kscans

1

Where to hunt demonic beasts? The obvious answer is Pakula territory. However, it takes a hundred days to go there and back. Moreover, it is not enough to just return here, as one must also go to the Goriora Empire, which requires an additional thirty days. For safety in case of bad weather, an extra ten days would be ideal.

The Frontier Martial Arts Tournament will be held next April, and the representative will be decided in January. The deadline for bringing back the head of a demonic beast is the last day of this year, October 42nd. Today is August 13th, so there are only 129 days left. In other words, it is impossible to go to Pakula and return in time. Furthermore, even if one arrives in Pakula, they must find and defeat a demonic beast without being discovered by the Tercia family’s retainers. It’s impossible.

Perhaps it would be better to cross the Great Barrier.

If one goes straight east from here, they will reach the Great Barrier in about ten to fifteen days. If they cross it and go to the other side, it is a secret place where demonic beasts roam.

No, it’s still impossible. That wall cannot be crossed.

The Great Barrier has a vertical wall face that is about a thousand steps high. Although grass and trees grow on it, they do not have strong roots, and it would be reckless to climb up and down with armor and weapons. However, wandering around here is pointless. Where should one go? At that moment, a terrible idea came to Bard’s mind.

Wait a minute. What did Jameen’s hero Yemite say? Demonic beasts are not uncommon around here.

If it is the residence of the Tessler clan, it will be about a third of the distance to Pakula. It is unknown whether permission from Jameen can be obtained, but it is worth a try. It is not sane to enter the area occupied by demi-humans and hunt, especially on this side of the Great Barrier. They consider demonic beasts to be animals inhabited by their ancestors’ spirits, so it is even more so. However, it is possible to try. If necessary, they can fight the so-called spirit beasts again. While thinking about this, Jurchaga, who was out on business, returned and said in a slightly anxious tone.

“Sorry. I should have come back a little earlier. This hut is surrounded.”

2

The opponents came from the village. Three knights and six squires, as well as ten foot soldiers. The squires have spears, and the foot soldiers have bows and arrows. Unfortunately, the horses were left with the village chief to graze, so they cannot escape on foot even if they break through the back wall of the hut and flee into the forest. Doriatessa is wearing her usual plate armor, so her running speed is slow.

They are the pursuers that Doriatessa mentioned. However, she thought they would not attack if she was in the village.

When Doriatessa decided to go hunting demonic beasts beyond Ova, Princess Elsa, the older sister of Princess Shernelia, said, “Please let me accompany you with my mother’s family’s knights.” Elsa’s mother’s family is the Vodres Marquisate, which has a brave knight order. With Doriatessa’s consent, Princess Chelneria accepted the offer. Bard wondered why they didn’t send knights from Doriatessa’s family, but there must be a reason. (t/n: shelneria or shernelia? jap should invent ‘lu’ katakana))

There was no problem until they crossed Ova. However, things became strange after they passed through the Yadobalgi Lord’s territory and entered the Bobard territory. They acted strangely and did not follow Doriatessa’s instructions. Doriatessa, who was fed up, took only two squires and one foot soldier and said she was going to investigate the rumors of demonic beasts in a northeastern village. In reality, she headed to a southeastern village. At that time, she did not suspect the Vodres knights and simply felt that the southeast was better. While investigating the area, she was attacked by the squires and foot soldiers and almost humiliated. From the words of the squires at that time, she realized that all of her companions were enemies.

This is a small village, but there are still about fifty people. If it becomes known that the Vodres Marquisate’s knights harmed Doriatessa, it will become a big problem. Therefore, she thought they would not be attacked in the village. However, they were attacked. The implications are too terrifying.

“No way.”

Doriatessa’s face is pale. And, “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice filled with regret. Doriatessa knew the number, equipment, and strength of the opposing forces. Fighting knights without horses was a disadvantage she was aware of. The difference in strength was too great to win. She knew that neither she nor the witnesses, Bard, Godon, and Jurchaga, would survive. The three of them would die with her. She apologized for involving them.

Bard signaled Doriatessa and Godon to leave the hut. He instructed Jurchaga to make noise inside the hut to make it seem like there were more people inside. The aim was to distract the enemy, who would be aware of their numbers.

There were three knights in the center, all on horseback. On either side were three squires with spears, also on horseback. The central knight wore plate armor, while the other knights and squires wore light armor. Five archers were deployed in a fan shape in front of the squires, with five on each side. They were on foot. The hut was on the outskirts of the village, with a narrow path in front of the entrance and sparse trees around it.

The formation and deployment were appropriate. After throwing their spears, the six squires would draw their long swords. The ten squires would probably move back after firing their first arrows to avoid getting in the way. They had short swords hanging from their waists. They were not given long swords because they would get in the way of their allies if they swung them. It was impressive to equip archers, who were originally considered weak, with bows. The three central knights exuded a strong aura of martial prowess. They were a group suitable for hunting demonic beasts. However, if they were to face demonic beasts, they would be at a disadvantage because the knights and squires, except for the central ones, were lightly armored. They were probably lightening their load in preparation for a pursuit in the forest. They must have brought high-defense armor separately. Indeed, it seemed that the Vodres Duke’s family had excellent warriors.

Doriatessa spoke to the attackers in a firm voice.

“Lord Heridan, Lord Olstban, Lord Messara. Do you all desire the head of a lone woman? You are all brave warriors of Vodres, none inferior to the other.”

The middle-aged knight in the center answered. Was this Heridan?

“Viscount Covrien, we do not desire your head. However, this is the way of the warrior. Be prepared.”

“Is the way of the warrior to pretend to be allies and give a female knight a love potion, then attack her like a raging beast?”

“What!?” Heridan glared at the knight next to him with an angry expression. The knight he glared at looked at Heridan briefly and said nothing, keeping a calm face. After staring at his colleague for a while, Heridan returned his gaze to Doriatessa.

“Where are those ruffians?”

“I killed them and left them.”

“That’s good. Let me ask you one thing. What color of flower should I pick in the Galdegast Ryen (Knight’s Garden), after you die? A red flower or a white flower?”

It was a confusing way of asking who to blame after death. Doriatessa was impressed by his ability to extract information from an unfavorable situation. Heridan raised his right hand and said, “Red flowers would suit you well. Get ready,” as he ordered his troops to prepare for attack. The cavalrymen readied their spear while the archers nocked their arrows. As Knight Heridan, lowered his hand, the command to attack was given. Arrows and spears flew towards them, leaving them in a dire situation.

As he listened to the exchange between Doriatessa and Heridan, Bard pondered his options. He could barricade himself in the hut to protect himself from the arrows, but the spears would easily pierce through the flimsy walls and roof. If he stayed put, he would be unable to counterattack and would be left waiting to be killed. He needed to find a way to disrupt the enemy’s well-executed semi-siege formation. If he could distract them for even a short amount of time, he could charge in and engage them in a melee. It was a risky move, but he had no other options.

Just as Heridan raised his right hand, Bard noticed a man approaching from the outskirts of the village, pushing through the crowd of villagers. The man noticed Bard as well. Bard thought to himself that this might just work.

Bard knew the man who was approaching silently like a haze.

Rollo Spear (Red Raven) Venn Urill.

3

Silently and swiftly, Venn Urill, also known as the Rollo Spear (Red Raven), attacked the three knights on the left flank. Bard saw the first knight’s arm get severed below the elbow. The knight screamed in pain, causing the attackers to turn around. Heridan missed his chance to command an attack. Bard took advantage of the opportunity and charged forward. He saw the second knight’s right side get deeply slashed. Godon Zarkos followed Bard’s lead a little later. Some archers panicked and fired their arrows, but two of them bounced off Bard’s sturdy leather armor. Bard ran past the soldiers without hesitation and ran towards the left side of the knight.

Heridan tried to swing his sword at Bard, but the knight on the left side was in the way, preventing him from attacking. The left knight had raised his sword, but was too slow to react to Bard’s movements due to Venn Urill’s attack. Bard struck the knight’s right knee with his ancient sword as he passed by. The knight was wearing a sturdy leather armor with metal reinforcements on his chest, but his knee armor seemed thin. Bard’s strike shattered the knee armor as he intended.

Bard glanced at the left flank and saw the third knight falling off his horse. Venn Urill was cutting through the left flank’s soldiers and heading towards the center. Bard decided to leave the left flank to Venn Urill and decided to go around the right wing from behind.

The sound of metal clashing echoed through the air. Godon Zarkos had struck Heridan with his hammer, sending him flying off his horse. As Bard had taught him, Godon had run to Heridan’s right side to fight him on the opposite side of his weapon. Heridan’s horse’s neck had gotten in the way, reducing the power and speed of his attack. Godon’s hammer was not very large, so he might have let his guard down. Also, Knight Heridan was the only one wearing plate armor. However, the battle hammer that Godon swing had enough power to make Bard think that even a shield would not be able to withstand it.

The knight on Heridan’s right side had raised his sword and may have struck Godon with it. Bard thought he heard a sound like that. The knight tried to attack Godon again, but Godon had already run past him. Bard ran behind the third knight towards the right flank. The knight tried to turn his horse to the right to follow Bard’s movements, but was obstructed by a tree. Bard’s ancient sword sliced deeply into the knight’s right side. Bard’s leather armor was strong enough to withstand the knight’s thrust. The leather armor craftsman, Polpo, had said that the armor had the defense of metal armor, and he was right. Bard grabbed the knight’s right hand, which was moaning in pain, and pulled him off his horse while thrusting his ancient sword into his neck.

In the distance, Doriatessa was running towards them. The sound of arrows hitting something could be heard. Bard turned around and felt a shock on his right shoulder. A squire riding a horse had charged towards him on horseback and thrust his spear downwards. Bard swung his ancient sword from left to right, cutting the squire’s right side and the base of his arm. The leather armor was weak against thrusts, but Bard’s armor was not damaged at all. The squire moaned in pain as Bard grabbed his right hand and pulled him off his horse, thrusting his ancient sword into his neck. Meanwhile, Doriatessa had knocked down the archers and was being targeted by two squires who had drawn their swords. However, the fallen squires were in the way, making it difficult for the squires to attack her. The knight on the far right turned his horse sideways and swung his sword down at Doriatessa over the head of the crouching soldier. Doriatessa dodged and twisted her body, then swung her sword down on her opponent’s right arm. Despite its slender appearance, her sword was clearly a formidable weapon, as it deeply sliced through the arm. The knight dropped his sword and held his right hand with his left. Just then, Godon Zarkos ran up from behind and struck the knight’s waist. The knight flew forward and collapsed, clinging to the horse’s neck.

Bard had been watching this scene from the side as he circled around the horse in front of him. Just as he was about to reach the last squire, the squire yelled out and fell off his horse. Venn Urill had cut off the wrist holding the reins.

The remaining soldiers had lost both their fighting ability and will to fight.

4

Bard inspected the battlefield with his sword drawn.

The first squire on the left wing had lost his right hand, but with proper treatment, he would survive. The second squire on the left flank had been cut open in the stomach and would be difficult to save. The third squire on the left wing had been stabbed in the throat and was dead. Venn Urill had done it. Looking at the horses, Bard noticed that the leather belt that secured the stirrups had been cut. This explained why the knights had fallen off their horses. He didn’t know how Venn Urill had cut the belt on the inside of the leg, but he had.

The five remaining soldiers on the left wing had only suffered minor cuts on their hands and feet and were not in critical condition.

Knight Heridan had been hit on the left side of his head with a battle hammer. The fastener had flown off, and Bard was surprised that his neck hadn’t broken. When they removed his dented helmet, he was bleeding, but it wasn’t a fatal wound. His armor was very impressive. If it weren’t for that, he would have died.

The knight that got his knee crushed by Bard was dead after being decapitated. This was probably Venn Urill as well.

The knight whose side was torn by Bardo falls from his horse and lies on his back. Blood and guts were bursting forth from his stomach, his complexion was white and trembling. He can no longer be saved. He should stop his suffering. Bard looked at Venn Urill. Venn Urill understand Bard intention. He walk softly and casually swung his sword. The knight’s head fell off.

Of the five right flank men, two had serious head and shoulder injuries, but three were unharmed. From the three knights on the right wing, one has injured his right arm and waist, but he probably won’t die. The knight whose neck Bard had cut was bleeding heavily and unconscious. He was still twitching, but he would soon pass away. The knight who had his wrist cut by Venn Urill needed immediate medical attention.

Doriatessa was still holding her bloodied sword, looking dazed. She probably didn’t understand what had happened. They were in a situation where they had to die, and she had prepared herself for it. But now that the battle was over, they were still standing, and the enemy was lying down, so it was understandable. Of the three knights who had attacked them, two were dead, and one had fainted. Of the six squires, three were dead, and three were seriously injured. They had won a decisive victory. But if they had made one mistake, they would have been the ones lying down. Venn Urill’s timely intervention had been crucial. Even so, if the enemy knights had all been wearing plate armor or if their arrows had been poisoned, their losses would have been significant.

“It would be better to tell the villagers that you’re a Viscount and explain that you had been attacked and had defended yourself. And please ask them to help treat the wounded,” Bard advised Doriatessa. Doriatessa followed his advice.

Bard had the able-bodied soldiers treat their wounded comrades and then laid the dead to rest on rough sheets. He knelt before them and closed his eyes, praying for their souls. The enemy, allies, and villagers followed Bard’s lead, taking off their hats and kneeling in silent prayer.

Bard asked Doriatessa what to do with the attackers. Doriatessa thought for a long time and said she would let them go. Bard asked if Knight Heridan was a man of his word. Doriatessa confirmed him.

Then Bard suggested, “Why don’t you write a letter of report and make Knight Heridan promise to deliver it to his lord?”

Doriatessa agreed, as she couldn’t return home immediately, and there was a risk that the facts would be distorted. Knight Heridan had awakened a little while ago and was released after making two promises. One was to deliver Doriatessa’s letter to the Marquis of Fafarlen, and the other was to report the details of this incident accurately to the Duke of Vodres. He would leave as soon as their subordinates were ready. The seriously injured might have to stay in the village.

“Venn, thanks for making it on time. But to be honest, I wish you had come a little earlier,” said Bard.

Venn Urill replied, “I’m sorry, boss. The landmark helped me find the place. I appreciate your gratitude. I should have arrived a little earlier, but I ran into a demonic beast, the Desserallova (Great Red Bear). It was a magnificent creature, so I stopped to admire it for a while.”

Upon hearing this, everyone stared at Venn Urill in amazement. Bard asked where he encountered the beast, and Venn Urill replied, “Three days ago, my lord. I was on my way here from the Misty Valley.”

5

Bard Rowen first met Venn Urill, also known as the Rollo Spear (Red Raven), a year ago. At that time, Venn Urill was hired by the Gwendell family to assassinate Bard. They met again a month later when Venn Urill was sitting by the roadside with a sign around his neck that read, “This man is for sale.” When asked how much he was worth, he replied with a dreamlike price of one million gales. Bard sensed that there must be a good reason for this and gave him as much money as he could. It was only a tenth of the asking price, but Venn Urill accepted it and promised to come back to Bard after finishing his business.

However, he got caught up in some trouble and didn’t return to Linz until eight months later. By then, it was impossible to track him down blindly. But Venn Urill heard an interesting rumor in the city of Linz. The “People’s Knight” Bard Rowen had saved the Count of Linz from a difficult situation, and the two became close friends. Venn Urill asked about the Count of Linz and he was greatly amused the hear his circumstances.

“If you are Bard’s retainer, our home will always welcome you. Bard is currently in Krausk. Our messenger returned three days ago. However, you may miss him if you go to Krausk now. It’s better to wait for the next messenger. Until then, you can stay in this mansion. By the way, I heard rumors that Venn Urill has become Bard’s vassal. If I could buy you for a million gales, I would have wanted to.”

The Count of Linz said this and treated him kindly. As a token of gratitude, he provided escort services, and within thirty days, Jurchaga arrived. However, Venn Urill had taken on a task and did not want to abandon it midway. Therefore, they agreed to use broken branches as markers to follow Jurchaga’s trail. They also marked the entrances and exits of villages and towns and left messages with inns and village chiefs. Ten days later, he left Linz and followed Bard by relying on the markers left by Jurchaga at the entrances and exits of villages and towns and in the forest.

After hearing the story from Venn Urill, Bard realized what had happened. For example, when they left the Misty Valley, Jurchaga insisted on leaving from the same place they entered. There were other similar incidents. It was a consideration to make it easier to follow them.

Anyway, it was fortunate that Venn Urill encountered a demonic beast. Moreover, it was only three days away from them, which was frightening. However, demonic beasts are sensitive to human presence, but they were able to observe it without being noticed. Doriatessa couldn’t help but offer a prayer of thanks to God.

6

The next day, Doriatessa handed a letter she wrote to Knight Heridan and thanked the village chief and gave him a reward. Heridan thanked Bard for his treatment of the dead and the injured and they exchanged words.

Heridan thought that Bard and his group were sent by the Fafarlen Marquisate for assistance, but was surprised to learn that they were wandering knights who happened to meet Doriatessa. According to tradition, he offered to give half of his weapons, armor, and horse and half of his money, but Bard refused. It was not a pre-arranged fight, so it could not be called an honorable group duel, and they did not intend to exercise their right to loot. If they exercised their right to loot, they would be considered defeated. Their compensation must be made in their home country at the appropriate time. Besides, Bard and his group had enough money, and they were satisfied with their horses, weapons, and armor. Heridan said he would collect the remains and belongings of the squire and servant who attacked Doriatessa before returning home.

Then the group left the village and searched for the demonic beast. After searching for twenty days, they found it in a stream where they met Doriatessa. The village was nearby. It was almost a disaster.

It’s a Desserallova. It was indeed a large and beautiful beast with beautiful fur. It was understandable that Venn Urill was fascinated and stayed to look at it. They couldn’t tell if it was a demonic beast or not from that distance, but undoubtedly that’s the beast that Venn Urill said.

The ground is uneven with rocks and grass, and the footing is not good. However, except for one corner, it is a slope and a mountain road where trees grow thickly. If there is even a little bit of open space, a village can be built, but there is no way they can take it there. Bard judged that it was impossible to fight on horseback in this terrain and instructed the plan. Doriatessa, who wanted to be treated as a mere inexperienced knight, objected to Bard’s instructions.

First, Venn Urill and Godon Zarkos would descend into the stream and attract the demonic beast’s attention from both sides. Then, Bard would charge from the front and strike. They would repeat this until the demonic beast was weakened enough for Doriatessa to deliver the final blow.

“No, Sir Bard. That won’t do. I understand that the three of you are skilled fighters, but this is the fight I wanted. I cannot ask innocent people to take on dangerous roles while I wait in a safe place. I will charge in head-on, and I want you to provide support.”

Bard thought to himself that this woman had no idea how terrifying the demonic beasts were. Even if she was wearing plate armor, a direct hit from the G’s attack could break her neck or dislocate her joints. However, Doriatessa was stronger than he had anticipated. In the battle against the attackers, she dodged the swords swung at her from horseback with small movements and simultaneously launched accurate counterattacks. Being able to do that in the midst of a melee was proof of her extensive training. It was even more impressive considering she was wearing full-body armor that hindered her vision and quick movements. Moreover, she had killed two knights and a servant while under the influence of a paralyzing drug, showing her courage. Her armor was also impressive, as it barely showed any damage from arrows or spears. Furthermore, Doriatessa had been practicing her swordsmanship for the past twenty days, and her sword movements while wearing armor showed the results of her training.

Unless she had extremely bad luck, she probably wouldn’t die from a single blow. Besides, once she made up her mind, she wouldn’t listen to anyone else. Bard was thinking this when…

“Master, let the princess knight do as she wishes. If she wants to die, let her die. If she wants to live, let her live,” Venn Urill said.

Bard made up his mind and said only one thing,

“Lady Doriatessa, don’t slash. Thrust.”

7

Everyone charged forward. The Great Red Bear noticed them immediately. Venn Urill ran down the slope like a shadow, distancing himself from the others and approaching the bear. The bear’s eyes burned with anger, and it opened its mouth wide, ready to bite Venn Urill. Bard was certain that this was a demonic beast. Venn Urill dodged the beast’s fangs by moving to the left and ran past it. The beast roared in anger and turned around to attack Venn Urill. However, Venn Urill quickly circled around the beast, causing it to lose sight of its target for a moment and stop moving. The man known as Red Raven stood boldly, watching the beast’s movements without drawing his sword.

The beast roared again and stood up on its hind legs, ready to attack Venn Urill. It was huge, much larger than Venn Urill, and Bard had never seen anything like it. Even without armor, the bear’s attack power was formidable.

But Venn Urill didn’t try to run away. The beast swung its right front paw at him, but Venn Urill dodged it and circled around to the left. At that moment, Godon Zarkos arrived and swung his battle hammer at the back of the beast’s left knee. The beast tumbled over. It was impressive that Godon Zarkos could knock down such a huge demonic beast with one blow.

The beast quickly got up. Venn Urill was in front of it. The beast swung its right leg, but Venn Urill dodged it again with a twist of his upper body and a slight movement of his feet. Godon Zarkos’s battle hammer hit the beast’s rear end. The beast let out a loud angry roar but didn’t turn around. Its attention was now completely focused on Venn Urill.

“That’s strange. Venn Urill isn’t attacking. He should be turning to face Godon,” thought Bard.

The beast attacked by swinging its two front legs alternately. Venn Urill kept dodging to the right, then to the left, and avoiding the attacks by moving his upper body. He continued to dodge the beast’s attacks at close range. It was an incredible feat of evasion.

Bard had also approached the beast, but he waited for the right moment to attack so as not to get in the way of the other two. The Great Red Bear was not as tough as a river bear, but its body was much larger and faster. Even if he had an ancient magic sword, it wouldn’t increase his defense. Each of the beast’s blows had deadly force.

Then, Doriatessa charged forward, clanking her armor. She used the acceleration of her run to thrust her sword into the beast’s left flank with both hands. The sword penetrated about half way into the beast.

The beast twisted its face like a demon, screamed, and struck Doriatessa with its right front paw, knocking her away. The sword remained stuck in the beast’s belly. The beast rushed forward with surprising speed and tried to crush Doriatessa, who had fallen to the ground, with its right front paw.

But just before it reached Doriatessa, its speed suddenly dropped. Venn Urill had cut off the beast’s right ankle. This gave Bard time to run over. Bard’s ancient sword flashed, and he cut off the beast’s head.

The beast fell to the ground with the momentum of its charge, and blood spurted out. Its head rolled to the side, and its red eyes went out.

Venn Urill stared at Bard and his sword with an unusual expression of surprise on his face. Bard was also surprised. He had cut off the beast’s ankle bone with one blow. Venn Urill’s sword was probably, no, definitely a magic sword. And Doriatessa’s sword was probably a magic sword too.

Doriatessa got up and approached the beast’s head. She knelt down in front of the still-living head, grabbed it with both hands, and sobbed. The head was so fresh that it seemed as if the beast was still alive. She had hoped to get the beast’s head, but she knew how unlikely that was. The noblewoman who knew only a glamorous life had stepped into this remote wilderness, betrayed by her trusted companions and attacked. Even so, she had tried to hunt the beast alone. How much despair had she felt in her heart?

“You can cry. That head is worth crying for. And you have the right to cry. That was a good thrust with spirit. That beast’s roar would have made an ordinary knight faint. You endured it well. You did a great job,” Bard praised the female knight in his heart.

8

“This magic sword is called the Sharli Ururu (Night Maiden). It’s the Fafarlen Marquisate’s heirloom, but my brother let me have it when he found out I wouldn’t stop hunting monsters.”

It was a slim but thick and magnificent sword. It had a piercing blade and a sharp edge. It wasn’t something that could be bought or sold with money, but if it were, it would fetch an enormous price. Bard thought it was wrong for a lady to have such a sword. (t/n: well ok, it say “slender but fleshy sword”)

He had noticed that Venn Urill’s sword was a cursed item, but he never thought it was a magic sword. He couldn’t reveal the inscription.

“What exactly is that sword of yours?”

“It’s just a Nataken (cleaver) sword I bought at the village general store,” Bard replied.

“What nonsense. Well, it’s possible since you’re a person chosen by fate,” Venn Urill said.

In any case, they couldn’t afford to waste time talking. They all worked together to skin the monster. They cleaned out the head and planned to stuff it with ash when they got back to the village. The amount and smell of blood flowing from the monster were tremendous, and Doriatessa quickly became nauseous and rested in a separate location. During the battle, she had been blown away by the monster’s attack, but her armor’s performance and her being light weight had saved her from any serious injuries. However, she had suffered some internal injuries, so she needed to rest for a while.

They were worried that wild beasts might come while they were working, but none did. Living monsters made the surrounding animals more aggressive, but the smell of dead monster flesh and blood actually repelled them. It was a strange phenomenon.

The skinned hides were bulky and heavy, but they couldn’t bear to leave them behind. Bard thought they could use the hides to make armor for Godon and Venn Urill. Bard would take care of the head, and Godon would take care of the hides. At first, Doriatessa insisted on taking care of the head, but it was clearly impossible. Doriatessa’s horse, Krildzuka, was a mare with a small build, but she was agile and clever. Just carrying Doriatessa in her metal armor and belongings was already a significant burden. In contrast, Bard’s mount, Yueitan, was extremely large and still seemed to have plenty of energy. When standing next to Yueitan, Krildzuka looked like a foal.

The bag they had prepared was not nearly enough. They had to buy a large bag or cloth from the village. When they tied the head of the still-wet monster with vines and put it on Yueitan, the horse looked unhappy.

“Sorry about that,” Bard apologized aloud.