In the Land of Leadale - Volume 2 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 – A Bridge, Laundry, a Queen, and a Bear Hunt

After spending a night in front of Opus’s Guardian Tower, Cayna picked up her cart and donkey from the garrison and returned to Helshper. The knights trembled in fear at Cayna’s presence and stayed out of her sight. She merely thanked Caerina for watching over her things. 

Cayna’s trip home was also through unconventional methods, and she roared down the main road. This may or may not have created a new urban legend. 

When she made it back to Helshper, she immediately went to see Caerick. He had apparently already been informed about the capture of the bandit leader and showed his thanks with an exaggerated bow. 

The remnant bandits in the fortress still hadn’t been swept out, so the outer trade route to the west wouldn’t be safe to open until a force was sent out to suppress them. According to Caerick, that subjugation would be a joint force between the Helshper and Felskeilo knights. 

Then, the next day… 

“Sniff. Ngh…” 

“Why are you moaning like a ponsu, miss?” 

As she wrestled over whether things were fine the way they were, Arbiter gave an odd look and called out to her. Incidentally, the ponsu was a popular fish similar to a catfish that lived in the Ejidd River. It was a home-cooked staple that could be either baked or boiled. 

That aside, Cayna was a bit concerned over whether she could talk about it. However, since news of the bandits’ subjugation was already spreading across town, it was only a matter of time before Arbiter got wind of it. She didn’t think he was the type to disclose secrets indiscriminately, so she went into the details of the bandit leader’s capture the day prior. 

“Hmph, so that’s what he was like? Sounds like he acted like a little kid… I’ve never met a demon, but I’ve never heard of ’em being that terrible.” 

She obviously couldn’t tell Arbiter that, despite looking like a young man, the demon was actually a child player. 

“I myself have a demon acquaintance, but someone so pompous isn’t a great reference to go off,” she said, using Opus to dodge the issue. 

In this world of Leadale, demons were treated no differently from the other races and didn’t suffer much open discrimination. 

“Well, it’s not like I was there, but wasn’t your decision the right one?” 

“Huh? But I’m a bit worried about letting him live and handing him over…” 

“Hold on a sec. Didn’t you go there to fulfill a request for fresh supplies? Even if the master had intentions of his own, it’s our job as adventurers to accept those requests. The clients who submit the requests are the ones who make the judgment calls.” 

“Is…that so?” 

“The country is hurting either way. You weren’t wrong for passing him over to the knights and letting Helshper decide his fate. When it comes to what you should be worried about, you’re barkin’ up the wrong tree. If you got involved and killed him without even being asked to help with the subjugation, it’d be a complete loss of face for the nation.” 

She hadn’t planned on discussing the discord in the nation, but simply talking to someone and not being told she was wrong dislodged the splinter in her heart. 

Arbiter grinned when he saw her expression clear up. 

“I’m sorry, Arbiter. Thank you for talking with me.” 

“No problem, even the words of a senior adventurer can help out sometimes. You can pay me back with some cake.” 

“You’ve really grown quite fond of it, huh?” 

Taken in by his laugh of “Wah-ha-ha!” as if he were trying to dodge the question, Cayna smiled. The fairy next to her had been looking worried for some time, but once the weight had been lifted off Cayna’s shoulders, she smiled as well. 

When she had arrived back in Helshper, Caerick never asked about the fairy, either. In fact, when she returned to the inn, neither Arbiter’s mercenaries nor Elineh said anything, either. The only other one besides Cayna who recognized the little girl’s presence was Kee. 

When she did ask Kee about her, he replied, “She is probably an ariel,” and spoke as if he knew Opus. When Cayna tried asking again, he remained silent. It seemed like she was better off not expecting a clear answer. 

In the meantime, she was a bit worried about how low they were running on cake ingredients and decided to go to the market. Just as she was leaving, a mercenary returning from the outside called to her. 

“You’ve got a guest, Miss Cayna.” 

“Who, me?” 

He pointed behind him to Caerina, who wore her knightly armor. 

“Caerina…” 

“Grandmother…” 

“Ah, you should probably find a room if this is going to be a deep conversation, right?” Arbiter suggested as the two stared at each other motionlessly and murmured each other’s names. 

“First, please accept this.” 

Since they had a lot to talk about, Cayna decided they should head out into the city rather than somewhere within the inn. When they made their way past the crowded main road and to the corner of a quiet residential street, Caerina held out a small bag. It was surprisingly heavy, and Cayna took a look inside. It was filled with silver coins. 

“What’s this for? Is it the delayed payment Caerick talked about yesterday?” 

The amount was excessively large for a bandit-removal request disguised as supply replenishment. Altogether, it came to around two gold coins. 

“I heard the payment the Adventurers Guild has offered you. It seems my simpleton brother has kept you as an unnamed, charitable third party and now has the merchants wrapped around his finger. As a result, they are raising a toast of gratitude to the unknown adventurer.” 

“Uwagh, I better avoid the taverns, then.” 

If she ran into anyone toasting her in congratulations, Cayna was pretty sure her face would burst into flames from embarrassment. Just the thought of the signboard that had been 30 percent filled with PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE BANDITS requests made her visibly uncomfortable. 

When Caerina saw that her grandmother seemed hesitant to accept such an exorbitant reward, she too began acting strange and started babbling without a second thought. 

“That is actually the only congratulations we have planned, Grandmother. We considered giving you a thank-you letter from the nation but decided to forego it. We realize you have no desire to be famous.” 

“Thanks, Caerina. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if I suddenly received a summons.” 

“However, the king, the prime minister, and the knight leaders know of you. I informed them that you have a close connection to the Guardian Tower and strongly dislike dealing with people of influence, so I am quite certain you will rarely be bothered with nonsense. Even so, you would do best to be careful.” 

“Right, got it.” 

Given the large number of elves in Helshper, there was no shortage of anecdotes about the Guardian Tower from days past. Many of these stories were strange, but considering Opus had been in the area, Cayna was certain most of the rumors were true. 

Some said the castle used to turn into a carriage and race around. 

Others said an actual ghost that screamed, “The forest is for rest!” haunted within. 

Others still said that on the night of a full moon, golems and dragons would come bearing clubs and continuously hit them against cylindrical trees. 

Each story was enough to give her a headache. 

“By the way, what happened to the demon I captured the other day?” 

“He’s locked away in a dungeon under strict security. According to the guards, something seems to have stunned him, and he’s completely motionless. What is the purpose of the collar you put around him? We can’t seem to remove it no matter what we try.” 

“I’m pretty sure only one other person besides me can remove it. Think of it like this: Take it off, and it’ll be like blowing away the castle and all.” 

Cayna couldn’t be completely sure, but it was safe to say anything Opus left behind was meant only for her. 

“I understand. I shall inform everyone of this.” 

“There’s one thing I should warn you about, though. The collar reduces his abilities to ten percent, but you can’t let him mess with his Item Box. Someone at his level probably has some explosive items, so I recommend keeping him tightly bound so he can’t move.” 

“Ah, I see. Understood.” 

There was a set minimum level at which items in the game could be used, armor and weapons included. The Supreme King of Fools Armor couldn’t be equipped unless you were at least level 150, which is why it instantly vanished when she put on the Punishment Collar. It was most likely stored away in his Item Box. There were all sorts of recovery-type items that even the lowest players could use, and Cayna had no idea how many of them that demon possessed. There were also plenty of attack and support items and many more that even two-digit levels could use. Even the stun bomb she used on Skargo and Mai-Mai to make them pass out could be handled by a level-30 player. For those who saw power as the name of the game, you could round up small-time punks pretty easily if you were in a single room. 

Of course, none of these would create a huge fuss, but it was better that she warn them. She needed to consider the possibility of a jailbreak where he used charm-type items on the guards and quickly used a transportation-type item to escape somewhere. 

Since he could get to his Item Box if his arms were free, the easiest solution would be to stick him in a barrel of concrete and let it dry. 

Caerina seemed to think he was so dazed he wouldn’t even consider a jailbreak, so Cayna decided to just let the government deal with him. 

“By the way, Caerina, what’s your rank like among the knights? You’re stronger than the leader, aren’t you?” 

She couldn’t say “What level are you?” anymore because such a system didn’t exist in this era. It seemed like most people just recognized whether someone was stronger or weaker than them. 

“I’m a captain of the knights, but I’m actually an instructor. The current leader is my pupil.” 

“Ah, so once this ridiculousness with the bandits started up, they pulled you into their ranks in a hurry, huh?” 

Cayna nodded with an “I seeeee.” That way, the average knights would be extra respectful of her, and the leader would obediently do as she said. In Cayna’s personal opinion, Caerina was far stronger than the national average. Arbiter was right below her, and right below him was Helshper’s leader of the knights. 

When you boiled things down, the lack of real battle experience was clearer in knights than adventurers and brought weakness upon them. 

“The knights can’t compare to adventurers both then and now, huh?” 

“Yes, I’m sorry to say.” Caerina bowed her head in shame. 

Cayna had only mentioned the past so there’d be no misunderstandings, but Caerina understood the truth of the situation and didn’t make much effort to object. 

“Did you devise that flame sword yourself, Caerina?” 

“I am terribly ashamed of it.” 

Cayna had asked so suddenly because she was curious about the move she’d used to attack the rock golems. 

“Long ago, I had seen an adventurer utilize a similar technique, and I used that as a reference to create my own. Naturally, the adventurer who allowed me to take notes was much more powerful than I.” 

Clearly a player, Cayna thought. 

“That sounds like Firemoon Flower Iyah La Doul. Several crescent moon–shaped blades go flying when you swing the sword down, right?” 

“Yes, that’s it! That’s exactly it! If you know of it, that must mean you can use it, Grandmother!” 

“Well, I am a Skill Master.” 

Cayna puffed out her chest as if it were nothing. The fairy on her shoulder did the same, but Caerina didn’t see this. 

Even so, when Caerina asked almost apologetically if Cayna could instruct her, Cayna couldn’t give an immediate nod. After all, no matter how closely they were related, it didn’t seem like she could use a Skill Scroll on a nonplayer. Not only that, as a Skill Master, she couldn’t give a Skill Scroll to anyone who hadn’t cleared her tower. 

“If you want a Skill Scroll, you’d have to complete the trial at the tower. It’s not something I can give away easily.” 

“By tower, you mean the Crescent Moon Castle…” 

“You absolutely must not go there! You’ll be walking to your own death! Don’t pointlessly throw your life away!” 

“I understand. I will be sure to stay away.” 

“Perfect.” 

Cayna’s attempt to instill the fear of the castle within her granddaughter was even more terrifying, and Caerina apologized with dead, emotionless eyes. 

The two engaged in small talk for some time until another knight came calling for Caerina. She took her leave. 

“Well then, Grandmother. I must bid you farewell. I fear other matters have arisen, and it seems as though the caravan whom you travel with will soon conclude their business. This will likely be the last time we are able to meet before your departure.” 

“Aw, that’s too bad. Well, as long as it has nothing to do with power plays, you can always contact me via Mai-Mai if you need anything.” 

“From Felskeilo to Helshper? That’s quite a long trip. I imagine it would be hard on you.” 

“Oh, it’s no problem at all. If I input this capital into my Teleport, I can go back and forth in an instant.” 

“I see… Wait, you can Teleport?!” 

Cayna never meant to sound so outrageous, but Caerina quickly wished she’d never asked. She’d always known her grandmother was the greatest mage in existence, but her grandmother kept dropping words far beyond normal logic into casual conversation as if it were nothing. 

Eager to protect her mental health, Caerina hurriedly ended the conversation and went off with the knight who had called for her. 

As she watched her granddaughter grow flustered and rush off, Cayna thought that serving the court really did seem like a tough job. 

I don’t even mind being called Grandmother anymore. It’s amazing the things you can get used to. 

She turned on her heel and started heading back toward the inn. Thinking she’d take her sudden easy money (though the amount was no laughing matter) to buy some of the capital’s famed alcohol as a souvenir, she made her way to the market. 

She also tried asking the fairy if there was anything she needed, but the little girl merely shook her head sadly. Now that Cayna thought about it, she couldn’t recall ever seeing the fairy eat anything, either. She was probably the sort of creature that absorbed mana from the air for sustenance. 

Like NPCs, the fairies in the game world of Leadale primarily existed to aid you on quests. Thus, she didn’t remember hearing many details about them as a race. 

So far, she’d been using facial expressions and gestures to communicate with Cayna. Cayna determined that she’d made a concentrated effort to talk to the fairy and deepen their understanding of each other. 

That day, she bought only edible ingredients, including those needed for cake, and returned to the inn. When she got back, Elineh gathered everyone around and explained the schedule for their remaining time in Helshper. 

Since the bandit leader had been captured, their outstanding business negotiations were now proceeding smoothly. The caravan would leave Helshper within a few days. However, the western outer trade route was still impassable thanks to the remaining bandits, so they would once again pass through the eastern trade route. 

“So I guess you’ll be needing me again…?” 

“We’re counting on you, Great Nameless Adventurer,” Elineh said with a crafty smile as he pushed up his glasses. 

Cayna’s cheek twitched. It wasn’t a secret anymore; it was apparently completely out there in the open. 

After that, Syrus, one of Elineh’s subordinates who was traveling with his family, gave Cayna a small pouch. Inside was another large sum of silver coins. 

“This is your current share, Miss Cayna. We also sold all those statues.” 

“Um, how many did I make again? I just remember there were ten bundles of wood.” 

“There was a total of one hundred and sixty-two. We sold each and every one. A single statue costs five silver, thus we earned a total of eight hundred and ten silver coins. You had a forty percent share, so your total comes to three hundred and twenty-four silver coins.” 

“In that case, it’ll be one thousand six hundred bronze coins, which will equal eight hundred and ten days at Marelle’s inn…” 

If she included the money Caerick gave her for taking care of the bandits, she could double that number. Incidentally, Kee was doing all the math. 

Cayna was the only one who took great delight in the fact that she had saved up enough to pay for Mimily’s room and board. Incidentally, she tried to avoid using the money that had carried over from her game without good reason. This was because the cost of living in this world was so affordable that she could get by comfortably without needing to tap into it. 

However, those listening to them turned to jelly and dropped in shock at her excessively shabby conversion methods. Cayna tilted her head as everyone looked at her as if she were a fish out of water. 

“…Uh, wait, hold on. Is that how you’re converting that huge sum of money…? You really are a strange one, miss…,” Arbiter began. 

“That’s for sure… Maybe there’s a more solid method…?” Kenison chimed in. 

“Th-this is Lady Cayna at her finest… I’m unsure whether I should follow her example or be exasperated…” 

Unaware they were saying whatever they wanted about her, Cayna passed out the collection of candy and snacks she had bought at the market to the caravan’s women and children. 

Then, the day before they were set to leave Helshper… 

Cayna went to Sakaiya and met with Caerick. 

“Your work the other day was splendid, Grandmother. We cannot yet open the western trade route, but knowing there is now hope has made a world of difference. Allow me to express appreciation on behalf of my fellow merchants. Thank you very much.” 

“I’ve heard you a million times alreadyyy.” 

“No, merchants must properly repay their debts in one form or another. Until I have reimbursed you in full, please allow me to thank you as many times as necessary.” 

Caerick was both more conscientious and more stubborn than she thought. However, his insistence on paying her back also made it easier for Cayna to ask for help in the future. Caerick had likely anticipated this and said it on purpose. 

“Um, well, there is some information I’d like to ask about. Do you mind?” 

“Please, ask away. If it is for you, Grandmother, I shall go through both fire and water.” 

“I haven’t even said anything yet. Well, I guess it does involve water, though.” 

“Uh, what?” 

Cayna wanted to ask about Mimily. If there was someone who could tell her about a village connected to mermaids, she wanted their help. 

Although the continent of Leadale was surrounded by water on three sides, finding one single mermaid village across such a vast area was nearly impossible. The ocean was both wide and deep, and land dwellers couldn’t move within it freely. Although Cayna could handle the task with her skills, accomplishing this on her own would take an outrageous amount of time. 

Mermaids weren’t particularly hostile toward land races, so she thought there might be a friendly face out there who would accompany her. 

“A mermaid… I haven’t heard much, but this is none other than a request from my grandmother. I shall make full use of my information network and aid in your search.” 

“Thanks. I’ll probably cause you a lot of trouble, but please help me out.” 

“Not at all. Do pay Sakaiya another visit.” 

“Right. I’ll be sure to come back.” 

Cayna gave him a cake as thanks, said her good-byes, and left. 

Nothing of special mention happened on her way back from Helshper, and everything proceeded smoothly. The caravan found another horse to replace the one they’d lost, so there was no need for Cayna to summon any more beasts. 

Cayna spoke more at length with the fairy, or at least enough that she didn’t unsettle anyone. Although she’d never left Cayna’s shoulder before, on the fifth day, the fairy started flying around her. Even so, she was wary of other people. When others approached, she would quickly return to Cayna’s shoulder and hide in her hair. Cayna started calling her Li’l Fairy. This came about because she figured Opus had given the girl a name as well. If she ever met with him face-to-face, she’d ask what the fairy’s name actually was. 

The group passed the now properly guarded border and approached the Ejidd River. Arbiter and the others noticed the knights and soldiers gathered by the riverbank. There was a large mountain of lumber along the bank as well, and they seemed to be preparing to build a bridge. 

Despite this, there were no visible laborers. Elineh stopped the caravan to see what was going on. The knights noticed them as well, and a leader-type figure approached. He reminded Cayna of an admirable knight she had met once on the battlefield, and she quickly hid in the shadows of a carriage. For some reason or other, she had felt like trouble was brewing. 

But even if she didn’t want to get involved, that trouble was coming toward them anyway. 

After Elineh spoke with the knight, he informed the rest of the caravan that bridge construction would start from that point forward. 

“Now? How?” Cayna asked. 

“How come I don’t even see any workers or tools, then?” Arbiter questioned. 

Cayna had a good guess as to how there could be materials but no personnel. A player with specialized building skills could do so. Or rather, perhaps not a player, but someone she knew very, very well who was more than qualified. 

She looked out around her from the shadow of the carriage and spotted her youngest son sailing across the river on a small ship. 

“Kartatz!” 

“! Mum! What are you doin’ here?” 

As the familiar dwarf came ashore and raced toward her, Cayna thought, I knew it, with a sigh of relief. 

Commotion stirred among the knights, who were not aware of the situation. 

Elineh, Arbiter, and the other Flame Spears had been told of Cayna and Kartatz’s relationship beforehand, so no one batted an eye when he called her Mum. However, seeing the two next to each other like that did feel incredibly weird, and they all simply face-palmed. 

One was a beautiful teenage elf girl. The other was the complete opposite—a rugged, full-bearded dwarf. 

“I know we were told already, but maybe there’s been some sort of mistake?” 

“They’re mother and son…? The Seven Wonders of the continent might have a new member.” 

Kartatz did run a workshop, but since he was also one of the nation’s full-time building engineers, the knights were there to protect him. 

To prevent any misunderstandings, he explained to the knights that he was Cayna’s son. As soon as they fell back, he clarified to Cayna why he was there. 

“Ah, you’re building a bridge here since the outer western trade route can’t be used?” 

“Well, it looks like the bandits’ boss was captured before we even started. Both Helshper and Felskeilo are sending out soldiers to take care of the rest of ’em. Doesn’t change my job, though.” 

“I’ll blow away anyone who tries to pick a fight with you, Kartatz!” 

“Why so violent, Mum?! Even if you’re kidding, don’t turn the Ejidd River into the Ejidd Lake!” 

Any third party listening knew Kartatz meant this as a joke. However, for Arbiter and the others who knew even the slightest bit about what Cayna’s magic could do, there was nothing funny about it. 

“Now that we have the chance, let’s build it together as mother and son,” said Cayna. 

“Ah, no, I appreciate it, but aren’t you working as a guard for the caravan?” 

“I can’t do my job if there’s no bridge. Arbiter! Elineh! You don’t mind, right?” 

“Sure, why not? Go for it.” 

“I will not pay you for the hours spent working on the bridge.” 

“I’m not that greedy!” 

Cayna and Kartatz laid a rough map on the ground and began talking it over. 

The captain of the knights then approached Arbiter and his group, and they began conversing as well. Arbiter was famous within the Adventurers Guild, and he’d once been a knight long ago, so he was an easy person to talk to from the current knights’ perspectives. 

“Sir Arbiter, is it true that the elf girl is Sir Kartatz’s mother?” 

“I swear it on my spear. It’s true!” 

Several of the soldiers widened their eyes at his bold declaration. 

It was a well-known fact that Skargo, the High Priest of the church, Mai-Mai, the headmistress of the Royal Academy, and Kartatz, the boss of the shipyard, were all siblings. But to think that elf girl was the mother of the famous threesome… They all stared at her unblinkingly, but even as they watched her speak with Kartatz, none could believe their eyes. 

“I don’t see a single worker with him. How’s the bridge supposed to get built?” Arbiter questioned. 

“Yes, well, Sir Kartatz possesses deep knowledge of ancient arts, which allows him to build without aid. As long as he has the materials, there is no issue at all.” 

“Oh yeah, Miss Cayna used those techniques, too. Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, huh?” 

As the two nodded at each other congenially and continued to converse, Elineh nudged in from the side. 

“Things aren’t looking too well over there.” 

““Huh?”” 

They answered him with mystified expressions, and their faces further tightened when they noticed the dangerous air swirling around what should have been a friendly conversation between mother and child. 

“I’m saying: Why not build the bridge right along the shore?! If you put a higher hill there, it’ll be hard for the carriages to go over and put a strain on the poor horses!” 

“Mum, if we do it your way and keep the bridge right above the surface of the water, it’ll get washed away as soon as the river floods! You need space between the bridge itself and the river!” 

“First of all, why would you use this much material for a pier?! You can reduce it and save some for the walkway!” 

“You’re not taking rivers seriously enough, Mum! You can build the walkway again as long as the scaffolding is still there! That’s the only part of the bridge they can rebuild without having a specialist like me around!” 

Rawr! Hissss! 

The merchants, mercenaries, and knights blankly looked on at the catty war of words they couldn’t do anything to stop. 

After receiving a look from Arbiter, Kenison went to intervene, then backed away. He couldn’t refuse an order from his leader, but a host of voices admiring his courage rose up from the soldiers. 

“Um… Uh, why don’t we, um, all calm down a li’l? How about talkin’ it over?” 

“Quiet, Kenison!” ? Combined with Intimidate 

“This ain’t got nothin’ to do with you. Get lost!” ? Combined with Glare 

“…Uh, yes, I beg yer pardon.” 

However, he was quickly done in by their intensity and forced to retreat. The soldiers booed, and Kenison snarled a “Why don’t you guys try it, then?” in reply. 

Despite normal (?) appearances, it was a level 1,100 versus level 300 battle, and the tension in the air was anything but ordinary. It was the type of heavy atmosphere that seemed like it would crush the average person flat if they weren’t careful. 

“Starting the bridge before the bank starts sloping will put it farther from the surface of the river, right?!” 

“Like I said—if we do that, we’ll run outta materials!” 

“If you’re short on materials, that’s what a craftsman’s fo… Ah!” 

“Huh? What is it, Mum?” 

As she was about to speak, Cayna noticed something and suddenly froze. The onlookers who had been watching over the proceedings sighed in relief that the battle between monsters had quieted without need for further intervention. 

Unsure of what put a halt to the fight, they were all giving mystified looks when iron balls the size of barrels appeared from the empty sky and rained down around Cayna. 

Rumble, rumble, rumble. There were twelve total. Each was a lethal weapon that could easily kill someone in one strike, and everyone around them ran for cover with a scream. 

Cayna looked at Kartatz’s twitching expression with a satisfied smile and happily explained. 

“See what I mean? Go ahead and fill the pier with iron. If you need more material, you can just get it someplace else.” 

It was at this point that the onlookers wanted to ask “Where’d she get all that?!” However, Cayna appeared ready to murder someone, so they said nothing at all. 

The truth was that these iron balls had been stored in the Item Box belonging to Opuskettenshultheimer Crosstettbomber, aka Opus. Since she had his permission, Cayna had humbly and unreservedly borrowed anything that seemed useful. At the time, the Guardian had said with some disgust, “This is rather like robbing a house that has burned down,” but to Cayna, this was in one ear and out the other. 

She once again pulled her son back as he tried to retreat, opened her Skill Formation screen, and continued with her lecture. 

Although iron was iron, this was a special variety of Opus’s making. Thus, only Cayna could use Building: Bridge. With her in charge of the pier, and Kartatz constructing the walkway, everything came together well. The bridge planning had been turbulent and full of twists and turns, but once they got moving, things proceeded quickly. The wind whirled, and the river split around the two. Before everyone’s very eyes, the materials and iron balls rose up from both sides of the river toward the sky and twisted together. The iron squirmed about like an amoeba as it transformed, pierced the empty cavities of the pier, and slipped into the riverbed like a screw. 

The wood materials were split into four categories: girders, floorboards, pillars, and handrails. These all came together one after the other as if they were alive. 

While everyone looked on in dumbfounded amazement, a bridge appeared where there had once been only the river’s surface. In a little under five minutes, a structure large enough for carriages to pass by with ease had been completed. Mother and child exchanged satisfied looks followed by a firm handshake. 

A few moments later, cheers and clapping rose from both sides of the river. 

That night, the mercenaries, soldiers, knights, and all held a huge banquet in the camp after they crossed over to the Felskeilo side. 

Although Kartatz and Cayna had indeed been the ones to build the bridge, it hadn’t taken much effort at all. In fact, those who suffered the most were the soldiers who had to transport the material from downriver. 

Since mother and son were finally reunited, a place had been set aside for them to have a pleasant chat. It was away from curious ears and ideal for sharing secrets, so this worked for Cayna. 

“He’s still alive?!” 

“Agh, shhh!” 

“Oops. Sorry, Mum.” 

The conversation inevitably turned to the bandits menacing Helshper. All too late, Cayna realized she’d never asked for the leader’s name. When she’d checked his stats, she had only cared about his level and completely forgot to verify his identity. Since the leader was a higher level than her children, she put her hand to her chest in relief that she’d dealt with him before they came across one another. 

“Who the hell does he think he is, lookin’ down on everyone like that? Why didn’t you finish him off?” 

“Believe me, I tried. I turned him in because I didn’t want to create a mess with Helshper. Come to think of it, I wonder how they’ll deal with him? I forgot to ask.” 

“Geez, you sure are careless. Guess you’ll just have to check with Mai-Mai later.” 

“Oh, now that you mention it, I’ve gotta punish her, too.” 

The dark, hair-raising grin that broke across Cayna’s face sent shivers down Kartatz’s spine. 

“Wait, she gave you a huge shock like that?! Sis really is hopeless. She could have at least talked to you.” 

“Well, I wasn’t all that mature about it, either… It nearly turned into a cold war.” 

“Wha—?! That don’t sound good at all… Live your best life, my sister.” 

Kartatz quickly forsook her and prayed to the stars. 

As she watched him, Cayna gave a wry smile and thought how well they seemed to get along. 

“Caerick and Caerina are good kids, and I’m glad the relationship between us didn’t fall apart. They accommodated me in a lot of ways. It’s nice having grandkids.” 

“A few days into the trip, and you’re already a doting grandmother. What happened?” 

Kartatz was shocked as his mother put her hand to her chest and smiled gently. That heartwarming sight alone was like a different world compared to a short while prior, and it put a natural grin on those glancing in on them. 

However, since there was never any guarantee of everyone reading a room the same way, Arbiter ignored all this and called out to her. 

“Heeey, miss! Come make us that cake you promised before we left.” 

“…Uh, right now? You really are hopeless, Arbiter. Don’t complain if you get cavities.” 

“Cayk?” 

“They won’t stop clamoring for it, so I guess I’ll make enough for everyone. You have some, too, Kartatz,” she said as she stood with a tired sigh and an eye roll that implied They never change. 

“Nah, I’m not really a fan of sweet things…” Kartatz held up a tankard of ale and lightly dodged the invite. 

“Sniff. My son has turned down his mother’s cooking… What do you think of that, Elineh?” 

Cayna hung her head in a false show of gloomy, teary-eyed melancholy in the hopes of getting Elineh to side with her. His reply was dead serious. 

“The only punishment is death.” 

This sentiment spread across the camp and had the soldier and knights rising up with “Sir Kartatz, a man can do no worse than make his mother cry” and “As a son, you should think of your parents.” Kartatz finally had enough. 

“Agh, okay! I get it! Throw whatever cake or sweet stuff you want at me! Get cookin’, Mum!” 

“Really? Oh, I’m so happy. If you had said no, I thought I might go crying to Skargo.” 

“Eeeeek?!” 

He could already see it. The vision of his elder brother lecturing him with Special Skill: Oscar—Roses Scatter with Beauty in full bloom put a dejected expression on Kartatz. 

Cayna looked at him and burst into satisfied laughter. 

As the night went on, a corner of the field glowed bright and rang out with warm smiles even the crackling fire couldn’t beat. 

On the way back from Helshper, Cayna stopped by the remote village to check on Mimily. 

It seemed that the villagers had grown accustomed to life with the mermaid. However, Mimily herself continued to feel the difference in their races and was still having trouble fitting in. 

Cayna would have liked to stay a long while and give her the support she needed, but ignoring her guard duties would have been inexcusable. Kartatz and the bridge-building team were also with them, so it wasn’t like she could abandon them, either. 

Seeing Cayna at her wit’s end, Lytt said, “Leave it to me!” and took over with a thump of her chest. “Mimi is a great person, so everything will work out just fine!” 

Cayna didn’t know where all this was coming from, but she looked at Lytt, who was nodding with full confidence, and decided to entrust Mimily to her. 

Of course, Cayna’s role as guard ended as soon as they went back to the Felskeilo capital, and she returned to the village to see Mimily that very same day. Such speed astonished even Elineh, who had been considering inviting her along again. 

As soon as she rushed back to the village, she was greeted with the sight of Mimily manipulating water in a barrel and twirling it around in a corner of the public bathhouse. 

“What’re you doing?” 

“Hmm? Ah, Cayna. Hello. As you can see, I am doing the laundry.” 

“The laundry?! Why are you doing that?” 

Cayna looked at her with wide-eyed confusion, and Mimily rubbed her cheek and laughed with a “heh-heh.” 

“It was Lytt who asked me…” 

Just as the mermaid was about to explain, Lytt appeared with a mountain of dirty clothes. 

“Here you go, Mimi. Oh, Miss Cayna.” 

“Hello, Lytt. It’s been about five days, hasn’t it?” 

“Thank you, Lytt.” 

A question mark appeared over Cayna’s head. Asking her to “wait just a moment,” Mimily took out the clothes from the barrel. After tossing the dirty water from the finished clothes to the sewage line, she added fresh hot water to the barrel. Mimily put the new dirty clothes Lytt had brought inside it, added detergent powder (sold by Sakaiya), and began to twirl the water around again. She then wrung out the excess water from the finished laundry and handed it to Lytt. The girl put these in a bucket, announced “I’ll go dry these!” and left. 

“Um, what’s going on?” 

Mimily gave a wry smile at Cayna’s still thoroughly confused expression and with a “Yes, about that…” began to explain. 

It all started after Cayna had visited the village five days prior. Mimily had apparently been sulking at her lack of connection with the villagers, so Lytt patiently took the time to talk with her. To spark Mimily’s interest, she spoke about everything from her interests to the different exciting things that happened in the village. 

Mimily asked no questions, but Lytt told her, “Our village doesn’t have much, but there’s plenty of fun!” and brought up how she met Cayna as well. 

What caught the mermaid’s interest was the fact that there weren’t many children in the village, so Lytt almost always played alone. 

Her circumstances were similar to Mimily’s, and Mimily showed her how children played back in her mermaid village. This is where her special water manipulation trick came in. 

More than anything else, she seemed eager to show how masterfully she could control the water without affecting any sea creatures, but since arriving in the village, she’d been working with water in barrels. 

“Hmm? You didn’t do it in the bathhouse?” 

“With all due respect, the magic you used to set it in place is so strong that my own power cannot interfere…” 

“O-oh. I see…” 

Cayna felt bad about unknowingly impacting Mimily’s life and continued listening. 

Just when Mimily said, “I can control it remotely without looking,” and prepared to demonstrate, Lytt’s ribbon was blown by the wind and into the barrel. Neither had noticed, and apparently the ribbon stayed there for quite some time after the fact. When Lytt saw Mimily fixing the ribbon she had fished out of the barrel, Lytt proposed, “We should do laundry together!” 

Like Cayna, Mimily was initially bewildered. She had no time to react; soon enough, Lytt had brought along the elders of the village and declared, “Mimi can do it!” 

“Looks like you underestimated children’s energy.” 

“Yes. It’s quite something…” 

Mimily said she was shocked by how quickly the seniors accepted the idea. The men of the village, quarreling families, and those whose age prevented them from doing laundry themselves all made appointments with Mimily. In return, the mermaid received one bronze coin per household per day. 

Mimily herself jumped at the chance to be saved from her ennui; she thought merely being the recipient of the villagers’ daily kindness was regrettable. It was only her second day, but she’d already earned ten bronze coins. She used it to pay for future meals at the inn. 

“I’m sorry you went through so much trouble for me, Cayna. I promise to repay the inn cost someday.” 

“If you’ve found a path to self-reliance, then more power to you. I already have money, so I’m not expecting you to pay me back.” 

“Though I cannot promise when, please do expect it someday.” 

Cayna smiled as Mimily thrust her chest out proudly. 

“I’ve been looking for people with connections to the mermaid village, though. As land dwellers, the ocean is outside our expertise.” 

“It may be impossible for your kind to fully understand the ocean. I wouldn’t get my hopes up.” 

Mimily put on a brave face and spoke lightly, despite the tinge of sadness in her eyes. 

“And to think I went and saved up all that money during my trip so I could help you. I guess things just didn’t work out.” 

“Huh? Please wait. Don’t make my debt any higher!” 

“Not to worry. I’m simply going to make a small room next to the bathhouse so you can do your laundry. A barrel with a bobbing neck like you see in those bamboo fountains would be good, too.” 

“Bamboo fountain? Please wait! Hey, are you listening to me?” 

“Yes, yes, I’m listening. You’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about. I’m going to make you a fabulous workplace!” 

“Whaaaaat?!” 

When Lytt came back with the dried laundry, she was greeted by a new small annex to the bathhouse, Cayna wiping sweat with a sense of accomplishment from a job well done, and Mimily hanging her head limply and murmuring, “I couldn’t stop her.” 

“Hmm. Eeny meeny miny mo…” 

With Mimily’s place in the village secure, Cayna returned to Felskeilo and resumed her life as an adventurer. 

Even without being picky, each and every request seemed like one she could take on. However, Arbiter warned her to resist; after all, doing so would mean she’d leave nothing for the newbies. Thus, she stuck to requests that weren’t too difficult yet had no time constraints. 

Her main motivation behind that decision was gluttony. She wanted to eat dinner at the inn as much as possible and go hunting for delicious food stands. 

Li’l Fairy seemed to fare poorly in crowds; every time Cayna took a step outside her room, she would hide under her hair and peek out. Others couldn’t even see her, so what was it that made her so scared? 

“There’s no way Opus bullied you, right?” 

Li’l Fairy shook her head vehemently. Cayna also considered the possibility of a concealment spell that wore off if the fairy was being stared at, but this didn’t seem to be the case, either. It couldn’t be anything other than a sign of their deepening bond. 

“Sheesh, it’s just one thing after another, huh?” 

Even though adventurers accomplished at least eight to ten requests per day, there was never an empty space on the request board. 

The Felskeilo Adventurers Guild had about twenty resident members. It wasn’t like each one completed requests every day, but even so, new requests were constantly popping up. 

“Well, the more people there are, the more that’s needed. If it’s not in town, you’ve got no choice but to go searching outside. The worry never ends.” 

In one corner where a party with too much time on their hands gathered, a large, well-armored man had heard Cayna mumbling to herself and answered back. As if in agreement with him, his fellow members laughed. 

“That’s ’cause even if there’s work in town, lots of people don’t know how to rough it,” another party member, a young, fragile, mage-looking man, chimed in. Others nodded along with “Got that right.” 

It was apparent more than a few adventurers only took on requests within the town. Many of these people were women and children and those with no fighting abilities. 

“Like all those requests that say Find my cat!—just how many cats do they think are in this town?!” 

“Ah, one of those really gave me the runaround. A cat is one thing, but a goretiger? I wanted to tell her, Don’t keep those in town!” 

“The woman who made the request was real nice, wasn’t she?” 

“So you can keep something like that in town…,” Cayna mused. 

A goretiger was a giant tiger that was covered in armor from the back of its head all the way down its back. Apparently, more than a few nobles would acquire cubs of the ferocious animals from somewhere and keep them as status symbols. 

As the group behind Cayna watched her face the board once again, the conversation turned to their struggles as beginners. Thinking that it felt nice to hear other’s experiences, she picked the first request she spotted. 

This request was FOOD INGREDIENT COLLECTION: DESIRE HORNED BEAR MEAT. REQUESTOR: THE WHITE-TAILED BLACK RABBIT RESTAURANT. PAYMENT: EIGHT SILVER COINS. 

Cayna remembered hearing the name of the restaurant from Kartatz before. It was the fancy restaurant where he’d gather with his siblings to dine and discuss any issues. 

I’d be interested to know what sort of things they’ve discussed until now. 

After Cayna returned to Felskeilo, she’d asked Kartatz to tell Mai-Mai, “Prepare yourself.” 

Cayna had yet to meet with her. According to Lopus, who she just happened to see in town, the daily fear of not knowing when her mother would strike had caused Mai-Mai to waste away. Now that Cayna had made peace with her grandchildren, she was no longer motivated to get back at Mai-Mai at all. Instead, she was merely letting her daughter stew in her misery as a bit of revenge. If Mai-Mai was now at the point of growing haggard, Cayna thought maybe it was about time to forgive her. 

“I guess I can do it after finishing this job…” 

She submitted the request to the reception desk, and the familiar employee named Almana took care of it for her. 

“Miss Cayna, the ingredients will be delivered directly to the restaurant. Shall I explain where it is?” 

“I’m sure I’ll be fine if I ask around. Otherwise, I’ll drag Skargo out and ask him.” 

As Cayna gave a bright, carefree smile, Almana thought she could hear the sound of the world lurching. 

Using the High Priest as her errand boy… Almana knew what that statement meant, but she couldn’t understand it. There were already rumors going around about how the High Priest one day flew into a downtown inn wearing a completely unfamiliar expression, and it was a well-known fact among the townspeople that Cayna was the mother of the famous three. A majority had rejected it with a scoff of “That’s ridiculous” and laughed it off as a mere joke. 

Still, the Adventurers Guild was considered an infallible source of information. The employees all knew it to be true, but having it once again reaffirmed right in front of her was far too harsh. To make matters worse, the fan mentality of those who knew this young girl to be Skargo’s mother and doubted his mother complex, and frequent declarations of her as a supreme being, was unfathomable. It was unclear whether these feelings in the town girls’ hearts were of envy or hatred, but Cayna cheerfully and obliviously walked out of the guild and toward the market. 

After all, her target was a horned bear. 

Cayna had plenty of ways to catch it in her arsenal, but it was a wild animal, nonetheless. She unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) had two encounters with horned bears near the remote village, but it would still probably take her several days to find one. She planned to buy up ingredients and preserved foods just in case. She’d also have to tell the inn she’d be away for a few days. 

On the way, she called out to some boys who looked like they had some free time and gave them a few bronze coins. She asked them to give a message to Kartatz that she’d be out of Felskeilo on work for a while. 

Ever since beating Primo, the kids of the town had recognized her as “the scary girl” and couldn’t refuse a request from her to save their lives. Since Cayna was unable to use Telepathy with her children, it was a perfect communication method. The inn proprietress told Cayna the children with single parents and orphans of the town took these odd jobs in order to save up money for rent, so Cayna took full advantage of this. After all, even the average person could easily visit the workshop and meet with Kartatz. And since the children had the ability to escape her in a rowboat, she wouldn’t have to bother with crossing to the sandbar, either. 

As Cayna was shopping, she noticed two girls walking a few streets ahead. She wouldn’t normally give them a second look, but if one of them was Lonti, then that was a different story. 

Thinking it was some sort of fate, she quickly finished her shopping and chased after them. She called out. 

“Heeey! Lonti!” 

“Cayna! What perfect timing.” 

“Huh?” 

Hearing Lonti so pleased to see her made Cayna think she might get roped into more escapee prince hunting. However, she looked at the robed girl next to Lonti whose head was bowed toward her and tilted her own head questioningly. 

“It’s been some time, hasn’t it?” 

“Hi, Lonti. You’re looking well.” 

“I’m so glad I met you here. I thought I would have to go looking all over for you.” 

Cayna felt sorry for Lonti as the girl put a hand to her chest in relief, but since Cayna had no idea where this conversation was going, she wasn’t sure how to react. 

“Allow me to introduce you. This is…” 

At Lonti’s insistence, the girl removed her hood. 

Her light-peach-colored hair was braided and piled up behind her head. She had stern features and willful brown eyes. From what Cayna could see, she was a total beauty. The girl wore white female armor. It had the same design as the Felskeilo knights. She had a thin blade at her side, most likely a rapier. 

Cayna would have been able to know her full level and background with Search, but since Lonti was the one who brought her along, she had no interest in checking beforehand. After all, the two were perfectly dolled up, so it was obvious that they were nobles. 

People around them looked at the girls but disappeared just as quickly. 

“This is my friend from the Academy, um… Mye.” 

“My name is Mye. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

“I’m the high elf Cayna. Nice to meet you.” 

The girl who introduced herself as Mye exchanged greetings with Cayna and bowed her head. Cayna then smiled brightly, and Mye took a step back in confusion. 

Lonti had reacted the same way when they first met. Cayna looked at her and wondered if maybe she was also uncomfortable around high elves. Mye then grew flustered and turned away, red in the face. 

Cayna hadn’t realized this, but her full smile had been combined with Passive Skill: Charm. Anyone who met her for the first time and wasn’t prepared would turn crimson. Of course, Charm did not include the ability to manipulate someone’s consciousness and control their will. It mostly just gave a minuscule amount of oomph to first impressions. 

Seeing this unfold, Lonti gave a bitter smile that said She’s doing the same thing, huh? and once again bowed to Cayna. 

“I’m terribly sorry, Cayna. I know you are busy, but would you mind if we accompany you for some time?” 

“……Huh?” 

Cayna looked as if she’d just seen pigs fly, and she stood temporarily frozen at Lonti’s request. 

She soon rebooted with Kee’s prodding and ruminated over this. 

“I don’t really mind, but…” 

“Really?! Thank you so much!” 

Lonti jumped with overwhelming joy at Cayna’s acceptance, then took the hand of Mye next to her and nodded. 

“H-hold on, Lonti.” 

“It seems that Cayna is all right with it, Lonti. Isn’t that great?” 

To calm down the strangely and overly enthusiastic Lonti, who was now swinging Mye around, Cayna clapped her hands and temporarily drew the attention to herself. All grew silent. 

“I don’t mind, but I’m about to leave town on a job request.” 

““WHAT?!”” 

This time, it was the two girls who froze. Cayna didn’t really know what was going on with them and deliberated over how to deal with the situation. Figuring she should at least hear their side of the story, she decided to push them into the nearest restaurant. Li’l Fairy remained hidden in Cayna’s hair as usual. 

The eatery was a popular spot among the locals and neighboring towns that was only open during the day and just sold light fare. It was rush hour, but the three managed to find seats in a corner farther inside. They ordered only drinks and waited for Lonti to calm down. 

With sweet fruit wine placed on the table in front of them, she finally got ahold of herself and huddled in embarrassment. 

“I’m sorry, Cayna. I got carried away.” 

“It’s not really a big deal.” 

“Lonti. Why don’t we listen to what she has to say and rethink the matter?” 

Cayna could sense an elegance in Mye’s movements and estimated that Lonti’s friend must be another member of the upper class. 

“Well then, would you mind explaining why you want to join me?” 

“That’s because…” 

Just as Lonti was about to answer, Mye stopped her and turned to Cayna. 

“I apologize. She was going along with my wishes. I planned on going outside the walls for the first time and wanted Lonti to come with me. I wanted someone familiar with the outside to accompany us as a guard, but I don’t do well with men, so she recommended you.” 

“I don’t really get it, but are you running away from home or something?” 

Cayna had been able to guess this with a glance, and the two were stunned into silence. 

“I-I’m sorry…,” Lonti began. 

“I’m the one who is in the wrong for having you come along, Lonti! That’s why—” 

“Okay, stop.” 

Mye’s sudden panic was starting to draw the eyes of the restaurant on them, so Cayna cast Magic Skill: Barrier and turned them away. Neither Lonti nor Mye had any idea what she did, but all sound around the three was cut off. 

“I don’t know what you’re getting so worked up about, but I’m not going to report you to anyone. Besides Lonti’s gramps, I don’t have any connections like that.” 

Skargo and Mai-Mai did indeed count as such connections, but unfortunately, Cayna didn’t see them that way. 

“So I’m going outside to do a request. Do you really want to come along?” 

““What?!”” 

Both Mye and Lonti had decided to go outside on a whim. Naturally, they did not prepare in the slightest or make the proper provisions. It was obvious from their casual outfits. 

Cayna must have appeared the same way to the two, but since she always had a vast supply of goods in her Item Box, she was good to go. 

“I should be out there about two nights. If you’re running away, people are going to come after you, right? We can give them the slip once we’re outside.” 

“That is true…,” Lonti began. 

“But the only camping I’ve ever done has been at the Academy.” 

“I think you’ll be just fine. I can give you a safe place to sleep and delicious dinners.” 

This world wasn’t as relentless as the game, so bringing along the girls wouldn’t be an issue for her. It was also proof she lived up to her reputation as a larger-than-life Skill Master on a constant basis. 

Mye was reluctant at first, but when Cayna suggested that perhaps she could stay with Skargo at the church, the girl instantly changed her tune. 

After paying the bill and leaving the restaurant, they headed toward the eastern gate to leave town. Normally, it was best to set out early in the morning when going on a trip. However, Cayna figured she could use any number of transportation spells and had thus spent the afternoon relaxing. 

Unsurprisingly, now that there were others with her, this option was no longer possible. Therefore, in an effort to move the request along, Cayna summoned several Wind Spirits to aid in the search for her target. 

“Come to think of it, Cayna, what sort of request did you accept?” 

“Oh, right, I didn’t tell you. I’m hunting down a horned bear!” 

“Oh, I see… Wait, a horned bear?!” 

“Yup. The client said they wanted its meat. It was some restaurant called the Something-or-Other Rabbit.” 

“The White-Tailed Black Rabbit…?” 

“Yeah, that was the name.” 

Cayna hummed a merry tune as she walked down the main road, but Lonti turned pale at the news of this insane request. 

A horned bear was a giant bear-shaped monster with stiff fur that stood between three to five meters high and had either one or two horns on its head. They were omnivorous and normally lived in the deeper parts of the forest but would turn up in villages and attack people when they were hungry. To stop them, you often had to delve into the forest, and even adventurers needed to form several skilled teams. They were a formidable enemy that could wipe out parties in an instant, and Academy students could never hope to handle them. 

Mye and Lonti summarized all this in a neat explanation, and their faces twitched. However, their leader, Cayna, showed the least amount of worry. 

They hadn’t seen or heard of the equipment she was wearing, but Lonti and Mye could tell by sight alone that everything was first-rate. Even so, they had no idea what was inside Cayna’s travel pack, so her insistence of “Leave everything to me” raised questions. 

“Lonti, is that girl okay?” 

“Well, even my uncle has endorsed her strength. She’s also High Priest Skargo’s mother, so there shouldn’t be any issues.” 

“She’s the High Priest’s mother who everyone has been talking about?!” 

Mye had sensed a vague air of closeness when Cayna suggested using the church as a day-care center and was openly shocked. 

“? Oh, what’s that about Skargo now? He do somethin’ to bother you, Mye?” 

After traveling along the main eastern road for about an hour, Cayna had turned north down another path. Now the three were traversing through the forest with no trail in sight. Cayna continued ahead of them and occasionally spoke briefly with the trees or the grass. She would then create a path that only fit one person at a time. 

When the two first witnessed this, their eyes flew open, and their jaws dropped in shock. 

To Cayna, however, she was only using her high-elf powers to communicate with nature. The trees and grasses were just temporarily moving out of the way for her. The way she pulled off these feats with such ease, even though other elves couldn’t, put Cayna in a class all her own. 

When the two recovered from the shock, they began talking quietly to each other. At one point, when Mye accidentally spoke too loudly, Cayna turned around and looked at the pair. Seeing Mye suddenly clam up made her swell with suspicion, but she seemed to misunderstand something and frowned. 

“Did he dare lay a hand on a girl who came to see him?! That damn Skargo! So he’s fallen to the lowest of lows and is now the enemy of women. I’ll make sure he learns his lesson when we get back!” 

“Th-th-th-th-that isn’t it! He only advises me on somezimes.” 

Mye grabbed Cayna, who had made a fist in indignation, and frantically explained herself. Apparently Lonti had never seen Mye frazzled, either, for she was completely taken aback. 

Mye’s fumbled words and flustered red face switched on a light bulb in Cayna’s mind, and she smiled darkly. From her crimson mouth cracked like a crescent moon came an even darker laugh. 

“Hoh-hooooh. Well then, Mye. Do you have an interest in my son?” 

“Eek…” 

“Huh? Is that true, Mye?” Lonti asked in disbelief as Mye stood frozen stiff with a face so red it seemed like steam might pour out of her ears. Mye had apparently hidden it so well that she hadn’t even told her good friend. 

Now a full-fledged neighborhood auntie brimming with curiosity, Cayna crossed her arms and murmured “I knew it” with a deep nod. 

“By seeking advice, you could enjoy his gentle admonishment, and along with his beauty, take in his sweet words. Ah, youth sure is great!” 

Cayna had already turned into a boorish old man. Mye grew red up to her ears as she bowed her head. 

“Why are you reacting like that, Mye?! You were lying about not liking anyone, weren’t you?!” 

“But how am I supposed to bring up something like that…?” 

“In that case, you should have told the queen before the flood of formal marriage intervi—” 

“Waaaaaagh?! Shhh! Shhh!!” 

“…Ah…” 

Realizing that she’d just said something she really wasn’t supposed to, Lonti covered her mouth with her hand. However, Cayna had heard all too clearly and looked at the timid pair with a smirk. 

“Aghhhh, I’ve been found out…” 

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” 

Mye’s shoulders slumped, and Lonti bowed her head repeatedly. 

So she’s the princess, huh? 

“I wonder if it is all right that you brought a princess outside the town walls.” 

I’ll go crying to Skargo if that happens. 

Cayna’s face grimaced as the words princess kidnapper flashed before her. 

Furthermore, her son was her last resort. She’d said it once, and she’d say it again: Using authority was completely wrong. But in this unacceptable situation, there was a high chance she might be in for some hard labor. To prevent this, it was obvious her cushions, Skargo and Mai-Mai, would be in for some trouble. 

“Well, first loves are never all that serious…” 

“My feelings aren’t so shallow!” 

Mye flared up when Cayna suddenly switched back to the subject at hand. However, she saw Cayna’s lips twist into a smirk and gasped. 

“Nice, you admitted it!” 

“I—I—I—I—I did not! That’s not what I mean! It’s deep affection!” 

“There’s nothing wrong with that, y’know? I think it’s great you didn’t really try to deny it.” 

Mye flapped her arms as she tried to clarify the misunderstanding (?) but Cayna’s hands-off attitude threw the already confused girl for a loop. 

“I’m not about to get myself involved in my kids’ love lives. Plus, it wouldn’t be right to take away your feelings. Besides, Mai-Mai is already a loose cannon with a son and daughter in Helshper and a second husband. I wanted to be like, If you wanna win my daughter’s heart, you’ll have to at least take me down first!” 

When Mai-Mai later heard this from Lonti, she gave a big sigh of relief that she hadn’t waited too long to get married. No matter the heavy hitter, anyone would have turned to mincemeat if they went up against her mother. Since Lopus wasn’t a fighter in any sense, she could only imagine the frightful results that would have awaited. 

The two girls before Cayna were unaware of her true power and merely nodded with a surprised “Oh…” 

Just before the sun set, the three arrived at a simple rest area set along a main road and quickly began to make camp. Mye and Lonti, who had done long-distance marches at the Academy, put simple charms around the area. 

Cayna used Summoning Magic to call upon a Flame Spirit (a baby monkey) the size of one’s palm, which ran into the night forest to gather firewood. Thinking one could never be too careful, Cayna summoned the cerberus as well. 

Mye and Lonti held each other and trembled in fear at the sight of the giant three-headed Doberman pinscher–like creature. Cayna asked it to escort them around the campsite. As long as no all-powerful monsters came along, these precautions were enough to keep them safe. If she saw that the cerberus disappeared into the night forest, Cayna would know there was a terrifying monster out there greater than a horned bear. 

Upon seeing Cayna summon and control monsters at will, Mye and Lonti changed their opinion of Cayna; no one without such abilities could have been Skargo and Mai-Mai’s mother. 

The girl who made them tremble in awe remained blissfully unaware as she doled out courses of meat pie and pizza that weren’t even found in the most aristocratic of balls. The shock alone exhausted the two. Cayna watched on gently as they fully enjoyed the unknown flavors and began laying out the dessert preparations. 

“Cayna, aren’t you afraid of the forest at night…?” Mye asked. 

Mye looked around them, jolted at some noise, and trembled as she quickly put the blanket she’d been given over her head. Lonti seemed to be feeling the same way, but she was bravely toughing it out. 

“Not really. High elves like me live in the forest. Why be scared of it now?” 

Cayna’s composure seemed to put the girls at ease, and their shivering subsided a bit. They didn’t realize that even the level-480 cerberus that guarded them could be called excessive. 

Wow, it’s just like Arbiter said. 

During his adventurer lectures, he had taught her that the mere presence of a relaxed old-timer was enough to quell the surrounding anxiety. She was rather pleased to see the effect it was already having and feel the trust they had in her. 

In any case, she cast Cooking Skill: Pie to ready their dessert. She spread her arms wide, and a giant fireball formed between them. It sucked up the ingredients on her lap, and within a few seconds, she had a ruche pie. 

Nodding with approval at the usual pleasing aroma, she noticed that the two were frozen with dotted eyes and open mouths. She hit her fist against her palm in understanding. 

“Right, I’ve only used these skills at the Academy and with Elineh and the others, so this is your first time. I see.” 

When Cayna tapped their shoulders, and they returned to themselves, she used leaves the tree had given her in lieu of plates and put a piece of pie on each. She passed them to the girls. 

They looked between Cayna and the pie, watched the chef eat it with relief, then timidly took a bite themselves. 

“Ah, it’s delicious…” 

“It’s so sweet…” 

“I’m glad you like it. I made enough for six people, so we can each have two slices.” 

After eating heartily under the logic that there’s a second stomach for dessert, Cayna set her Rune Blade at her waist, stood up, and headed for the small river down the hill. With a quick “I’ve just got something to take care of,” she left. 

“I wonder what she’s preparing for?” Lonti questioned. 

“I have to say, I don’t really know what she’s thinking…” 

It wasn’t long before their question was answered. 

An impressive BOOOOOOOOOOM! rang out, while a roaring GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GA!! shook the air around them. 

The two fearfully made their way downhill. Sure enough, they found Cayna. She was standing in front of a thick, cylindrical object made of stone that rose perpendicularly from the ground. She had an expression of accomplishment. 

“Cayna!” 

“What are you doing?! What is that? A monster?” 

“Oh, I thought I’d make a bath. The ground was pretty tough, so I was blasting at it to get it ready. Sorry about the noise.” 

“Huh?” 

“A—a bath?” 

Cayna had created a hole with blast magic and used river stones processed into bricks to line the inside. After drawing out water from the river, she then used Warm Water to heat it up. Steam wafted up on the other side of the stone wall she had built to serve as a partition screen. 

By this point, the two could only sigh at all the outrageous things she did. Mye thought it was easier to accept than to question, and she pulled Lonti along. 

“M-Mye?” 

“We’re already here, so let’s just go in, Lonti.” 

“Huh? Wh-whaaat?!” 

“Well then, I’ll keep a lookout here, so go and enjoy yourselves.” 

“Understood. We’ll take you up on that offer.” 

Cayna waved the two off as they crossed the wall, then leaned against the partition screen and crossed her arms. At the same time, she opened up the Map window, and Kee pointed out the area’s terrain. 

After confirming that none of the several wriggling light points had red marks on them, Cayna sighed and slumped her shoulders. The wind then twirled in front of her, and three transparent little birds appeared. 

These were level-220 Wind Spirits she had called upon that afternoon to aid in her search. It was apparent that since they were still close to the town, she wouldn’t be able to find the horned bear. 

“I knew it. We won’t have any luck unless we go deep into the forest, huh?” 

“There is a possibility that the target is living in terrain similar to that of the remote village. The probability of one inhabiting an area seventeen kilometers to the north is seventy-four percent.” 

On a map, this was a region right next to the main branch of the Ejidd River. The mere close proximity to water meant more wildlife and more danger. It would be a rough place for the low-level girls, but Cayna had full confidence she could protect them. 

In place of bedding, Cayna summoned several six-legged sheep. The girls couldn’t get enough of their fluffiness. 

The next day, they set out once again on their journey, and Cayna informed them that they would be entering farther into the forest. 

Cayna had mostly done her own thing in the Game Era, so to be honest, the girls would only weigh her down. Players, even beginner ones, had at least some degree of understanding and could be left alone. However, this world had no save point you could return to if you died. If someone’s life hung in the balance, she’d more or less forfeit her secret doctrine and let the Special Skills fly. 

She called three of the Wind Spirits out to search ahead for the horned bear and then two therwolves to guard the girls. The Wind-type white wolves would race with the wind and soar into the sky when needed, so they’d be perfect for getting them out of harm’s way. 

She had considered both their safety and escape options. Since this option was Cayna’s idea, it was exceedingly irresponsible. 

Cayna cast defensive spells on the girls and several more layers of protection to back it up. 

Asking the trees for directions all the while, they headed deeper into the forest. 

“Phew. Looks like I’ve kicked something boring again.” 

The horned bear didn’t move a muscle; it was covered head to toe in dirt with its limbs twisted in all different directions. 

Standing before the expired monster, Cayna brushed back her hair and uttered this samurai-like catchphrase. 

“………” 

“A-are you okay, Mye?! Hang in there!” 

Mye hadn’t been able to handle the shock of watching Cayna take mere seconds to silence a monster that even several knights working together could just barely manage. Since Lonti had witnessed Cayna walking on water, she wasn’t particularly thrown off and tried her best to call Mye back into consciousness. 

The Wind Spirits had searched for the horned bear, and when they found one, they led it to as open a space as possible. Since damaging its fur would lower its selling price, Cayna was careful not to slash or pierce it. Instead, she kicked at it with her usual Weapon Skill: Charge. Cayna also avoided her mistake from last time and took special care not to injure any trees or shrubs. 

She then had the Wind Spirits lift the gut-punched horned bear into the sky and let it free-fall. 

In other words, she used a kick/fall combo to snuff the life out of it without leaving a single scratch. 

When Mye came to, Cayna was starting to dissect the horned bear. The air was thick with the scent of blood, and there was no question that anyone unused to such a situation would grow ill in a matter of seconds. Cayna was controlling the wind for the time being to prevent any other monsters from dropping in, but the stench was incredible. Lonti blanched, while Mye went beyond pale and turned a ghastly ashen color. She covered her mouth as Lonti swiftly led her farther into the forest and away from where the dissection was taking place. Obeying Cayna’s orders, the guard therwolves followed after them. 

Watching them would only cause Cayna to lose daylight, so she nimbly went about her task. The innards were buried in a hole, the isolated meat was frozen, and the fur was tanned. After the bones had been dried out, they were also added to the Item Box. 

Amid the putrefying smell, Li’l Fairy left Cayna’s shoulder and moved a short distance away to watch the horned bear be taken apart. Cayna wasn’t sure whether her composure meant the fairy didn’t particularly mind the smell or if she couldn’t smell it at all. 

Once Cayna scattered the stagnant air up into the sky and cast Purity on herself, her job was done. Searching for the horned bear had been a major hassle, and the sky was already starting to turn orange. 

The journey back to Felskeilo would probably be two days by foot. Using an expedited method when she had the two girls with her would be pretty reckless, so she decided to spend one more night where they were. She told the therwolves to bring them over, and she began setting up camp. 

She prepared two barrels and filled one with water that would be used for drinking. For the other, she also filled it with water and cast Warm Water. This would be for washing. 

Even for nobles like Lonti and Mye, the bath Cayna had made the night before seemed beyond the realms of normalcy. Although Cayna had been trying to be considerate, it only overwhelmed them. And so today they would be using warm water in a barrel. It was Cayna’s way of insisting they scrub to their hearts’ content. 

When Li’l Fairy got the sense the therwolves would be returning soon, she quickly alighted to Cayna’s shoulder. Cayna then called off the Wind Spirits who had searched for the horned bear and instead cast a different summoning spell. 

Summoning Magic: White Dragon Level 4 

A pure-white magic circle about twenty meters in diameter immediately appeared before her. Slowly rising up from within it was a snowy dragon covered in feathers. One might mistake it for a giant bird at first, but the horn atop its head, the long neck and tail, arms with fours talons on each hand, and large wings on its back designated it as a dragon. If one were to measure up to the very tip of its head, it would be the equivalent of a four-story apartment complex. 

The White Dragon was a holy-type dragon that could expertly cast Recovery and Defense Magic. It could heal all party members in a single breath and was often placed in the rear guard during wars in the Game Era. Like the Black Dragon, it was one of the larger varieties, so defensive positions could easily be pinpointed and crushed. The White Dragon did have a light-based breath attack, but you had to wait an hour before you could use it again. 

After being brought back by the therwolves, the girls gaped in horror at the dignified White Dragon standing there. The barrels, the Flame Spirit bonfire, and their bedding were all directly beneath it. 

The monsters that had brought them there thus far were low-level and more along the lines of simple protective charms. Unlike those, this one was a real type of protective measure. Even a horned bear would turn tail in the presence of a level-440 White Dragon. 

Cayna had summoned it with the thought that they could sleep tight among its fluffy feathers. 

“Hey now, are you guys okay? Come on over.” 

“Sh-she’s asking if we’re okay…?” Lonti wondered. 

“It—it won’t eat us?” Mye questioned. 

“I summoned it, so it does whateeever I say. Paw.” 

As the girls cowered in fear before it, Cayna held up her right hand. The White Dragon touched this with one talon. 

After she had the dragon do “Other paw” and “Lie down,” the girls finally drew near. When they managed to come under its spread wings and look at each other, Cayna gave a wry smile. 

“Is this your first time seeing a dragon?” 

As they started eating the bread, cheese, and meat skewers Cayna had made, the girls glanced up at the chin of the creature that blocked the night sky above them and glowed red from the bonfire. 

At Cayna’s question, they paused for a beat before nodding simultaneously. As if remembering an old memory, Mye replied as she pinched her brow. 

“What I do know is mostly through hearsay. The leader of the knights spoke of them long ago.” 

“He spoke of them to me as well. Like how dragons always remain in old ruins in order to protect them…” 

“The knight leader? Was he alive two hundred years ago?” 

“He took the position several years ago, so I cannot verify his age. However, he is a dragoid.” 

“Hmm, is he strong?” 

“Yes, very strong. He can break a boulder with ease.” 

Could he be a player? 

She had questions, but none of them could be answered unless she met with the person himself. 

“Do you usually go outside with the Academy like this?” 

“No, not especially. Actually, I’m registered with the Adventurers Guild and take on requests such as herb gathering and hunting for small animals, but those are always day trips,” Lonti replied. 

“I see. Can you go out, too, Mye?” 

“I always have a guard with me, but I have been outside.” 

“Sounds like you’ve got a lot to deal with.” 

“I believe I am fine with simply attending the Academy for now.” 

“I don’t blame you. Oh, Lonti. Has Primo made any escape attempts lately?” 

“Ah-ha-ha. Ever since you made an infamous name for yourself, we have had no such reports.” 

“‘Primo’?” Mye tilted her head at the unfamiliar moniker. 

Holding back a laugh, Lonti explained that they were talking about the prince. 

“You mean that boy?” 

“On the day he escaped, my grandfather just happened to meet Cayna and asked for her aid.” 

“The knights have indeed said it’s been troublesome catching him each and every time. She was able to do so?” 

“As we were chasing him, I partly called out ‘Prince.’ I tried to stop myself, but Cayna heard me and started calling him Primo instead.” 

“Goodness!” 

“I can walk on walls and water, so nothing can hide from me.” 

“I…would have very much liked to see that.” 

“Huh?” 

Cayna picked up on Mye’s interest in the words on walls and water. 

“Magic for walking on walls is intended for personal use, so I don’t see why you can’t try it yourself.” 

“Hold on, Cayna! Please don’t tempt Mye like this!” 

“Tempt…? Well, I don’t know if I’ll be able to teach you, but I can give you a test if you’re interested!” 

The Skill Master habit of giving trials made her blurt this out, and question marks appeared over Mye’s and Lonti’s heads. 

“Are we supposed to beat you in a battle?” Lonti questioned. 

“Nope, that could never happen.” 

““You’re deciding just like that?!”” 

Cayna waved her hand in flat-out rejection of the idea, and the two jokingly complained of such cruelty. 

“C’mon, give me a break, guys.” 

“If we upset you, won’t that upset Master Skargo as well?” Mye wondered. 

“Hmm, good question. I’m not really sure.” 

She talked until the wee hours of the morning until the girls’ nerves finally abated. There were a lot of weirdos back in the game, so it had been a long time since Cayna could laugh so warmly with others.