I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (LN) - Volume 9 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

Accursed Berserker

THE TRIP NORTH was bumpier than I’d expected. But then, the roads here weren’t paved, and the golem cart had no suspension, so I guess it was to be expected. Did the people of this world really consider a trip like this to be “whisper smooth”? They must, because Gwendartha was clearly impressed by the royal carriage. Apparently, it was equipped with shock-absorbing manatech. Thinking about it, all the carriages we’d been in were at least as bumpy as this, even the ones traveling on actual roads. That made the golem carriage the height of transportation.

You doing okay, Fran?

“Hm…I’m fine…” she murmured.

But she was clearly feeling worse for wear. It wasn’t that she was cartsick. If anything, the bumping of the carriage was like a rocking cradle for her. She was quickly falling asleep.

Her eyelids fluttered as she struggled to stay awake. She’d been fighting all night and hadn’t caught a wink of sleep, and while the road wasn’t regular enough to be rhythmic, the rocking motion was more than enough to make her sleepy.

Fran always kept to a regular sleep schedule. In fact, she probably slept better than most people. But the all-nighter was hell on her nerves, especially since she had spent it fighting for her own life and the lives of her friends. She rubbed her eyes, trying her best to stay awake.

You can sleep if you want to.

“Hm…”

In fact, it would be better if she did, but Fran kept fighting against it.

What is it?

“Wanna talk…to Kiara…” she muttered.

She looked at the older cat with sleepy eyes. She really wanted to spend the rest of the journey talking to her.

“We can talk later, Fran,” said Kiara. “You should get some rest.”

“Hrm…but…”

“Resting is part of a warrior’s role.”

“Okay…” Fran nodded. “Zzz…”

“Aaaaand she’s gone,” Kiara said.

“Th-that was fast!” Gwendartha said. He was probably too nervous to sleep. As a neurotic in my former life, I sympathized. “Looking at how serene she is, it’s hard to believe she fights like a tiger.”

Kiara nodded. “She is strong, but she is still a child.”

Fran laid her head on Kiara’s lap, and the old cat stroked her head gently while Fran smiled in her sleep. They really did look like grandmother and granddaughter, but Kiara tensed up suddenly.

“Hrm.”

In an instant, everyone was ready, expecting an ambush. But Kiara just smiled.

“Calm down. Fran is just drooling.”

“What?! Master, don’t scare us like that!”

Kiara chuckled warmly. “It’s been decades since I had a child drool on me.”

“I just can’t believe that we’ve found someone reckless enough to use your lap as a pillow, Master Kiara,” said Mea.

“Well, you may join her, if you wish.”

“I…shall pass on that, thank you.”

“Hmph, suit yourself. Anyway, all of you should get some rest, too. I’ll keep watch.”

“You must be as tired as we are, master,” Mea protested.

“You know how we old people are,” she said. “The older we get, the less sleep we need.”

“Even so,” Mea said. “You should rest. Quina’s race only requires minimal sleep. She can keep watch while she’s driving.”

I guess the Tapir tribe’s sleep-related abilities weren’t limited to sending others to dreamland. But would Quina really be all right? I should probably check in on her.

Quina, do you want me to make a humanoid copy of myself to drive for you? I asked telepathically. I know Mea said you didn’t need much sleep, but you must be tired.

Is that you, Teacher? I’ll be all right. Forty winks is all I need. Literally. A potion will take care of my exhaustion.

The physical stuff, sure, but what about mental exhaustion?

My race can sleep while we’re awake. The driver’s seat allows me more than enough rest, and these golem horses need only minimal instruction.

Wow, her powers really were impressive!

All right, but I’ll keep a lookout too, just in case.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

I considered telling Kiara and the others about my existence, but I decided against it. Fran would probably be even more eager to tell Kiara than I was, but I needed to consult her about it first.

Meanwhile, Mea was still trying to persuade Kiara to get some sleep.

“You said that resting was part of a warrior’s job.”

“Hm, you’ve got me there. Ah, I never thought that a little bedwetter would be the one lecturing me.”

“I…why are you bringing that up?!”

“I’m feeling nostalgic. Besides, it’s true. Isn’t it, Quina?”

“Indeed,” Quina replied. “In fact, Mea gave me express orders to dispose of her sheets to avoid a scolding. In the end, the dirty sheets were found in the basement.”

“Stop!”

“My lady, you will wake Fran with your shouting.”

“Urgh…”

It wasn’t long before everyone except Quina was asleep. It was much needed, and they had all more than earned it. While they slept, I kept watch and quietly healed their wounds.