- Shari -

To reach the exit I have to walk around the, occasionally still smoking, ruins of the mansion.

I don't even want to know how much wealth got burned here.

When I get to the gate, I first notice that it's the same open carriage we used for our mission to the "bandits".

Then I see Vela and Erin.

Both don't look too happy.

"Hey you two. You're accompanying us on the mission?" (Shari)

"Someone thought it might be better to apply a team that already has worked together to be sure of our performance." (Elin)

"Even if too many of us are gone." (Vela)

"Sorry about Galos. I think Jaren will recover." (Shari)

"But certainly not in time for this mission. We lack our vanguard." (Vela)

"Don't worry, I'm here!" (Balion)

Balion comes from the side.

Fully geared up, a giant sword hoisted over his shoulder.

"No, you don't." (Vela)

She said that quite flatly.

"What are you saying?" (Balion)

"That you weren't assigned on this mission. Don't try to deny it! You're in no shape to travel, not to speak of going on a mission." (Vela)

"I'm absolutely able to... Uggh!" (Balion)

Vela just slapped him hard on the chest.

However, she's small, but this giant Balion looks like he's about to keel over.

"Stop playing strong. Healing magic isn't all-powerful. It takes a toll on the healed body. Wounds don't close from nothing and magical power can't compensate for everything. And you weren't even completely patched up. They just did their utmost to keep you from bleeding out. It only needs a bit too much strain and all your wounds will reopen. You're staying!" (Vela)

"You can't expect me to leave you on your own!" (Balion)

"I'm not giving you a choice. I'm already mourning a comrade. Do you really want to force me to add more names to that list?" (Vela)

"But..." (Balion)

"No "buts"! You're staying or I'll let them throw you into a cell for insubordination." (Vela)

"You said yourself this group lacks a vanguard." (Balion)

That's not wrong.

However, if I had to choose, I'd prefer a shield without holes.

And as I said before, he got pincushioned.

"Just good that you have one!"

Huh?

I stand surprised. When I turn around I look at...

"Zeon? What are you doing here?" (Vela)

"This human!" (Liqu)

Yep, it's the "annoying" lightning user.

The "annoying" just now came from Liqu, albeit I as well vividly remember how bad it feels to have lightning coursing through my system.

"It's an important mission and our bosses are aware that you're lacking some members. We've got assigned to fill in." (Zeon)

"We?" (Shari)

Promptly, someone I really didn't wish to see approaches.

"The captain said you need a vanguard." (Alec)

"No, no, no, no, no! Not you!" (Shari)

"Oh, I know that one!" (Liqu)

Suddenly, I see pictures in my mind of Alec flying through the air, held by strands of slime at his feet, while he's used as a club against other soldiers.

All of this is accompanied by a deep feeling of satisfaction.

I know this isn't my own emotion but this time I can get behind it.

"You can be sure, it wasn't my idea." (Alec)

"Of everyone they could send, you?" (Shari)

"I'm still the best they have if it's about keeping stuff at bay. My strength enhancement is uniquely suited to maintaining a front." (Alec)

"Still! You're you! Saying we don't get along is an understatement!" (Shari)

"Complaining won't help. Besides, the selection wasn't great." (Alec)

"You can't tell me they hadn't anyone else for this mission." (Shari)

"Believe it or not, that's exactly the case. During the last attack, most members of the elite died or got severely injured. There was no one else in sufficient shape to be of much help." (Alec)

"How can this be? Aren't you guys the strongest with your fancy body strengthening?" (Shari)

At this, Zeon chimes in from the side.

"That's part of the problem. Using this ability for too long causes severe muscle damage, ripped tendons, and cracked bones. Also, almost everyone on the upper levels specializes in close-quarter fights. Naturally, our group was deployed where the situation was the direst, which took its toll." (Zeon)

"So you're the sad leftovers?" (Shari)

"Mind your words!" (Alec)

"And if not? Will I have to throw you again into the mud and punch you senseless?" (Shari)

"Last time you got me unprepared and exhausted. Care for a rematch?" (Alec)

"Both of you, please. We didn't even depart yet. Officer, that's not appropriate demeanor." (Zeon)

Oh please, everyone knows that this title is basically pure formality.

Especially now that order got quite the hard blow due to the almost complete annihilation of the army.

Otherwise, I'd be the highest-ranking military official here.

But he's right.

I won't get anything out of it if I pick a fight.

So I decide to accept my fate and wait without uttering another word.

It's not like there's anything I can do about this.

The same goes for Balion.

It actually requires another gut punch from Vela but he realizes that two elite soldiers may provide sufficient protection and reins in.

However, it seems others have a different mindset.

"You can't be serious! Is this a joke?" (Lorena)

When I look in the direction of that noise I find our little princess and her maid.

The latter right now yelling at a distraught Dion, who gesturing tries to appease her.

"Please, this is for her highness' best. We cannot afford to inform anyone beforehand." (Dion)

"But this "vehicle" is utterly shabby! Her highness won't set foot in there." (Lorena)

I as well honestly thought that a princess would get something more comfortable.

On the other side, this might be detrimental to the intention of not drawing any unwanted attention.

"Ehm, I think it's fine. I..." (Anvenia)

"Your highness, you cannot stoop so low. We have to transport you according to your status. That you have to wear these rags is already straining it." (Lorena)

The "rags" she's referring to are a high-quality but plain outfit.

It's quite a contrast to her usual frilly dresses, but it would actually be weird if she'd wear that kind on the journey.

After all, it will take around five days till we'll reach the capital.

"I'm sorry, but we can't afford to raise any interest. So a coach is out of question. Also, all of them were destroyed during the raid." (Dion)

I get him.

This thing is the best option.

It takes a while but Dion, using all his diplomatic prowess, manages to convince Lorena to set foot in the cart.

Anvenia, meanwhile, looks more excited than anything else.

But then something unexpected happens.

Dion climbs on it as well.

"You're accompanying us?" (Shari)

"As the lord's aide, it is on me to represent him at the palace. No one else has the required status to speak in his name. Also, I'm well known in the capital. It's imperative that I join for the logistics." (Dion)

"If you say so." (Shari)

"Yes I do. If you would now please come up here. We can't afford to squander our time." (Dion)

I do as he says.

But as soon as I'm on it, I hear Liqu speaking up in my mind.

"I like the girl. Can we sit next to her?" (Liqu) "I'm not sure if the maid would appreciate that." (Shari) "Oh please!" (Liqu) "Fine, but we'll certainly get yelled at." (Shari)

It got much harder to deny her wishes since I feel the brunt of her disappointment.

Anyway, I have to make sure to keep some distance from the horses to avoid making them panic which limits the available seats for me.

As expected, the woman shoots me a glare.

"If it soothes you, Liqu is at the moment completely under control." (Shari)

"I can barely move. And don't want to." (Liqu)

I ignore Liqu's bliss about the situation and wait for the maid to answer.

"How is this any better? There's still another monster close by!" (Lorena)

"Can't help it. Think of it this way: In case of a crash her highness is guaranteed to be cushioned well." (Shari)

"Oh my god!" (Lorena)

At least she realizes eventually that her complaints won't help here.

After that, the others slowly gather as well.

Dion takes the front seat and eventually, the carriage starts to move, carrying us right into another adventure.

Sigh.