The Ureri River, flowing to the northeast of the Royal Capital, is dotted with weirs designed to regulate water levels during times of flooding. The marching company led by Lionel had reached the weir closest to the Royal Capital and was conducting an investigation of the structure and its surroundings.
Meanwhile, Gilbert and the others had finished preparing their encampment and gathered in the small shed that served as the carriage’s cargo area, working diligently in silence.
They were enhancing the weapons used by their comrades, along with the additional weapons brought by Goliath. However, since they couldn’t sharpen the blades while on the move, they focused on the hilts instead.
Gilbert carefully sliced strips of tanned leather and began wrapping them around the hilts, securing them with the rivets crafted by Dolf. This was done with the anticipation of battling the Undead Slime, providing a non-slip grip. To ensure the ends wouldn’t unravel, Flora wrapped them tightly with the braided cord she had made.
“I was told by the old lady to pray, but when I focus on my work, I hardly have time to do so…” Gilbert muttered as he checked the sword he had just finished wrapping, while Flora chuckled beside him.
“That’s also a form of ‘prayer without form,’ I’m sure,” she replied.
“Now that you mention it, we did talk about something like that not too long ago.”
Though it had been less than a month, so many events had transpired that it felt like ages ago. Just as Barbara had once said, each time they enhanced a weapon, thoughts of its wielder filled their minds.
“…It seems I quite enjoy spending my time like this, working with my hands. If this is how I can pray, I could do it endlessly,” Gilbert mused.
“I understand. Moreover, the sounds of crafting something are like music, aren’t they? It’s quite soothing,” Flora agreed, her voice bubbling with delight, causing Gilbert’s cheeks to soften into a smile.
“Gilbert, are you perhaps infusing my weapon with blessings, or rather… are you just showing off?” he teased.
“Wha—!? What are you talking about, you fool!” Gilbert stammered, caught off guard by the mercenary’s sly gaze, causing him to nearly tear the leather he was wrapping.
The mercenary laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the moment. He was particularly fond of the wish buttons and embroidered shirts that Gilbert and Flora had crafted, and he was even considering placing an order for his wife and children waiting back in the Territory of Kelvim. He was offering a rather substantial advance payment, which was proving to be quite a hassle.
In the back of the shed, Dolf and Barbara were sharing warm smiles, their expressions relaxed despite the fact that they would reach the Royal Capital in less than a day. Gilbert couldn’t help but smile wryly at the carefree atmosphere.
However, as the sun began to set and preparations for dinner commenced, the distant sound of multiple horses whinnying on the wind sent a wave of tension through the encampment.
“That sound… which direction is it coming from?” someone asked.
“It’s coming from the opposite direction of the weir where Lord Lionel and the others are investigating,” another replied.
As they confirmed the source of the noise, Lionel and his group also caught wind of it and rushed over.
“It seems a carriage is being attacked on the road ahead. We must go to their aid!” Lionel commanded.
“Is it an Undead Beast…!?” someone gasped.
“…No, it’s likely bandits. I can hear the clash of weapons,” Lionel clarified.
When they arrived, they found that Lionel’s former subordinates, the Black Knights, had already subdued the situation.
The carriage that had been attacked was rugged yet sturdy, clearly not something used by commoners or merchants. More notably, the number of soldiers guarding it was suspiciously high. It raised questions about whether the assailants were merely common thieves.
Once the situation calmed, the door of the carriage swung open, revealing a noble lady peering out.
“Thank you all for coming to our aid in such a dangerous moment… Oh!?”
The noblewoman exclaimed in surprise just after expressing her gratitude.
“My! What a stroke of luck! Not only were we rescued, but it turns out you are exactly the people we were searching for!”
Ignoring the bewildered expressions of Gilbert and the others, the lady gracefully descended from the carriage, offering a refined curtsy. Upon witnessing her, Lionel and the other knights displayed subtle signs of agitation.
“I am Amanda Aim Beresford. I was sent by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to find you,” she introduced herself.
That was a name known to all as the fiancée of the Crown Prince.
“Lady Amanda, I’m relieved to see you safe. So, you were looking for us?” Lionel inquired, stepping forward.
“I was asked to deliver a letter to you from His Highness,” Amanda replied, her smile softening.
She paused for a moment, then looked at the blackened shields of the knights who had rescued her, a hint of sadness crossing her features.
“Everyone, if we proceed to the Royal Capital like this, we might be accused of rebellion and captured if we make even a single mistake.”
At her words, everyone present held their breath. Indeed, while they were on a mission to eradicate the Undead, they were still an armed group.
“Therefore, this can serve as a justification to protect you all,” Amanda said, a hint of pride in her expression as she produced a sealed letter and handed it to Lionel.