Since the vacation began, we packed our bags and left Arcane.
“But where is our destination?”
“North.”
“…And why are we going there?”
“I don’t know either. They just said to meet there.”
This mission was a request from the Church to Arcane for cooperation.
There are plenty of capable paladins in the Church, so I don’t know why they specifically chose me.
‘They’re such strict people. I wonder if it’s just suffocating.’
The Saintess wouldn’t be traveling alone.
She’d probably bring along a few paladins or priests.
Regardless of Vanice’s doctor.
“Let’s go, we need to head to the teleportation circle right away.”
Since we didn’t have the luxury of taking our time, we took a carriage straight to the teleportation circle.
“Confirmed. Please wait a moment.”
The building managing the teleportation circle is controlled by the Magic Tower.
Of course, since it’s a place that can reach the heart of the Empire, the security is intense.
After the mutual coexistence agreement between the Magic Tower and the Empire, they became inseparable friends.
You could say they’ve become a relationship where they use each other’s advancements.
Anyway, the most important places in the Empire are the capital where the royal family resides and the locations with teleportation circles.
With teleportation circles, places become crucial for supply, support, combat, etc., so protecting them is the top priority in any situation.
That’s why, when we met Narvan before, everyone—citizens, mages, and guards—gathered around.
“What about the payment…”
“Ah! Just charge it to Arcane. Under Dean Vestian’s name.”
I slightly waved Vestian’s seal at the mage.
“Understood.”
He bowed deeply.
‘Even those high-nosed mages are bowing.’
This is the first time I’ve seen such an attitude from them while using the teleportation circle.
They’re usually unfriendly, finding all sorts of excuses, but now they’re responding immediately.
‘Power really is something.’
Vestian is a legitimate member of the royal family.
Though he’s more famous for other things now, his roots are exceptional.
Plus, he holds the position of Dean at Arcane, so that says it all.
The seal he gave me is like a credit card.
A black card with no limit.
‘If I’m being dragged along, they should cover the expenses.’
That’s why I plan to travel in a bit more luxury this time.
Expensive lodgings, expensive food.
Just hearing about it is exciting.
‘And maybe even get a couple of pieces of armor.’
If I claim it’s necessary for assisting the Saintess, they’ll probably let it slide.
“Ugh…”
“Go ahead, get it all out.”
Even with divine blood, motion sickness is unavoidable.
We’ve been using the teleportation circle twice a day, moving quickly.
Ian, who isn’t used to it, has been throwing up all day.
‘I was like that at first too.’
It’s still uncomfortable, but I’ve adapted enough to endure it.
“Wow, it’s a bit chilly even though it’s summer.”
After two days of travel, we arrived at the city.
It was ‘Betar’ in the north.
A barren land, but one where people have established their own way of life.
Even though it’s the height of summer, the wind here is still cold.
‘If we’re going out at night, we’ll need to buy some clothes.’
During the day, it was bearable, but at night, the cold was unbearable for summer.
“It’s already been two hours, when are they… Oh, there they come.”
Long after the scheduled time, Vanice finally appeared in the distance, waving as she approached.
‘But why is she wearing a robe…?’
Isn’t this an official mission as the Saintess?
If so, there’s no need to hide her identity like that.
“Sorry, it took a while.”
She pulled the robe tighter, as if worried someone might recognize her.
“It’s fine, Saintess. Let’s go inside and talk.”
“…..”
“Saintess?”
Vanice seemed to have something to say, fidgeting with her mouth.
Seeing her like that, I looked around and suddenly realized something was off.
“…Where are all the guards?”
“There was a situation.”
“Don’t tell me you were attacked? If so, we need to request support immediately…”
“No, no. It’s not like that, so don’t worry.”
As I made a gesture to contact through a crystal orb, she urgently stopped me, pulling me to a quiet place to talk.
.
.
.
.
.
.
“…So you just ditched the guards and ran off—”
“Ahem. There was a good reason, so don’t be too harsh.”
“Sigh, Saintess. Your safety is the Empire’s safety. Please be more aware of who you are.”
There’s a reason I’m scolding Vanice like this.
She’s the Saintess, after all. She came all the way to the barren north without a single guard.
And she deliberately ditched them.
When I asked why, she said she wanted to travel freely for once.
‘I can understand that feeling, but…’
Before the special unit for demon subjugation was formed, she only moved under the Church’s orders.
Almost like a puppet.
Given her position as the Saintess, it’s natural to think she has responsibilities, but…
Raised by the Church since childhood, she’s never even seen fireworks.
She once said she wanted to live in a quiet village and farm after defeating the demon.
‘Sigh, this is going to be troublesome for us too.’
The Church must be in chaos with the Saintess missing, but if I send word that she’s safe, it should be fine.
…Probably.
“Saintess, are you asking us to turn a blind eye to this?”
“Yes. Please.”
She must know how unreasonable her request is.
That’s why she’s asking us, mere students, like this.
“Sigh…”
“We’ll meet the Church priests stationed at the destination anyway, so just bear with it for a few days.”
“Alright… For now, it’s late, so let’s rest.”
“Okay. I’ve already found a place to stay, so just follow me.”
Vanice smiled brightly and kept bowing her head in thanks.
We were flustered and told her to stop, but she said it was just her way of expressing gratitude.
“So, is this it? Really?”
“Yes. The food here is the best.”
Vanice led us to a shabby inn with a nearly broken sign.
The spiderwebs on the roof made it clear it wasn’t a great place.
“But how do you know the food is good? I heard this is your first time coming north.”
“…Well, I heard about it from someone. They said it’s away from the bustling areas, so it’s quiet and the food is good.”
“I see… Alright.”
Click.
Stammering and with slightly red ears, it looked like she was lying, but we had no choice but to play along.
Unlike noble kids, we’ve been through the wringer, so we didn’t feel much discomfort.
‘But when did she really come here?’
Vanice truly hadn’t been to the north before this.
Before the magic taint, she used to look at paintings of the northern landscape and genuinely regret not seeing it in person, so her words were true.
The food here was really good for the price.
Comfortable enough that if we ever came back, we’d definitely visit again.
‘The outside may look run-down, but the inside is fine.’
After paying and stepping outside, we decided to gather the necessary items for our destination.
“It’s a shame there’s no teleportation circle here.”
“It’s not too far. About three days on horseback.”
“A carriage… wouldn’t make it.”
“Right. We’d have to go around a long way.”
First, we’ll need camping gear for the trip.
We’ll have to sleep outdoors, so we need quite a few things.
From tents to heating tools, dried rations, and emergency supplies just in case.
‘It’s not urgent, so no need to waste energy rushing.’
It’s just a simple mission. Vanice will show her face and encourage the local citizens.
There shouldn’t be any real danger.
‘As long as those guys aren’t around.’
We have Ian as insurance, but…
I just hope we don’t run into those vile creatures from the Abyss.