第１５７７堀：山登りのコツは無理をしないこと (Part1)
Chapter 1577: The Secret to Mountain Climbing is Not to Overdo It
Side: Ria
*Rustle, rustle...*
We are making our way up the mountain, the sound of our feet brushing against the undergrowth echoing through the silence.
"Alright, let's take a break."
At Yuki’s words, we come to a halt. Looking around, it’s clear that no one has set foot here in ages; the grass is so overgrown that I’m actually struggling to find a decent spot to rest.
"Hold on, let me handle this."
Yuki waves his hand, using magic to clear a patch of the dense brush, then produces a blue tarp and spreads it out.
"Let’s sit here and rest."
I had been wondering what we were going to do, so this was a huge relief. Still, something was bothering me.
"Yuki-san, was it really okay to use magic just now?"
You see, we had been moving slowly on purpose—to hide our true strength and avoid alerting the enemy.
"Ah, well, even an average person... or at least a knight, could manage something like this, right?"
"Ah, no. We aren't particularly skilled with magic."
"That said, it would take us a bit of time, but clearing away some grass and trees like this is certainly within our capabilities," the escort knights replied.
Ah, I see. I suppose it’s not that strange for them to be able to do this much.
"Still, the grass is deeper than I thought, making it hard to push forward. But if we rush, we can't see the footing, which increases the risk of injury. We have no choice but to take it slow."
"True enough. It would’ve been nice to have a guide, but if we’re not careful, we might end up in a fight. We couldn't exactly ask the townspeople or the sisters to lead us into danger, could we?"
I couldn't help but agree with Agil’s assessment. If we’d had a guide, we could have moved faster without raising suspicion, but we couldn't put them in harm's way. However...
"But will we make it by the scheduled time?"
Light is right. At this walking pace, we are moving far too slowly. Won't we miss the designated time for the operation?
"Eleven o'clock is probably out of the question. Well, the treasure isn't going anywhere, so let’s take our time. If someone gets hurt, it’ll take even longer to head back or treat them. No need to rush."
"That is certainly true. The most important thing is to return to the Old Capital on the planned day so we don't worry everyone."
Yuki-san, the soldier is right, but I wonder if Steve and the others aren't worried? As I think this, Dressa nudges me from the side.
"Don't worry. Steve and the others will just finish things before we even arrive, and we have guards with us. They’ll know soon enough if we’re running late."
"Oh, right."
For Steve and his group, it just means the operation time gets extended. In that case, our late arrival isn't really a problem.
"Well, since we’ve sat down for a break, it’d be dull just to sit here. Let’s have something to eat and drink."
While I was lost in thought, Yuki produced a cute picnic set from out of nowhere. Inside, there was a decent assortment of sandwiches and rice balls.
...For some reason, the fact that they looked so delicious felt completely out of place. No, I know Yuki can cook better than I can, and this is easy for him, but still...
"No, no, what are you doing, Yuki? Is this really the time to be eating a leisurely meal? The enemy might be coming. Right, Kiyu?"
Yes, thank you for saying it, Covil. That’s exactly what I wanted to say. Even though we have guards, it’s not immediately obvious to an outsider, and I thought it was strange to be so blatant about taking a break.
"Haha, even if the enemy does come, there’s a high chance we’d just retreat anyway. If they’re going to attack, I think the cemetery where the treasure is hidden is a much more likely spot."
"Exactly. As Kiyu says, they want to lure us in, so they’re unlikely to make a move over something like this. Everyone, please, help yourselves."
" " "Thank you very much." " "
What he’s saying isn't wrong, but I still don't think it’s normal to have a relaxing meal right in front of an enemy stronghold. Well, I suppose that’s just Yuki-san for you.
With that in mind, I pick up a sandwich from the basket.
"Mmm, delicious. Oh, by the way, Canary, do you want some?"
I’d been so distracted by the situation that I hadn't paid attention to Canary. She’d been climbing the mountain path without any issues, but I wondered how she was doing now. When I looked over at her...
"Yes. I am already eating."
She was fully equipped, with a sandwich in her right hand and a rice ball in her left. Looking at the basket in front of her, I noticed it was already missing several items. In other words, what she was holding now wasn't her first serving—it was a refill.
"She’s eating just fine, so don't worry. At the very least, she doesn't seem out of breath from the climb, does she?"
"Yes. My physical condition is fine. It’s thanks to the training I’ve been doing. *Nom, nom.*"
After answering Dressa’s question, Canary went right back to devouring her food. I wondered if it was okay for her to be eating that much, but then I thought it might be better if she stayed somewhat occupied. There was always a non-zero chance she might bolt when we reached the Dark Guild’s dungeon. It was her home, after all, and I didn't know if she could stay calm seeing the people who had been doing whatever they wanted there. They might even be the ones who sold her out in the first place, so we had to be careful.
I braced myself again, but then...
"Is it already ten o'clock?"
"Uh, no, it’s actually past ten-thirty."
"Eh? Did we get any word?"
"None at all."
I was surprised; it seems the mountain climb is taking longer than I thought. We’re already thirty minutes past the scheduled time. But Steve and the others were supposed to start their operation at ten. I expected at least some kind of progress report...
As I tilted my head in confusion, Dressa continued.
"Isn't it obvious? They won't report to us unless it’s absolutely necessary. After all, on the surface, this is just a treasure hunt. If Steve and the others handle everything perfectly, there really won't be anything to report."
"Ah, I suppose that’s true."
"*Nom, nom.* Still, for someone who was told there would be enemies, this feels a bit anticlimactic."
Canary, the person most involved in this, answered with the least amount of tension. And to think she was actually ready to fight.
Actually, something has been on my mind lately.
"Hey, I know it’s a bit late to ask, but is that personality of yours... is it just how you are, rather than a result of the shock of being sold?"
"Nom. Yes, that’s correct. Though, according to Rurua-sama, it seems to be a type of illness, or perhaps a form of disability."
"Eh? Really?"
That was news to me.