CH 17

Chapter 17 - In front of the Thrail Forest

After paying the bill at the tool shop, Souya and Mia headed for the Thrail Forest, east of Ilstadt. Taking several breaks along the way, including one for lunch, we headed east for about eight hours, following the simple map Louise had given them on the request form. Gradually, we began to see a wall of towering trees ahead of us, and just as we were getting close, we spotted a sign.

“The Thrail Forest. Looks like we’re in the right place.”

Souya muttered after checking the letters on the sign, which were a little rotten from the rain and wind.

“Yes. I’m sure this is the place. In fact, I’ve been to the Thrail Forest once for a request.”

“Oh, that’s very helpful. You’re collecting plants, aren’t you?”

“Yes. It’s a different kind of plant from the Nightgrass. The forest has a very nice and calm atmosphere. But I’m not sure if it’s a good atmosphere deep in the forest.”

“Well, I guess we won’t be going deep into the forest this time. Let’s be careful not to step in the wrong direction.”

“The adventurers who have been here before have left many signs, so I don’t think there’s much danger of getting lost.”

Mia’s voice sounded a little brighter as she explained about the Thrail forest. Perhaps she was excited about the upcoming Nightgrass collection. She might have more experience in this kind of outdoor activity than I did.

“It would be a shame to have too many human hands in this kind of nature, but it would be nice to help with the adventure. By the way, Mia-kun. You seem to be enjoying yourself, do you like the forest?”

“Yes, in nature, I can calmly pray to the Earth Mother Goddess Mikaela-sama. So, I’ve always wanted to visit the forest again.”

Mia happily began to meditate with her cleric’s staff and crossed her arms for a few moments. Her preference for this kind of nature was probably due in large part to her belief in the Earth Mother Goddess Mikaela, whose teachings were based on the harmony of nature.

“I see. A forest girl.”

“…… There is a forest? Souya-san, is there something in the forest?”

“Forget about that. Even in a forest like this, there is a possibility of wild thieves like the other day. Never go to the forest alone.”

“I understand ……This time, I will make sure that I never leave Souya-san, so please take care of me …… It’s getting dark, isn’t it? Let’s get the lights ready.”

The sun had set in the west, leaving only a few vestiges of sunset. Mia took out her hooded cloak from her shoulder bag and threw it on. She then prepared a flint and a small lamp and lit it.

“Mia-kun, you look pretty good in that. You look like the hermit of the forest.”

She was wearing a hooded cloak, holding a staff and a lamp in each hand, and her figure blended in well with the dimly lit forest.

“Hermit …… I’m not sure if I’m being complimented or not …… By the way, Souya-san. The things you bought at the tool store is ……?”

Mia said with a worried expression as she looked at Souya. He was wearing the same dark gray business suit and dark glasses as yesterday, but he didn’t seem to be carrying any luggage.

“Kuku, I’m glad you’re finally talking about it. I wonder where is she going to ask me about my luggage? I’ve been waiting for Mia-kun while thinking of that.”

Mia looked puzzled by the amused Souya.

“Well, just for the record …… I’m sure that Souya-san didn’t forget it by mistake. I thought that maybe you did something magic related to it …… Ahhhh, I’m wrong, I’ll retort. Souya-san, what happened to your baggage?”

[Open]

After Soya had spoken a few words, he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out the cloak he had purchased at the tool store.

“There is a magic called Dimension Box. I use it to store my tools in an invisible space. The password and withdrawal action can be changed at will. Of course, there are limits. It weighs at most three kilograms.”

“It’s like a magic trick. That’s why you look so empty-handed, isn’t it?”

“There is a drawback. You need to allocate magic power to maintain the dimension box. This can be quite tiring. It’s just that my clothes don’t really suit a travel outfit like Mia-kun’s, do they?”

From Souya’s aesthetic point of view, wearing a business suit and carrying an adventuring tool on his back was an unsuitable mismatch.

“I don’t think it’s unsuitable. But I think you’ll find it easier to move around in your current attire.”

“That’s the main purpose. In my style of combat, agility is vital. I want to minimize the amount of baggage I carry in my hands. The rest is all about appearance. I don’t think a backpack would look good with this outfit.”

“You’re fashionable, after all.”

“I won’t deny it. When you become an old man, you want to look good.”

Souya draped the cloak he’d retrieved over his suit. If Mia is the hermit of the forest, this one is more like an old-fashioned detective.

“Well, it’s already nightfall. Let’s leave the chitchat at this point and get going. It’s easier to collect in the dark, but we can’t stay up all night searching. We’ll take a break when we’ve collected enough.”