Chapter 125

Crimson Woods
"Thank you for everything."

"”Thank you for everything."”

In response to Brother Noel's words, Brother Gene and I replied in unison.

"Take care on your way home."

"Come visit anytime, okay?"

"””Yes.””"

We said goodbye to Grandfather, Grandmother, the servants, and the members of the private army, and finally set off for the Lampail domain.

This time, in addition to the same group we came with, the white horse Snowy was coming with us.

Apparently, Snowy had been trained for me from the beginning, and the plan was to take her back with us. Now I can practice even after returning home. I was always jealous that only my brothers had their beloved horses, so I’m really happy.

Just like on the way here, we stayed overnight in a town midway, and all that was left was to get through the difficult forest called the "Crimson Woods." It’s called that because in autumn the forest turns fiery red with the changing leaves. Even during the day, the dense woods are somewhat dim. It looks like a place where monsters could appear… Maybe that thought jinxed us, because right now we’re surrounded by monsters...

According to Brother Gene, they’re werewolves. A single one is apparently a D-rank monster, but in a pack, they rank C. And in front of us are ten of them... C-rank. But with Nancy, an S-ranker, and our private army here, they were taken care of in no time.

Just as Dai and Kira were collecting materials from the defeated werewolves, the scent of their blood attracted a pack of warg-wolves. A single one is B-rank, and in a pack—depending on the number—they're A-rank or higher. On top of that, they have venomous fangs.

Nancy, Dai, and Kira are at a disadvantage. But the only ones left here are Brother Noel, Brother Gene, Nathan, Anny, and me... What should we do... Ah.

"Brother Noel, I’ll teleport to get help."

"No, it’s too far. If you teleport from here and end up too close, it could be dangerous. You probably can’t teleport to the mansion unless we’re out of Crimson Woods."

"Then, then I’ll ride Snowy out of the woods and teleport—"

"I can’t let you do something that dangerous, Jo! Then I’ll go!!"

"Brother Gene… but if we don’t use teleportation, we won’t make it in time!! Please, let me go!!"

"... Alright. But absolutely no pushing yourself! Got it?"

"Then, I’ll create an opening with my fire spear, and Gene, you use wind blades to stop the warg-wolves’ movements."

"Got it."

"Alright then, Jo, be careful."

Saying that, Brother Noel hugs me. Then Brother Gene joins in and hugs me too.

"I’m counting on you. But don’t overdo it."

"Yes. You two be safe as well."

I open the gate on the side without warg-wolves and take Snowy’s reins.

"Snowy, full speed until we’re out of the forest. I want to save everyone."

"Brrrr."

"Alright! Let’s go."

"Okay."

"Fire Spear!"
"Wind Blade!"

The moment the warg-wolves flinched from my brothers' magic, I dashed off.

"Whoa!"

I was shocked by the speed—faster than anything before.

One of the warg-wolves noticed and started chasing Snowy.

"Please, Snowy. Hang in there!"

We were almost at the exit of Crimson Woods when a warg-wolf bit into Snowy’s hindquarters. Even so, Snowy didn’t stop running. I pulled pepper from my storage, desperately opened the lid, and threw it at the warg-wolf. It hit, and due to the irritation from the pepper, the wolf couldn’t keep biting and fell off.

Somehow shaking off the warg-wolf, we made it out of Crimson Woods.

Q: Assist-chan, can Snowy teleport with me?

A: As long as you’re riding her, she counts as one person, so yes.

Alright, let’s go, Snowy. To the mansion—Teleport. Poof...

We arrived in front of the gates.

There, about to head out for a town patrol, were Al, Woosa, Assim, Ellie, Nat, and Martin.

"Whoa!!"

"Hah, hah... Please... help."

"Young lady Joan!? What happened!? Ellie, water!"

Ellie handed me a canteen.

Gulp... "We were attacked by warg-wolves in Crimson Woods, and I came alone to call for help."

"What!?"

"Nat, report to the Master."

While giving Nat directions, Al took out some sort of magic device and activated it. It gave off loud popping sounds like fireworks—an emergency signal to alert the other private soldiers of the monster attack.

Nat dashed off toward the mansion.

"We’ll teleport in pairs near the forest’s entrance. Mount the horses."

"Understood. Just a moment."

Al, Woosa, Assim, Ellie, and Martin ran toward the stables.

"Snowy, are you oka—Snowy?"

Turning to check on the Snowy who had just run so hard, I saw her lying down, breathing heavily. Then I remembered—the warg-wolves had venomous fangs.

"First Aid! First Aid! What should I do? Snowy, Snowy. Ah, right. Aqua! Snowy, please drink this! It’s water that works on poison! Snowy!!"

Responding to my plea, Snowy managed to drink the water. Just in case, I also poured Aqua water on the bite wound.

Snowy’s breathing started to steady—and then, she began to shine brightly.

"What!? What’s happening? Snowy?"

"Joan? What’s going on?"

As I panicked in confusion, Father arrived with Gray and Nat.

"I don’t know. I gave her First Aid and Aqua, then she started glowing... But more importantly, we need to help them first."

"Y-Yeah, you’re right."

At that moment, Al and the others returned with horses. Other unit members who heard the signal had gathered as well.

"Snowy, wait here, okay? Father, Gray—are you ready?"

"Yeah, let’s go."

"Here we go—Teleport." Poof... Poof...

"Next group—Teleport." Poof... Poof...

I repeated teleportation several times, and finally returned to the mansion alone.

There was Snowy, no longer glowing.

"Hah, hah... Th-thank goodness... You're safe, Snowy. Hah, hah... I’m really glad..."

(Joan!?)

That was the last thing I heard before I lost consciousness and collapsed on the spot.

Yeah... I definitely overdid it with all those teleports...

I felt like someone called my name, but... there was no one around, so I guess it was just my imagination.

What do you think about this chapter?