Chapter 18, Blockage

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Under the Elves’ guidance, Kousuke and his companions successfully traversed the Barrier, arriving at the village where they had left their carriage. Having paid an additional fee for extended storage, they retrieved their vehicle without incident.

 

Their extended stay in the Elf village had consumed considerable time, and with no pressing matters in the current village, they promptly boarded the carriage. However, just as they prepared to depart for their next destination, a horseman intercepted them, forcing them to halt.

 

Startled by the sudden stop, Kousuke peered out from the carriage to see a familiar face—the captain from their previous encounter, wearing a relieved expression as he sat astride his mount.

 

“Thank goodness. We made it in time.” The captain declared.

 

Kousuke’s brow furrowed in displeasure. “What are you doing? What gives you the right to forcefully stop our carriage?”

 

Recognizing his reckless approach, the captain immediately bowed his head. “I apologize. I had no alternative method to ensure your carriage would stop.”

 

Though tempted to express his anger, Kousuke decided that prolonging the confrontation would only complicate matters further. “Fine. What do you want?”

 

From her position in the driver’s seat, Mitsuki’s face showed her discontent, but Kousuke silently signaled her to remain calm as he addressed the captain.

 

The captain nodded before speaking. “Regarding that previous matter—this isn’t an appropriate location for discussion. Please accompany me.”

 

“No,” Kousuke responded without hesitation.

 

“I see. So… wait, what!?” The captain’s eyes widened at the unexpected refusal.

 

“I said no. That situation already delayed our journey longer than anticipated. Further postponement would be problematic for us.”

 

Though they were not actually pressed for time, Kousuke cited their schedule as a convenient excuse to expedite the interaction.

 

The captain appeared troubled by Kousuke’s firm response. Aware that his initial approach had been poor, he seemed unable to press the matter more forcefully.

 

“Don’t you want to know the outcome?” the captain asked helplessly.

 

“Not particularly. My involvement was limited to the Elves. They’ve concluded their part, and I have no interest in how the kingdom handled the rest.”

 

Kousuke’s tone was cold, but it reflected his genuine disinterest in the political aftermath.

 

While multiple countries shared responsibilities in security precise details of which nation or nations were involved in the kidnappings remained unclear—and irrelevant to Kousuke.

 

His primary motivation for having Kouhi deliver the letter had been to restore some tranquility to the Sewri Forest.

 

The captain’s expression grew increasingly troubled at Kousuke’s words. His demeanor suggested he was acting under orders from his superiors, but unfortunately for him, Kousuke had no intention of complying.

 

“Or would you prefer to invoke your authority to compel us?” Kousuke challenged, knowing full well the captain possessed no such power.

 

Sewri Forest’s status as a buffer zone meant it belonged to no single nation. The villages within its borders paid no taxes to any country, which explained why the forest patrol consisted of troops from multiple nations. Any unilateral military action would have been interpreted as an attempt to claim the forest. Consequently, the captain before them lacked the authority to detain Kousuke—unless, of course, the villagers themselves requested his arrest.

 

Observing the captain’s evident distress, Kousuke suppressed a sigh. His cold demeanor was not solely due to the recent obstruction.

 

Both Kouhi and Mitsuki had likely noticed what Kousuke had—they were being watched.

 

As if responding to the captain’s predicament, the observer finally revealed himself. A man in nobleman’s attire emerged on horseback from behind a building, where he had presumably been concealing himself.

 

“Now, wait a moment. Surely you can spare the time to hear what I have to say?” The nobleman interjected.

 

The captain’s deferential behavior made it clear who had been issuing his instructions.

 

Kousuke cast a sidelong glance at the nobleman and reiterated his position. “I decline.”

 

“Wh-what?” The nobleman appeared taken aback by the refusal.

 

“You’ve likely set your sights on someone bearing the King’s Medal, but we have no intention of becoming your subordinates or following your commands.”

 

“What!?” The nobleman’s face reddened with indignation. “You! Do you have any idea who I am?!”

 

“I don’t know, nor am I interested,” Kousuke stated plainly. “Perhaps you should consider more carefully what it means for an Adventurer to freely use the King’s Medal outside the country.”

 

The nobleman sputtered, his face crimson, clearly failing to grasp Kousuke’s meaning. However, Kousuke felt no obligation to elaborate.

 

With a deliberate sigh, he addressed the nobleman one final time. “If you don’t understand, consult your associates.”

 

Though the nobleman’s face grew even redder, he remained silent—or more accurately, found himself unable to speak. After all, he was well aware of Kousuke’s possession of the King’s Medal.

 

Dismissing the nobleman entirely, Kousuke turned to Mitsuki. “Mitsuki, we’re finished here.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Having awaited Kousuke’s instruction, Mitsuki finally set the carriage in motion. With his approval, she knew there would be no complications.

 

The carriage maneuvered around the captain, and they resumed their journey toward their next destination. Though the nobleman shouted something in their wake, it no longer concerned Kousuke and his companions.

 

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By the time they had left the village, the commotion with the nobleman had already faded from their minds. Kousuke relaxed in the carriage, conversing with Kouhi while idly stroking Nana’s back.

 

“Hmm. Can we finally head to Gazenran Tower?”

 

“What do you think?” Kouhi’s tone carried a hint of playful suggestion.

 

Kousuke paused in stroking Nana’s back and looked at Kouhi. “What?”

 

“Well, with your luck, I wouldn’t be surprised if we encounter more trouble in this forest.”

 

“Hey, that’s harsh…” Kousuke protested, though they both knew Kouhi was joking.

 

Such playful banter was typical of Kouhi, though she reserved it for times when only Mitsuki was present.

 

On the Administration Floor, where other members usually gathered, Kousuke rarely heard these kinds of jokes.

 

This journey had offered him the opportunity to experience more of Kouhi’s humor, and Kousuke found himself thoroughly enjoying it.

 

 

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