Chapter 31: Expedition part 1

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Translator: Soafp

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Breakfast on the day of the expedition.

Since we had an early start for the expedition, only Father, Mother, me, El, and Ashera were present.

I glanced at Ashera, still bothered by last night’s events, but she seemed completely normal. It felt foolish to be concerned only about it…

I refocused and began eating breakfast. When everyone finished eating, Father started talking.

“Well, it’s finally time for the expedition. How’s everyone feeling?”

“No issues here.”

“””No issues at all.”””

“Alright, I won’t say much more, but I hope you all return safely.”

“Understood.”

“””Understood.”””

After responding to Father’s words, I got up from my seat and checked my equipment. For armor, I wore a leather-based armor with reinforced iron called Brigandine to avoid excessive weight.

My weapons were two short swords borrowed from the Knight Order’s arsenal. Nothing special about them. I also had a spare knife tucked into my right shin and left thigh.

All that was left was a backpack with two days’ worth of emergency rations and survival gear, along with a water flask hanging from my waist. The total weight would be around 30 kg. Without the use of body enhancement, it would be an impossible burden for a child.

El wore the same Brigandine as me, carrying a one-handed sword and a shield. Mother and Ashera were dressed in robes. Mother had a staff, and Ashera wore gauntlets.

“Everything seems to be in order. Let’s depart.”

“””Yes.”””

In response to Mother’s command, we left the mansion.

The road to the training grounds, though familiar to walk, felt strangely difficult. It was probably due to the weight of the Brigandine and the baggage.

Looking at El, equipped with a one-handed sword and a shield, he seemed to be struggling more than me. On the contrary, Mother and Ashera, in their robe attire, moved with light steps.

El and I exchanged glances, both letting out a wry smile.

We arrived at the training grounds in no time.

There were about a hundred knights and mages gathered. It was unclear how many of them were joining the expedition, but it was evident that it was a considerable force.

Mother approached a mage.

“Commander, it’s been a while. I apologize for intruding this time. We’ll be careful not to get in the way, so please take care of us.”

“Having the Lady say such things makes me feel humbled. Please, no need for formalities.”

“…”

“…”

They exchanged a somewhat awkward smile.

“Alright, let’s drop the formalities. Is that fine, Nii-san?”

“Yeah, it’s been a while, Rafi.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, Ice Witch.”

“I told you not to call me like that.”

“You are right. I did it again.”

(Mother started speaking so familiarly with someone other than Father. And did she just say “Nii-san” now?）

“Let me introduce them. These are my sons, Aldo and Elphus, and my disciple, Ashera.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Aldo.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Elphus.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Ashera.”

“This is my brother Grano.”

“I’m Grano. Nice to meet you.”

“””Nice to meet you.”””

“Well, it’s about time. Rafi, let’s catch up later.”

“Got it. Commander.”

Grano raised his hand in farewell and left.

After a while, knights and mages started to line up. We positioned ourselves at the back to avoid getting in the way.

The tension in the air made it clear that this was a military organization.

Father, Commander Grano, and Knight Commander Halva appeared on the stage in front.

There would be a long speech from here. Do we sit and listen? I wonder if someone will collapse like during the whole school assembly… Engaging in these idle thoughts, the atmosphere suddenly erupted with cheers.

Surprised, I looked around, and everyone was cheering for Father on the stage. They must have been moved by his words.

However, I hadn’t heard anything… grappling with an indescribable feeling, I continued to listen to the remaining words.

With everyone else’s morale at its peak, the departure ceremony concluded.

The departure ceremony concluded, and Commander Grano returned once again. It seemed he was going to introduce the leader of the provisional unit we would be assigned to.

The leader was a mage, a senior to Mother in the Mage Division, and a woman who appeared to be a bit older than Mother.

“Rafina, it’s been a while.”

“Long time no see, Captain Laila.”

“Are these your children?”

“Yes, from the right, my sons Aldo, Elphus, and my disciple Ashera.”

“Rafina, having such grown-up children… when will my spring come… mumble mumble.”

The captain squatted down and began to draw the character “の” with a stick on the ground.

“Captain, Captain Laila!”

When Mother called out loudly, the captain looked surprised and turned towards us.

“Ahem. Excuse me.”

“No problem. Captain, it’s been a while.”

“I’ll explain the arrangement.”

“Yes.”

“Rafina and her team will operate as an independent unit.”

“Yes.”

“In principle, stay away so you won’t get in the way of the other units.”

“Understood.”

I must have shown dissatisfaction with those words.

“Oh, Aldo-kun, you seem dissatisfied.”

“Yes. I was hoping to gain some practical experience…”

“Practical experience, huh? Have you ever killed a living being?”

“Well, technically…”

“Not just insects, I hope?”

“When I was five, I was kidnapped, and at that time, I fought one-on-one with someone.”

“Hyuuh”

Surprised, Captain Laila whistled once.

“At the age of 5, you experienced a one-on-one battle and emerged victorious. That’s quite an accomplishment.”

“The opponent was just an ordinary person without body enhancement.”

“Even so. A 5-year-old winning a one-on-one against an adult is impressive. I like it. I’ll let you be the vanguard.”

“The vanguard?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you explain, Captain.”

“The vanguard is the one who attacks first in an expedition. Normally, it’s done by the unit leader, but this time it was my turn. I’ll let you have it.”

“Is that okay?”

Laila then turned to Mother.

“Is that okay, Rafina?”

“Hmm…”

“Can he use a variety of magic?”

“He can use a fair amount, but…”

“Then it’s settled. Aldo-kun, attack with your strongest move as the vanguard.”

“My strongest move… and it’s settled as the vanguard?”

“There are no strict rules. Just unleash the most powerful attack you have!”

“Understood!”

Captain Laila looked at me with a carnivorous smile. And so, it was decided that I would participate in combat as the vanguard.

The journey to the Demon’s Forest was on foot. There were several carriages lined up, mainly used for transporting supplies, but everyone walked.

The return carriages, lacking supplies but carrying casualties and injured soldiers, were considered ominous to ride on, so very few chose to do so.

In the midst of that, Captain Laila rode on the back of one of the carriages.

“Why don’t you guys ride too?”

I glanced at Mother.

“Captain, we are already burdens, and we can’t afford to cause any more trouble.”

“Rafina, you’re as stiff as ever.”

While they exchanged words, the carriages suddenly stopped in a square area designated for the lunch break.

To the right of the square, the Demon’s Forest stretched out, and it was a place where monsters could appear at any moment. The planned campsite was another 2-3 hours away, and after this break, there would be no more rest until we reached there.

“Let’s take a break.”

At Mother’s words, we looked for a spot to sit.

Meals were basic, consisting of dried meat and hard black bread. Occasionally, there would be cheese and roasted beans. These were distributed, and we had to go to the designated carriages to get them during mealtime.

“Mother, I’ll go get our meals, so save us a spot. El, let’s go.”

“Understood. I’ll be waiting with Ashera.”

“Got it. Nii-sama.”

When El and I went to get our meals, many people were already lined up in front of the carriages.

“Uwaa, there are so many…”

To get a meal, it seemed you had to line up in one of the four queues and wait for your turn. We chose the line in front, thinking it had the fewest people.

“Oi…” “Why…” “Seriously…” “Can’t be helped…”

As we were talking about today’s events, the people in front of us murmured something in a low voice and moved to other lines. In less than a minute, everyone who was in front of us had disappeared, leaving us with unfriendly glares.

“Sorry, everyone. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

I realized what had happened and apologized loudly to everyone before leaving the spot. I decided that next time, I would approach the carriages from behind to avoid causing any more trouble.

With meals for four, I returned to the square where Mother and Ashera were waiting.

“El, are you tired?”

“I’m fine, Nii-sama.”

“Since you’re carrying a shield too, aren’t you really tired? Want me to carry some of the load?”

“I’m really okay. I can use body enhancement magic too.”

“I see. If you get tired, let me know.”

“Understood.”

While conversing with El, a sudden alarm whistle echoed.

Something had happened, and I stood up. Captain Laila quickly approached.

“The vanguard’s job came sooner than expected.”

“The vanguard. Is it monsters?”

“Yes. Let’s go. Follow me.”

“Yes.”

I followed Captain Laila, and Mother, El, and Ashera followed me.

Captain Laila led us in the direction of the alarm whistle and stopped when we reached the edge of the Demon’s Forest.

“Where are the enemies? How many? What’s the distance?”

“Uh, who are you?”

“Hurry up! Answer me!”

“Yes! The enemies are goblins, about 30 of them, and the distance is approximately 300 yards. We expect to engage them in less than 5 minutes.”

“Understood. You go report to the Knights. Laila, the leader of Expeditionary Force Third Unit, will be the vanguard to stop the enemy.”

“Understood. Good luck!”

The lookout ran off to report to the Knights. It seemed he was heading to inform the Expeditionary Force about our situation.

The people around us also began forming a line behind us.

1 minute… 2 minutes… 3 minutes… I could see them!

Waiting patiently, the front of the enemy became visible.

“Alright, Aldo-kun, as the vanguard, I’m counting on you.”

“Yes!”

“When I give the signal, unleash your best move!”

“Yes, I understand!”

As the entire enemy group gradually came into view, Captain Laila shouted.

“Now!”

I readied my short swords and dashed forward.

From behind,

“Eh?” “What?” “Why?” “The brat is in the way, and I can’t cast magic!”

I heard some complaints, but I ignored them. I charged into the goblin horde alone.