Kamshin was the first to report in, chest puffed proudly. He was kitted out in one of my special full suits—though truth be told, it was a lightweight hybrid of mithril and monster hide, tuned for his still-growing frame. Even so, the materials gave it solid protection. At his hip swung a mithril blade. I thought a repeating crossbow would be more practical, but he refused to part with the sword.
Til, meanwhile, had left the axe I’d once given her tucked away at home like a family heirloom. Instead she clutched a repeating crossbow in her maid uniform, looking more like someone carrying a self-defense tool than a soldier. (For the record, she’d “enshrined” my axe in her room, which in reality meant stashing it in a closet.)
Arte, on the other hand, came fully ready for war. Two of her wooden puppets sat poised at her command, clad in mithril armor and hefting halberds—massive axe-spears that even Dee would struggle to swing. In Arte’s control, the constructs handled them with ease. Even against a full-grown dragon, they’d hold their ground.
Row was as imposing as ever in the mithril-and-hide set I’d given him months back. He looked more the part of a knight-commander than most actual knight-commander types. Behind him waited our armored carriage—complete with a mounted ballista—and ten of my best crossbowmen.
I nodded, satisfied. “Good. Even if Jerinetta’s army shows up, we’ll smash them. A month and a half on the road doesn’t scare me now.”
They straightened with pride at my words. Still, the unease gnawed inside me. We were stronger than most knightly orders, but against a true host? Numbers crush all. I forced a smile, staring out into the distance. Let’s hope this trip doesn’t get dangerous.
That was when a rider galloped up. “Message from the gate! Viscountess Panamera has returned—she’s nearly here in Seat!”
“…What?” I blinked in surprise.
Panamera
“Well, that didn’t take long, boy!” I called as I stepped from my carriage, taking in the familiar faces.
Van met my gaze with his usual wry smile. “Yes. Much sooner than I thought.”
Interesting. “Sooner, hm? Then you expected this move?”
He gestured at the merchant beside him. “Not me. Thanks to Apollo’s information.”
Apollo only chuckled and shook his head. I glanced past them—Van’s retainers all stood armed and armored for serious fighting.
“I see. You’re already prepared. Where are you bound?”
“The Felthio marquisate. The lord’s keep first, for a clear picture of things.”
“Practical. I like it.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “Then my knights and I will ride with you. I’ll guarantee a safe journey.”
His eyes lit up like a boy’s. “Really!? That’s great!”
The rare childish grin softened me for a moment—but I pushed it aside and addressed the group.
“You all know this is mid-campaign. We need to reach Marquis Felthio quickly and deal with whatever’s amiss. Help my men replenish food and supplies today. We march at dawn. Agreed?”
Van nodded. “No problem. Ah—by the way, we’ve brewed a fine new spirit lately. The dwarves love it.”
“Oh-ho! Now that’s something. Before you load it, I’ll sample it myself!”
We laughed together as he led us toward the manor. The bathhouse tempted me most of all—ever since discovering Seat’s great bath, even royal tubs seemed inadequate. That wide, open expanse of hot water was bliss unmatched.
As we walked, I drifted near Arte, rested a hand on her head, and stroked her silken hair.
“Well then, Lady Arte! Let’s enjoy the bath together, shall we?”
“Eh—y-yes… wait, what!?”
Her flustered look made me laugh as I gazed over the peaceful Seat streets. A good village, truly. If ever I gained lands of my own, I’d want them to feel like this.
No comments:
Post a Comment