Chapter 12 : Escort Mission (1)

The reason we were able to reach such a distant place in just one day was thanks to the ‘Warp Gates’ installed at key points in major cities.

It took less than an hour instead of days.

Moreover, the Mulick family is renowned within the kingdom as a ‘great magic family.’

Naturally, within our territory, there was a special Warp Gate made by my father himself.

That’s why Ray and I were able to travel so conveniently during the instructor exams.

“The Tristan Warp Gate is undergoing an emergency inspection?”

However, a minor issue arose.

When we arrived at the Warp Gate on our family estate, we were informed that it was unavailable.

“Yes. I asked the gate’s overseeing mage, and they said that the capital’s gate would remain closed until tomorrow.”

“Hmm… any solutions?”

“They are recommending self-travel from the nearest special city, Saxe. The Warp Gate in Saxe is operating normally.”

A reasonable solution.

It seemed that the capital’s administration had dealt with similar situations before, as they quickly provided recommendations along with the problem.

“Is it quick to travel from Saxe to Tristan?”

“It would take about four hours on foot.”

“We have enough time. We won’t be late for my instructor appointment.”

“Even if we’re delayed, it should be fine. The carrier pigeon must have reached the family by now, but it’s likely that the appointment itself has been postponed.”

Ray’s guess made me look up.

“Really?”

“Yes. According to the regulations for new instructors at Tristan’s Hero Academy, if the kingdom or academy encounters any issues that delay the arrival, the instructor’s appointment can be postponed by one day to a week.”

“…I didn’t know about that.”

At this point, Ray was starting to scare me.

Not only did I not know such a regulation existed, but I also never expected someone to memorize it.

Is this really part of a butler’s duties?

No matter how I looked at it, Ray seemed like too much of a talent to stay as just a family butler.

Anyway, we headed straight to Saxe’s Warp Gate.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a bustling crowd and voices calling out from all directions.

“Looking for a heroic swordsman to travel with us to Tristan! Just one spot left!”

“Welcoming new instructors selected for the academy! Join us for the journey and protection mission! Generous pay offered!”

“We’ll take you directly to Tristan! Pay the fare, and we’ll head off as soon as negotiations are done!”

Saxe is a newly built city near the capital, Tristan.

It was established to help disperse the population that would otherwise flood into the capital, and such cities typically attract ‘adventuring heroes.’

The city is well-equipped with lodging and rest facilities, which is why a large number of heroes who go on expeditions to clear ‘monster hunting grounds’ or ‘monster dens’ gather here.

That’s why, in places like Saxe, you often hear market-like voices calling out like this.

Most of these are likely adventurers sharing their opinions.

“…But today, the nature of the calls seems a bit different.”

“It’s probably because the Tristan Warp Gate inspection caused people to flock here. Ordinary citizens traveling directly to Tristan would need some protection, after all.”

I tilted my head at Ray’s calm explanation.

“Why? Are there monsters that show up along the way?”

“There are, on the shortcut we’re taking. There are rumors of a monster den nearby, but it hasn’t been located yet.”

“Real monsters?”

“If you’ve unlocked the second fork in the road, they should be manageable. Anyway, since we’ll be hiring a special carriage, there’s no need for concern.”

Ray reassured me with a calm face.

Of course, no matter how strong the monsters or beasts are, they wouldn’t pose a threat to me at my current level. But since Ray didn’t know that in detail, she was probably opting for the safest way to reach the capital.

As meticulous as she was, her plan was thoroughly thought out.

“…There are no special carriages left?”

But for the first time, her calm face broke.

The well-crafted plan had crumbled like paper.

“Yes, not just the special carriages, but even the regular ones are all gone. The Warp Gate inspection has caused a rush of people, and with the recent selection of new instructors at Tristan’s Academy, many heroes are flocking there as well.”

The carriage rental owner apologized profusely, repeatedly bowing his head.

The Warp Gate inspection had been a sudden event, so we hadn’t been able to make a reservation. It was an almost unavoidable situation.

I lightly patted Ray’s somewhat defeated-looking shoulder.

“It’s fine, Ray. There are so many people here; it couldn’t be helped.”

“I’m sorry, Master Edgar. I didn’t plan well enough.”

“As long as we get there, it’s fine. You said it would only take four hours on foot, right? We’ll get there quickly.”

Ray had always fulfilled her role as a butler, often going above and beyond. There was no need for her to feel down over something beyond her control.

“Understood. I’ll start preparing for our walk…”

Ray immediately pulled out a map and began drafting a new plan for traveling on foot.

But just then, a cheerful girl suddenly blocked our path.

“Hello~! Excuse me, but are you perhaps the hero instructor heading to Tristan?”

She had bright green hair tied into twin tails, a confident expression, and a striking sword strapped to her back.