Plum’s Participation as Guard
"Having received help, simply saying goodbye wouldn't be enough to repay the favor. It's only right that I stay on as a guard for a while.”
Plum as a bodyguard, huh~
I wonder how strong she is.
She mentioned being Rumaja's mentor and having military experience. N
oticing the doubtful expression on my face, Plum added more to her explanation.
"I'm strong, you know? I can go toe-to-toe with a dragon, barehanded, and win. I'm also skilled in covert operations. So, how about it, will you hire me?"
"But if I hire you, how much would I have to pay?"
"Just provide me with food, clothing, and shelter. That's all I need. I won't complain about a humble room. In fact, I feel more at ease in a modest space than in a luxurious one."
It seems like Plum is determined to accompany me no matter what.
But is this really okay?
As I pondered, I looked over at Lord Sazaby, who nodded back at me and offered his own thoughts.
"Plum is right. As someone who owes you her life, it’s only natural she should serve as your guard. Moreover, you are now likely to be targeted by the Gaize Theocracy. Against the Inquisitors, no offense, but the adventurers in your party may not be enough to protect you."
"Are the Inquisitors really that strong?"
"They are formidable individuals. But even more frightening is that you never know where they might be. It’s possible that someone who has lived for generations in a village might secretly belong to a family of Inquisitors. In the future, you’ll need someone with the ability to detect such threats."
Am I really in that much danger?
Even when I asked Keuko and the others, it seems that they admitted they might be out of their depth in this situation.
They also recommended that Plum accompany me.
It looks like I'll indeed need to prepare a place for Plum to stay.
Let's see... there is one room available in my house.
"By the way, while it's fine to have Plum serve as your guard, I'll also be sending some of her guards and servants with her. Can you prepare rooms for them as well?"
Oh no, more rooms for Plum’s entourage...
I don’t have enough space.
After explaining this, everyone from the Wildcat Claws offered to share a room, freeing up space for Plum’s associates.
Although I’ll need to get new furniture, this seems to be the quickest solution.
Alizée also suggested expanding the attic, as my house doesn’t currently have one.
Given the number of people coming, I decided to proceed with the renovations once we return home.
It seems the more space I can provide, the more people they plan to send, so I'll definitely need to get that attic built.
Preparing for their arrival is going to be quite the task.
For now, Plum will continue using the whip I lent her.
It feels like it has become her personal weapon, and since I don’t really fight with a whip, it’s better for it to be put to good use.
After everything was settled, we prepared to leave the capital.
I quickly got the Lumite Grand Wing ready for departure.
I have all our food packed in my backpack, so there’s no issue there.
Although we’ll have to camp out overnight before reaching Vardomoi, both Alizée and Plum agreed it would be safer than staying in the capital at this time.
I decided to trust their judgment.
Looking back, a lot has happened since we arrived in the capital.
It’s been a whirlwind of events, and I didn’t get to do any sightseeing at all.
But given the current state of the capital, that’s not surprising.
I’ll have to come back once things are safer and visit any tourist spots then.
Hopefully, war can be avoided.
What do you think about this chapter?
