NOVEL NEXT Chapter 50 - Chapter 50: To the Village
Chapter 50: To the Village
Early morning.
We met up with Marie’s group and immediately began our journey. Instead of following the usual path towards the Triangle Rock, we veered slightly to the north. This time, it’s for work. We can’t afford to waste time or energy unnecessarily. So, we just walked silently and diligently.
After relentlessly walking for about four hours, I started to feel the heaviness in my body from fatigue. Just then, I sensed a moist wind with a distinctive smell, causing me to stop in my tracks. I know this smell well. It’s the sea. Somehow, we’ve made it to the coastal area without me realizing.
Shiro and Gisella are carrying all the baggage, so both Kuro and I are empty-handed. We’re really getting off easy thanks to them. But everyone here has strong legs, so they walk unusually fast. Perhaps because of that, I feel much more fatigued than usual, and my steps are heavy.
Amidst this, unexpectedly feeling the presence of the sea, I instinctively stopped in my tracks and said, “Marie, let’s take a short break.”
“Oh? …Alright. We’ll be able to see the sea soon. Let’s rest there.”
“Sorry. I appreciate it. Thanks, Shiro.”
Shiro suggested the break, probably out of concern for me. Honestly, it’s a relief. Everyone else seems completely energetic, so it was hard to bring it up. But it would be foolish to push myself to the point of getting sick. I should have spoken up sooner.
After a bit more walking, the sound of the waves suddenly becomes audible. And a few steps further, the emerald green sea suddenly comes into view.
“Ah… the sea.”
“Gyaaahh! Gyaahh!”
“Is this Kuro’s first time seeing the sea?”
“Gyaaahh! Gyyaaahh!”
It’s been a while since I last saw the sea. I feel inexplicably nostalgic, and a surge of emotions wells up along with various memories. Kuro starts making a commotion with excitement at seeing the sea, which thankfully prevents me from getting too sentimental.
“How much longer until we get there?”
“About three more hours of walking.”
“Can I get some coffee?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Gyaaahh! Gyaahh!”
Kuro eagerly starts preparing the coffee. It’s a good thing I prepared a small amount of firewood. Zamza skillfully lights the fire. I still can only start a fire with Pink, so it’s quietly helpful. Of course, I trust Marie and Azir completely. But I don’t feel the need to show off Pink’s power.
Me, Kuro, Shiro, Gisella, Marie, Azir, Zamza, and Pink. The seven of us and one animal gaze at the sea, sipping coffee absentmindedly. It’s a moment I couldn’t have imagined my former self experiencing. It feels very pleasant.
However, we can’t stay like this forever.
“I’ve recovered quite a bit. Thank you, everyone.”
“Well then, shall we continue?”
Listening to the sound of the waves, we resume walking along the coast. It was a short break, but our stamina has recovered considerably. From then on, we continue walking at a slightly slower pace, occasionally chatting.
About two hours later, I notice that the Tamir Mountains are looming in front of us. The foothills are noticeably green, which is rare in this area. The Savoia surrounding regions hardly ever see rain, including the Hell’s Cauldron. But around the Tamir Mountains seems to be an exception, as it tends to rain at least a little. I hope we find something delicious around here.
Another hour of walking, and just as our steps gradually grew heavier, we finally arrived at the village.
By the way, the village seems to be called Vaintz.
There are surprisingly sturdy barricades erected. They’re made of wood but are over two meters high, with occasional lookout posts. It seems they’ve forcibly gathered wood that was originally used for agricultural tools and housing materials. The colors, shapes, and weathering are all mismatched, lacking any sense of uniformity. It feels like the villagers hastily erected the walls out of fear. There’s a heavy atmosphere and tension in the air.
“…This is different from what I expected. Is this… normal?”
“No, there weren’t any barricades like this when I came before. There shouldn’t have been any lookout posts or gates either…”
Azir also seems somewhat puzzled.
There are signs of people on the other side of the gate, peeking through the gaps in the wooden fence. Marie approaches the gate without any apparent concern.
“I am Marie, a mercenary sent by Lord Saverio De Savoia. Open the gate.”
She issues the command as if it were natural, directed at whoever is on the other side of the gate. There’s an irresistible tone peculiar to those accustomed to giving orders. Normally, she only speaks in whispers, but she can talk like this too, huh? After a while of fussing behind the gate, it slowly opens. Although it’s haphazardly made, it seems quite sturdy. Surprisingly, it’s quite heavy to move. I doubt I could open it alone. When the gate fully opens, a short, elderly man with a stiff expression emerges.
“I’m village chief Mars of the village. Welcome, everyone.”
“I’d like to hear what you have to say immediately, but first, I’d like to put down our belongings. Could you show us?”
“Of course, this way—”
We obediently follow behind Marie. The villagers glance at us from a distance. They all seem to be in decent physical condition, but they all have uniformly grim faces. The situation might be more serious than I thought. I couldn’t tell from outside the gate, but the village is smaller than I imagined. There are about 200 people here. Although it faces the sea, there seems to be no dock in the village due to the rocky cliffs. The main source of income seems to be unrelated to the sea. I was hoping we could eat fish, but it seems impossible now. What a pity.
“You’ll be staying here. Meals will be brought to you from the village day and night. Would you like to rest for a while?”
“No… what about Bonus?”
“I’m fine. Let’s hear what they have to say.”
I’m a little tired, but I can listen to their story. I actually feel annoyed at the rather dilapidated hut we were led to. Perhaps we’re not very welcome here. Where should the seven of us sleep…?
“Then this way, please.”
“Yes. Can we also have some food prepared?”
“Understood.”
We are led to a building that seems to be village chief Mars’ house. This building is also quite dilapidated. It seems that it’s not that we’re not welcome, but rather that the village itself is in quite a dire situation. Village chief Mars looks around anxiously, rubbing his hands together nervously.
“You might have already heard to some extent, but I will tell you about the current situation of the village.”
“Yes, please.”
“To put it modestly, we’re at our limit.”
Honestly, I came here half out of curiosity, but it seems like we’re in for quite a predicament…