Another world, Celeste

Chapter Nine

A week later, Kif and the new apprentices assemble near the main gate before our departure. The new apprentices arrive a few days ago from Kiln Mountain and amongst them is Jilko. When she finds out I'm coming along as well, she sounds thrilled. Maya appears beside me and I introduce them both to each other.

"I remember you from the festival. Congratulations on being Master Kif's apprentice."

Maya congratulates Jilko.

Jilko blushes and shyly respond, "Nom nom."

"She says thank you." I translate.

Jilko was an apprentice under a different master but unfortunately, she had to leave halfway through the apprenticeship because Jilko couldn't grasp her master's crafting method like the rest of the apprentices. By luck, there's one spot left for accepting new apprentices at Kif's kiln and Bertha recommends Jilko to her husband when she heard about Jilko's predicament. Kif is well-known in accepting apprentices who are not afraid to experiment with conventional methods and thanks to Bertha and Po's encouragement, Jilko passed the qualification test.

Maya asks a favour to Jilko.

"This is Iris's first time travelling outside the forest. May I ask that you look after her?"

Jilko shyly nods her head.

"I can take care of myself," I tell Maya.

"I know you can, but I also know you're easily distracted when you get excited or curious."

"Please don't worry, Lady Maya. We'll make sure to not let her out of our sight."

We turn to see who says that. It's Syl. Erissa and Mint are here too.

"What are you doing here?"

I voice my surprise.

Mint gleefully replies, "We're coming along to the mining town, of course."

"Are you the rangers Lord Sol assigns to accompany us?" I ask them.

"Yes. The three of us were chosen because you're more familiar with us." Erissa answers.

That's true. I would've much preferred to be accompanied by someone I know for my first trip.

Kif and the apprentices are done loading their belongings on the carriage. The new apprentices are ecstatic to be riding along with Chief while chattering about an opportunity of seeing him in action. He sure is an idol to his people.

Maya made sure I have the things I need as well. After Chief exposes my failure to disguise a regular bag as an item bag, he teaches me how to make one by applying dimensional space magic. The difference between my item bag from a regular item bag is that it's more spacious. Though it's empty right now since perishable foods and money are stored in my storage. Also, rather than the training uniform, I'm wearing regular clothes that I managed to procure from Mister Duce and equipped with leather armour and boots the apprentices customised for me after they heard that I'm included for today's trip. It'll arouse suspicion if I arrive in a human town wearing a ranger's uniform. The standardised deep green shade of the ranger's uniform is to blend with the forest greenery for camouflage and over time, it becomes the Rangers' insignia. The purpose of my attire is for me to not stand out.