141_Keireki Era_Summer/01
"But Jedd, you're not like that, are you?"
"Well... that's true. I was born in the arena and thought I'd die there, but the management collapsed. I ended up in this job through a manpower broker. In that sense, I suppose you could say I've lived a fortunate life. I've never had to worry about food, at least."
Jedd may have a rough appearance and demeanor, but it makes you think you shouldn't judge people by their looks.
He takes what you say seriously, considers it carefully, and gives an earnest reply.
He's what you'd call a "good guy."
"You want to go to Biumode, but why?"
"Honestly, it's not that I want to hide it—I just don't know."
"You don't know? You desire to go to Biumode without a clear purpose? I've heard it's in terrible shape, with killings happening openly even within the city."
"Maybe I'm just a virtuous soul wishing to bring peace to Biumode."
"Bring peace? You, a bandit? Pfft, haha!"
Jedd couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"If you ever become such a noble presence bringing peace, let me know. I'd like to build up some merit myself. Still, you, a bandit, bringing peace?"
It seemed the mismatch between "peace" and "bandit" struck Jedd's funny bone, and he struggled to stifle his laughter.
Before long, the carriage began to move.
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After finishing a pleasant conversation with Jedd, the carriage started moving.
I glanced around from the cage I was shoved into.
Beside me was a girl who looked utterly exhausted.
So, this one is to be presented to Their Excellency Wiminea, huh?
A child this young...
Just how refined are their "tastes," I wonder.
"The scouts have returned!"
"What did they find?"
"The bandits seem to have cleared out. The area is patrolled by the guard knights, so it should be safe."
"Then let's report to Lord Dopines──"
… such voices reached my ears.
"Orfus, Bulco, Jedd, return to the rest wagon. The rest of you can sit next to the coachman. But don't touch the cargo, understood? It's about two days to Biumode from here. I imagine it'll be pretty dull, but don't doze off!"
Dopiness's voice, followed by a clap to get people moving, echoed out.
Two days to Biumode, huh? That's a lot of time.
I doubt this frail-looking girl will last in her current state. Should I call someone?
No, they probably wouldn't listen to me.
What to do...
At any rate, I guess I'll start by speaking up.
"Hey, kid. You alright? … Well, I guess you’re not alright, huh?"
She responded with nothing more than a small groan.
Her age... probably thirteen, give or take?
Her face was hard to judge, as her eyes were closed tight from enduring pain,
but I'd guess from her age she'd fall more into the "beauty" than "cute" category.
Her long, peach-colored hair shimmered like a jewel, almost translucent.
I see. No wonder someone with "refined tastes" would be drawn to her.
Is there anything I can do to help her?
What I have is...
──A piece of bacon warmed to body temperature.
For some reason, a few bandits keep this as a charm.
They say keeping it close to their body signifies they’ll have food tomorrow—a wish for tomorrow itself.
… Wasn't there something about putting meat on the forehead to cool a fever?
But this one's already warmed up to body temperature.
It’s probably useless.
Her faint, labored breaths continued.
At the very least, if she could drink some water, she might feel a little better.
Is there anything I can use... I scanned the surroundings and spotted the coachman’s canteen hanging from his hip.
Even if I asked for it, I doubted they’d share.
But it's too early to give up. Once I've targeted something, I just need to use my wits.
The skills I have are lock-picking, acrobatics, and throwing.
The most useful here would probably be lock-picking.
The cage lock, to be honest, isn't just crude—it's barely more than a piece of metal junk.
If I hit it at the right angle, I wouldn’t even need tools to open it.
Well, that's where skill comes in.
I can get out anytime, but that's not the goal right now.
I checked my surroundings, but Dopines's warnings seemed to have gone unheard, as most of the guards were napping beside the coachman.
It must have been an intense journey, or maybe the skirmish with the bandits wore them out—or both.
As for the watchful eyes, as long as I was careful, they wouldn’t be a problem.
Now, how should I secure that canteen from the coachman?
What do you think about this chapter?
