Now that everything with that viceroy's aid is taken care of, we are on the road again, heading to the supposedly cursed Muno Barony. Still, despite the rumours, everyone seems in high spirits. Lulu and Stato sit talking on the coachman stand of Satou's wagon. Pochi, Tama, and Arisa are still waving to the people who came to see us off as they disappear into the distance, while Pearl sits quietly watching over them. As for me, I am riding one of our horses with Mia, who is giving me lessons, while Liza is teaching Nana how to ride on the other horse. It was a peaceful day if it wasn't for all the people.
"Master, there is a lot of pedestrian traffic heading to and from the gate, so we should take it slow,"
Lulu reports holding the reins tightly as she slows to a crawl while people engulf us. Most of them pass right by without a second glance, but some thieves try to rob us only to be swiftly knocked unconscious. If only the merchants were as easy to deal with. They are pushy, trying to get us to buy spoiled food and expired potions. They must think we are an easy mark because they don't take no for an answer and demand we pay nearly double the market value of the goods.
At least they gave up after following us down the road for nearly ten minutes. But then came the marriage offers and men asking for night services, as Arisa calls it. Some of the men even tried to take my hand, only to freeze when Mia glared at them. She really was a big help back there. It didn't help that most of the men who tried something like that were soldiers returning from battle. I would hate to explain to Earl Kuhanou why most of the soldiers returning from the mines were suddenly beating to a pulp after everything he had done for me.
It was because of Earl Kuhanou that Nana got her new shield. I look at her now and see the golden shield strapped to her back. That shield sure is tough. The monsters couldn't even scratch the surface when we used it against some spider bears. Unforntantly I also notice Nana is facing similar problems to me. Only most people keep commenting on her chest. Looking down, I am painfully aware I am nothing compared to her in that regard. It's a shame most of these soldiers are too injured to survive one of my punches.
Arisa doesn't seem happy either as she shouts at the men, and Satou has to disappear into the wagon to stop her from casting spells. Still, it doesn't last long. As soon as we turn at an intersection, we find the road less crowded. There is still a large column of soldiers on the path leading to the silver mine that seems to be endless, but they no longer bother us. I heard a soft "Achoo!" from Lulu in the coachman stand.
"You should wear this to protect you from the wind,"
"Th... thank you,"
I turn my head just in time to see Satou return to the coachman's stand and wrap a shoulder around Lulu's shoulder. Lulu blushes, and I hear Arisa jealously complain from inside the wagon as Pochi and Tama offer her their coats. One thing I can say about our group is that there is rarely a dull moment during our travels. It would be good if most of our excitement came from things other than combat.
"Watch the road,"
I jump slightly as Mia scolds me for my wandering focus. As I apologise, she takes the reins and steers us back onto the road. It's a good thing she is riding with me. If it wasn't for Mia, I would have started wading through a stream flowing next to the road. At least the others didn't seem to notice my slip up. Lulu is shyly burying her face in Satou's coat while Arisa tries to get her to share, distracting everyone else.
"Road,"
"Sorry,"
I got distracted again, being scolded by Mia as a low-hanging tree branch slapped us both in the face. Mia frowns as she picks leaves and twigs out of her hair before she takes over, guiding the horse. I don't fight her, not after causing trouble twice in quick succession.
