Chapter 20: “Dragon’s Cradle,” and to the Beastkin Village 07
The safety zone was also a spacious room made of marble-like stone.
Naturally, there were no other parties besides us, so we could camp without worrying about anyone. Rather, it was extremely easy since we didn’t even need to set up a tent. However, we did set up small tents for the bath and toilet, of course.
After enjoying the freshly caught Titanoboa meat, we were all enjoying tea and sweets when Larni poked Freinir’s knee.
“So, what’s your relationship with that noble family, House of Duke Armand, anyway, Frei? Does that mean you’re from that ducal house?”
To Larni’s usual blunt and critical question, Freinir responded with a slight smile.
“Yes, I am Duke Armand’s daughter. My mother was a concubine of the Duke and a devout follower of the Arshuram Religion. Because of that, I often went to the church, and before I knew it, I was being considered as a Saint Candidate.”
“Hmph. Well, I can see why they’d make you a Saint Candidate, Frei. You look the part.”
“R-Really?”
Freinir blushed slightly and looked at me for some reason.
When I nodded, Freinir turned back to Larni with an even more embarrassed expression.
“You came to the Royal Capital after becoming a Saint Candidate, right?”
“Yes. I was told it was an honor, and that I should train at the Royal Capital’s cathedral, so I moved to the Royal Capital.”
“So how did you end up becoming an adventurer?”
“One day, I had my Awakening, but it turned out that I didn’t have the Skills necessary to be a Saint. So, I was told that I wasn’t qualified to be a Saint, and I was brought to the town in Barius Viscounty in a way that felt like I was being kicked out of the church.”
“Eh~. You can’t expect to have Skills right away after becoming an adventurer. Didn’t you complain, Frei?”
“I didn’t understand anything at the time, so I just did as I was told.”
“But the Duke would normally stop that, right? And you had your mother, didn’t you?”
“My mother passed away a while ago. I didn’t really talk to my father… the Duke, in the first place. I think the reason he sent me out as a Saint Candidate was just to use me as a tool to raise the name of the ducal house.”
“Ehh~, that’s terrible. I should go to the Duke and give him a piece of my mind!”
Larni said spiritedly, but Freinir quietly shook her head.
“No, I don’t care about that family anymore. Rather, I was able to meet Soushi-sama thanks to them, so I almost want to thank them. Besides, I’m having fun every day now that I’m in a party with Larni and the others, and I think this is how I’m supposed to be.”
“Ah~, I guess you can think of it that way. Then maybe it’s good to say thank you to them. I bet they’ll be frustrated.”
“Hehe. But I don’t know what the Duke is thinking. I’ll go and talk to him and then decide.”
The Freinir who answered with such composure had none of the unreliability she had when we first met.
Freinir might be the one who has changed the most since traveling with me. If so, it’s something to be happy about as the leader. I don’t know what kind of story will come out when we go to the Duchy, but I secretly resolved to always be on Freinir’s side.
When Freinir’s story ended and the atmosphere calmed down, the chatter started again.
As I was listening to Freinir and Shizuna’s discussions about myths while drinking tea, Sfenia sat down next to me.
Sfenia leaned close and whispered in my ear.
“By the way, Soushi-san, good equipment came out of the treasure chest again today.”
“Hmm? That’s right. As expected, good things come from gold chests. I thought getting three at the same time was quite generous.”
“Actually, I’m starting to feel like my bow isn’t good enough anymore.”
“Ah, come to think of it, you’re using B-rank equipment now, aren’t you? I should have had a craftsman make one for you. But when it comes to bow craftsmen, the Elf Village is still the best…”
“No, that’s not it. I still want something that I got in battle by Soushi-san’s power.”
As she said that, Sfenia brought her doll-like beautiful face closer. All of us except me are beautiful thanks to Soul’s Guidance, but Sfenia’s features seem to transcend humanity, perhaps due to the characteristics of the High Elf race. Therefore, when she gets too close, I can’t help but lean back a little.
“W-Well, I understand what you mean, but this is all about luck. Let’s hope something good comes out tomorrow and onward.”
“Hehe, that’s fine. Soushi-san is someone who has luck on his side, so I’m sure I’ll get one.”
Smiling happily, Sfenia took my hand and pressed it to her chest.
It’s rare for her to take such direct action. Perhaps it’s because the relationship between me and the other members has changed subtly, or because Marishielle and Dorozitte have joined, or perhaps she has her own thoughts. Or maybe she’s just excited about the first Classless Dungeon.
“Hee, so that’s how you can get new equipment sometimes? I was thinking of changing my staff soon, Soushi-san, what do you think?”
Dorozitte said, eavesdropping, but I heard from Mariane that the ‘Staff of Intellect’ she has is quite a masterpiece.
“I think it’ll be difficult to find something that surpasses that staff. Maybe a rapier will come out.”
“Of course, that’s fine too. It seems that with ‘Soul’s Guidance’, it’s important to get rare treasures. There’s also the matter of Larni’s collar from earlier.”
As she said that, Dorozitte looked meaningfully at Larni. Noticing the gaze, Larni touched her collar and said, “This is great, isn’t it!” with a happy face. Karma looked sulky in the back, so maybe we need another collar.
“I don’t know about that, but don’t expect too much. Speaking of weapons, is Shizuna’s also starting to feel inadequate?”
“That’s right. My magical power has increased, so the current staff might not be enough. I’ll look forward to it.”
I think Shizuna’s staff was for Spirits with physical effects. The rank is also lower than the other members’ equipment, so now that Shizuna’s own magical power has increased, we might need one for her too.
I noticed a gaze and looked over to see Freinir holding ‘Saint’s Prayer’ to her chest as she stared at me.
“Frei seems to like that staff.”
“Yes, this staff is wonderful. I also really like the name ‘Saint’s Prayer’. But if Soushi-sama gets something new, I would like to use that too.”
“I-Is that so?”
For some reason, I felt a stronger power than ever before in Freinir’s gaze. Perhaps this is also proof that she has grown.