STABLE BOY ; Trash of the Count's Family

55. MOUNT YELLIA

Getting to the destination was fairly simple.

Staying awake was the difficult part.

Even with the medicine, he just wasn't made for long trips like these. He switched out with Vicross each time, while Hillsman focused on guarding the carriage. It was convenient that the wolf cubs were strong enough even as children, because with him and Lock, there wasn't much need for a bigger team.

They could travel and camp without catching too much attention as a huge group. Which was convenient, considering they didn't have Hans, Ron, or Leon around to steer the carriage. As it was, Ponychael and Pengallope could work together to safely stop the carriage when South fell asleep.

"Whuh? Oh, I knew I could trust you two to not stumble all of us into a bloody death off the cliff, this is why I love you two," South dryly began with a yawn. "Alright sorry. Sorry! OW I SAID SORRY!"

The horses got really agitated each time, though. They're getting really good at noticing when South isn't pulling the strap anymore.

But thanks to that experience, they're probably the two that can work best with South considering his narcolepsy.

South managed to extract his right arm from Pengallope's jaws as Ponychael chewed on his brand new coat. They were finally at their destination— the foot of Mount Yellia, one of the most dangerous mountains of the Western Continent.

This is where Cale wanted Lock to retrieve a certain item for him.

-

Because they didn't pack any cold weather clothing to Whipper Kingdom, and South didn't have a lot of that anyways— Hans did a lot of shopping on Cale's very generous dime to get supplies for everyone.

South was grateful.

He had a coat that Cale gave him, but that was more a warm weather coat. Having a nice, thicker and heavier winter coat, with fur cocooning his neck, was a godsend. (Calesend?) It was even nicely tailored so he could ride a horse with it. They got him boots and gloves, too.

"We'll be climbing the mountain as much as we can, but we won't go all the way to the peak if it's too dangerous," South told Lock. He was the better climber, but South was the one with more experience. "Young Master gave us a month, so we will be careful. He wouldn't be happy if you were hurt."

Lock looked like he wanted to say something about that.

Instead, "but I can handle it!"

"Take it easy," South prompted. "Everyone's tired from the journey, so we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning, and just to scout the place first. Pace yourself, alright?"

Lock sulked a little at that, his ears deflating.

South chuckled, "I know you're impatient, but trust me, alright? We're all here to aid you if you need us. You don't have to take it all on alone."

Well, South never said he wasn't a hypocrite.

-

The trip was definitely treacherous. Compared to anything else since South arrived in this world, this would probably be one of the worst.

"Are you okay, South-hyung?"

"D- Don't worry about me," he's breathing harshly. The cold wasn't helping. Now this is one of the times he wished he could still use— nevermind. "We've got a lot of ground to cover. You go on ahead, come back here in ten minutes, I'll rest."

As expected, his stamina and endurance is completely unable to compete against a wolf beastman.

"Alright... if you're sure."