Chapter 5

Sir Lance's black horse ran at an astonishing speed despite carrying two people. I clung to Sir Lance's clothes, but after a while, I gradually got used to it, stretched out my neck, and had the leisure to look at the surrounding scenery.

Before I knew it, we had left the capital and were running down the road. Wheat fields stretched out on both sides.

"Are you still scared?"

Sir Lance spoke without turning his gaze from the front.

"Um, would talking be a bother?"

I felt Sir Lance chuckle.

"It won't be. This isn't a battlefield, after all."

"If it gets noisy, please let me know. To answer your previous question, I'm a bit scared. I didn't expect the view from on horseback to be so high. Um, Sir Lance, is this horse not tired from carrying me too?"

"Ringer usually carries three times the load Em does. It's no problem."

This fine horse's name is Ringer, it seems.

"Ringer, you're such a hard worker. I want to be friends with you."

"Do you like horses?"

"I've never ridden one before. I... had a very restricted life."

Anything considered dangerous was completely eliminated. I wasn't allowed to go out into the city, touch animals, or handle fire.

"So, I think I might be quite naive and cause trouble. I apologize in advance. I'm sorry."

In my previous life, I had a range of experiences, but that's a different story.

"First time on a horse?! ...I see. Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"

"No, I'm excited now. But I probably won't be able to hold out for long and will beg for a break."

In my previous life, when I rode a horse at a riding club with a friend, my butt started hurting after about two hours.

"I see. You can speak your limits without being embarrassed. Em, you could survive even on a battlefield."

"Are you kidding?!"

If I, a frail person, went to a battlefield, I'd die in seconds. I laughed out loud, finding it funny.

Sir Lance seemed surprised by my laughter and looked at me.

As I became more accustomed to the consciousness of Chiharu, my thoughts relaxed in a way that was inappropriate for this world. The sense of liberation from leaving the house where I was confined and the capital made my mouth run more freely. If I made a mistake? Oh well. I can't go back to being a sheltered young lady. Whether good or bad, I'm a married woman with a scar. Even if I act freely, my reputation has already fallen as far as it can.

But, I don't want Sir Lance to dislike me, do I? I'll check the situation.

"Sir Lance?"

"...Trouble..."

Sir Lance returned his gaze to the distance.

"Sir Lance, the wheat sprouts are so green and beautiful."

"...Yes, they are."

"Sir Lance, do you prefer bread or noodles?"

"Ha, so you're thinking about food now?"

"Both are important!"

Before I knew it, we had passed the fields and the signs of people, entering a rugged wilderness of rocks and red earth.

"Em, there's nothing to see from here on. You can rest for a while."

"But, Sir Lance..."

"I'll let you take over eventually."

"Um?"

Will there ever come a day when I ride the horse with Sir Lance on it? I guess he means I should stay quiet for now.

Sir Lance switched the reins to my left hand and pressed my head to his chest with his right hand.

"I'll wake you when the scenery changes. Go to sleep."

I'm a novice traveler. I obediently closed my eyes.

How long has it been since I last fell asleep while clinging to someone? It's warm. I can hear the heartbeat. Sir Lance is truly alive.

"Are you going to sleep?"

"Yes."

"To be able to sleep in the arms of a 'War Ghost'... You must be quite fearless."

"Unbelievable..."

"Quiet. Wake up!"

"Indeed, I wouldn't want to wake up and cause a commotion in this deep ravine and startle the horse."

"Sir, after we pass through here, I'll take over carrying her. You must be tired."

"...I'll say this to avoid any mistakes. Em is my wife. When I'm around, Em's place is by my side. Em only rides my horse. I only carry Em. Remember this well."

"Y-Yes, my apologies!"

"Sir, are you... really getting married...?"

◇◇◇

"Em, wake up."

My waist was tightly held by an arm as a hoarse voice spoke. I slowly opened my eyes.

I was supposed to be in a light sleep, but I ended up sleeping soundly.

"Did I drool?"

"Maybe?"

"Did I say anything strange in my sleep?"

"Maybe?"

Tell me! Sir Lance, you're so stingy!

"We'll stay in that red castle town today."

I could see a man-made structure in the distance. I looked up at the sky. The sun was still high.

"Is it because I'm inexperienced in traveling that we're stopping early?"

"That's one reason, but the bigger reasons are to meet the mayor of this town for future purposes and to buy things we don't have in our territory."

I nodded quietly.

When we arrived at the inn where we had made a reservation, Sir Lance hurriedly left with Sir Ronnie. Sir Lance and I had a small but well-equipped and clean room. It was probably one of the more expensive rooms.

It seems the other subordinates were also sharing a room.

"Are you sharing a room with me?"

Can you rest with someone you don't know well? Wouldn't it be better to rest alone?

"...Are you scared?"

"...Of course not, that an assassin might target Sir Lance!!!"

"No... never mind. I'll be back."

"Have a good trip!"

After Sir Lance left, I quietly went to wash my face, organized my luggage, and opened the door to go outside. In front of me in the hallway was Sir Douglas, arms crossed and sword at his side. For my safety? Is this town that dangerous? Could he be watching me? To make sure I don't do anything foolish... It's possible.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to ask the receptionist and do a bit of shopping."

"What are you looking for?"

"Clothes."

"Excuse me, but this town doesn't have the kind of clothes a noble young lady would want."

I'm fine, I already have an idea of what I want.

I smiled and reassured him, heading towards the reception.

The receptionist was fortunately alone.

"Madam, I have a question."

"Yes! What is it?"

"Where can I buy the clothes the boy helping in the back is wearing?"

A boy around ten years old was folding a large number of towels, which was quite impressive.

"Oh, children's clothes? They're sold... here..."

She drew a map on the back of something.

"It's about a ten-minute walk."

"Thank you."

I took the map, bowed, and went outside.

"Are you looking for children's clothes?"

"Yes. I think children's clothes will be enough. Sir Douglas, it's close, so you don't have to come with me."

"Sir... no, Lord Kiarrally ordered me not to leave your side."

Oh, I'm sorry.

"Sir Douglas, let's go then."

As I started walking, Sir Douglas grabbed my arm.

"...The other way."

I must be directionally challenged in this life!

The store we arrived at had various children's items. I eagerly went inside. There were a few outfits similar to what the boy was wearing. I picked up a pair of khaki pants and a white shirt, trying them on.

When a girl wears boys' clothes, it can be tight around the hips, but these seemed to have a loose silhouette and should fit.

I picked up two of each, and Sir Douglas whispered,

"Um, are you planning to wear them yourself?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"They're too big if I get adult sizes."

In my previous life, I often bought children's size 160 clothes. I'll keep the reason that they were cheaper to myself.

"Um, why do you need boys' clothes?"

"Today, I realized that from tomorrow, when I ride the horse, it would be better to straddle it rather than sit sideways."

"To ride astride...?"

"Straddling Ringer would free both of Sir Lance's arms, wouldn't it? With pants, I don't have to worry about getting on and off. Most of all, I feel bad sitting on Sir Lance's legs... I wonder if they're numb from my weight by now?"

"No... to Sir Lance, your weight is like a bug's..."

Is that a good analogy?

I went to the counter and handed the items to the shopkeeper. In front of me were colorful candies.

The last-minute attempt to sell something, familiar in Japan. Good job, sir!

"Sir Douglas, what flavor does Sir Lance like?"

"Um, he'll eat anything..."

"Then, since his throat is dry, I'll get honey-flavored ones..."

I handed a few bags of candy to the shopkeeper and took out money from my pouch.

"W-Wait, I'll pay!"

"No, I have money, it's fine!"

This is my first errand! Hehe.

"What's the matter, husband, you're quite henpecked, aren't you?"

"I'm not the husband!!!"

"Hehe!"

"Not hehe!!!"

We left the store and returned to the inn, watching the sunset. Sir Douglas was looking quite exhausted next to me.

I took three bags of candy from the bag I just bought and handed them to Sir Douglas.

"What's this?"

"A gift. The dusty road will continue, so everyone can suck on them while we ride. Red is apple, yellow is lemon, and orange is orange."

"For us?"

It's exaggerated. I only bought enough for myself, you know.

Sir Douglas took one from the red bag and put it in his mouth. Seeing this, I started walking again.

"Madam"

I was surprised. I've never been called madam before! Not even in my previous life.

"Y-Yes?"

"Sir Lancelot... his voice isn't dry. On the battlefield, he always shouts to encourage us, which is why his voice is like that."

"That's why it's husky..."

"Husky? Do you like it?"

"It means deep and cool. Yes, I do. It's wonderful, husky."