“How is the money not enough for him?” Tagalong Girl still seemed a bit confused as I urged , or rather, Sparky, forward.

“Well, it’s not like he’s doomed.” I had spent a good deal of money—though as the majority of my coinage was actually in aurum we weren’t down that much in terms of funds. Even so, Morse got enough money to live well for quite a long time. “It’s not the lack of coin that will upset him. Think on it a little—we’ve come away with a great deal of his necessities, especially with winter on the way. Fabric needed to patch up any clothes, canvas for making and repairing any bags that he’d use to store food, but most of all I was building up to getting that hammer, chisel, and nails and whatnot. The rest will be a bit irritating for him to recoup, but it was definitely foolish of him to sell those, for whatever price.

“You should realize this with your background; quality tools are not cheap. Salt Village is a great deal more communal than that village though, so while things were on the edge of disrepair, you lot could still carry on. However with prosperity comes freedom and independence. What was that verse, ‘What is wrought by thy own hand, remains in thine.’? Since they aren’t under the threat of starvation after a bad season or two, there’s the ability to adhere more strictly to the scriptures. Make of it what you will, but I suspect that Morse will need that extra money to buy some surprisingly expensive items in the future.”

Tagalong Girl looked to only partially comprehend what I was saying, so I summed things up a bit more succinctly.

“The neighborhood isn’t as kind as you’re used to, and now he can’t rely on himself.”

“If that’s the case...then why?”

The question wasn’t accusatory, though I would have rather that been the case. Tagalong Girl wasn’t asking to make her thoughts heard and chastise me, but instead it had a worrying waver. At least she was taking some initiative in this case to get answers, usually she just followed whatever I said like a robot.

“For one, this way Morse is the only one who caught sight of us; even if he does tell others about us. With that amount of money on hand, he’ll try to play it low for a while, giving us more time to gain distance. While some of it may just be for our own comfort, we can’t say the stuff we purchased was useless either.”

Tagalong Girl quieted down with the satisfactory answer. Bamboozling him hadn't been something I wanted, but our group came first. The village felt odd, and I sensed a strangely powerful mana field residing there as well. While it certainly piqued my interest, I couldn't justify staying there with the girls in tow.

It seemed like a long time would pass before either would be ready to properly venture out in the world, especially at our current pace. We weren't encountering any low level situations, and I didn't wish for them to get wrapped up in senseless murders.

Things would be much easier if we just ran into a morally black and white issue, where I could unreservedly ask Tagalong Girl to put in all her effort. After all, it is the duty of the mentor to make sure the disciple has ethics as strong as their body.

Well, the encounter rate for traveling couldn't exactly be set to high, so the dice just fell as they would.

In our days of traveling, we passed through a good number of villages and smaller towns. Without variation, wooden houses of superb build composed the majority of buildings. Passing through many with haste, the few times we did stop inevitably words of the carpenters in town would sneak in.

To some degree it could be expected, Castor spoke of how Medean and its territories produced timber for most of the Chapter. There was an even more surprising disruption of the workforce ratios though.

Even as we moved closer to the center of the region, much of the land appeared to remain underutilized. Unlike Derriad’s territory with every patch of earth divided up and cultivated to the brim, weeds and untamed scrub claimed the grassland between the settlements. Unproductive grass and wildflowers—in a technological era where food limited society’s other functions, there had to be some element that produced a surplus in Medean somewhere.

Just one more curiosity to look into as we grew closer to Medean.

Though whether we would all enter the city once arriving there was still an issue I'd not yet decided on, at the very least I needed to pop inside the walls. Merchants of Derriad were not so much distributors of goods among people so much as a partner of the state. Some smaller groups did so, but centralizing resources and moving them between the metropolis was were the most money was.

In tandem with the immense size of each city-state, major merchant groups were the ones with the clearest picture of distant areas. There was a much better chance that they would have a piece of quest related information than trying to learn something by continuously combing the countryside.

That all was business set aside for the future, and I’d continue to play it by ear. However as an underdeveloped territory, that meant for the time being we moved on roads only half a step removed from the wilds. Running into something was inevitable, but I found myself a little surprised by the situation.

A group of four mana signatures appeared uncomfortably close to the grave shadows that followed from a distance, discovered only as my head turned west by happenstance. Almost immediately identifiable as human, or close enough that simply having them mowed down by the ghosts was undesirable, I ordered them to slowly move away from the party whilst dispersing.

A sudden snap resounded through my mental connections, as though suddenly catching a heavy weight. The truly instantaneous execution of orders proved to be a much larger strain than rapid serialization, but the stress only lasted a moment.

“Alric?” Tagalong Girl’s voice sounded with suspicion as I adjusted each shadow’s course. Apparently her intuition picked up something odd in the slight hitch that must have resulted in my lecture.

Good for her, that would have been half a second at the most. There was hope for us to become a band of true companions yet.

“Let's set aside maths for now—it’s all rather boring anyhow. Instead take a look to the side and see if you can spot them.” Surveying a forest and high-grass meadow were similar in the skills used, but the patterns were different enough that letting her search on her own was good practice.

It also let me focus more wholeheartedly on maneuvering my minions.

Currently they were all slowly slinking away, but the human party seemed to have sensed their presence. Due to the imprecise nature of my long range detection, I couldn't pinpoint the group’s intentions, so I played it safe. The mana fields congregated around one another, moving together one step at a time.

Their caution granted a chance of escape, as several shades retreated in turn, the group ended up inefficiently following each of them, lengthening the distance between them.

At some point the hunters realized their unidentified quarry was managing to escape. Realigning themselves, two dropped towards the ground, presumably readying for a sprint. At that point, I commanded all the grave shadows to flee at top speed.

Predictably, for a group that worked together so smoothly, a sudden rush caused them to immediately fall into a defensive position. A moment later it was apparent to them that the rustling of grasses was bolting away from them, but it was already too late to catch up.

Feeling relieved as four humans charged blindly together through the high grass, my grave shadows dispersed before re-rallying to a point in front and only slightly to our side. Being in sight would hopefully let me keep track of their surroundings more easily, and avoid similar incidents in the future.

Not to say the encounter was quite over yet, but the matter of hiding away my shadows was accomplished. Now it was just satisfying the question of their presence.

“Have you spotted them yet?”

“No…”

“Follow a ripple caused by the wind, and watch for the points where it is disturbed. While there are false positives, you'll at least be working with a smaller set of points.” In no rush, Sparky slowed and I let Tagalong Girl search the fields before getting the group to reveal themselves.

Luckily for the little girl the cart gave her enough of a height advantage to survey the top of the meadows. Standing up, she clung tightly to the side to brace herself against the occasional jolt.

Diligently staring out to the west, her confidence belied that I had given away their general position. Unintended, and perhaps it cheated her of some genuine practice, but if she could read me well enough from my unfocused glances, then all the better.

That practice would be missed though. Staring with a burning intensity that might catch the grassland on fire, her glare moved far too intentionally. Thoroughly scraping over every inch, I followed her eyes combing the same featureless areas multiple times.

Were she to continue, eventually she would find the quartet lurking as a wave of wind passed over them. However Tagalong Girl needed to recognize the value of heuristics. After all, good enough, by definition, is good enough.

I intended to let her fruitlessly search a little while longer, but the group ceased to move stealthily and stood up, now head and shoulders above the tall grass.

“Had you followed the waves caused by the wind, instead of waiting for it to pass over each point, you could have quickly discerned the different possible positions. Though not as thorough as your method, it is important to balance speed and reliability. And generally speaking, situations such as observing your surroundings emphasize speed.” Imparting a few more tips, I used to apply a light layer of makeup to Ria’s face and hands as I remained seated, while watching the group.

As Tagalong Girl stood up in our cart like a meerkat sentry, I noticed them noticing her noticing them. She did not immediately notice them doing so, and let her gaze linger on them for long enough to invite them over.

Once starting towards us, Tagalong Girl quickly sat down and tightened up, as if drawing attention was in error. Well, considering it was not what she wanted, it was a mistake on her part. There are better reactions than balling up and ignoring it, but I was there to take care of things, so it was fine.

“Don't worry, I meant for them to approach us. I’m curious as to their business out here.” While following the unknown sound which had been from my grave shadows evidenced they were hunters of some sort, how did that lead them here? Something had to precipitate into this group, and normal conditions didn't seem to support it.

As they got closer, the man(boy?) in lead of his group waved. Able to look them over more clearly, I felt the desire to call the group Adventurers. Perhaps not in the most romantic sense, but they were equipped as hunters that would battle with their prey.

The leader had an almost simplified attractiveness to him, like a drawing; without flaws to find fault in or to judge his age. Being already chronologically impaired when it came to guessing the age of people, I could only assume from his vigorous stride a dozen paces among his companions, he was young. A simple sword of middling length hung at the waist, unobscured by minimalist clothing. His most distinctive—and perhaps I diminish the word in using it this way— feature would have been his dry, rusty brown hair that fell a little below his ears, and the possibly literal hack job cutting his bangs back.

Seeming eager to catch up with us, and seeing his companions not rushing to quite the same extent, I had Sparky change to his slowest speed. Seeing Tagalong Girl throwing glances at Ria, I tisked to catch her eye and give her a look.

Averting her gaze to her lap, the energetic adventurer strode up alongside us shortly thereafter.

“My work honors the Patriarch! I am Ritz, a beast hunter in these parts; I think it best you know that my friends and I spotted something dangerous and hitherto unknown just now. It remained hidden from us, but wish to warn you that you had best be on guard.”

Oh my, what an abrupt and direct introduction. It really is quite difficult to follow up and not sound like an idiot—well that is why I do it. Then again, coming from the adventurer it felt more like poor conversation skills, or general tactlessness than a ploy for asserting his position.

“Well met Ritz; my name is Kazuma. I thank you for your warning, but we have traveled from Glaucen, danger is not something we are unused to.”

Greeting him in turn, I looked back over his companions as they caught up. The bowman rolled his eyes towards the sky with a frown, but followed Ritz most closely.

“Patriarch bless—sorry for bothering, Ritz doesn't always think. To his credit in this case, what we were following is stealthy and may travel in packs. Even if you aren't averse to conflict, their numbers could cause trouble. Traveling in groups yourself is the only counter, really.” The bowman, or perhaps lancer, ribbed their leader while more smoothly encouraging his plan. No way the two of them were not best friends.

“No, you're not a bother at all, I genuinely thank you for the warning. We’ve just not much to give you. I'm not exactly sure what beast hunters do, so I can't make any offers for your services.”

“Not sure what beast hunters do? What is there to be unsure of!”

“I would guess Glaucen doesn't have beast hunters Ritz.” Ritz was cut off, and his friend looked to me for confirmation. Perhaps Face would be an even better way to reference the bowman. “Well whatever the reason there, here creatures tend to spread out in these fields. Normally they don't cause problems, but rogue elves tend to try and use them to cause havoc. Bounty prices are put on them, and the bodies of some can be butchered for some profitable items as well. Fairly simple, but unless beasts are swarming about, it can be touch and go.”

“That’s an excellent explanation, thank you; but I don't see how escorting me will be of any help to you all.” Considering how straightforward and not-blooded Ritz was, I doubted his motives were mercenary. Mostly I drug things along to watch the other two.

The third of them looked to be the oldest by a small margin. Fairly disinterested in the goings on, he was still in the process of taking his buckler off. Between that and a light nadziak(which made me question its efficacy), despite being rather large and equipped like a tank, he failed to give the impression of a front line fighter.

From what happened with the grave shadows, his reactions were no less professional than his fellows though. As such I could only presume he let himself follow behind the others and devote himself wholeheartedly to the position that needed filling.

Staying a pace behind the rest came the token female teammate. Truly, the only remaining question about the party was whether the romantic tension was with the leader or his best friend.

Well, one can appreciate if the world happens to set itself up in that matter, but there were several real observations to be made. Most apparent being how cold she acted. Of the four, she showed the most reticence, but as she drew closer, I couldn't tell if it was at Ritz’s attempt to escort us, or a festering dislike for him.

Having nurtured innumerable rivalries and been the object of twice as many grudges, deep-seated hatreds were as easily identifiably as colors to me. Even if I wasn't technically correct, I would always be very close. Whether she hated the action or that the person led them to it, it was a hate that was not self-aware.

Perhaps she just hated one part of his personality, but quarantined it in her mind from the leader, as if one must feel no dislike at all for their friends. Not from any spell, just experience, I felt the intangible aura of disdain which would eventually ebb to leave another filthy memory of its target.

So I dragged out the conversation and beat around the bush, paying special attention to her. Unrecognized hate can ignite when first noticed, and I did not want us caught in the conflagration if that came to pass. Luckily enough, Face was refreshingly evasive and roundabout in his speech.

“Well, as someone who doesn't think much, I'm sure Ritz wasn't counting on getting any benefits. He means well— besides, it’s not as though we would be hindering you.”

“Even so, it wouldn’t be good to heedlessly accept if he’s not conferred with you all. I couldn’t just agree and allow the rest of you to be dragged along without discussing the matter.”

“That's considerate, but be assured that we follow Ritz in his endeavors wholeheartedly.”

“Be that as it may…” A steady ticking cadence began as I tapped my cheek. Either way, there would be benefits and losses. Looking down from the back of the cart and back up to the adventurers, I sighed. “Should we happen travel in the same direction for a few days, then it will just be a fortuitous coincidence.”

“Let humanity protect one another with their might; so the Patriarch has decreed. I'm sure you'll be grateful for our company in the future; especially should those things we spotted return. You need not worry, as we accompany you!” Ritz bombastically took up the tacit acceptance of his party.

He stretched up slightly to vigorously shake hands. At least as Ritz did so, I believed I figured out the general motivations of his party from his proud stance. Ritz acted stubbornly in accordance to his faith as he interpreted it. Face followed as his second, and the girl followed him. The oldest was likely the third member of a weak power trio before they’d met her, and followed in their footsteps, as those with a demure personality were wont to.

Tagalong Girl surreptitiously pressed her lips together, at least taking care not to glare too harshly. I slightly shrugged in response—there were no good ways to be rid of them instantly. Letting them accompany us for a short while would give both parties a chance to get something. It might not be pleasant, but I could handle things if worse came to worse. Hopefully we could get along in the meanwhile.