Chapter 81

What should I do? What actions should I take?

The hints I received from the three people who have more information than me. I will reconsider them again.

The easiest to understand is the one from Nixki.

Rely more on others. This is simple in meaning and should be taken at face value.

Gustav's hint is concise, but I can't understand the meaning behind it.

Travel through the main road.

At first, I thought it was to buy time, but if we can maintain this speed, it doesn't seem to be the case. Then, as Leighton said, to prepare for an ambush? No, that might be part of it, but I don't think Gustav would give me a hint just to worry about my safety. There must be another meaning.

...By the way, Leighton said, "What are the advantages of traveling through the main road?"

Right. We are being made to travel through the main road to enjoy those advantages.

The main road is well-maintained and easy to travel.

The main reason for this is that, unlike in the mountains, it is designed for people and vehicles to pass through. People and goods are transported through here, making it a lifeline for towns and villages.

So, towns and villages maintain the nearby roads... Ah!

I approached the hawk Tera was riding and climbed on without startling it.

The hawk briefly turned its head but then indifferently snorted and looked away.

I have something I want to ask Tera.

"Kyaa!? What is it!?"

When I straddled behind Tera, I leaned close to her ear to avoid the wind.

"Kyaa!?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Y-Yes, but you're too close, too close!"

Tera tried to distance herself from me, but that's not important right now.

To keep my thoughts from stopping, I need to resolve my doubts quickly.

I put my hand on her shoulder, and Tera, who had been wriggling, calmed down.

"What's the status of Clarisen's public works? The maintenance of the main road, the cleaning of wells, and other projects that should be funded by taxes, are they being carried out properly?"

"Wh-What's with the sudden question? They're normal. Taxes are being collected as usual."

"Then, merchants can come and go normally, and the extermination of monsters and beasts is being done without any shortcuts, right?"

"Yes, those things are normal."

Tera answered without looking at me. Did she get upset because I suddenly spoke to her?

Leighton interjected from the side.

"There's no way they could cut corners. The safety of the main road is directly linked to the safety of the settlements. A competent administrator wouldn't do that."

"Then... "

It might not be related, but if it is, it's a problem.

"Who was responsible for the maintenance?"

Tera, still facing forward, answered.

"In the past, everyone took turns clearing the grass and providing security. After the town was established, it was entrusted to the Forest Guild. Security to ensure safety was handled by the guards and explorers, and the members of the Magic Guild..."

Then she cut off her words and turned her bitter face toward me.

"The mayor's private army, who attacked me, started doing it."

"...So, the current Clarisen has lost some of the manpower responsible for the road's security, right?"

Probably a significant portion.

"I can understand what you're worried about, but there's no need to worry."

"Is that so?"

I was concerned that poor road maintenance might make communication with the outside difficult, but it seems that's not the case. Leighton added, glancing at me.

"Unlike an outpost, it's now a town. The number of other forces should be much greater than the private army. Besides, a town that was recently an outpost wouldn't suddenly become short of manpower."

"Because it's a large town, not because it was recently an outpost, it's not short of manpower?"

What does he mean? The population should have increased in the town. If the number of forces increases accordingly, that makes sense.

"You were born in an outpost, right?"

"Y-Yes. It's to the true east of Iline."

"What was it like? No, let me put it this way. Weren't there many people who couldn't fight?"

At that question, the outpost where I grew up came to mind.

"Indeed, that was the case."

With Den, Shium, Kasoku, Iko, and others, it felt like an excessive amount of fighting power was gathered.

"To ensure safety when developing the interior of Nerg, it's the first thing that needs to be secured. It can be outsourced, but it's difficult for a small village with no reserves to prepare the necessary rewards."

"I see. They want safety, but it's hard to prepare a large amount of money. So, the residents themselves need to ensure safety."

"Yes, that's why in most outposts, the majority of the initial residents should be capable of fighting. Therefore, I don't think Clarisen has a shortage of manpower."

"If that's the case, there's no need to worry... right?"

Something still feels off. I feel like I've noticed something, but my thoughts aren't clear yet, so I can't pinpoint what it is.

Behind Tera, I think.

It's easier to think since we don't need to run. Occasionally, the hawk looks at me as if I'm heavy, but I hope it can bear with me for a little while.

There might be more to what Gustav meant, but I'll put it aside for now.

The rest is Leighton's hint.

It's in the form of a statement, and although it's unpleasant, it seems clear.

Tera's goal is to save Helena. Helena's cause of death is Leighton.

It seems like just a description of the situation, but he calls it advice.

So, there must be a hidden meaning.

Why did he suddenly focus on Tera's goal?

By asking about it specifically...

I see, this is Tera's goal, not Leighton's or mine.

And the one who killed Helena is Leighton.

It's definitely not Clarisen, which is accused of tax evasion.

I see, indeed, a shift in perspective was necessary.

Leighton, seeing my expression, smiled slyly.

Then, he called out to me and Tera.

"Let's take a short break. We need a rest."

"..."

"Let's do that, Tera, okay?"

I also encouraged Tera to take a break, as she seemed reluctant to follow Leighton's instructions.

"Let's not just take a short break. It's also time for lunch."

When I suggested this to Leighton, he readily agreed.

We sat on a suitable log and started eating the lunch we took from our bags.

"So, it seems you've gathered your thoughts."

When Leighton said this to me, Tera reacted.

"Really?"

"Yes, provisionally. I still have a few more questions to ask."

When I looked at Leighton, he chuckled.

Probably, my answer was within Leighton's expectations.

Gustav probably had an idea too.

I don't want to dance on the palm of anyone's hand.

But first, I need to deal with this situation. The counterattack will come later.

So,

"Leighton, I won't let you kill Helena."

First, I need to save Helena's life.

Leighton needs to work hard.