quite a long detour. If the forest monsters aren't too terrifying, it's definitely faster to get through on our own feet, or so the people from the royal capital say..."
"Why can't the carriage go through the forest?"
Well, that's because it would be dangerous if we were attacked by monsters.
It seems that this forest is home to many fierce tribes of monsters, and even the adventurers in this area avoid it.
Just walking through the woods makes you an easy target, and humans and small animals can be easily devoured.
Even with escorts, the coachmans say they don't want to enter, so no carriages are passing through this forest.
As I was recalling such thoughts, Cosmos tilted her head while glancing around.
"But considering it, we haven't been attacked by any monsters at all, have we?"
"W-well, when you mention it like that..."
We are using support magic for detection, but there's no response to that either.
I wonder why that is?
As I had that doubt, I suddenly realized something.
It seems Cosmos noticed the same thing, and we turned to look at "Rose" at the same time.
She, unaware of being watched, stretched her back and casually let out a big yawn.
"I heard that monsters attack continuously, so I was on guard the whole time. But this makes me feel a bit relieved. I wonder if everyone is taking a nap?"
""...""
Could it be that the monsters are staying away thanks to Rose's intimidating presence?
To us, she looks like just a typical adventurer girl, but to the monsters, she might seem like a terrifying entity.
Thinking back, I've felt this tightening sensation many times, pressured by her overwhelming presence.
Since the monsters in this forest seem to be good at sensing their surroundings, they might have been even more scared of Rose's terrifying aura.
If that's the case, maybe we can get through the forest peacefully without being attacked by monsters after all?
I thought we could easily defeat the monsters with this party, but I never imagined that Rose would be so strong that the enemies wouldn't attack us at all.
* * *
Eventually, Cosmos started whining, 'I'm so tired!' and we ended up camping in the forest for the night.
We found a nice spring in the woods, so we decided to take a break there.
We took turns bathing in the water, prepared dinner, and after filling our stomachs, we decided to sleep in turns.
"Okay, so Rose and I will keep watch first. Cosmos and Ms. Nemophila, you go ahead and sleep."
"Yeah, good night~"
Saying that, Cosmos and Ms. Nemophila fell asleep in the makeshift tent.
Rose and I sat on a fallen log, keeping an eye on the fire while watching out.
Still, I really don't feel even the slightest hint of a monster approaching.
I'm not sure if this is really thanks to Rose, but if this keeps up, it seems like the night watch will be a lot easier, which is a relief.
Of course, we can't let our guard down, so we'll take turns keeping watch diligently.
"Rose, do you read any books or anything? I've brought some stuff to pass the time."
"Oh, sounds good! Please let me read them."
While on guard duty, we decided to start reading since we had some free time.
As I was asking Rose which book to read, I suddenly saw Ms. Nemophila coming out from the tent.
She seemed troubled as she rummaged through her belongings, letting out a sigh and slumping her shoulders.
"What's wrong, Ms. Nemophila?"
I asked, wondering if there was some kind of emergency, and Ms. Nemophila replied in a flustered manner.
"I forgot 'Kikka'."
"Kikka...?"
What on earth is that?
Is it some kind of high-end bedding passed among royalty?
I thought, but it turned out to be something completely different.
"It's a stuffed animal I always sleep with. Kikrys made it for me. Having it makes me feel calm."
"Oh, so it's like a 'hugging pillow'?"
The stuffed animal is named "Kikka."
I couldn't help but wonder what all this was about.
It seems that without it, she can't settle down and has trouble falling asleep.
So I searched through my belongings to see if there was anything that could substitute...
"S-sorry. It seems I don't have anything suitable."
"...I see."
I couldn't find anything that could serve as a substitute for a hugging pillow.
If I had a bigger blanket, I could have rolled it up to use as a hugging pillow.
Ms. Nemophila's face didn't show it, but she seemed very disappointed as she slumped her shoulders.
...She has a surprisingly cute side to her.
Ms. Nemophila had participated in military training and had experience camping.
I thought there wouldn't be any problems, but it certainly isn't easy to perform well right from the start.
Then, from inside the tent, Cosmos emerged, looking exasperated as she called out to Ms. Nemophila.
"What are you doing, Princess? If you don't hurry up and sleep, it'll be tough when it's your turn for the watch."
"..."
Ms. Nemophila's gaze was fixed sharply on Cosmos.
For a moment, Ms. Nemophila stared blankly with her azure eyes at Cosmos, and even Cosmos tilted her head in confusion.
"...W-What are you looking at?"
Sensing some uneasy atmosphere, Cosmos timidly tried to creep back into the tent.
However, Ms. Nemophila's eyes sparkled as she suddenly grabbed her tightly with both arms.
"Wait──!? What, what, what!?"
"Hmm, just right."
The large Ms. Nemophila was cradling the small Cosmos in her arms.
Like a girl hugging a stuffed animal.
It seemed she had chosen Cosmos as her stuffed animal.
Well, considering the size, there's not much difference from a stuffed toy.
Then, Ms. Nemophila began to doze off while holding onto Cosmos.
"Cosmos, you're like a stuffed animal, it's so soothing... maybe..."
"Who are you calling a stuffed animal!? No way...! I can't really fall asleep like this!"
As Ms. Nemophila sluggishly tried to retreat into the tent, Cosmos desperately pleaded with her.
In the end, she turned her gaze toward me, silently asking for help with just her eyes.
I let out a sigh, as if to say "Oh boy," and raised my right hand.
"Well then, I'll leave the stuffed animal role to you"
"What do you mean 'stuffed animal role'! I'm Stardust Magician Lady Cosmos! One day, I'll be a great Magician and make my name known across the continent..."
While Cosmos was being held by Ms. Nemophila, she disappeared into the tent.
After that, it became quiet, so it seems Ms. Nemophila was able to fall asleep peacefully.
Cosmos, still tightly held by Ms. Nemophila, I think gave up and fell asleep since she couldn't hear a thing.
Seeing the two of them like that, Rose suddenly burst out laughing.
"This is the liveliest adventure I've ever had"
"...Yeah"
Really, what is this peaceful journey.
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