Chapter 61. From North to South

　After confirming that Duke Ziemeld and the rescued knights had recovered, our party, led by Lionel, followed the Uleri River, heading south towards the royal capital as a volunteer force.

　We have become quite a large group, including Lionel’s former subordinates who rushed over from the royal capital to join us.

　Along the Uleri River there is an old road leading to the royal capital, and while carefully checking our surroundings, we moved south. There were concerns that the road would be rough as the rainy season began, but the road was surprisingly stable, and fortunately the march proceeded smoothly.

“It’s weird, though. I haven’t seen any signs of the undead slime…”

　It was the fourth day since we left the capital of Ziemeld. As we were preparing to set up camp as the sun was setting, Gilbert, who had just returned from checking his surroundings, tilted his head and muttered to himself.

　Along the way, we spotted several medium-sized slimes that seemed to have been released from the barrier, and we defeated them. The young knights of the Ziemeld Knights have voluntarily followed behind to provide support. However, there was no sign of the undead slime in question.

“maybe it just  flowed straight down the river due to the rain, I suppose…”

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t the water pass through the royal capital, go through the neighboring country to the south, and then flow to the sea?”

“No, there is a large wetland to the north-east of the royal capital, though. During the rainy season, the Uleri River floods, and that wetland functions as a retention area. So, it’s likely that the river’s flow slows down around the royal capital…”

Lionel and the mercenaries had serious looks on their faces as they discussed this.

“Perhaps we should hurry to the royal capital as quickly as possible,” Lionel said, thinking aloud.

　Lord Lionel was thinking with his arms folded. It would take about ten days to travel from the capital of Ziemeld to the royal capital. However, with the number of people marching increasing, there were problems with securing supplies and horses

Of course, food supply was a concern, and if we hurry, we’d need to replace some of the horses along the way. However, this would not be an easy task, especially since it’s not just one or two horses…

　However, on the morning of the fifth day, the camp suddenly became noisy. A group of wagons from a merchant caravan arrived to our doorstep. Since no one there, including Lord Lionel, had any idea what they were about, tension ran high.

　An old gentleman, tall enough you had to look up at, got out of the lead wagon of the merchant caravan. Seeing him, Sir Lionel let out a sigh of relief.

“Sir Lionel, it’s been a while.”

“Goliath… how did you find us here?”

“You should not underestimate the information network of us merchants. After all, things have been unsettling in the royal capital… I have been searching for your whereabouts. I have gathered everything you need.”

　The elderly gentleman, who seemed to know  Sir Lionel, smiled gently as he spoke as if he had foreseen everything.

　Then the old gentleman raised his head and came towards us. His gaze was fixed straight on what seemed to be Mr. Dolph.

“…I’ve always wanted to meet you. This is the first time we’ve met. My name is Goliath, a merchant from the royal capital.”

　With that, Mr. Goliath knelt on the ground and saluted him like a knight. Although he was a tall, well-built man with a stern face, for some reason, he looked like a child who had found a precious treasure.

“The arms dealer. I’ve heard rumors about you.”

　As Dolph said this, he held out his hand with a big smile on his face. The two men shook hands firmly, and although they had never met before, judging from their earlier greeting, they looked as if they were old friends reuniting.

　The caravan’s cargo was to be provided as is as food for the troops, and a variety of other items were available as well, including additional weapons, armor, and even daily necessities.

　Through the merchants’ network of contacts, they were also able to provide spare horses. Both Gilbert and I were stunned at their thoughtfulness. The knights, mercenaries, Lord Sydney, and the clergy were all astonished.

“score! This must be the result of Lionel and the old man’s good character, huh?”

　Barbara whispered happily.

　Lord Goliath turned towards us, greeted Barbara and us once again, and then called out to his followers to carry the box containing the weapons.

” I believe you are a Guide wizard…. This is a modest request from an arms dealer. Please give even a little blessing to the weapons that will be with you and the others from now on.”

　Hearing this, Barbara turned to me with a look on her face as if she had suddenly thought of a mischievous idea.

“Yes. That’s a great idea. Let’s do it together, Flora. Let’s take all the weapons we have now.”

“…What about me? Don’t you have anything for me to do?”

　When Gilbert cried out in a lonely voice for some reason, Barbara laughed.

“You should pray too! And it would be a good idea to make some extra wish buttons.”

　When Barbara told him that, Gilbert seemed happy to be relied on.

　With the unexpected supply of supplies, I feel like we have gained another powerful ally. There are more things I can do before we reach the royal capital. It feels like if I keep moving, I can blow away any uneasy feelings.

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