Amidst the relentless downpour, five carriages and twenty mounted riders raced toward the Duchy of Jiemeld.
Half of the private soldiers and the Clergy remained in the Territory of Kelvim for self-defense, while at Lord Lionel’s suggestion, our party led by Mr. Dolf, along with the mercenaries and the Clergy, formed a volunteer army under Lord Lionel’s command. Since we were acting based solely on the testimony of an injured knight without the Duke Jiemeld’s permission, this was a pretext to prevent any political issues arising between the territories should we need to deploy the local military.
After two days of additional preparations, we finally departed the city. I was astonished by the swift judgment and actions of those seasoned in battle.
In truth, I had considered staying behind in the city of Kelvim, fearing I would be a hindrance. However, I was told that there were many non-combatant roles involved in a march, so I decided to accompany Mr. Dolf and the others. Indeed, as I looked around, I realized there were countless tasks to be done—preparing camp, cooking meals, doing laundry, repairing armor, and managing supplies. The more I searched, the more I found I could contribute.
With that in mind, I genuinely wanted to be near Mr. Gilbert and the others, hoping to be of some help.
Those riding on horseback were getting soaked and chilled by the rain, so I was sewing a simple exchange cloak with Ms. Barbara. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mr. Gilbert was crafting something again.
“Gilbert, what are you making this time?”
“If I tell you now, I won’t be able to surprise Miss Flora…!?”
Ms. Barbara giggled softly. Even the Clergy accompanying us in the carriage seemed to be enjoying themselves. Mr. Dolf and Ms. Barbara believed that “even in serious situations, it’s good to spend time with a smile,” so the atmosphere inside the carriage was always light-hearted.
In between tasks, I found myself absentmindedly touching the hair ornament I had received, as well as the brooch resting against my chest.
The delicately carved flower, with its beautiful wood grain pattern, had been meticulously sanded, making it a pleasure to touch. The scent of the wood and its warmth felt endearing. Perhaps it was because I knew how earnestly Mr. Gilbert was working on it, his serious expression etched in my mind. I cherished these moments, often finding myself gazing at it whenever I had the chance.
However, that peaceful atmosphere began to shift into something ominous a few days later as we entered the Duchy of Jiemeld. The first place we arrived at was a large city, renowned as a hub for northern trade, yet it felt desolate, as if no one remained.
“I searched for any remaining residents to gather information, but it seems those who haven’t evacuated are few and far between…”
A private soldier returned with the news.
“Well, I suppose it’s understandable when you see something like that…” Mr. Gilbert muttered in disbelief. Everyone present fell silent, gazing in the same direction.
I couldn’t tell how far away it was, but to the south, in the direction of the capital of Jiemeld, a massive wall of red light loomed ominously within the forest. The sight was utterly out of place in the surrounding landscape, sending chills down my spine.
“That’s a Mage’s Barrier. It’s entirely different from a Clergy’s Barrier.”
“A Mage’s…?”
As I processed Mr. Dolf’s words, I was startled by the sight for the first time, and Ms. Barbara provided further clarification.
“I mentioned before that Mages and Sorcerers are somewhat different, right? Mages don’t rely on the goddess’s blessing; they use their own magical power to cast spells.”
Then, the Clergy accompanying us from the Western Grand Church—whose name was Priest Sidney—offered additional explanation.
“Magical power is something all living beings in this world possess to varying degrees from birth. Among them, those beasts that possess particularly strong magical power and undergo transformation are called magical beasts, while those who can wield magic in human form are referred to as Mages.”
“Mages are far fewer in number than Clergy, so most become Court Mages.”
“Sorcerers are even rarer…”
Priest Sidney mixed in a light-hearted jest, yet there was a hint of sorrow in his expression.
“I never thought a Clergy would cooperate in capturing an Undead Beast. So, they must have used a Mage’s Barrier…”
“Jiemeld was a single nation until just a hundred years ago, so it’s not surprising that some Mages remain loyal.”
Mr. Dolf’s expression was similarly grave.
“But can a human Mage maintain such a large Barrier…? I’ve heard that the magical power within a person has its limits.”
Lord Lionel, who voiced his doubts, wore a troubled expression as well.
“Mages sometimes stray from the path of humanity,” Priest Sidney murmured sadly.
Eventually, several knights bearing the shield of Jiemeld arrived alongside the leading private soldiers.
“Oh, thank goodness…! I was worried it would take too long to return to Kelvim with the news. I’m glad you all came! But why…?”
The knight who approached us bore a weary expression, having been sent as a messenger by Count Kelvim just days prior.
As Lord Lionel recounted the situation, the knights from Jiemeld knelt before us.
“This is no longer a situation where we can speak of loyalty to our lord. That Barrier is reaching its limit. Please lend us your strength…!”
Their voices were tinged with desperation, and fatigue was evident on their faces.
With a stern expression, Lord Lionel nodded firmly. He then urged us to move toward that ominous red Barrier without delay.