Chapter 30: Night before the expedition

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Translator: Soafp

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The evening before the expedition:

“Al, El, Ashera, are you all prepared for the expedition starting tomorrow?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Yes, Joshua-sama.”

Father appeared relieved upon hearing our responses.

“Rafi, would you mind going over the details for tomorrow?”

“Of course, I can do that.”

It seemed Father wanted to confirm tomorrow’s plans with Mother.

“Tomorrow, we’ll assemble at the training grounds at 7 AM. You will give us a pep talk there.”

“A pep talk… I’ll prepare a good speech, Rafi.”

“In the expedition team, we’ll be assigned to the Mage Division. I’m returning to my old unit, but you kids will be provisional members, I suppose.”

“Ultimately, you’re coming with us, Rafi…”

“Yes, that’s right. I can’t bear the thought of sending just the children alone.”

“I do wish I could go as well…”

“We’ve discussed this already. Leave it to me.”

“Understood. Rafi…”

Mother turned to us.

“We will be positioned in the rear. We won’t engage in battles unless absolutely necessary, but we should act as if we are prepared to fight.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Yes, Master.”

Mother nodded, satisfied with our responses, and then addressed Father.

The overall plan is as follows: on the first day, we’ll reach the outer edge of the forest, where we’ll set up camp. On the 2nd to 4th days, we’ll divide the unit into four teams and thin out the monster population.

“If everything goes well, we’ll withdraw on the 5th day…”

“Yes.”

“However, we’ve set aside three extra days as a contingency, so there’s a possibility we might withdraw on the 8th day.”

“I hope you return quickly.”

“It will take another day to return, making it a 5-8 day schedule.”

“There haven’t been any changes to the plan we discussed previously.”

“That’s correct. Our preparations are in order. As for the Knight Division and the Mage Division, I can’t say.”

“That’s the job of the Knight Commander and the Mage Commander. They should be making good progress.”

“Yes.”

“Please take care of yourselves.”

“We’ll be fine. I won’t let a single scratch happen to Al and the others.”

“Rafi, I’m counting on you to come back unharmed as well.”

“I understand.”

“Any messages from Clara or Marl?”

Father inquired about those staying behind.

“Dear Mother, Al, El, Ashera, please come back safely…”

“You can rest assured, Clara.”

“Don’t worry, Clara. When we return, we’ll share some exciting stories.”

“I’ll be careful out there, Clara.”

“I’ll protect everyone, so don’t worry.”

“I’m the only one staying behind, and it’s a bit hard for me, but please, everyone, come back safely.”

“We’ve talked about this a lot, haven’t we? Marl is my apprentice, but her focus isn’t on combat. She’s attending the academy to become a healing mage, and that’s perfectly fine.”

“Marl, Mom is right. Stand tall with confidence.”

“You’re worrying too much. What’s wrong with being a healing mage? In fact, willingly pursuing that arduous path is truly admirable.”

“Marl should have more confidence. Just give it your all in what you can do.”

Marl lowered her head and began trembling.

“Thank you… Sniff… Really… Thank you… Sniff.”

Marl must have been moved by everyone’s kindness. While crying, she was expressing her gratitude with all her heart.

When the atmosphere in the room had calmed down, Father stood up.

“Well, it’s early tomorrow, so let’s all get some rest tonight. As planned, Ashera will stay the night, so Roland, please escort her to the guest room.”

“Of course.”

With that, dinner came to an end, and everyone began to go about their respective tasks.

I lay on my bed, thinking about the day ahead.

(Is it just an observation mission…? I wish there were a way to get some real combat experience…)

I pondered if there was any possible way to experience combat but couldn’t come up with any solutions. Just as I was deep in thought, I heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Ashera peeked her head inside.

“Ashera, what’s up?”

“I’d like to talk for a moment…”

“Sure, come in.”

“Okay. I apologize for intruding…”

Ashera timidly entered the room. Her appearance in pajamas was different from usual, and it sparked inappropriate thoughts, but I quickly suppressed them. I invited Ashera to sit on a chair, and I sat on the bed.

“So, what’s on your mind?”

“I just couldn’t sleep…”

“Are you nervous?”

“Nervous… Yes, I think so…”

“Even you get nervous sometimes.”

“Aldo, that’s rude. I get nervous too.”

“I see. I’m sorry. My bad.”

“It’s fine…”

“Is there something you’re worried about?”

“Worried… I might be… I have this feeling that something challenging is about to happen.”

“Is there something specific bothering you?”

“Not really…”

“I see. Then you’ll be fine.”

“Is that so?”

“Even if something happens, I’ll protect Mother, El, and of course you too.”

“Protect…”

“Yeah, I’ll protect you.”

“Cheeky…”

“Hmm?”

“Aldo, you’re cheeky for being younger.”

“Oh, come on.”

“I’ll protect.”

“Ashera…”

“I’ll protect everyone.”

“Is that so? Well, then, I’ll count on you.”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

Ashera replied with a confident expression. Her face had completely shed the anxious look she had earlier and now displayed a radiant sunflower-like smile. Afterward, we engaged in aimless conversation, discussing the events of tomorrow, the upcoming expedition, El and Marl, and our plans for the future.

“It’s about time to return to my room.”

“Right, can you sleep now?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Okay, good night.”

“Sure, good night.”

As Ashera was about to leave the room, she suddenly stopped.

“What’s wrong?”

“…”

“What is it?”

“Thank you. Thank you for listening.”

“Sure, I’ll listen to anything.”

“Aldo… You’re kind, and I… I like you.”

“O-ou, thanks.”

“Good night…”

With those words, Ashera returned to her room. I lay on the bed, staring into the empty air.

(What was that just now? Gratitude? A confession from a twelve-year-old? I don’t get it…)

Now, it was my turn to be restless, unable to fall asleep.