Ch.154154. A Procession in Succession (1)

A new sun had risen.

The carriage that had come from the Great Forest was ready to depart once again, with several carriages from the County lined up behind it.

If the prophecy proved true, they couldn’t simply send the second daughter and her exclusive attendant alone to the land of an allied power where war might break out.

That’s why some servants and knights would be following us.

“So it ended up like this after all.”

I muttered quietly in a language that only I knew in this world, as if lamenting.

At the front carriage, I could see several pointy-eared individuals gathered around a blonde elf.

Friel Arielt. They seemed to have finished preparing to board the carriage and were exchanging some final words.

“Hmm…”

As I watched them, I recalled yesterday’s events while waiting for Sione, who had been briefly called away by Ainel.

If I had to pick the most notable thing from yesterday, it would definitely be that.

Amidst the final preparations that continued all day, there was an intense spectacle unlike anything normal.

That gloriously shining necklace was given as a gift to my master Sione by none other than Sion.

‘That was truly unexpected.’

He said it himself.

Though he expressed that it wasn’t just his gift, but also a gift from the church for her efforts on the wall.

Afterward, he awkwardly showed concern, telling her not to die in the Great Forest. I still remember vividly everything Sion said then.

Who could have imagined that Sion of all people would come and readily hand over a gift to Sione?

‘Even with the gift, their relationship hasn’t returned to how it was before.’

But even with such a valuable gift from him, the deep emotional rift between them wasn’t something that could be mended with just a necklace.

The quest containing the improvement of Sione and Sion’s relationship unfortunately didn’t announce success.

‘I suppose it’s a bit disappointing.’

We’re heading to the Great Forest, which will soon be overrun with demon spawn.

The power to destroy demons. Getting that seed would be a great help.

Still, thanks to the valuable reward I earned from tumbling on the wall, I’ve achieved my own accomplishment in this world, in Ray’s body.

‘But I have something else anyway.’

Through this, I’ve gained the power to resist demons, if not destroy them.

Though it might be inferior to demon destruction, the power related to demon resistance is never to be underestimated when dealing with beings possessing Magia.

The anti-demon principles infused in each of my attacks should be enough to tear apart and kill lower to mid-level demons like before.

I finally put aside my lingering attachment to the quest I couldn’t complete at the Count’s residence.

Then.

“Ray.”

Sione called me with a slightly more proper posture than usual, raising her hand slightly toward me.

“It’s been a while since we last spoke.”

Next to her was one of the County of Sianella’s most loyal knights.

Diolia, an expert knight who crossed swords with Siabel daily with a fierce aura, was accompanying her.

“I’ve been selected to guard and accompany Lady Sione during the long journey to the Great Forest and while there. I look forward to working with you again, like last year.”

Unlike when we went to the Marquisate of Feiosha, Diolia even bowed her head respectfully.

Though knights are known for being rigid and setting aside all emotions except loyalty to their lord…

Contrary to the common image, they can build human intimacy and camaraderie if they cross swords and sweat together, or stand on the same battlefield.

It seems Diolia feels some friendliness toward me, probably because I crossed swords with her trying to impress during the practice match with Siabel, and because I performed well on the wall.

“Yes, I look forward to working with you.”

I also greeted Diolia with a somewhat relaxed mind.

Though having some servants come along would reduce my chores, the fewer tasks, the better.

If possible, I should use this friendship to subtly get her to share some of my duties.

“Then, Lady Sione, I’ll go check the armaments of those traveling with us once more.”

“Haven’t you already checked multiple times?”

“Haha, there are quite a few new recruits I’m concerned about.”

“Hmm. Then carry on, Sir Diolia.”

“Yes, understood.”

Just as Diolia was about to move to check on the new recruits, something happened.

Her body, which was turning away, suddenly stood still.

“Come to think of it…”

She tilted her head slightly as if she’d just remembered something, and began to ask Sione a question.

“I forgot to ask about the carriage.”

“The carriage?”

“About whether I should ride in the same carriage as you, Lady Sione.”

“About that—”

Sione narrowed her eyes slightly, seeming to imagine something.

I watched my master and thought.

‘Sione and Diolia in the same carriage.’

When she feels a bit tired, she sprawls out on the carriage seat.

And if she decides she won’t move anymore, she outright builds her own fortress by laying leather on the floor and covering herself with a blanket.

When she wakes up, she remains in the carriage in a completely disheveled state, munching on the refreshments I bring her, and then repeats the cycle all over again.

And the attendant who skillfully ignores the young lady living like a room-dwelling parasite, just doing his own duties.

‘Well, it would be amusing.’

Though there’s not much to do inside a carriage, couldn’t one at least engage in simple hobbies?

Reading a book, or meditating for a frugal spirit.

Or, since memories of numerous battles from the recent war are still fresh in mind, using this opportunity to review past combat encounters and find points to improve.

However, Sione is far removed from such productive activities inside a carriage.

‘Her imagination would crumble completely.’

Sione Sianella, who broke through the expert barrier after almost a year since her change.

Recently, not only is she talented, but thanks to her public image as a diligent archer who shoots arrows at the range every day…

The prevailing opinion is that she achieved the miracle of breaking through the barrier through countless unseen efforts backed by her talent, as well as her diligence.

Instead of seeing the diligent hard worker everyone expects, Diolia would only see a parasite. Watching her reaction might be quite entertaining.

As I was thinking to myself, Sione finally took her gaze off me and gave Diolia an answer.

“I’d like you to ride in the carriage behind us. Would that be acceptable?”

“The carriage behind? Would that be alright?”

“Of course.”

Sione walked gently toward me and softly placed her right hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t I have someone as strong as a knight by my side?”

“Ah.”

Diolia nodded in agreement with Sione’s words.

Her small smile conveyed nothing but agreement.

“Indeed, with someone who can turn a demon to ash with a single arrow, I wonder if another guard knight is even necessary.”

“Hmm.”

“Besides, he’s also naturally talented in swordsmanship… so I can trust him. Then I’ll follow in the carriage behind with the soldiers.”

Diolia’s loyal gaze turned toward me.

“If anything happens, Ray, have him call for us. We’ll come running immediately.”

“That’s reassuring. Thank you, Sir Diolia.”

“I’m only doing what’s expected. Well then…”

Diolia smiled lightly before turning away and leaving us.

Sione stared at her back for a while, then began to whisper to me quietly.

Her uncharacteristically Siabel-like mischievous expression makes me somewhat uneasy.

“Ray, did you hear that?”

I’m not sure what kind of prank she’s trying to pull by deliberately whispering like this.

Curious about her mischief, I decide to play along.

“Hear what?”

“…Just because we’re alone in the carriage, don’t try anything funny. I’ll call Diolia right away, understand?”

She wraps her arms around herself and takes a step away from me.

And how can her expression mix such self-satisfaction and playfulness?

“Ah, yes. You don’t need to tell me that. Don’t worry.”

I also take a step back, increasing the distance between us.

“But if it’s Ray…”

“Yes, yes, don’t worry. Would I ever do such a thing?”

“Ray?”

“I brought some cookies. Would you like some?”

“…Sure.”

Sione took a cookie from the small pouch I had prepared, with a sulky expression.

“Hmm…”

Munch, munch.

Sione looks at me with a grumpy expression while chewing the cookie.

Well, staring at me like that won’t change anything.

“If Ray won’t do it, then I’ll—”

“What are you saying to a fragile man? I’ll call Sir Diolia.”

“Ray is fragile…?”

I simply pass the time, easily avoiding her gaze.

Just then, Friel Arielt, who had finally finished their private discussion, approached.

“My lady, we’re about to depart. Have you said all your goodbyes?”

“Yes, we just need to board the carriage—”

That’s when it happened.

The sound of a woman’s footsteps approaching from behind us, making no attempt to hide her presence.

“I apologize, but there’s still one person left. Could you spare a moment?”

At the appearance of the Count’s eldest daughter, Siabel Sianella, Friel Arielt readily nodded.

“Then we’ll depart in 15 minutes. I hope you have a good time.”

Friel bowed lightly without hesitation.

With a darker and gloomier atmosphere than usual today, she went into her room.

‘She’s been like that since I first saw her this morning. Something must have happened.’

There’s no need for me to be curious about the reason for her negative emotions.

Afterward, I began to exchange farewells with Siabel Sianella alongside Sione.

There wasn’t much special conversation.

Just well-wishes for Sione to take care of herself and admonitions for me not to neglect my sword training.

With her concerns and small talk, 15 minutes quickly passed.

“Well then, sister… we’ll be going now.”

Sione boarded the carriage first.

“Until we meet again, may you stay well.”

I also turned to board the carriage, following Sione.

“Wait.”

For some reason, Siabel, who had been letting Sione go readily, grabbed my wrist to stop me.

Siabel slightly turned her head, rolled her eyes to scan the surroundings, and cautiously asked.

“Ray, you did pack that stone I gave you, right?”

Ah, that.

She must be referring to the spirit stone she gave me when she became a brave thief.

I silently nodded at Siabel’s question.

“Yes, I’ve kept it safely on my person, but… is this really okay?”

“I’m glad you packed it. This matter ends once you leave the County. As for taking one from the storehouse… I’ll explain it well to mother later.”

“Giving me a precious item from the storehouse without permission will likely get you in big trouble with the head of the family.”

“Well, if you and Sione can overcome a life-threatening situation with just one stone that was piling up, mother will probably forgive me in the end.”

After saying that, Siabel lowered the saturation of joy in her expression.

A shallower but not too light seriousness pervades.

“Well then, this is goodbye again. I’d like our reunion to be in this world, not the next. Can you manage that?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Good, then… I wish you good fortune.”

I bowed my head to Siabel, then boarded the carriage.

“We’re departing!”

Finally, the carriage wheels began to roll.

The sound of wheels rolling, announcing the beginning of the journey, continued on and on for a while.

* * *

“May I ask why you’ve come to the Count’s residence?”

Ainel Sianella’s clear blue eyes in the reception room took in the appearance of the two church members.

Instead of benevolent smiles, the church members wore coldly settled gravity.

“We’ve come to the head of the family because we’ve completed the investigation of the half-human half-demon corpse killed by the County’s male knight.”

“Half-human half-demon… can you share the information?”

“Of course. That’s why we’ve come, so don’t worry.”

One of the church members who had been listening quietly began to explain slowly.

“The church has been hunting and researching half-human half-demons for a long time. Even though their numbers are rare, the church has definitively proven and verified information about them over many years, but…”

The priest made the sign of the cross and continued.

“This one, eliminated below the wall, was different.”

“You mean…”

“Whether she alone was special, or whether a major change is beginning.”

Along with the two church members, Ainel Sianella’s gaze also began to sharpen fiercely.

“The established theory about half-human half-demons, which has been proven, verified, and debated for a thousand years… has been shattered.”