To the Forest With Adventurers
We waited until the Guildmaster returned to the room.
During that time, Sister Emilia and the receptionist became friends, and the receptionist told us various things about the Adventurers’ Guild.
The receptionist’s name is Rinmei, and she was a veteran employee who has been working at the Adventurers’ Guild for five years.
The Guildmaster’s name is Berd. He used to be an A-rank adventurer but retired three years ago due to a serious injury. He became a guild staff member afterward and became the Guildmaster a year ago.
So Rinmei and Berd used to be colleagues, and since Rinmei is the senior, Berd still can’t stand up to her even after becoming the Guildmaster.
After a while, the door opened, and Berd appeared with two unfamiliar girls.
One was dressed like a warrior with leather armor covering her chest and waist, wielding twin swords.
The other was holding a staff the size of her own height and wearing a robe, probably a magician.
Berd stood in front of us and pointed to the two girls.
“These two are C-rank adventurers, but they’re skilled. They know a lot about the depths of the Primitive Sea of Trees. Plus, they’ve seen Dwarves in the depths of the forest before. They’re perfect guides.”
“Is that true?”
“Yeah, we saw a lot of Dwarves hunting magic beasts deep in the Primitive Sea of Trees. If the reward is good, we will guide you.”
The warrior-like girl nodded vigorously.
After consulting with Sister Emilia, we decided to hire the two girls.
They were indeed a dual swordsman and a magician named Liam and Rune, both fifteen years old, the same age as my older brother, Adel.
They were both beautiful girls.
Although they still can’t beat Sister Emilia.
As a result of our discussion, we decided to depart for the Primitive Sea of Trees early the next morning.
The next day, we went to the front of the Adventurers’ Guild building at the agreed time, and Liam and Rune were already waiting there.
With the two of them as our guides, our group safely passed through the town gate and headed toward the Primitive Sea of Trees.
After about an hour’s walk along the road, the path gradually became steep, and a dense, with a pitch-black forest looming before us.
“This is the entrance to the Primitive Sea of Trees.’ Adventurers often venture into the shallow parts of the forest, so there are animal trails, but as you go deeper, the trails disappear. Don’t stray too far from us. We won’t be able to protect you if you get lost.”
“We will protect Lord Ian, Lady Emilia with our lives. You don’t need to worry about anything else; just guide us to the Dwarves.”
“Yeah, yeah. Do your best out there, Sir Knight.”
Yesterday, we revealed our identities to Liam and Rune, but for some reason, whenever Liam and Kreiss make eye contact, they end up arguing.
We are allies with the same goal, so I wish they could get along regardless of being Knights or adventurers.
After entering the forest for two hours, we encountered low-level magic beasts like Goblins, Kobolds, and Fangwolves.
Each time, we engaged in combat, but thanks to everyone’s efforts, we were able to defeat the magic beasts safely.
As we continued deeper into the forest, just as Liam and Rune said, the animal trails gradually faded, and now there were only faint traces left.
Leading the way, Liam looked up at the trees covering overhead.
“The sky is starting to turn red. There’s a clearing ahead where we can camp.”
“We don’t know much about the forest, so we’ll leave the decision to you, Liam and Rune.”
“You are such a good boy. Young master.”
After a little more walking, we arrived at the clearing as Liam had said.
Kreiss and the others unloaded their packs in the middle of the clearing and set up tents with the camping equipment they took out.
Seeing this, Liam grinned.
“As expected of Knights. You’ve got a nice magic bag there.”
“Shut up. If you have time to watch others, start preparing for camping.”
Liam and Kreiss started arguing again.
The backpacks Kreiss and the others were carrying are magic backpacks provided by the castle.
They are shaped like regular backpacks with the capacity of a small room.
While they have a time-delay function, they don’t have a time-stop function.
Still, they’re luxury items for adventurers, highly coveted.
Rune looked at the backpacks with envy in her eyes.
“When this mission is successfully completed, I’ll give you another backpack in addition to the reward for completing the mission.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, when we return to the castle. There are plenty of spare backpacks.”
I nodded enthusiastically, and Rune quietly pumped her fist in excitement.
Seeing this, Liam clicked her tongue softly.
Liam seems to dislike nobles or something.
I hope we can get along as much as possible while we’re in the forest.
While Liam and Rune went to gather firewood in the forest, Sister Emilia and I collected stones to make a hearth, and then placed an iron plate on top to prepare for cooking.
Tonight’s dinner is planned to be steak.
After finishing setting up the tents, Kreiss and the others took out food from the backpacks and helped with the cooking.
When Liam and Rune returned with firewood, I placed it under the hearth, infused the firestone with magic to start the fire.
Sister Emilia then spread oil on the iron plate and placed the large pieces of meat seasoned with spices on top.
With a sizzling sound and the delicious aroma of the meat cooking, Sister Emilia smiled as she cooked.
“Lady Emilia, we can handle the cooking.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll do it. Cooking in the great outdoors is fun.”
Emilia declined Kreiss’ offer with a smile.
Despite being in the dangerous Primitive Sea of Trees, Sister Emilia seemed to be enjoying herself.
As we all sat on the ground, enjoying our meal and chatting, the surrounding trees began to rustle, and the sound of branches breaking could be heard in the distance.
Liam stood up straight and looked around warily.
“I sense magic beast nearby. Get ready.”
At Liam’s command, everyone took up their weapons and prepared themselves for battle, crouching low.