Another world, Celeste

Chapter Thirteen, pt 2

After checking-out from the inn, we arrive at the gatehouse and sees six large crates placed beside the carriage. When I ask about them, the guard says that they are the reward from Lord Dumont. I exclaim with the amount he's giving to me. The guard offers to load the crates into the carriage's cargo compartment. It's equipped with dimensional space magic. Of course, no one knows that and the guard does not question it either. They treat it as part of another one of the dwarves' magi devices.

Senior Officer Derek once again handle our procedure to depart from the mining town. Once more, I show him the silver bracelet on my left arm to confirm my identification. Outside the gate, Lord Hans Dumont and Hovel are seeing us off. Hovel, Chief and Kif exchange the greeting Jilko and I made. Somehow, they have a look of pride while doing so.

"Thank you once again for healing the injured." Lord Dumont says to me.

He proceeds to say in a low voice. "You cast magic to calm my nerves, didn't you?"

"Just something to ease your trouble."

I respond with a smile.

After loading the additional items and signing the paperwork and inspections, we finally leave the mining town. The rangers and I are being vigilant in our surroundings for monsters while Chief walks ahead to mend the damaged path leading to Kiln Mountain. If you're not a dwarf, an elf or possess a special permit, access is restricted past this point which is why they put off mending this path until permission is granted. This time, the permission is unnecessary as Chief is the one repairing the damages.

Once the carriage reaches the entrance of Kana Forest, Stefan and several other rangers appear, adding combat support. Due to the fiery hail, low intelligent monsters in Kana Forest are shaken up by the disturbance but not as chaotic as the ones near the mining town.

Stefan politely greets Chief and I. I seldom see him and when I do, he's always like that. I heard from Syl that he's strict with the rangers in training, but respectful and understanding when working with his subordinates. The rangers occasionally see him behave like this around Lord Sol and Kinai too. At first, he calls me 'Lady Iris' despite me telling him to drop the formalities. I feel uncomfortable being treated highly when the person in question is very much older than me. In the end, I manage to get him to change 'lady' to 'miss' instead.

"We're scouting the surroundings. Please do not derail from the path to the village."

Stefan informs Kif who is sitting on the driver's seat. Then, he and the rangers disappear into the trees. Syl and Erissa resume their position on either side of the carriage while Mint and I guard the rear. After a few paces into the forest, I sense a presence up ahead. Compared to a year ago, I am now able to distinguish their intention and this presence lets my guard down entirely.

Bane!

I dash towards him, beaming a smile and hug his face. He nuzzles closer to me until I fall to the ground.

With Bane here, Chief joins Kif at the driver's seat and I sit at the edge of the carriage facing Bane who's walking behind the carriage. Mint sneak up beside Bane and trying very hard to suppress her squeals. Since we haven't stop for a break during the return journey, I share the leftover pieces of bread amongst the apprentices to ease their discomfort. Chief complains of not receiving one when he smells them from the front. I distribute two more for him and Kif. It's a good thing I have a lot prepared in my storage. A few hours later, the carriage safely passes by the village's barrier. The guards open the gate when they see the carriage approaching.