Chapter 26. A Shabby Inn

Clop clop clop.

The sound of powerful hoofbeats echoed on the ground.

I was riding alongside Claude, urging our horses forward.

The bustling city scenery disappeared as if by magic beyond Elmon’s walls, replaced by a peaceful countryside view that filled our sight.

Vast fields of various crops stretched endlessly, with occasional farmers bent over their work visible here and there.

After passing three or four carts slowly rolling by, loaded with fertilizer and accompanied by a clattering noise, the scenery had changed once again before we knew it.

As we entered the edge of a lush green forest, fresh air filled our lungs.

The strong scent of grass made me take a deep breath without realizing it. As the clean air filled me, the thoughts in my head also expanded.

Johann’s last expression lingered in my mind.

What was that all about?

His face that froze at Claude’s words when he said we’ll leave immediately.

Sadness? Regret? Pain?

I’m not sure.

The image of Johann with his mouth tightly shut, as if he wanted to say something, uncomfortably scratched at a corner of my heart. Even though I tried not to dwell on it, his gaze wouldn’t leave my mind.

What’s with that expression after giving me Sylphid as a farewell gift and all.

Making the departing person uncomfortable.

“There should be a village just a bit further.”

At that moment, Claude spoke to me.

It was our first conversation since we left the imperial palace. Until now, we had been riding in complete silence.

I nodded, looking at the yellow sunlight sparkling through the dense forest leaves.

“We just need to cross the forest?”

“Yes.”

Claude answered in an unwavering voice, as if he had a map of the continent in his head. He said just what was necessary and then closed his mouth again.

Two horses galloped unhindered between the tall trees reaching high into the sky. The wind stirred by our speed shook the leaves and all sorts of weeds around us.

Although we were disturbing the forest’s peace, it also blended well with this scenery. Sylphid in the forest was truly beauty incarnate.

To think I received such a fine horse.

Come to think of it, there was something else I received from him.

The mysterious scroll he gave me to use when I needed help.

From the Emperor’s perspective, it’s natural to just send me on deployment, but why did he try to provide this and that?

Somehow, I felt a bit guilty about just giving him a cheap brooch.

Next time I come to Elmon, I should give him something proper.

My thoughts would be captivated by the unfamiliar scenery for a moment, then return to Johann, then take in something new and think about it again.

How much time had passed like this?

Was it a small forest, or did Sylphid run fast?

As Claude said, we emerged from the forest and arrived at a village full of red roofs.

“It’s like a fairy tale village.”

As I dismounted and spoke, enchanted by the quaint atmosphere, Claude chuckled.

“It’s nice that you have the leisure to appreciate it.”

He headed towards the inn’s stable with familiarity, like this wasn’t his first time in this village. After entrusting our two horses to the stable keeper and paying the fee, he turned around.

“This is the best place in this tiny village.”

“It looks cozy enough to me.”

“It’s good that you’re not picky.”

Claude spoke gruffly and then took the lead.

I followed behind him, looking around curiously.

The village bathed in the sunset was truly beautiful.

Oh, me.

Look at how carefree I am, considering we’re going to fight the undead. I suddenly found it amusing that I had the leisure to appreciate things, as Claude said.

This is all thanks to Sylphid.

If it were another horse, I would have been too busy complaining about the pain in my backside to look around. I suddenly realized how much Johann had thought of me.

“Hungry?”

Claude asked abruptly as we entered the inn.

The first floor seemed to be operating as a restaurant, as the appetizing smell was already stimulating my stomach.

“I’m starving.”

I answered honestly, clutching my stomach with both hands.

Claude’s gaze dropped to my stomach and then rose again to meet my eyes.

That’s when it happened.

Grooowwwl…

A long, clear sound resonated through the air.

“Pfft.”

“……”

Ah.

I want to die.

No, why is it only my stomach making noise when we’ve been starving together?

My face flushed with embarrassment.

I’m probably as red as a tomato, boo-hoo.

Too embarrassed to look up properly, I glanced at him. Claude walked towards a table with large strides and showed two fingers to the innkeeper.

“Two portions of whatever with the best quality meat.”

He ordered briefly, apparently asking them to decide the menu. The innkeeper’s voice could be heard placing the order in the kitchen, perfectly understanding the customer’s request.

I was very embarrassed, but also very hungry, so I pulled out a wooden chair and sat across from him.

As we waited for the meal, the embarrassing memory gradually faded.

In the awkward silence, I looked around uncomfortably and then glanced at him.

Guardian of the North.

The fact that I was sitting alone in a shabby inn with the man bearing that terrifying title suddenly made me feel quite strange. It was hard to believe that just this morning, we were still in the imperial palace.

That’s when his red eyes moved, and our gazes met. Feeling as if I’d been caught secretly peeking, I was startled and averted my eyes.

“It may look shabby, but the food isn’t bad.”

A blunt tone.

But hearing those words with a strange kindness, I looked at him again. Claude was looking towards the stairs with an expressionless face, his thoughts unreadable.

Is he not as bad-tempered as he looks?

It was unexpected.

When I read the original work, he definitely had a scary personality…

A male lead candidate who was only flustered around Aveline, and even then, his words were rough.

He was clumsy with women, but his attempts to take care of Aveline somehow were very entertaining to me.

[Claude said with an irritated face.

“Why the long face over that broken thing.”

“But Your Grace went through so much trouble to get it for me.”

When Aveline looked sad at the ruined red flower, he approached and tossed something in front of her. It was a rare camellia that blooms through winter.

He remembered how much she liked it when he gifted it once before, so he went through the snow to find and bring it again. He didn’t know that she had accidentally broken the vase, making a mess.

“It wasn’t trouble. I just saw it in passing.”

Claude snorted and turned to walk away. His ears were as red as the flower in Aveline’s hand.]

Is this his original personality?

Seemingly indifferent, yet constantly caring in subtle ways.

The way he came to my window last night and promised to protect me, his voice briefly explaining that we’d soon arrive at a village on this unfamiliar road. And the little considerations like entrusting Sylphid to the stable together, or checking on my stomach condition…

Slurp.

“Crazy.”

Just then, as steaming dishes arrived, my salivary glands were stimulated, and my mouth watered.

The smell is no joke.

Claude spoke with a slightly amused voice at my reaction.

“Fill up well.”

“I’ll eat well!”

I quickly picked up my utensils and cut into the meat, putting it in my mouth.

I was eating somewhat ravenously due to intense hunger, but I couldn’t stop.

“Wow, how can it taste like this, munch munch.”

“……”

Claude watched me for a moment as I ate with sauce smeared around my mouth, then decided not to look at all, lowering his gaze to his food.

Who cares.

Why make a fuss with your eyes about eating heartily.

“Munch munch, can I order more?”

“…Do as you please.”

He answered briefly, as if he didn’t want to engage much.

* * *

Splash splash.

I was relaxing in a large makeshift bathtub, soaking my body.

As I closed my eyes and stayed still in the hot water, it felt like my whole body was melting. No matter how incredibly stable Sylphid was, riding a horse all day was still tiring work.

“I’m glad I can wash up.”

I mumbled to myself, feeling drowsy.

Probably because it was a small and shabby inn, there wasn’t a proper bathroom here. When I asked the innkeeper where I could wash up, they said they could bring bath water to the room if I wanted.

I requested it without hesitation.

Claude must be washing up well on his own too.

We got two separate rooms.

Of course.

We’re definitely not close enough to share a room.

“Purifier Seraphina.”

Just then, Claude’s voice came from outside the door.

How did he show up right when I was thinking about him?

No, more importantly…

Creak.

“Tomorrow at dawn…!”

“……!”

I was facing the window with my back to the door, and as I turned around in the tub, I froze like a statue.

It seemed he was just as stiff.

Claude’s eyes widened as big as saucers.

The next moment.

“Kyaaaaaa!”

My scream shook the entire village in the dead of night.