Chapter 851


    A guard’s instincts<hr>


    “I don’t really know about the regrity of monster encounters…”


    “I have never been to Bleiyu vige before, so I cannot say for certain. But I think we should have seen one, at least… Especially since this can barely be called a road.”


    The ground had a beaten path, but it did not seem like it was used that regrly.


    There was grass growing, which suggested that it had been some time before a wagon or carriage passed through.


    “As this is our first trip, we are taking the most obvious route. But I don’t think people from Bleiyu vige would usually pass through here.”


    “Ah, so that is why…”


    After leaving Ractos, we had gone down the east road and then turned to the south partway. But if you want to go the fastest way, it would have been better to travel diagonally, southeast.


    That was likely the way that the vigers went.“If there is less traffic, then there should be more monsters. As I’m sure the patrolling soldiers do note here often..”


    “Could it just be a coincidence that there are no monsters?”


    “Of course, it is possible…but…”


    “Is there something that is bothering you?”


    “I do not know how to say it… But during our training, we learn about the traces that monsters leave. It’s easier to deal with them if you find them quickly.”


    As they were guarding the duke, it made sense that they would be wary of monsters as well. Even if they usually did note in contact with them, the danger would be there when traveling.


    “And thanks to that training, I tend to be able to sense their presence. Well, it is not very clear. And so I cannot be sure.”


    “And so your senses are telling you that there is a monster?”


    “Something like that. Or perhaps one was here…”


    “If that is the case, then it must have left because of some reason…”


    “Well, it would mean that.”


    In any case, if we could travel in peace, that was a good thing. So while it was strange, it did make things easier for us…


    After that, as we let the horses rest, Nichs and Phillip continued to talk about how odd it was.


    I suppose it was just something that guards felt.


    I didn’t know anything about monster traces…


    “The ground is a lot softer around here.”


    “That made things easier.”


    The sun had started to set, and so we decided to stop and set up camp before it got too dark.


    Unlikest time, there were more nts growing here, so the ground was softer. But even then, it was hard for me to hit the stakes for the tent, as I was not used to it.


    “There are not many trees here, which means less branches… It is a good thing we brought some wood with us.”


    “Well, we will reach the vige tomorrow. Perhaps they will share some with us for the return trip.”


    “Yes. The food will be poor if we don’t have a fire…”


    Yesterday, there had been several trees nearby, but this time, there was only one. And not many dead leaves either.


    “Now… How about putting into practice what Nichs said yesterday, Mr. Takumi?”


    “Huh? Me?”


    “I think it will do you good. Knowing how to start a fire properly.”


    “I see… Very well.”


    Phillip brought the remaining firewood along with some branches and leaves, and then he told me to light them up.


    I had wanted to test it… But I had not realized it would be so soon…