Kays Translations

Chapter 13: Departure Day

"Kati, I'll be away from here for a while starting tomorrow. You'll be acting Guild Master."

"Huh?"

After finishing all the meetings, I returned to the branch manager's office and immediately handed over work to Kati.

Standing in front of Kati, who was frozen in shock, I patted her shoulders and smiled.

"I've been instructed by Saran to go to the capital. I'm scheduled to return in two months."

"Huh? You're kidding, right? There's no way I can be acting Guild Master during that time!"

"No, you can handle it."

I'm aware that it's an unreasonable request, but it's also my honest opinion.

During the chaotic times of the establishment of the "Pioneer City" and the "New Town," she managed everything alone, even though I and Rolo assisted her. Now that we have excellent staff, she should be able to handle it without any problems. At least, it's unlikely that my absence for two months will cause any issues.

"It'll be fine. The adventurers already trust you enough, and there are competent guild staff members."

"But you see, I... I may be called the Chief Secretary now, but originally, I was just a receptionist."

"But that's not the case anymore, right?"

Indeed, things are different now.

She's become the kind of woman I like—someone with guts. Despite her protests, she never runs away or gives up. Perhaps my trust in her has been conveyed, as Kati sighs softly and nods.

"I understand now. If it's Saran's instruction, it must be something important."

"Sorry for leaving you in charge for a while. But I can only rely on you for this."

"Your way of saying it is sly, you know? Geez."

I deliberately accept Kati's attempt at a hug.

I'll have to put off her excessive physical affection for a while.

"Please bring me a souvenir from the capital."

"Sure. What do you want?"

"I'll leave it up to you. And don't forget to treat me to a drink."

"Got it. When I come back."

After lightly returning the embrace, I pat Kati's back gently.

The next time we meet will be in spring.

It wouldn't hurt to have some time to remember each other's warmth.

...Saran warned me about this, but let's say he forgives me for this much.

"I've already racked up a tab of at least one barrel of sake, you know?"

"It's not that much. But, well... since you insist, I'll buy you a bottle of delicious and expensive wine from the capital. So, consider it forgiven."

"Not a bad proposal. In return, I'll prepare some snacks. There's plenty of delicious food in rural city Hilte."

Kati chuckles softly in my arms.

It seems my attempt to cheer her up has worked.

"At times like this, shouldn't we at least share a kiss or something?"

"Hey hey, I'm not so innocent that a kiss would satisfy me, you know."

"You always say that, but you never make a move, do you, Jurg?"

Responding to the cute provocation, I gently touched my lips to Kati's forehead.

Kati, momentarily surprised and frozen, quickly blushed and then playfully laughed.

"Geez. Why kiss my forehead of all places? Are you being a gentleman or just chicken?"

"I'll tell you when I get back."

"Jurg, you always evade like that."

While saying this, Kati clings tightly to me.

Her sweet scent causes a slight loss of reason.

If it weren't for Saran's warning, things might have gotten dangerous.

"Take care on your journey."

"Sure thing."

We hold each other for a while longer, reluctant to part ways.

After gathering enough strength, I wave lightly to Kati and leave the branch manager's office.

◆◆◆◆

The next morning.

Thomson arranged horses for our journey, and we emerged onto the familiar road through the repaired Malhas Arch.

Fimia was riding Gregure as usual, and the white-scaled running lizard Raptor seemed unusually happy.

"It's been a while since I traveled on horseback, so I’m a little nervous.”.

“It's like we're traveling from one end of the kingdom to the other."

I nod at Rolo and lightly stroke the chestnut-haired horse's neck.

This horse that Thomson prepared for me is a large cavalry horse, and it seems to be a breed that is also used as a military horse.

She didn't freak out even when I approached her, so we must be pretty compatible

"Yeah, and we're enhancing the horses with magic again for this journey. Our first destination is the Advante, right Saran?” 

“Yes. Then we'll head to the capital via the northwest road."

The Adventurer City is also a trading hub located in the central part of the kingdom.

It's the most reliable route to aim for first.

Besides, we want to gather some information along the way.

The "culling" that was mentioned might not be limited to unexplored areas.

If that's the case, then we can't avoid stopping at Advante which gathers information from all over the world.

"It would be convenient if we had a 'Transcontinental Railway.'"

"Yeah, I'd like to ride it at least once."

"To make that happen, you'll have to work hard. Because everything requires money."

While I'm dreaming, Saran adds a dose of reality.

I glance back at Fimia, who is riding Gregure instead of a horse.

"How is it? Are you okay?"

"Gregure!"

"It seems he's fine."

Fimia gave a small smile to Gregure who was full of enthusiasm.

I nod at the picturesque pair and then turn my gaze to Rolo.

"I'll need snow-walking and stamina-enhancing magic for both the horses and Gregure."

"Okay, got it."

Rolo waves his fingers from side to side, emitting a faint phosphorescence.

It's a flawless magic without any chanting or wavering, as always.

Even Saran narrows his eyes at Rolo's exceptional magic.

"I also cast the spell <Cold Resistance> for cold protection."

"Alright, thanks. Then our first destination is Hilte. We'll arrive before sunset."

Everyone nods at my words and starts moving forward.

The road we once traveled to return to our hometown is now taking us westward through the kingdom.

Under the morning sun illuminating the snow, our journey to the capital, Surdina, begins.

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