Chapter 245

To McFarlane’s
I don't want to lend out my magic vehicle, but Rumaja wasn’t backing down either.
So, I suggested a compromise—how about I go with it? But Rumaja frowned deeply at this.
After all, I'm also a high-priority protection target.

"Lily. Do you understand the situation you’re in?"

"Well, I know I’m apparently being targeted. But I’ve got solid guards, so it’s not like anyone's going to attack."

"Exactly. Besides Wildcat’s Claws and Plum, the Aventurers’ Guild and the Darshe Principality have covert guards watching you from unseen spots. Heading somewhere outside their range of protection is just asking to be targeted."

"But you want to borrow the Lumite Grand Wing, right? If I’m not going with it, I’m not lending it out."

"Ugh..."

Rumaja furrowed her brow and seemed to be lost in thought.
Seeing this, her master, Plum, casually offered some reassurance.

"What’s there to worry about? If I’m going along as a guard too, there’s no issue, is there?"

"That should cover the trip there. But the way back is..."

"My maids will accompany us as well. Will that do?"

"If that’s the case…"

For Rumaja to yield like that, Plum’s maids must really be formidable.
I’d always suspected they weren’t ordinary maids, but ones capable of providing protection… how admirable.

"Now that it's settled, shall we depart immediately, my apprentice?"

"No, we’ll need coordination from the Adventurers’ Guild. Departure will be in about a week."

"Understood. I’ll make preparations accordingly."

"Thank you very much."

With that, the conversation with Rumaja concluded.
After finishing her green tea, she left, and Melanie went with her.
I suppose it’s time for us to start preparing for the journey as well.
… Although, I have no idea where to even begin.
Maybe I should ask Plum.

"Hmm? Our preparations? We don’t need any of that. Don’t you have loads of preserved food already packed in your backpack, Lily?"

"Yes. Enough preserved food for dozens of people for over a month, along with some meat and vegetables."

"Then, there’s nothing more we need to prepare. Frankly, anyone trying to attack you now would be wasting their efforts. Even if they slipped past me, they wouldn’t deceive Talat’s eyes. Just ride on Talat and stay protected."

Being simply protected feels a bit frustrating.
But, considering my current position, it's the best course of action.
Six months ago, I was freely hunting ogres… what a change!

So, for the week leading up to departure, we spent our time checking and preparing our outfits and equipment.
Since unauthorized use of the Marquis’ crest could get us in trouble, I also went to get permission from Marquis Vardmoi.
Though, it turns out Rumaja had already taken care of that for me. Very efficient.

Then, on the promised day, Rumaja arrived alone at my house.
Wait, is she the only one coming from the Adventurers’ Guild?

"Hmm? It’s just me. Any additional adventurers would only be a hindrance. This time, we need a select few experts. But don't worry about the details."

I wonder what preparations she’s made.
She doesn’t seem inclined to tell me, so I won’t ask.

In any case, with our preparations complete, we set off toward the McFarlane fief, home of the McFarlane Ducal family.
Apparently, it lies inland from Vardmoi.
… I really haven’t been anywhere outside the vicinity of Vardmoi, have I!