Chapter 2, In the Forest

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Three days had passed since their entry into Sewri Forest. Though dotted with several small villages, the forest’s road network was primarily straight, making navigation relatively straightforward.

 

By midday after reaching the first village, Kousuke’s group came upon a potential camping site—only to find it already occupied by military personnel stationed along the highway.

 

Kousuke had anticipated such an encounter, knowing that suitable camping spots were limited within the forest. While the military initially regarded Kousuke’s group with suspicion, their wariness soon gave way to curiosity, particularly regarding their unusual carriage.

 

The vehicle’s appearance seemed remarkably out of place in such surroundings, and Kousuke, having nothing to hide except the magic tools, allowed them to examine it freely.

 

The military captain studied Kousuke with a mixture of admiration and bewilderment. “Even for the sake of comfort, isn’t this rather excessive? The cost must have been considerable.”

 

Indeed, the carriage’s elaborate modifications were evident at first glance, having undergone even further refinements since departing from the Tausen Kingdom’s capital. Its interior resembled a mobile hotel, modifications made possible by the exceptional strength of the wild horses that pulled it.

 

Kousuke shrugged at the captain’s inquiry, having fielded similar questions throughout his travels. “It’s partly a hobby of mine. The comfort it provides during long journeys makes it worthwhile.”

 

“This rivals a first-class hotel at the very least,” the captain remarked enviously, his gaze lingering on the carriage’s built-in bed. His fellow soldiers nodded in agreement, their own experiences with overnight camping lending weight to his assessment.

 

“You should rest well tonight,” the captain offered. “We’ll handle the night watch.”

 

“Are you certain?” Kousuke asked, surprised by the gesture.

 

The captain explained it served as training for their guard duties. “Besides,” he added with a knowing look, “it seems almost unnecessary to protect someone capable of traversing this path independently.”

 

Kousuke accepted the offer graciously. “I appreciate it. Please alert me if anything occurs.”

 

The captain’s confident grin reflected his professional reliability.

 

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The night passed without incident—no disguised kidnappers emerged from among the soldiers, and while Kousuke’s sleep was not entirely uninterrupted, the overall atmosphere remained peaceful. Come morning, as Kousuke prepared for departure in his fully-equipped carriage, the captain approached for a final exchange.

 

“Setting out early, I see. Take care—even with our patrols, one never knows what might happen in these parts.”

 

“Thank you. Exercise caution yourselves.” Kousuke replied from the carriage window.

 

As they distanced themselves from the campsite under the watchful eyes of the captain and his soldiers, Kouhi, who shared the carriage with Kousuke, mentioned an important topic.

 

“What’s the plan? Shall we proceed?”

 

“Yes, let’s head to the village first,” Kousuke confirmed.

 

Their discussion stemmed from an unexpected development the previous night when Esena had suddenly requested they deviate from the main road. Though Kousuke had deferred his response, Esena’s unusual request suggested something significant.

 

He thus decided to first reach a nearby village, secure the carriage, and then venture into the forest.

 

Kouhi nodded. “Hopefully, we’ll find suitable accommodation for them,” she said, glancing at their two Wild Horses.

 

“If not, we’ll simply bring them along after leaving the carriage,” Kousuke decisively replied. The Wild Horses, being former Monsters, could navigate the forest terrain effortlessly once freed from their reins.

 

“Yeah. Though I wonder about Esena’s intentions,” Kouhi mused, matching Kousuke’s puzzled expression. Esena’s limited explanation the previous night suggested either reluctance or difficulty in articulating her reasons.

 

“Her behavior is unusual enough to warrant following what she outlined to us.” Kousuke concluded.

 

“Yeah.” Kouhi concurred, supporting Kousuke’s judgment.

 

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By noon, they reached their destination—a small but well-equipped village that catered to merchants and adventurers traveling the road. To their relief, they discovered facilities capable of housing both their carriage and their two Wild Horses.

 

The facility owner informed them that similar arrangements existed throughout the forest villages, a practical response to consistent traveler demand.

 

Kousuke secured their accommodation with fair payment, ensuring the carriage—valuable enough to fetch a considerable sum—was protected by anti-theft magic tools.

 

With their preparations complete, they prepared to enter the forest on foot. Though they considered using the Wild Horses, Kousuke’s inexperience with horseback riding made walking the prudent choice.

 

Initially, Kousuke struggled with the forest terrain, but his pace gradually improved to a reasonable speed. Whether this adaptation stemmed from his living god abilities or his inherent capabilities remained unclear to him.

 

The day after their departure from the village and venture into the forest proper, Kousuke and his companions would experience an encounter that would prove pivotal to their journey.

 

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