After confirming the recovery of Duke Jiemeld and the rescued knights, our party, led by Lord Lionel, set out on our journey southward along the Ureri River toward the Royal Capital.
With the addition of Lord Lionel’s former subordinates who had rushed from the Royal Capital, our group had grown considerably. Along the Ureri River, an ancient road led to the Royal Capital, and we proceeded southward, keeping a vigilant eye on our surroundings. Although we were concerned about the road becoming treacherous due to the rainy season, to our surprise, the path remained stable, allowing our march to progress smoothly.
“…But it’s strange; we still haven’t seen any Undead Slimes,” Gilbert remarked, tilting his head slightly as he returned from a reconnaissance of the area while we prepared our campsite on the fourth day since departing from Jiemeld’s territory.
During our journey, we had encountered and defeated several medium-sized Undead Beasts, likely released from the barrier. The young knights of the Jiemeld Knights Order had also voluntarily followed behind to provide support. However, the elusive Undead Slimes were nowhere to be found.
“Perhaps they were swept downstream by the fast current of the river during the rainy season…” Lionel suggested thoughtfully.
“If that were the case, they would have passed the Royal Capital and flowed all the way to the sea through the neighboring southern country, wouldn’t they?” another mercenary countered.
“No, there’s a vast marshland northeast of the Royal Capital. It serves as a floodplain when the Ureri River swells during the rainy season. This means the flow might slow down near our kingdom’s Royal Capital…”
The expressions of Lord Lionel and the mercenaries grew serious as they discussed the matter.
“It seems we should aim for the Royal Capital as quickly as possible,” Lord Lionel concluded, crossing his arms in contemplation. The journey from Jiemeld’s territory to the Royal Capital typically took about ten days. However, with the increasing number of people in our march, there were concerns about securing provisions and managing the horses. While food supplies were essential, if we were to hurry, we would need to exchange horses along the way. This was no small task, as it would require more than just one or two horses, making prior arrangements quite challenging.
On the morning of the fifth day, however, the encampment suddenly became lively. A caravan of merchant carriages had arrived at our location. None of us, including Lord Lionel, recognized them, which created a slight tension in the air.
From the lead carriage, a tall elderly gentleman descended, towering over us. Upon seeing him, Lord Lionel let out a sigh of relief.
“Lord Lionel, it has been a while,” the gentleman greeted.
“Goliath… How did you find us here?” Lionel asked, surprised.
“You should never underestimate the information network of merchants. The situation in the Royal Capital has been quite unsettling… I was searching for you, Lord Lionel. I have brought everything you might need,” Goliath replied, speaking as if he had anticipated everything, a gentle smile gracing his face.
After that, Goliath raised his gaze and approached us. It seemed he was particularly focused on Dolf.
“I have long wished to meet you. It is an honor. I am Goliath, a merchant from the Royal Capital,” he said, kneeling on one knee as if paying homage like a knight. Despite his imposing stature and stern features, his eyes sparkled with the wonder of a child who had just discovered a precious treasure.
“A weapons merchant, I see. I have heard tales of you,” Dolf said, beaming as he extended his hand. The two exchanged a firm handshake, and despite this being their first meeting, it felt as if they were old friends reuniting.
The caravan’s cargo was to be provided as provisions for our troops, and they also had additional weapons, armor, and daily necessities prepared. Goliath mentioned that he would arrange for replacement horses through his merchant network. The generosity of the merchant left both Gilbert and me in awe, while the knights, mercenaries, Sidney, and the Clergy were all equally astonished.
“We’ve hit the jackpot! This must be the result of Lord Lionel and the old man’s good character,” Barbara whispered gleefully.
Goliath turned to us, offering greetings to Barbara and the rest of us before instructing his attendants to carry over a box filled with weapons.
“I see you are a Guide Mage… It is a humble request from a weapons merchant. I wish to bless the weapons that will accompany you and your comrades,” he said.
At those words, Barbara suddenly wore a mischievous expression and turned to me.
“Indeed, that sounds wonderful! Let’s do it together, Flora-chan. We should bless all the weapons we have!”
“…What about me?! Don’t I get to do anything?” Gilbert exclaimed, sounding oddly forlorn.
“You should pray too! And it would be good to make some additional good luck charms,” Barbara replied, and Gilbert’s face lit up with happiness at being relied upon.
Receiving unexpected supplies made me feel as though we had gained a powerful ally. With more tasks to accomplish before reaching the Royal Capital, the atmosphere shifted, and it felt as if we could dispel any ominous presence simply by keeping ourselves busy.