70 - March
The expedition force to Gioni Village, having departed from the royal capital, Central, had entered a break after noon.
They had set out early in the morning, but the break was scheduled for noon.
Liel found it tedious that the walking speed had to be matched to the group.
"We're slower than the information I heard," he thought.
His companions were one thing, but the problem was the allies surrounding them.
Using the skills of the fifth and sixth generations, he checked the surrounding situation, and yellow dots surrounded them.
It was a situation where he could hardly say they were among allies.
The second generation cautioned him from the jewel orb.
"I've told you before, pay attention not only to the enemies but to your allies as well. No matter how you look at it, this is a ragtag bunch that's underprepared. Once night falls, there will be fools who start move."
Liel gripped the jewel orb and looked at Clara.
"Clara, I'll handle the Porter next. Please rest until then."
However, Clara shook her head.
"I believe Aria-san and Miranda-san should rest before I, the support, take a break."
It was a response typical of the earnest Clara, but since he was using his skill, he understood.
Everyone's fatigue was worse than usual.
(An unfamiliar environment is tough, huh...)
Liel tried to persuade Clara.
"Aria and Miranda-san need to keep watch. Besides, I want them to rest now because night watch will also be necessary."
Clara looked around.
Since she had lived as an adventurer for a long time, she had more experience than they did. However, it seemed she had never done work like this, which was akin to being a mercenary.
Still, she seemed to notice something as she looked around.
"There were no instructions regarding the night watch, so it seems to be at our own risk. I understand."
Once Clara was convinced, Liel looked around.
Off the highway, an armed group was sitting by the roadside.
As they nibbled on the provided bread, it was plainer than what they had prepared themselves. It was better than nothing, but those around them looked dissatisfied.
The fifth generation spoke from within the jewel orb.
"Liel, this group is fragile. The knights have some level of skill, but many of the others don't even have decent equipment."
It was quite plausible that they, who stood out, would become targets.
And if monsters were to appear, what on earth would happen—
(Only twice against small fry. In both cases, the knights handled it, so there was no damage to us. But their movements are slow.)
There were several small groups that couldn't react when monsters appeared.
There were also people participating individually, and it was unclear how they would move in a battle.
During the break.
Near Liel, who was standing and observing the surroundings, were the two people they were guarding, other than Clara.
Novem was also on alert, while Aria and Miranda-san were lying down after drinking the warm beverages Shannon had prepared.
Monica tried to come out, but Liel pushed her back into the Porter.
The third generation made a suggestion.
"It's a pain that they're moving individually. Shall we suggest they group up? Liel, could you tell Marcus to report this to the superiors?"
Liel gripped the jewel orb and called out to Marcus-san.
Since it was a march while wearing equipment, both Marcus-san and Bread-san had exhausted expressions.
"Marcus-san, I'd like you to tell the person in charge."
"Eh? What?"
He seemed to be spacing out.
(No, there are many people, but letting your guard down too much... never mind for now.)
Before giving a warning, Liel looked at the group and spoke to Marcus-san.
"Many people are participating in groups, but there are a fair number of individual participants as well. It would be easier if they were grouped together, so please suggest it to the person in charge."
At that, Marcus-san scratched his head.
"No, I don't know anyone. Besides, wouldn't it be better if Liel said it? You're the experienced one."
It would be easier if Liel could say it himself, but the position of an adventurer was troublesome at times like this.
He was participating as someone hired by Marcus-san.
The fourth generation complained.
"I'm telling you because you have a higher status! Even if Liel says it, they'll just refuse! ...Tch, not that he can hear me anyway."
They seemed irritated.
Liel conveyed the fourth generation's opinion, softening the expression.
"They won't listen to my opinion. They'll listen to you more, Marcus-san."
Upon hearing that, Marcus-san reluctantly stood up and headed toward a knight resting nearby.
Watching his retreating figure, Bread-san spoke up.
"Honestly, someone completely unfit for the status is in a noble's position. How lamentable."
Hearing this, Clara, sitting on the ground with her knees hugged to her chest, looked at him from the corner of her eye.
It was the same during travel, but Bread-san complained a lot.
And those complaints were directed at Liel and Marcus-san.
Since learning that Liel was the former heir to a Count's house, Bread-san had started keeping his distance.
The sixth generation spoke.
"I won't tell you not to be envious, but this guy complains too much. Having someone like this around makes me feel sick during a march."
The second generation agreed.
"At times like this, you want a mood-maker to brighten things up. Aria and Miranda-chan are down, and Shannon-chan and Monica are inside the Porter... I wish they'd consider the atmosphere."
The knight who had been resting looked this way and said something to Marcus-san.
However, since he didn't move, the third generation gave up.
"...It's no use. This group has no motivation. Let's change our approach. Liel, next time monsters appear, even if you have to force it, please defeat them in a way that stands out. And as flashily as possible."
Since it was possible, Liel squeezed the jewel orb.
It was a signal of agreement.
The fifth generation also gave advice.
"Marcus and Bread are no good. They have no leeway. Have everyone observe the people around them. We'll find those who are even slightly useful during the move and draw them in."
Liel moved next to Clara and decided to act according to the fifth generation's instructions.
"Clara, do you have a moment?"
"Yes?"
"When the break ends and we move, could you observe the people around us?"
Clara nodded.
"You mean I should be alert for anyone who might cause us harm, right?"
"Ah, no, that's part of it... but if possible, I want to find people who could cooperate with us."
Liel looked at Marcus-san, who was returning with slumped shoulders, and spoke to Clara while thinking of encouraging words.
"If possible, I want to increase our numbers."
With that, Clara seemed to understand.
"It was the right choice to load up on supplies. Just by sharing them, we can increase our allies... I'll let Novem-san and the others know."
Clara stood up and headed toward Novem.
Then, Marcus-san walked toward Liel.
Looking at him, it was obvious he had failed.
Bread-san whispered.
"This is why this man is..."
—Liel wished he would say his complaints later where they couldn't be heard.
Marcus-san had heard him, but he was enduring it with frustration because his proposal had been rejected.
"Sorry. He said 'do whatever you want'."
"They have no motivation. Well, just knowing that is enough. We'll manage on our own when the time comes."
"What? Do you have some plan?"
When Marcus-san asked, Liel spoke while staying alert to the surroundings.
"Well, I'm just going to go wild and flashy."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
While Marcus-san looked puzzled, Liel used his skill to search for enemies nearby.
The battle occurred a while after that.
Perhaps reacting to the movement of a large number of people, they were attacked by Goblins on a road passing through a forest.
By the time Liel rushed over, a volunteer soldier attacked by an armed Goblin was covered in blood.
It wasn't his post, but he looked around and shouted loudly.
"Fall back! I'll handle this!"
Drawing the saber from his right hand, he muttered a small complaint.
"It would have been better if they'd appeared somewhere with a better view."
There were five Goblins that attacked, but after cutting down the one nearest to him with the saber, he immediately used magic.
"Let's make this flashy... Lightning!"
Attack speed, power.
The lightning attribute was easy to handle, and Liel used it frequently.
Above all, it was flashy, so it suited his current purpose.
The Goblins that tried to flee were charred black and collapsed to the ground with sizzling sounds.
Having heard the loud noise, a knight on horseback rushed over.
Having defeated the five Goblins, Liel returned the saber to its sheath and looked at the arriving knight.
A crossbow was prepared on the horse, and a short, plump knight approached Liel.
He was a middle-aged man with a trademark goatee, skillfully controlling his horse.
"Where is the enemy! What are the casualties!"
Liel glanced at the Goblins and explained the situation.
"These five are all of them. I've already finished defeating them. There's one injured person who was attacked. I have someone among my companions who can provide treatment. Shall we take them?"
Hearing this, the knight thanked Liel while remaining alert to the surroundings.
"I see. You've been a great help. Even so, you used magic... you're quite a skilled mage. Your name? Oh, I am Clark Asher. I serve as the vice-commander of this expedition force."
Liel introduced himself to Clark-san, who claimed to be the vice-commander to the female knight he had seen before departure.
"I'm Liel. An adventurer hired by Marcus Canning."
The second generation spoke up.
"You've managed to get your name out there. If only the view had been a bit better... well, the people passing through the battlefield later will see it."
Liel headed toward the injured volunteer soldier and the people around him who seemed to be his companions.
Clark-san called out to him.
"Hmm. That strange group, eh... I'll remember you. Since you defeated the monsters, the magic stones and materials are yours. Be careful not to be too late if you're going to collect them. I'll be taking my leave to report."
Saying so, Clark-san gave a few instructions to the knights nearby and rode his horse away.
The knights nearby looked on blankly.
Those around them also looked at the knights with troubled expressions.
They were likely placed there to keep watch over the group, but they weren't functioning at all.
The fourth generation spoke.
"They seem like the type who have reasons to be worn down. It's better to remember that vice-commander. Shall we visit him with some liquor tonight?"
The seventh generation added.
"Liel, the main target is that knight, but there are other subordinates around him. Take a decent amount. Have Monica make something."
The third generation joined in.
"Even just warm food makes a difference. However, make Marcus do it. Liel, you're the support."
While wondering if it was okay to do such a thing, Liel decided to agree.
Then, he spoke to the fallen volunteer soldier.
He was covered in blood, but he was conscious, suggesting the wound wasn't deep.
"Are you alright?"
"Does this look alright to you? Damn it! And just when I finally managed to participate as a volunteer soldier!"
Looking at the injured young man who seemed frustrated, Liel gave a wry smile.
An older man nearby sought help from Liel.
"How can you say that after being saved! I'm sorry. He's not a bad guy. You said earlier that you have someone who can treat him, right? I know it's rude to ask, but could you help us?"
Looking at their equipment, the older man, who seemed to be the leader, was wearing chainmail, but the equipment of the injured young man and those around him was mismatched.
"Your companions are further back. Shall I carry him there?"
Then, one of the companions asked.
"H-hey. What about the monsters? What if someone steals them?"
Liel looked at the gazes around him.
Checking with his skill, he found several red indicators. They were observing the situation.
"...I'll collect them when I pass by. If they're gone, that's fine. The injured person is more important right now."
Upon hearing that, the leader-like man thanked him.
"I'm sorry. I will definitely repay you."
Liel led the group of three back to the Porter.
—Night.
Inside the tent, Clark was keeping a record of today.
It was a personal record, not one for the unit.
"Few breaks, slow movement speed, four small-scale battles. Two injured..."
Writing the record by the light of a lantern, Clark felt relieved that there were no dropouts.
Having deaths on the first day would affect the morale of the unit.
Especially since these were just Goblins.
Their command ability would be questioned.
"Sigh, why can't she understand?"
Having finished the record, Clark tidied up and tried to go to bed early for tomorrow. However, he heard footsteps approaching the tent.
"Vice-commander, a gift has arrived from that guy Marcus! He says he wants to greet the vice-commander."
Hearing this, Clark looked at his cheerful subordinate.
Having guided them, two men carrying luggage were behind him.
(...Now, what to do about this.)
Clark was not a man of absolute purity. He had received such attempts to curry favor many times, but once he accepted, he had to do something in return.
If he ignored it, he would create an enemy.
"Let them in."
The subordinate guided the two into the tent and then left.
With the entrance open, the situation outside became clearly audible.
It sounded like they were having a drinking party.
(Using unpleasant methods. This time, we didn't bring much liquor.)
It had been judged unnecessary and cut by Norma.
He was still young, had little experience in the field, and had a streak of purity. Or rather, if he judged something to be a negative, he thoroughly refused to acknowledge it.
Claiming that judgment would be delayed by intoxication, she had restricted the bringing of liquor.
"Hello. I am Marcus Canning. This is, well... a token of our friendship, so to speak."
Clark prepared a wooden box and had the two sit down.
The youth with orange hair was somewhat restless.
However, the boy with blue hair was the boy he had encountered during the move.
"...Marcus-kun and Liel-kun, was it. So, what is it that you want from me? Rather than greeting a vice-commander with little authority, shouldn't you have taken this to the commander?"
Norma hated people like this.
To be precise, she believed that the more useless a pawn was, the more likely they were to take such actions.
Marcus glanced at Liel.
Then, when Liel nodded, Marcus spoke.
"...We want to survive and achieve some merit. However, as it stands, it's doubtful whether we'll even survive. That's why we wanted you to move on a few things."
"Hmm. And those 'few things' are?"
Clark looked at the liquor and food placed on the wooden box.
Despite being in a camp, steam was rising from the food.
The liquor also seemed to be of decent quality.
"Ah..."
As Marcus looked at Liel, Clark spoke.
"It's Liel-kun's proposal, isn't it? I understand. I'll hear your opinion."
By putting Marcus forward, he likely knew how adventurers were viewed by knights.
Clark put his hand on his chin after hearing Liel's proposal.
"Our proposal is the organization of the volunteer soldiers. Could you group the individual participants together? At the same time, I'd like the volunteer soldiers moving in groups to be consolidated as well. The proposal is to appoint leaders and decide on roles during the march. And—"
"And?"
"I would like to request that Marcus-san be appointed as a leader to lead the volunteer soldiers."
Clark wanted to agree with Liel, who wanted the volunteer soldiers—whom Norma looked down upon—to be properly organized.
However, it wasn't as if Clark hadn't thought about it.
"...There's no time for instruction. The commander is prioritizing movement. I can have the individual participants group up. But as for organization, there's no time until we reach the village."
Looking at Liel, after a short pause, he saw him gripping the blue orb at his chest.
(Is that an orb? Did they hire a master for such an expedition? He doesn't look like he can put up that much money... but it'll be helpful for now.)
Looking at Marcus, Clark couldn't understand why Liel had been hired.
Liel spoke.
"Then, it's fine just to group them into several units and decide on leaders."
"...I understand. Let's go with that. But don't think it will go smoothly. There are often disputes over who becomes the leader. Also, if the other party agrees, I don't mind if you pull some volunteer soldiers away. We don't have much interest in the volunteer soldiers. Though I do think this is a problem."
Looking at Clark's troubled face, Liel thought for a moment.
Marcus seemed not to know what to do.
(In reality, this boy is the leader. Judging by his magical skill, he's more reliable than the subordinates.)
"...The food will get cold. Our cook is skilled, so I guarantee the taste."
Clark spoke.
"Is that so. Then, I'll take it."
Reaching for the food and drinking the liquor, Clark smiled.
"It is indeed delicious. It tastes even better in this cold."
Internally, however.
(Now, I have to work for what I've received, but how should I organize them?)
Even if he chose knights with high ranks from the list, there were many low-ranking knights of equal status.
There were also second and third sons who weren't knights and were hungry for merit.
Just deciding on leaders would be difficult, and if handled poorly, it could lead to conflict.
However, to gain the trust of Liel and his group, the option of not acting didn't exist.
(Sigh, why am I always pushed into such troublesome missions?)
He couldn't wholeheartedly enjoy the delicious food and liquor.
Clark wanted to sigh at his own lack of luck—.