Just before leaving Akoup, the Marquis warned us frantically, saying, "To Für, huh? Please, I beg you, be careful! And for heaven’s sake, don’t cause any trouble!" Despite his concern, we safely departed the town.

As I passed through the gates, I couldn’t help but hope that Ivy wouldn’t be forgotten by everyone while we were gone.

After greeting the coachman, I paid him a little extra to rush us to our destination. Unlike the usual shared carriage, we had a private one this time.

By the way, Sanshita stayed behind.

Taking a griffin along would undoubtedly cause all sorts of trouble.

Though he looked quite dejected, saying, “So I’m just being left out, huh?” I had to put my foot down.

In Akoup, it’s fine because he’s settled there, but explaining a griffin everywhere we go would be exhausting. It might leave us too drained to properly fight magical creatures, which would defeat the purpose of the trip.

As we rode in the carriage, I occasionally cast healing magic on the horses to alleviate their fatigue, ensuring a smooth journey.

“Yaaawn…”

“Mii~...”

The trip between towns would take about three days, but there wasn’t much to do inside the jostling carriage.

All I could really do was stare idly out the window while yawning.

I’d love to read a book, but reading in a moving carriage always makes me queasy.

Sure, I could use magic to fix it, but it’s still unpleasant, so I don’t bother trying. I’m not such a bookworm that I’d force myself to endure it.

Ivy looked sleepy too.

The blazing sun poured its warmth through the windows, making the interior toasty. Coupled with it being our usual naptime, we both drifted into a dozy slumber.

“...Hmm?”

Being a light sleeper, I woke up easily.

This time, it was the sudden absence of sunlight, hidden behind clouds, that disturbed my rest.

Stretching in the dimly lit carriage, I glanced at Ivy, who was sprawled contentedly on the floor.

Once she noticed I was awake, she climbed onto my shoulder. Together, we peeked out the window.

“Oh, you’re awake,” said Rey.

We spotted her riding a horse alongside our carriage.

In her pursuit of daily training, she had opted to ride alongside us rather than join us inside, looking like a monk practicing asceticism.

I’d wondered if that would leave her too tired for combat, but one glance at her dozing atop her horse assured me she’d be fine.

Apparently, Rey had undergone intense training to become so in sync with her horse that she doesn’t feel fatigued while riding.

Seeing glimpses of the strict Spartan training imposed by her mentors made me wonder about the person we were about to meet.

I hoped they wouldn’t be too strange… but, let’s face it, they were probably very strange.

The moment we arrived at the meeting spot, it happened.

“Hmm… You’re strong! Let us battle—right here and now!”

CLANG!

A pitch-black longsword swung down toward Ivy, only to be deflected by her barrier.

Wha—? They attacked without even a greeting?!

Oh no… I was right. This person is definitely weird!