Chapter 8: Detour
The next morning, Claire and the quartet were at the Eias Barrier.
“Morning, did you sleep well?”
Claire was asked by Viik.
“Yes. The best one ever.”
Claire answered while looking at Louie meaningfully.
“I agree. I had fun, too.”
“It’s— It’s thanks to my invite…!”
Viik made a childish look when provoked by Louie’s reply and smile.
“Anyway, let’s put a protection on. Claire, come here.”
Louie called out to Claire after successfully provoking Viik.
“Please relax yourself.”
Louie stood behind Claire and put her hand between Claire’s shoulder blade just below the neck.
Suddenly, a soft impact ran through Claire, and her body became lighter.
Her body was clearly wrapped in mysterious colors.
“…that was amazing. I’ve never seen such a decent protection magic before.”
Claire’s magical power was not enough for a protection magic, she could do the weakest one, but it wouldn’t protect her from adversities.
On the other hand, Louie’s magical power was strong enough to avoid any criminal activities or raids that might occur along the way.
No matter how knightly they are, Claire was wondering how four nobles were in another country without any escort.
But it all made sense with the existence of this protection.
((Blue… No. Perhaps her magical power was white.))
Claire stared at Louie’s face.
“I’m glad Claire liked it. Well then, please get on my horse, Claire.”
“Yes. Thank you very much.”
Claire smiled and took Louie’s hand.
“Hey, you guys. We’re about to leave.”
And with Viik’s crude voice, the horses took off.
―――――
Claire knew that it’d take a week to reach Paft’s royal capital, but she was told that they would arrive in four days on horseback.
The group left the Eias Barrier and passed through Northon’s southern gateway on the first day. On the second day they arrived at Fratern Village on southernmost of Northon.
“Claire, are you tired?”
“I’m okay, Louie.”
Claire and Louie had become close friends in the past two days.
Louie’s family was that of an Earl peerage and Viik was her childhood friend she knew for a long time. Her lineage had strong magical power and ties to the church. Louie didn’t really like feminine clothes, she behaved like a man, and she really enjoyed knights’ training.
“I want to let the horses rest, should we take a little break and have some lunch?”
“Yes.”
Said Viik and the others who stopped the horses after listening to Claire and Louie.
Then the group decided to enter a restaurant in the village. Beyond this is Fort Fratern, Fratern had become a major city of transportation. There were more than enough shops and restaurant around here to call it a village.
Claire, who didn’t want to stand out, recommended the largest restaurant so she could hide among the crowd.
The group finished their meal just past noon when the restaurant was moderately crowded.
((The mushroom stew and walnut bread were so good. Seems like it’ll be fun to work at a restaurant in Paft.))
When Claire was pondering through her dreams,
“Thank you for waiting. Here is after meal coff—”
The shopkeeper, who’s carrying a cup of coffee in his hand, stopped in front of Claire.
((Huh, me? No way, perhaps I’ve met him before.))
Claire was anxious. Then, before anyone else could react,
“Is something wrong?”
Viik chimed in with a big smile.
“Oh, I’m sorry… Perhaps the lady from Old Lindel?”
“Old Lindel?”
Claire was surprised at the unexpected words, and at the same time relieved because she hasn’t been exposed.
Had she been sighted near the southern border, they would blow her away in one shot before she could even reach her destination, Paft.
“Oh. I think your hair color and prominent looks are similar to the trait of Lindel’s royalty. Sorry, correct me if I’m wrong.”
“Speaking of which, Lindel is a very beautiful country!! Certainly, the lady here is beautiful. No wonder you made a mistake.”
She could hear someone’s voice from the back.
The country of Lindel, which used to be located south of Northon, was a small country surrounded by sea on every side.
Although it was a small country with only a castle town, the country thrived off of its natural beauty and city tourism.
However, due to being a small island nation, it was attacked by an enemy nation 40 years ago and was tragically destroyed overnight.
It was said that there were barely any survivors and all of the royalties had died.
“That’s not it. She resembled the admirable princess I met when I was young. Sorry, forget it.”
The shopkeeper apologized to Claire and went away.
The scent of black coffee enveloped the table
((Smells good…))
Suddenly, Claire’s head familiar words intruded her mind.
[It’ll all be okay if you get the second older brother, Leo, to throw away a letter from her mother in a safe. Her baptismal ceremony was supposed to be held in the Country of Lindel, not Northon.]
((Huh… what was that… the name Lindel appeared in that strange dream.))
With that thought in her mind, Doni asked,
“Have you ever been to Lindel, Claire?
“Not yet. After Paft chased the enemy out, they sheltered the survivors and now redeveloping it as a tourist destination, right? I’ve heard that it was a beautiful city, but I haven’t had the chance.”
Answered Claire quickly as she felt drowsy.
“Then we can take detour to Lindel Island.”
Said the thrilled Keith.
“That’s true. It seems like Claire will be delighted, what do you think, Viik?”
Said Louie with a somewhat revealing expression.
“…so annoying, Louie.”
Snapped Viik, then he continued,
“Why not, let’s stop by. It’s the most beautiful island in My Country despite the bitter history. Let’s stay at Lindel tonight.”
In the end, they decided to head for Lindel Island.
50% of the Time 