CH 58

Falden increased his speed more and more.

They moved day and night, and for the first time, they hurried without any rest. 

She thought it would be very uncomfortable.

But this was surprisingly not bad.

It was because she took the medicine Redan gave her on a routine basis.

Even if she ate food on a galloping horse, she didn’t feel nauseous.

She was fine even though she hadn’t slept.

There was no problem with her physical strength.

If it was before, she would probably be exhausted to tears.

“Lady, are you okay?”

However, there was a fuss around her. 

Once an hour, Blenn checked her condition.

Siri tried to put something to eat in her mouth from time to time.

Terra offered a low-grade potion to recover from fatigue in case she might be enduring quietly by herself.

Considering that there were quite a few potions in his bag, he seemed to have poured all the money he had saved into this journey. 

They were worried for no reason. 

“Please try this, Lady.”

Siri put a slice of cheese in her mouth.

“Just give it to me.”

“Yes?”

Serdel cut the cheese little by little and dropped it on the floor.

It was for Dell to chase from behind. 

[Cheese, it’s cheese! Nom, nom, nom.] 

Dell’s reaction, saying it was delicious, made her smile. 

‘How much longer should I go?’

Serdel, who raised her head, looked blankly ahead. 

She could see the back of Belters and Addis moving side by side. And how skillful her straight back is. She thought it was a little cool.

“Are you okay?”

Redan spit out a question as she wondered when he was coming.

“I’m fine.”

“It’s good that you took the medicine rightl?”

“I’m saying this again and again, but even though it must have been asked with good intentions, every time I hear it, I feel the same way.”

“What are you talking about?”

Redan shrugged, unable to understand Serdel’s dry joke. 

“Doesn’t your back or butt hurt? What about your arms and legs?”

“It doesn’t hurt at all.”

“Still—”

Scratching his nose, he suddenly reached out and grabbed her waist and quickly pulled her into his arms. 

Huh huh? 

Serdel, who suddenly sat on Redan’s horse, and also in front of him, blinked in embarrassment. 

The reins of the horse she had just been holding until now were held by Blenn.

“Sleep for a while. The harshness will continue in the future. Even if you don’t have any physical problems, it’s more dangerous if you’re mentally stressed. Because medicine can’t solve that.” 

“….”

She tried to say something then closed her mouth. 

This situation of being trapped in Redan’s arms is unfamiliar but strangely warm.

“Hurry up and sleep.”

“I don’t think I can sleep because it’s awkward.”

“What do you mean awkward? You always came and slept next to me when you were young. To be honest, it was a bit annoying back then.”

The day’s schedule was tight as he had to receive sword training and successor training.

He was busy, but his younger sister came every day and asked to sleep together. 

Honestly, it was annoying.

Everytime he saw his younger sister, he thought she was stupid. 

While his older sister, just like an older sister, is working hard to get away from a place full of men. 

What’s good about a child who doesn’t know anything?

He couldn’t understand.

But when his mother passed away, he found out that his younger sister had the ability of foresight

He was resentful at first. Then he poured it out onto her. 

He spit out the words he should not have even put in his mouth, holding on to his younger sister’s small shoulder so hard that it bruised her. 

To a child who lost her mind due to the shock of not having a mother anymore. 

He said what he shouldn’t have said.

That moment was left as a deep wound that he didn’t want revealed even to himself. 

Despite not wanting to remember he still suffered every night from guilt. 

Redan glanced down at Serdel who was in his arms.

She’s all grown up but she’s still small. 

Putting his chin down on the top of her head, he whispered softly. 

“Go to sleep.”

“My head hurts. Put your chin away.”

Serdel’s body, which had been tense, loosened little by little even though she was complaining.

Without realizing it, she buried her head in his wide chest.

“After you sleep, you will feel more comfortable. Even if you have nightmares, it’s okay because you have your older brother, Serdel.” 

It was like magical words.

She closed her eyes without realizing it.

Her brother’s arms were warm.

Is that why? 

She remembered her childhood.

Her older brother reaching out his hand saying that he wanted his younger sister, who had lost her words due to abuse, back. 

The little hand that briefly told her about the comforts of family and went away forever to a place of no return. 

She suddenly remembered. 

“….”

Her breathing soon calmed.

*****

After arriving at the end of the Count’s territory, she was even more distracted. 

In particular, the officials started to report recklessly, chasing after Addis for further instructions. 

Even though they were prepared in advance, they were so shaken that they couldn’t even afford to be polite when the expedition had just begun. 

On the one hand, it was a natural reaction as the territory was standing at the crossroads between being trampled on by monsters or not.

“The people who live in the territory who heard the news of the expedition are quite anxious.”

“You’d better calm down first. There is nothing to be anxious about, so tell the heads of each village not to create a chaotic atmosphere.” 

“—I understand.” 

“And prevent any news from spreading among the people of the territory regarding the Elbash Forest.”

They never know what’s going to happen when they’re exploring.

People will get more terrified as more information about the forest becomes known. 

Seeing Addis turning around, the officials were perplexed.

Is this the end?

She’s the family’s next head who they met in these difficult circumstances!

In the meantime, she has been acting on Cartal’s commands, but only through channels of communication.

It had been a very long time for them to face the lord’s family.

They hoped she would give them more detailed orders and give them peace of mind, but Addis was cold-hearted. 

‘It’s too straightforward.’

As is usual for Addis, the position’s tasks are unofficially handed out.

She must have thought that this level of pressure was something they had to endure.

“Let His Highness the 2nd Prince from the Imperial family know that you are very strong.” A voice came from behind Addis.

“…Pardon?” One of the officials asked. 

“In addition, the sword master, Duke of Blendard, and as many as seven wizards are with us. Even though my father is in the mansion, please keep an eye on the county and spread the word that he is supporting this side.”

In the end, Serdel stepped up.

Everyone’s eyes were on her. 

In particular, a distinctive look appeared in Falden’s eyes. 

“It’s not just about blocking information. They are more likely to be afraid by imagining all kinds of things. Rather than that, it’s better to repeatedly let them know that talented people and outstanding wizards are together.” 

If they let people know that a lot of power is being mobilized for this task, rather than lightly meddling in the forest, the fear that they’d unsettle something they couldn’t handle would go away.

“And be careful not to spread bad rumors about the territory. Now, since the County is getting a lot of attention, the more convincing the rumors spread outside are, the more difficult a position  my father will be in.” 

“Ah, yes yes!”

“If you’re still anxious, send some soldiers to each village. If you have a strong shield next to you, you will be able to focus on your daily life with confidence. ‘No matter what happens, our daily life will not change, and we are safe. Rather, the monsters will disappear and the land will grow stronger.’ Isn’t it suitable lyrics for a song?”

“Oh! I’ll make a song and have the children sing it. It’ll be repetitive brainwashing, so they’ll definitely feel less anxious!” 

The Officials’ eyes sparkled.

It’s like meeting a savior while being in hell.

In addition, Serdel gave instructions very skillfully.

Addis and Redan stared blankly at such a decisive Serdel.

Falden, who had his arms crossed, was leaning obliquely against the wall and smiling, and Belters burst into exclamations, saying it was an interesting idea.

Damon was mesmerized as Serdel’s charismatic commands continued. He felt overwhelmed by her gentle charisma.

Even though she was covered in dust from traveling a long distance. 

At this moment, Serdel looked brighter than ever.

“….”

Blenn, who stood far away from her location and watched over her, also admired her.

Giving a timely order according to the situation seemed like a trivial task, but it was quite difficult.

“Wow, our Lady is so cool.”

The Count’s knights also opened their mouths.

Siri and Terra’s faces were full of pride for Serdel.

“She looks cooler than Dame Addis.”

The shoulders of the two were full of strength.

Their mouths got caught in their ears, and they didn’t think their smiles would come down for a while.