Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 61: From North to South
After confirming Duke Ziemeld and the rescued knights had recovered, our volunteer force followed Lionel south along the Ureri River toward the royal capital.
Lionel’s former subordinates who rushed from the capital had made us a considerable company.
An old road followed the river south. Despite concern that the wet season would ruin it, the surface remained surprisingly stable and our careful march proceeded smoothly.
“Strange. I haven’t seen any trace of the Undead Mud.”
On the fourth evening after leaving Ziemeld’s capital, Gilbert returned from scouting and murmured as we made camp.
We had found and destroyed several medium-sized undead beasts apparently released from the barrier. Young Knights of Ziemeld voluntarily followed in support. Yet the Undead Mud itself remained absent.
“Perhaps the rain simply swept it straight downriver.”
“Wouldn’t that carry it through the royal capital, across the southern neighboring country, and into the sea?”
“A large wetland lies northeast of the capital. During the wet season, the Ureri River floods and the marsh acts as a retention basin. The current probably slows around the capital.”
Lionel and the mercenaries discussed grimly.
“Perhaps we should reach the capital as quickly as possible,” Lionel said.
The journey ordinarily required approximately ten days. Their larger numbers, however, complicated the supply of food and horses.
Hurrying would require many replacement horses, not merely one or two, as well as enough food.
On the fifth morning, sudden noise filled the camp as a merchant caravan arrived. Since no one, including Lionel, knew its purpose, tension rose.
A towering elderly gentleman descended from the lead wagon. At the sight of him, Lionel sighed in relief.
“Sir Lionel, it’s been a while.”
“Goliath… how did you find us here?”
“Never underestimate a merchant’s information network. Conditions in the royal capital are unsettling, and I’ve been seeking you. I brought everything you require.”
The old gentleman smiled gently, as though he had foreseen every need.
He approached, his gaze fixed upon Dolph.
“…I have long wished to meet you. My name is Goliath, an arms dealer from the royal capital.”
Goliath knelt and saluted like a knight. Despite his imposing face and powerful build, he looked like a child discovering treasure.
“The arms dealer. I’ve heard rumors about you.”
Dolph extended his hand with a broad smile. They clasped hands, and although they had never met, they resembled old friends reunited.
The caravan offered its cargo as food for the force and carried additional weapons, armor, and daily necessities.
The merchants’ network even supplied spare horses. Their thoughtfulness astonished Gilbert, me, and everyone else.
“Wonderful! Lionel and the old man’s fine characters must have drawn this reward.”
Barbara whispered happily.
Goliath greeted Barbara and the rest of us, then ordered his followers to bring forward the weapon chests.
“I believe you’re a guiding magic user. I have one humble request as an arms dealer: please bestow even a small blessing upon the weapons that will accompany you.”
Barbara turned toward me with mischievous inspiration.
“An excellent idea. Let’s do it together, Flora. Bring every weapon we have.”
“What about me? Isn’t there anything I can do?”
When Gilbert cried out in a lonely voice for some reason, Barbara laughed.
“You should pray too—and make more wish buttons.”
When Barbara told him that, Gilbert seemed happy to be relied on.
The unexpected supplies felt like another powerful ally. I had more to accomplish before reaching the capital. If I kept moving, perhaps I could blow away my unease.