Chapter 208: Morning at the Campsite

Chapter 208: Morning at the Campsite

The morning after spending a night at Antares’ camp, Lieselotte awoke to sunlight streaming through the gaps in her tent. She felt surprisingly refreshed, with little fatigue remaining, as if she hadn’t just spent the night outdoors.

“It must be thanks to the fragrant wood. I must express my gratitude to Sir Antares again.”

While speaking to herself, Lieselotte glanced at Chris, who was seated next to her with her eyes closed. She had been so tired that she had fallen asleep almost immediately upon lying down. But just before she did, Chris had entered the tent and placed a drawstring pouch filled with fragrant wood beside her pillow.

She had learned at that time that the fragrant wood was a gift given to Chris by Antares. Not only had he treated Weiss’s injuries, but he had also provided them with a warm meal and a safe place to sleep. Moreover, the fragrant wood ensured them a peaceful sleep. Lieselotte was far from an arrogant noble, and she was always mindful of the kindness she received from others.

“Young lady, are you awake?”

“Oh, did I wake you? I’m sorry.”

The sound of Lieselotte stirring had awakened Chris as well. She apologized for waking her, but Chris didn’t mind at all.

As a guard, she was trained to wake up instantly at any sign of disturbance. It was a natural response for her to wake up to the sounds and movements of someone nearby. Besides, it wouldn’t be acceptable for a guard to indulge in deep sleep when their master was awake.

“Is Hilda outside?”

“Yes, she should be on night watch.”

As guards, Chris and Hilda didn’t believe Antares and his group harbored any ill will against them. However, they felt more at ease being vigilant than not. Driven by an impulse that could be described as a kind of occupational hazard, they took turns standing guard outside the tent.

As if sensing that the two of them were already awake inside the tent, Hilda peeked her face through the tent’s entrance, which had been rolled up. She then entered while yawning widely.

“Yaaawn... Good morning, young lady. You seem to have slept well.”

“Yes, I’m feeling much better.”

Once inside the tent, Hilda had only her sword slung at her waist. She had removed her heavy armor and wasn’t carrying her large round shield. The night watch was merely a formal precaution.

And the same was true for Chris. Although she hadn’t removed her large gauntlets that covered both arms and her weapon, she had taken off her chestplate.

“That’s great. So, what time shall we depart? Weiss’s injuries are mostly healed, so we can leave today.”

The first thing Hilda asked Lieselotte upon waking was about their departure time. Leo’s mother, Sharl, was skilled in healing spiritual arts, and Weiss’s wound had already closed. The horse had actually even recovered enough to walk the day before.

While it might not be a full recovery, Weiss could probably manage to pull the carriage until they reached the royal capital, Gaelia. Hilda honestly explained the situation and sought Lieselotte’s decision.

“In that case... no, let’s stay until Weiss is fully healed. It would be counterproductive to rush and risk her wounds reopening.”

At first, Lieselotte thought they should set out as soon as Weiss was able to move. She needed to check on her great-aunt’s condition and return to the Kingdom of Harlasia as quickly as possible.

However, healing spiritual arts were not omnipotent. Even the most skilled healers needed to observe their patients for several days, as complete recovery might appear so but not be fully realized.

While warriors could enhance their natural healing by raising their fighting spirit, this was difficult for Weiss, who was a horse. Lieselotte decided they would depart only once Weiss was fully recovered.

“Alright. Then we need to talk to Antares. We have to negotiate the cost of our extended stay too.”

“Yes, let’s go to him.”

After Lieselotte got dressed, the three stepped out of the tent. Many people in the camp were already awake, chatting and laughing together. Noticing Lieselotte and the others, they greeted them with smiles and waves.

The practice of judging individuals for who they are, regardless of their low status, is easier said than done, and very few actually do it. The others around couldn’t help but be impressed.

“You too, huh? I guess there are surprisingly many people like that.”

“Are there more people out there who are as strange as the young lady?”

“Yes. Later I will...”

“Good morning, Liese.”

When Tigar was about to speak, Lappy hopped over to Lieselotte’s side. Until that moment, Lieselotte’s face had been tense, but upon seeing Lappy, it softened into a gentle expression.

Since the serious atmosphere had faded, Tigar stopped the conversation and focused on maintaining his weapon. Lappy, who had been frolicking with Lieselotte, suddenly stopped and began to gaze up at Chris intently.

“What’s the matter?”

“What’s that?”

Chris knelt to meet Lappy’s eyes and asked her that question. In response, Lappy pointed at her chest. Upon a closer look, there was a string around Chris’s neck and a round-shaped protrusion at the chest area of her clothing. It was clear that she was wearing something around her neck.

Faced with Lappy’s innocent eyes that were sparkling with curiosity, Chris smiled gently and drew the string around her neck closer before taking something out of her chest to show Lappy. It was a small bracelet made of a black, glossy, yet non-metallic, mysterious fiber.

The bracelet, although uniquely lustrous, was solely black in color and not adorned with jewels or precious metals. The only decoration was a small scorpion figurine perched atop it. To be frank, it was rather plain, and it didn’t seem like something that would appeal to young girls.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Hehe, thank you. This is very important to me.”

“Is that so? May I touch it?”

“Yes, but please be careful not to break it, okay?”

Yet, in Lappy’s eyes, the bracelet seemed beautiful. There is no one who would not be happy to receive compliments on something they own, especially if it is something very important to them. Chris who was happy, stroked Lappy’s head and brought the small bracelet closer to her as requested.

Perhaps because she was warned not to break it, Lappy touched the bracelet very carefully. She ran her fingers over its surface and held it up to the sunlight. Although Lappy was usually expressionless, it was clear to everyone that she was very happy with the bracelet.

“Thank you. It was beautiful.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Mmm... Chris, you’ve stolen Lappy from me.” Lieselotte said.

“What do you mean I’ve stolen her, young ... lady!?”

At that moment, while this gentle and heartwarming exchange was taking place, a chilling aura of killing intent enveloped the entire campsite. The violent aura and spiritual power were so intense that they created a physical pressure, rendering Lieselotte, Chris, Hilda, and even Lappy momentarily unable to move.

Amidst this fierce aura, Tigar stood up, wielding the great sword he had just been maintaining. All traces of ease had vanished from his face. His gaze was fixed intently on one point.

“Hey, hey... this is not a funny joke, Boss.”

The focus of Tigar’s gaze was a person radiating an aura of fighting spirit and spiritual power so intense it seemed to warp the surrounding scenery. That person was Antares.