Chapter 21

The quiet cooing of the roosters was the first thing I heard early in the morning. There is nothing like this in the Chasseur. Outside, I could hear children buzzing and adults going about their business.

It was my first day at the surface. So, it's relatively new. I stretched and even rolled over while still in bed. This is quite soothing. Nobody will yell at me to get up earlier. That's a normal issue in school, but since I'm on vacation, I should at least enjoy myself. I'll just think of a method to get out of here soon.

I went to fix myself first before having my breakfast. For today, I wore a casual outfit and braided my hair like a teenage girl. I could see how lovely this lady was in front of the mirror. Everything is beautiful now that I have this wonderful smile on my face. What am I thinking again? This isn't me at all.

"In any case, it's best to go out for breakfast. My stomach is grumbling."

When I arrived at the inn, there were a few individuals who were going to check in and were idling. But that isn't what I'm worried about. What should I eat today? Today I must also try some new commoner's meals. Yesterday night, the dish had a bad appearance, but the taste was out of this world. I'm curious what it will be like today.

Having stated that, I headed to the restaurant. Sekki's father manages the restaurant in the inn's side complex. However, when I walked in, the ambience was pretty gloomy. In comparison to yesterday night, there were no customers. I also overheard what the crew was talking about.

"Is this day where bandits steal our supplies, huh?"

"Manager, shouldn't we try to stop them? Sekki is here, he can do it."

"No, we must avoid troubles. What if they target this small inn and our restaurant?"

I gasped a little as I was a bit perplexed by what I'd come to know. If they don't have the supply for today then I wouldn't be able to taste their mouth-watering dish. This can't be happening.

"I object!" I yelled anxiously to them, and everyone turned to face me while Sekki swept the diner casually. "Oh! It's the old lady! " Ugh, and his—oh, wait. Isn't it that Sekki was the manager's only son here?

"Shh, she's a customer. You shouldn't say that."

"B-but—"

The manager of the restaurant slightly glared at the kid and returned his stares at me with a smile.

"What do you mean by 'I object'? I am sure you weren't talking about getting the supplies back, are you not?"

"Of course, I am! I'm not going to stop until I get those supplies back." They were all perplexed and worried by what I was saying. Regardless, I am determined to reclaim those supplies. "B-but you might end up putting yourself in danger."

"Who do you think I am? I am the one who saved...a few..."

"You should give up because the boss won't agree—" one of the ladies replied, but was cut off by Sekki's father, "Alright. If you're that serious about getting the stuff back. Then I'll give you my blessing." Sekki's father even tapped both of my shoulders while looking at me with serious eyes.

"Boss?! Are you sure you're serious? What happened to your 'Don't get in trouble'?"

"Don't panic, " the ladies were perplexed. "She appears to be a good fighter with a flexible body, based on what I can see right now. She'll be able to beat the bandits without even breaking a sweat. Ahahaha!"

He didn't notice that I don't have any Artes right now, did he?

"Hm. I'm sure I can do it. So, could you tell me where the bandits are? Do you know where they are right now? "

"Oh, I see! They live at the base of the mountain. The road from the mountain was the path that the supplies travelled. They should be there."

Although, worries were written within their faces. I could still see that if I am able to get these said supplies, these people will be delighted. Not all of that, I can request that soup again. Of course, they will give me a reward for getting back those supplies for them. But none of this will work if I don't have a weapon with me and since I can't use my Artes, I'll need a strong weapon.

As I looked around, all I saw was a sword used as an ornament on the wall. It has a sharp tip, but I don't think it'll be good on the battlefield. Though I won't really have any choice.

Talking about the sword, I inquired about it. Pointing it out, "Say... that sword can still be used in combat...right?"

The manager followed my hand, he paused a little. I could feel the uncertainty about the sword that I was talking about.

"That sword is old and rusty. Why? Will you be needing a weapon?" I gulped as I nodded on his precise question. "Alright, you can take it but I think it won't last any longer on the battlefield."

"That's fine. As long as I have a weapon. There's nothing to worry about."

Despite the fact that the sword was old and rusted, I decided to take it in the end. I fixed myself, although I'm still wearing a dress instead of a combat suit. I was too lazy to change my clothes. I can fight in any situation; therefore, this should not be an issue for me.

After that, I finally went bandit hunting.

***

My destination is still as far away as I had expected. The Empyrean city was far too large for me to just walk through. Not only that, but the manager also asked his son and this young brat to join me. I couldn't say no because my Artes was gone and all I had was this rusted sword.

Sekki does look annoyed, perhaps he doesn't like the idea of being dragged into such troublesome matters. It's irritating to see him being grumpy and all.

"Ah—ah! You should've just declined your father's wish. If you don't want to be in here, you should just go back to the inn." I tried to make it obvious that I didn't want him here, however, he just quickly side glanced at me without saying anything.

This bitch is acting cool and calm.

"Say, brother! What is this old lady talking about?" and this brat is unbelievably annoying, "Don't mind her and just walk."

These two are the most horrible people I've ever met. They act like they're my seniors when we're almost the same age, and the brat should respect me. Tch, I should just ignore them at times like this.

The city was loud, and there were people and vehicles everywhere. I can't believe I've made it to the surface. My eyes were amused by what I could see, and the establishments were next to one other. You might spend and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Discovering new stuff is also high on my priority list.

I should add that to my to-do list.

It took us a long time merely to get to the bandits' lair. What am I expecting? We could actually ride some vehicles, but we chose not to. I should have insisted we ride on those things from the start. I'm exhausted, and my legs are trembling.

"Hey, shouldn't we be in the bandit's hideout by now?" My breathing is already horsing. "What? Don't tell me you're already tired? Ahaha, where the heck does the flexible body go? As I've thought you're just an old lady."

"S-shut up!" Ugh, I'm already tired and this brat kept on stirring up my emotions.

"Shh! Quiet you two."

"Really boss? The others caught an ancient Faerie?"

"That's right, idiot. I'm going to look into it before the Cadres do. You're in charge of everything here. Do you follow me?" We overheard a nearby conversation as the three of us were hidden in the bushes.

Talking about ancient faeries, what could those be?

"Yes, boss."

Sekki turned to us, "After we finish our business here. We need to follow that man in charge." I don't quite get it; we only need to bring back the supplies but we're going to follow the boss of the bandits?

Is he perhaps curious about the ancient faerie himself? Well, I'm also curious.

With that. We began our agenda.