Chapter 22

The Being Lurking in the Lake
Just as Lord Doyle had said, the lake in question wasn’t too far from Curtis Village, and we arrived in just about an hour. If anything were to happen in the village, we’d be able to return quickly to handle it.

"Wow… it’s beautiful. I’m surprised such a large lake exists so close to the village."

"Yeah, I didn’t know about it either."

It was in the opposite direction from the forest where we had fought the demon wolves. Since there was no reason to come here, I had never visited before.

"The traveling merchant who claimed to have seen the monster crosses over those Bildas Mountains to enter Landval."

"That’s quite a long journey..."

"Merchants like that are practically on the road all year round. Even those with families spend far more days away from home than with them."

"Their kids and wives must have a tough time."

Then again, knights also live in constant danger. Whenever there’s a campaign, we end up being away from home for days, just like merchants. Not exactly the ideal profession for marriage.
That said, Vice-Commander Bellows has managed to raise Elina well despite his position. If the wife is supportive, it’s not impossible. In fact, it’s not like the Knights Order has particularly few married members.

"This really is a nice place… If this weren’t a mission, I’d love to just relax and have a picnic here."

"I get the sentiment, but stay sharp. We’re dealing with an unidentified monster, after all."

"I understand."

Her voice sounded too laid-back for someone who really understood, but then again, Elina was always like this, so there was no need to worry.

"Good grief, you’re as relaxed as ever—huh?"

Just as I was tying the horses to a nearby tree and taking out the tent from the cart to set up camp, I realized Lindel was missing.
I looked around and spotted him staring intently—no, glaring—toward the lake. He had sensed something.

"Lindel, is there something there?"

"Grrr…"

Lindel let out a low growl, his body radiating tension.
This wasn’t normal.

Elina had also noticed Lindel’s unusual behavior and rushed over.

"Did he spot something?"

"There’s nothing unusual on the lake’s surface… Could he be sensing something underwater?"

Lindel was a dog with rare red fur. Maybe he wasn’t just unusual in appearance—maybe he possessed some kind of hidden power?

As I pondered Lindel’s potential—

"Se-Senior! Look over there!"

Elina suddenly raised her voice.

I followed her pointing finger and saw it—large ripples forming in the center of the lake.

Something was there.

And it was massive.

"So, the monster has finally made its appearance."

The merchant hadn’t been able to describe the creature in detail, so I had been skeptical. But it seemed he had been telling the truth after all.

Sensing an imminent battle, Elina and I drew our swords, preparing for whatever was about to emerge.

And then—finally—the monster revealed itself.

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