Chapter 225 — Part 2
The northwestern wind gusted across the dark wilderness, bringing the smell of blood from a receding war. The rusty scent caused me to raise my eyebrows slightly. The sun was setting beyond the horizon, and the world was slowly fading from crimson to obsidian.
After leaving Bern village, the delegation had been separated from the development team at the former Lizardmen swamp. Now, they were on a smooth journey to the foot of Mores mountains. Preparations for a camp were made even before the sun set, and sentries to guard against the evil beasts drawn to bonfires glared shrewdly into the darkness around them.
Spirit Light Gems were hung around the camp as a source of light, driving away the darkness with the moonlight and starlight showering down on them. Some lamps containing Spirit Light Gems were also placed on the desk, ensuring that there was sufficient light.
The soldiers in charge of escorting the delegation included young folks from Bern village and other villages, as well as former mercenaries and adventurers. Even though their experiences in real battle varied, they had undergone harsh training after recruitment to be as robust as they were now.
Dran Belrest, the aide to the baroness and representative of the delegation, was the figure of authority in the delegation. Presently, he had gotten off his carriage. With him was Selina, the secretary and guide; Neogio, the knight representative of the guards; and Sumaru, a civil official. They were discussing the future plans of the delegation. A map was spread on a foldable desk unloaded form the carriage. Miniature pawns of themselves were placed on the map to indicate their current location and possible movement.
The guard of this delegation, Neogio, was a sturdy man who used to be the leader of a small mercenary corps. He had seen his opportunity in the continued war between the east and west, but he was worried about seeking a stable income as he grew older.
When he had heard about the recruitment of volunteers in Bern village, he had dissolved his mercenary corps and joined the Bern Knights. His experience as a former mercenary corps leader had built up a good reputation for him, and he had been appointed as one of the Knight Commanders after the probationary period.
The group of them was having their meeting in a dark wilderness. It was unwise to let one’s guard down in such an environment, and Neogio made sure to keep a thick armor on. As a mercenary with many battles under his belt, he had a wrinkled and tanned face. His broad shoulders were coupled with a well-built and muscled body.
On the other hand, Sumaru was a subject of the Almadia family, having served them ever since the former Marquis of Almadia was in authority during the former development era. When Sumaru had returned to the Almadia lands, the development plans had been halted. When he had heard about his beloved lord’s granddaughter returning to Bern, he had left his home to his grown children and came forward seeking a post as an official; a truly loyal man. He had just reached his fifties, and was older than Neogio in age. Presently, he was living a blissful life with his wife while remaining devoted to the governance of Bern.
「I have sent word to Jarla and my mom… No, the queen. So, I’m sure they have made preparations to receive us once we arrive.」
The queen of Jarla was decided by the citizen’s votes instead of hereditary succession. Hence, this particular kingdom could not be considered the same as Arkrest Kingdom and the other monarchies in the region.
Nevertheless, having Selina, the daughter of the present queen, as the delegation’s guide was a great relief to the party. The news that Selina had sent to her mother and Jarla was carried by wild snakes that were taking on the temporary role of Selina’s familiars. Her agreement with these snakes was similar to my temporary contracts with birds and insects to act as my messengers.
It was easy for Lamias, who were half-human and half-snake, to communicate with snakes. Fortunately, there had been no attacks by magic beasts which we were on guard against. If our journey remained undisrupted, we would be able to reach Mores mountains soon enough.
「The delegation can wait a short distance from Jarla. Once Selina and I have offered our greetings to the queen and gained her approval, the rest of the delegation can enter Jarla.」
I felt rather uncomfortable speaking in such an authoritative manner to Neogio and Sumaru, individuals who were much older than my father. However, it was a fact that I was ranked higher than them, and similar circumstances would no doubt occur in the future. I had no choice but to get used to such interactions.
Thankfully, Neogio and Sumaru did not appear bothered by my behavior. If they truly felt unperturbed by my tone of speech, I would no doubt be grateful. On the other hand, if they had simply repressed all resistance from showing on their faces, I certainly needed to learn from such composed behavior.
「There aren’t any problems with the soldiers’ morale, and discipline remains strict. We’re fortunate that have your help in moderating the reception of Selina.」
「Selina is the only female among a camp of males, so I can’t help but be concerned. Though, I hope the reaction isn’t too appalling when we reach Jarla. By the way, has everyone gotten used to Lamias? Bern village and other regions often treat Lamias as magical beasts. I know that news about Selina has spread, but meeting her in person might still be shocking.」
「There isn’t any need to worry. The soldiers have witnessed Lady Selina working in Bern village and the adoration she received. Rather, it’s disappointing to say that among those who have gotten used to her presence, there are some scumbags who dare to ogle instead. We might just have to keep the men from catcalling and hitting on any beautiful ladies in Jarla. We selected young men for the battlefield, but this is becoming a harsh experience for them in a different sense.」
「Is that so? I welcome interracial exchanges, but everything has its own sequence. We have to consider the intentions and principles of the other party. All I can say is to have them restrain themselves for a little while more. We’re on track with our schedule, but how has the consumption of our supplies been?」
Sumaru had a ready answer regarding the exhaustion of food supplies and drafting of maps, just like Neogio’s reply on the soldiers’ condition. Clearly, this question was something that he had expected.
「Consumption has been within the error margin we expected. If we use the swamp as a transit point, we won’t have to worry about the depletion of supplies between Jarla and Bern. The goal of avoiding Ente forest and exploring paths through the dark wilderness seems achievable. Success depends largely on the geography of Jarla, but we may be able to establish a river transportation route, similar to that of the people of Uara. It’s hard not to look forward to what you can achieve.」
「It’s a huge responsibility. I know that I don’t have to say this again, but I’ll do my best to achieve the best results possible.」
I had not made it explicit in my speech, but my private matters were involved in this plan. There was more to this achievement than my responsibilities as a public figure. Everyone present, and even the soldiers absent right now, were probably aware of this fact. From the moment I had left Bern village—rather, from the moment I professed my love to Selina—I had voiced my determination.
As for Selina, she gazed at Mores mountains rising into the night sky, seriousness filling her eyes.
「We have to consider the dark wilderness as well. I can’t be sure whether we’ll be able to take control of Mores mountains, but they are unlikely to make the wrong decision so long as I relate the potential threats to them.」
For Selina, the delegation’s visit also came with a different aim. This trip was to prevent her birthplace from being caught up in a war that was bound to occur in a few years. There was no doubt that Selina was the most worried among us about Jarla’s future. In that case, my top priority was to clear the anxiety clouding Selina’s heart.
Given Selina’s concerns during her trip to find a partner, most if not all of those oglers are in for a dose of poison.