TEB Ch 64

“You’re having strange thoughts right now.” 

Liev, whose eyes became sharper, gave the expression that he shouldn’t say anything absurd. 

“What nonsense are you talking about? Just focus on the explanation.” 

But Renard still had a dissatisfied expression on his face. 

“I can tell just by smelling. Are you hiding something from me now?” 

“There is nothing like that, are you a dog? You always complain about smells.” 

Liev waved his hand as if to make Renard go away, but Renard stood his ground and replied. 

“What can I do if it really stinks? It depends on how Liev feels.”  

“……” 

I guess it’s not a very good feeling. Liev still looked at Renard with a disapproving expression, and Renard quickly added. 

“When Liev is in a good mood, he has a sweet smell. Hmm, it’s a little different from the smell of sugar. These days, when I smell it, I feel hot down there.”  

“Shh! Be quiet! He is explaining something!” 

Liev didn’t give him any time to relax. He quickly covered Renard’s mouth, as he was about to say strange things again and again. Do I really smell? Sniffing, I unconsciously brought my sleeve to my nose and breathed deeply, but all I could smell was the unique scent of laundry detergent. Renard always talks about how I smell. Liev felt a little embarrassed and awkward, so he made a promise to himself not to react to whatever Renard said and focused on Albert’s explanation. 

First, the expected period is at least one month. However, there may be various variables during the journey, so it is not a good idea to expect to return within a month. 

“That was the same in the original story too.”  

Moreover, this was the time when the tales of Sigrid and his party were spreading throughout the Airen Kingdom. In other words, it meant that the local lords, who received a notice in advance to help with the journey of the knights, were asking for help with their unsolved problems. “Please help us!” And like any other knight, Sigrid couldn’t refuse their request. If that happens, the schedule will be pushed back one after another.  

But is there any other way? 

It might be because they couldn’t turn away from it that they became good people. Anyway, they have things to do, so you guys figure out your own problems, and I’ll leave. Liev had the attitude of letting people solve their own problems, but he wasn’t so lacking in character that he would say something mean to others about small things. He wasn’t exactly proactive, but he didn’t want to be a burden either. He probably couldn’t do much, but at least he didn’t want to be a hindrance. 

Anyway, since the goal was set to go from the south to the north, clearing out monsters and finding the cause of this large-scale mission, there was no choice but to obediently follow. Because he was like a piece of luggage that had no choice but to follow along. After finishing the briefing, the group soon set off for their journey. After the oath ceremony in front of everyone to represent the king’s will and protect Airen, it was now time to leave. 

“Is this ceremony held every time you set off?” 

“Ah~.” 

Isn’t it too much trouble? Of course, the only people in attendance were the king, the prime minister, and some high-ranking officials, so it was a simple event. But as a modern person, it felt like a waste to do this every time they went out. When Liev asked with a slightly disapproving look, Albert replied.  

“It’s not always like this. But this mission is important, and the duration is long, so they’re praying for safety and victory.” 

Isn’t it more like a show? Liev nodded slightly, still not convinced. Finally, the group left the Hall of Honor and headed towards the open space in front of Renard’s mansion. 

“Why a carriage?” 

Liev’s head tilted involuntarily towards the carriage waiting for the group to board and head towards the field. Why is the carriage without horses or coachmen? Liev couldn’t understand and looked to the group for answers, when Albert let out a sly chuckle. 

“This is our means of transportation. It’s the most efficient way to travel.” 

The carriage was large enough to fit eight people, with Reinhart staying behind to handle administrative duties, leaving Liev and the other five humans and one dragon. It seemed like there was enough space for all seven of them to board the carriage, but Liev couldn’t figure out how it would move. Liev turned to look at Renard, wondering if he had any idea. In the meantime, the rest of the group started boarding the carriages one by one. Just as Liev was about to step onto the carriage, Renard grabbed him. 

“You’re not there. You should come with me.” 

“What?” 

Liev was confused and taken aback, but before he could react, the rest of the group quickly closed the carriage doors. Were they going alone? How were they going to get there? Just then, Renard stepped back and revealed his true form, radiating a blinding light. 

“……” 

The light faded away, and a giant dragon appeared, causing Albert to whistle in awe. It was still a beautiful creature, with shiny scales, a black body, and thick wings that perfectly blocked out the sun. It was truly a perfect sculpture. As Liev was mesmerized, Renard spoke up first. 

“Come on, you have to ride on my back.” 

“Huh?” 

The reaction was too strong, wasn’t it? I was embarrassed, but I couldn’t help it. I don’t know how much longer I will live, but I was momentarily lost in the romantic thought that I probably won’t see anything more beautiful than this until I die. Liev’s body floated up into the air. 

“Oh, what, what…!” 

Then, with a light whoosh, he landed on the surface of Renard’s back and settled on the saddle with stirrups and a neck strap. It even had armrests, just like a saddle for livestock. Liev was taken aback, but Renard nonchalantly said,  

“Hurry up and get on. We’re leaving right away.” 

Then, with a puff and a hot breath, Renard exhaled, and it felt strange. Now it really felt like he was sitting on some kind of throne. Liev felt awkward as he awkwardly put his foot on the saddle, but Renard smiled with satisfaction. It was hard to read his expression since he was in the form of a dragon and only looking at the back of his head, but it seemed like he was smiling.  

“How is it? Comfortable? As long as you have the will to stay, you won’t fall off.” 

He still wasn’t sure, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable position to sit in. It just felt like he needed to watch his manners if he was going to sit here. 

“Um, well, I’m glad, but…can I really sit here?” 

This seat is, how should I say it, something the protagonist should sit in? Liev felt awkward and hesitant, but Renard confidently shouted, 

“Then who else would climb in behind me if not Liev? Do you want me to just pick up anyone and bring them along?” 

“Um…” 

I haven’t really thought about it yet. But the thought of someone else taking on my role felt unpleasant. 

The dragons were beings with great pride. There was no way that beings who considered themselves to be intelligent life forms higher than humans could tolerate being treated like livestock by humans. But here he was, preparing a saddle and giving him a special ride. It was an odd situation that made Liev’s heart race. 

“No, I don’t want that.” 

“……!” 

Without even realizing it, Liev blurted out his true feelings, and his face turned red with embarrassment. Albert shouted from inside the carriage. 

“Excuse me, can we please leave now since you two seem to be getting along so well?” 

“Oh, yes…!” 

At the same time, Renard grabbed onto the long pole-like structure installed on top of the carriage with his hind claws. Ah, that’s why the carriage was just sitting there. Like an eagle swooping down to catch its prey, Renard lifted the carriage with the pole and flapped his wings, causing a strong gust of wind. When he first entered this world, something unimaginable was happening.