Growburn Village – Carriage (1)

“You don’t have a fever, do you?”

“I’m fine. I think I’m just feeling hot.”

I hastily waved my hand at Boris, fanning my face as I made excuses.

Who knew I’d get flustered over something like this.

But I couldn’t help cringing at my awkward past like it was some dark history.

‘Speaking of which, if it’s a large-scale battle Boris participated in…’

The decisive battle against Legion Commander Abaddon came to mind.

Remembering the endless waves of monsters pouring from that whale-like bastard’s mouth still gave me chills.

No matter how many we cut down, they kept replenishing their numbers – an overwhelming flood.

Even when Marcus and Cornelia wiped them out with large-scale magic, they only hesitated momentarily.

‘Damn, these bastards are endless!’

‘Cornelia, stop cursing and draw your bow one more time!’

‘I’m trying! Leo, stop standing around and go take down that whale bastard!’

‘Can’t you see I’m trying? But I can’t even get close!’

Looking back, it was truly chaotic.

Without the life-risking assistance from allied nations’ armies and mercenaries, we couldn’t have won.

“So Jade’s the Hero… Doesn’t that mean I technically trained this generation’s Hero, even briefly? That’s a lifetime bragging right.”

“Why don’t you quit the Adventurer’s Guild and teach swordsmanship somewhere with that?”

“Don’t say scary things. I want to stop swinging swords already.”

“That’s a shame. You’d have been hugely successful.”

We’d caught up enough – time to get to the main point.

While chatting with Boris about the past week was nice, we had business to handle.

“Could you issue three Adventurer Cards under our names? Silver Badge rank. Is that possible?”

Though I’d done plenty of adventuring myself, I’d used my student ID so I never got a proper Adventurer Card.

“Adventurer Cards? There’s an official process, but your case is special. I’ll handle it if you want. Is this to hide your Hero status?”

“You catch on quick.”

“Haha! I know my stuff. It’ll take some time – that alright?”

“We need to arrange a carriage anyway, so no rush. Ah, do you know any good agencies? Somewhere that can get us to our destination quickly.”

He knew this city well. Might recommend a good place.

“For carriages, try ‘Swift Carriage’ in the city’s west.”

Huh… ‘Swift Carriage’.

What naming sense.

Noticing my expression, Boris gave a small smile.

“The name’s funny, but they’ll get you to your destination fastest, just like it says.”

“We’ll trust Uncle Boris. We’ll be back later.”

“Right. I’ll have everything ready.”

**

After rescuing the other two from adventurers’ question hell following our talk with Boris, we headed west.

The west side was packed with carriage agencies, clearly designed for this purpose.

“Looking for direct carriages to the Imperial Capital!”

“Join our Rain-bound carriage for discount rates!”

“This price? That’s way too expensive!”

The area teemed with customers and vendors haggling loudly.

‘So where’s this Swift Carriage?’

With so many agencies, it proved hard to find.

After several minutes of searching, the words ‘Swift Carriage’ on a signboard caught my eye.

The problem was-

-Creak, squeak.

The sign looked so worn it might fall off any second.

Should we really trust Boris on this?

“He recommended that ‘Swift Carriage’ place over there…”

“Rena, is that right? It looks kinda sketchy.”

Annie looked deeply suspicious.

Seeing the shabby shop made me worry if the wheels would fall off mid-journey.

Other agencies had customers, but this place had none.

“Don’t judge by appearances. Let’s check it out.”

Jade, ever unprejudiced, led the way toward the agency.

**

“Entering?”

-Jingle jangle.

When Jade opened the door, the interior surprised us – much nicer than the exterior suggested.

Clearly well-maintained, with dust-free furniture and glossy horses visible through the windows.

-Crash!

A loud noise greeted us as a man who’d been napping behind the counter jolted awake.

“Oh! Welcome to Swift Carriage. Here for a carriage, yes?”

He was a short elderly man.

“Yes. We’re heading to Growb-“

“Wait. We should inspect the carriage first before deciding.”

“Of course. It’s out back – follow me.”

The owner remained professional despite my bluntness, guiding us to the carriage.

Must be used to customers like me.

Behind the shop sat a sizable carriage.

“Here she is. Take a look.”

Surprisingly, it looked better maintained than others.

No broken parts on the wheels – clearly well cared for.

-Creak.

Inside, comfortable cushions promised a pleasant journey.

Boris hadn’t lied after all.

“Rena, looks good to me?”

Jade seemed thoroughly satisfied.

“Yeah. Seems so.”

But the shop’s condition raised one obvious question.

“If the carriage is this good… why no customers?”

“Ah, simple – we’re pricey.”

‘Ridiculous yet logical.’

Only nobles or wealthy commoners would splurge on carriages when warp systems existed.

Most save money by using carriages instead of warp systems – which we couldn’t use anyway.

“But we guarantee speed and comfort. Our horses are superior too.”

“We need to reach Growburn Village. How fast?”

“Growburn… Normally eight days, but we’ll do it in four. Costs double though.”

Pricey but reasonable – half the travel time for double the price.

I nudged Jade’s side.

“Rena, what is it?”

“Your call. You should decide.”

As Hero, Jade would face countless choices requiring sacrifices. Party disagreements were inevitable.

Best he start making decisions now, however small.

“Alright. The sooner we reach the village, the faster we get to the Holy Kingdom…”

-Clasp.

After brief hesitation, Jade shook the owner’s hand.

“We entrust this journey to you.”

“Oh! Thank you. One moment please.”

The owner called out loudly to someone.

“Karlson! Get out here. We’ve got customers.”

-Clatter, creak.

A small door in the corner opened as a yawning man emerged.

“Yawn… First customers in ages. Was about to quit if none came today.”

“Such pretty words. Be grateful I haven’t fired you yet.”

Their bickering showed mutual trust from long partnership.

‘Karlson…’

I slowly examined the man called Karlson.

Messy golden hair from sleep, constant yawning.

Handsome face with an odd pendant – probably religious given its design.

Body scan revealed no mana, but strong labor-built muscles.

A quick glance downward…

‘Not as big as Doran’s, but decent size.’

Not bad. Might relieve boredom during the village trip.

Monsters were best, but this would do if unavailable.

“Anyway, escort these guests. Destination: Growburn Village.”

“Growburn? Unusual choice. Interesting folks.”

“Don’t question customers. We go where they want. He looks rough but capable – good driver and porter.”

The owner rubbed his hands nervously, watching our reaction to Karlson’s attitude.

“You could hire him as porter in Growburn too. Karlson, greet them properly.”

“Yeah, yeah. Well, guests?”

Karlson lazily turned, then froze when he saw us properly.

Clearly stunned by our looks.

He kept stealing glances at my face and chest area.

I pretended not to notice, leaning forward slightly to emphasize cleavage.

Him liking women was a plus.

But he seemed ready to stare for hours, so I addressed him sharply. The others looked ready to snap too.

“Haa… How long will you keep staring?”

“?!”

He shook his head vigorously before introducing himself.

“S-sorry! You’re just too beautiful. A handsome gentleman and two lovely ladies. I’m Karlson. Honored to serve you.”

Karlson approached me, reaching for my luggage.

“Let me load your bags. Hand them over.”

-Thud.

“We’ll load them ourselves.”

Jade blocked his hand, brow furrowed – clearly uncomfortable with Karlson’s earlier behavior.

Adorable.

Even oblivious Jade disliked other men approaching me openly.

Actually, that’s why I hadn’t slept with him yet.

Now that he’s awakened as Hero, I could indulge freely.

But fully bonding might complicate my usual… activities.

He already risked his life for me. If he fully considered me his woman, the possessiveness would be overwhelming.

Currently, his obliviousness let me play discreetly. But post-bonding? He’d scrutinize my every move.

If he caught me with other men… Well, the results wouldn’t be pleasant.

My playmates might turn up dead.

After introductions, the owner approached, rubbing his hands.

“Now for payment. 50 silver. No haggling, I’m afraid.”

Reasonable enough. Had he overcharged citing speed, we’d have left immediately.

“That works. Jade, you have the money?”

“Yeah.”

Jade produced Sara’s pouch from yesterday, counting out 50 silver.

“Here’s 50 silver.”

“Ten, twenty… 50 silver confirmed. Depart whenever you tell Karlson. Best leave before dark if speed’s priority.”

“We’ll return shortly. Need to fetch something.”

Couldn’t forget the Adventurer Cards from Boris.

**

We returned to the Adventurer’s Guild for our prepared Adventurer Cards.

Then bid farewell to Boris.

He kept prolonging our conversation, clearly reluctant to part.

Though trying to hide it, he genuinely regretted what might be our last meeting.

Our time together was brief, but he was good people.

Shame we never shared a wild night.

‘But must respect his family life.’

“Getting an Adventurer Card feels so novel.”

-Swish, swish.

Annie curiously flipped her first Adventurer Card, fascinated.

Amusing how the card-shaped certificates retained the traditional ‘badge’ terminology despite no longer being physical badges.

“This marks our first step as the Hero’s party. Rena, Annie – anything else to prepare?”

“I’m ready. Let’s go now.”

I turned to leave when-

-Thud.

I stopped abruptly.

“Rena, forget something?”

Suddenly wondered if everyone had informed their parents.

“Did you both send letters home?”

“Oh that? Sent a quick note yesterday about becoming Hero. They’ll probably think it’s a bad joke…”

I wondered how Jade’s parents felt about his destiny.

Joy? Worry? Regardless, Jade’s path was set.

“I told my parents in Orden Territory I’m adventuring with friends briefly.”

“Adventuring, not joining the Hero’s party?”

So Annie planned to hide her Hero party involvement.

“Mhm… Wanted to brag but better hide it. They’d worry but support me… But if big brother hears, he’d rush out from the Magic Tower to drag me back…”

Her brother must dote on her excessively if pragmatic Annie said this.

Still good for her. Annoying attention beats none.

I’d learned that after losing such people.

“Seems everyone’s contacted family. Ready to go?”

“Wait.”

Annie double-checked her bag just in case.

My essentials were safely stored in Subspace, so no worries.

“The wand Rena gave me’s here, favorite clothes packed…”

After thorough inspection, she slung her bag back on.

“Now I’m fully prepared.”

“Then let’s board the carriage to Growburn. Sooner we arrive, better our situation.”

We hurried back to Swift Carriage for our journey.