WLWES 2

If Rio walked all the way to town, he wouldn’t get there until the next day. His only other option would be to spend the night camping in the forest. Fortunately, he had camping supplies packed in his large backpack, along with hard bread and dried meat that would last him a while.

“But… there are monsters in the forest at night. I should have bought a horse in the village, but the old woman said there were no horses for sale.”

It was still afternoon, and sunlight streamed through the tall trees that densely lined the forest. However, even with the moon at night, the surrounding area would be shrouded in darkness, making it impossible to see. From that darkness, demonic beasts could attack at any moment.

Having traveled for a long time, Rio knew how to choose paths that avoided monsters and how to camp without being detected. Still, it wasn’t completely safe, as he occasionally encountered beasts. In those cases, his best option was to run as fast as he could.

“I should cover as much ground as possible before the sun sets.”

Rio adjusted the weight of his backpack and began walking briskly. After barely half an hour, he slumped against a tree and sank to the ground. He wasn’t proud of it, but he had terrible stamina and a weak body. Even though he occasionally did manual labor, he was careful not to overexert himself. Traveling was no different. Frequent breaks were essential. Otherwise, he would exhaust himself and risk falling ill with a fever.

“Ahhh… I’m exhausted. Maybe I shouldn’t push myself so hard.”

As he rested against the tree, his eyes were drawn to the sky when he suddenly heard the sound of rushing water breaking the silence. A river was nearby! He could feel a flicker of hope stirring inside him. With a sudden burst of energy, he stood up and walked toward the sound.

“Ohhh, wow!”

The view opened up as Rio approached the sound, revealing a river. The river wasn’t deep, but the water was clear and beautiful. He approached the water, knelt down at the edge, and put his hand into the stream.

“It feels nice and cold! I didn’t realize there was a river here. I must have missed it while on the road with the carriage.”

The cool water lifted Rio’s spirit. He set his backpack down and splashed his face, scooping water with both hands. Just as he leaned in to drink, a loud voice barked behind him, “Don’t drink that!”

Rio flinched. His hands suddenly started trembling, causing water to pour between his fingers.

“Who the hell…” He turned, only to find the knight from earlier standing right behind him, looking even scarier than before.

“Ahh, the demo… from earlier.”

“The demo? What do you mean?”

“Umm… no, Sir Gideon. What are you doing here?”

That was close. Rio had almost called him a demon. But come on, the guy’s face was terrifying. Still wearing his usual terrifying expression, Gideon looked down at him and spoke.

“I should be the one asking you that. You’ll get sick if you drink water straight from the river.”

“What? I’ll be fine. I drink from rivers all the time.”

“What did you just say?”

The crease between Gideon’s brows deepened even further. Why is he so mad? I didn’t do anything to him.

Rio stood up, rubbing the back of his neck. It was starting to ache from looking up so much. Gideon was tall, at least a full head taller than Rio.

Jealous….? Nah. Rio was still growing. He’d catch up soon enough. Definitely. Totally not jealous. Not even a little.

…Okay, maybe a little.

Lost in thought, Rio suddenly realized he had been glaring at Gideon without even noticing. “What’s with that look?” the knight asked, staring him down with an equally intense glare.

Rio didn’t mind the knight’s stare. Even if Gideon had a scary face, he was also an open book and more of a gentleman. Rio had figured that Gideon wasn’t the type to turn violent suddenly, so he was not scared of him. The really scary ones were those who smiled while hiding their real intentions.

“If you’ve got something to say, say it.”

“Soo.. Why can’t I drink the water?”

“Rivers are full of bacteria. If you want to drink it, boil it first.”

“But I’ve never had an upset stomach from it.”

“What? Do you drink river water often?”

“No, not really. I usually have a canteen, but since it’s not hot today, I thought it would be okay, so I didn’t bring one.”

“Tsk.”

Wait… Did he just click his tongue? Why? Why does it matter to you whether I have water or drink from the river? These conversations where we can’t understand each other are exhausting.

Without a word, Rio put his backpack back on, turned away from Gideon, and started walking away. As he walked away, he heard the crunch of gravel under someone’s feet. Gideon was following him. Seriously?

I get it. You don’t like me. He already got the impression this guy didn’t like him when they first met, and Gideon’s attitude just now pretty much confirmed it. So why was he following me?

Rio tried ignoring him for a while but eventually gave in and turned around.

“…Why are you following me? Do you still need something?”

“No.”

“If you don’t need me, then go ahead. You have a horse.”

“You… Where are you going, Rio?”

“To the town past the forest.”

“Me too.”

“Huh?”

“I also have business in that town. So…”

“Yes? So?”

“So, get on my horse. On foot, you won’t make it to town before dark. The forest is dangerous at night.”

“……”

Rio paused for a moment and considered.

Ride Gideon’s horse? With him? I really don’t want to. I would have to be pressed against that big, muscular knight, and I don’t want to owe him anything. But… I also want to get to town before dark.

Rio shifted his gaze up and down. A groan escaped his lips as he wrestled with the decision.

Observing his turmoil, Gideon finally said, “I won’t force you,” and turned away.

“Ahhh, wait, wait! I’ll get on your horse. I’ll ride with you.”

Panicking, Rio grabbed onto Gideon’s coat.

“I’m such a pain. When people get too close, I want to run. But when they leave, I feel the urge to chase them.” As for Gideon, he wouldn’t have minded if he left, but he couldn’t help but go after him.

Gideon snorted and turned to face him. “Is that so?”

Hmm? Huh? Just now, did he laugh? He still looks as scary as ever, but his eyes have softened slightly. Maybe it’s my imagination?

Effortlessly, Gideon mounted his horse and then reached a hand out for Rios’. Rio grabbed his hand, and in a single, powerful swoop, Gideon swiftly lifted him onto the horse and wrapped his arms around him from behind.

Gideon was a really good rider. They had been on horseback for nearly two hours, with some breaks occasionally. Yet, Rio’s hips and lower back were barely strained. He noticed Gideon held the horse back, going far slower than necessary. He could have traveled much faster on his own, but he kept a slow and steady pace, likely for Rios’ sake. As Rio slid off the horse, he grudgingly regretted thinking badly of Gideon, who was, in fact, very gentle despite his intimidating looks.

“Thank you! I made it to town much earlier than I expected, and it’s all thanks to you. Is there anything I can do to repay you for your kindness?” Rio said.

“No need to thank me. I was heading this way anyway. I only gave you a ride because it was on my route,” Gideon replied.

“But… you slowed down for me, didn’t you? Normally, you could have arrived much faster.”

Gideon, who had been stroking his horse’s neck, looked surprised for a moment before a hint of a smile appeared on his face. Though his expression remained mostly unchanged, the corners of his lips twitched slightly.

“I only did it for the horse’s sake. Don’t worry about it. But I’ll be going now. Be careful on your way.”

“I really appreciate your help. Thank you very much! Gideon… sir… please be careful too!”

“Mhmm.”

With a nod, Gideon rode off into the city. Rio watched him until he turned a corner and disappeared from sight. After that, he put his backpack back on and started walking.

“I’ll treat myself to a good meal and a nice inn today. My back is sore from riding, but it’s manageable.”

Sometimes, it’s necessary to indulge in a little luxury. It’s good for both body and mind. He wandered through the bustling city streets, searching for a suitable inn. The town was fairly large, with a constant flow of people. He had to be careful not to let his oversized backpack bump into anyone. While trying to stay out of everyone’s way, he focused so much on that task that he failed to watch where he was going and collided head-on with someone.

“Whoa! I’m sorry! Are you okay?” he exclaimed.

“…Yeah,” the other person replied.

The boy Rio bumped into was much smaller than him and wore a hat, obscuring his face. He crouched slightly to get a better look, but before he could do so, the boy slipped past him and ran off.

“Ah! Wait! Hey! My face doesn’t look that scary,” he called after him.

If Rio had been Gideon, then running away would have made sense. But Rio is friendly and sociable and can get along with anyone. It was a first for him, and it really hurt his feelings.

He had never had anyone run away from him before, and it was quite shocking. He looked in the direction where the boy had vanished and was about to walk away when an elderly woman approached him.

“Hey there, young man,” she said.

“Yes?”

“Are you okay?”

“Um, yeah? Why do you ask?”

“That boy just now, did he steal anything from you?”

“….What?”

Panic surged as he quickly checked the small pouch under his short cloak.

“No way… my silver coins! They’re gone!”

“Oh dear, you had silver coins on you? That’s a shame,” the woman replied.

He turned to her and quickly asked, “Do you know who that kid is?”

“I’m sorry, dear. I don’t know. But with so many people around, pickpockets like him are everywhere. You should be more careful next time.”

“Ahhhh…”

The old woman gave him a pitying look before shuffling away. Rio walked slowly, feeling as though he had plummeted from heaven straight into hell. He wandered aimlessly for quite some time before stopping in front of a large inn.