Book 15 Chapter 4
Episode 51
The carriage we got from the Milledo Merchant Guild was so massive that it required nine horses to pull it simultaneously.
As a carriage escorting luxury goods, it was designed with luxurious and sturdy materials, seemingly sacrificing weight for it.
It was located at the very center of the convoy. In other words, the safest place.
I was uneasy. To be honest, I hadn't been comfortable for a single second since the moment I was forcibly cross-dressed.
“Just how much longer do I have to be like this?”
“Oh dear, our witch~ No matter how much you say you're an apprentice, you should speak a bit more elegantly.”
“Elegantly, nobly, sexily, oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.”
Frede pulled my cheek playfully, and Pipi likewise tugged the opposite cheek with her beak.
“You two are really… *Hmph*, *ha*, sh-… You're dead later.”
“Lister proposed this plan, didn't she? Why don't you say anything to Lister?”
“Well, you know… that person has been a lunatic from the start.”
Lister, along with Sval, drew back the pink curtain of the carriage window and was admiring the warm, setting sun of the south beyond.
“Look at that, Rin. We've crossed the southern border in an instant. At this rate, we'll reach our destination in no time!”
“How long is 'no time'?”
“Hmm, since we have to go to the Red Mountains, about 8 days?”
Is 8 days "no time"? Just as I was about to retort, someone knocked on the door.
Under Frede's strict guidance, I had to correct my posture to a cute(?), adorable(??), and dignified pose befitting an apprentice witch.
The person who opened the door and entered was a middle-aged man, who said he brought some fruit in case I, a witch, was hungry.
“And this is a separate gift from the young master, haha, then I shall take my leave.”
Inside the luxuriously wrapped wooden box was… an expensive piece of jewelry at first glance. Frede whistled.
“Ooh~ This is a ruby necklace famous for its elemental strengthening (屬强) properties. If enchanted well, it gives minor advantages to fire-elemental magic power.”
“But why are they giving this to me?”
“Yeah, it's really expensive.”
Lister also fiddled with the ruby, saying. Even the lingering glint of light bouncing off the sunlight was artistic.
“What else could it be?”
Frede wagged her index finger and gave an evil smile.
“Didn't you see that passionate gaze earlier? It means the young master of the Milledo Merchant Guild has fallen for Rin.”
“Eh?”
“What?”
“Gyuut?!”
When Lister took out the ruby, the letter that was lying underneath was revealed. The letter, once taken out and read, said this:
If you would accept my heart, please wear this necklace to dinner tonight.
I quickly analyzed the current situation in my mind.
To be "ban(反)-hada" (to oppose), so it means to oppose me… Does that mean they're hostile towards me?
Aha, they say the strongest recognizes the strongest, so is it that the young master actually wants to compete with me for the title of strongest?
If so, is this a provocation like, [I can win even with this much of a handicap]?
“Hmph, I like it.”
At that, Frede had a slightly surprised look, as if it was an unexpected reaction, and Lister covered her mouth with both hands.
“You like it… Are you sure you understand this situation properly?”
“Of course.”
“Then, you're going out tonight?”
“If the opponent is serious, then I must also meet them seriously.”
“What, uh, um, so, huh, Rin, so… you were 'that way'?”
'That way'?
In this world, there are only two types of people: those who aim for [the strongest] and those who don't. Does it mean I'm the former?
It was subtly disheartening for them to ask that anew. After all, Lister should be one of "these people" too.
“Why are you acting like you've only just realized it?”
Lister, as if in shock, stumbled back a few steps and then flopped down. She then turned around and clutched her head with both hands.
“Ri-Rin is like that… No, you were like that… Then even being kind to Gid, huh? Eh? E-eh?!”
On the other hand, Frede's eyes were very serious, with not a trace of her usual playfulness visible on her face.
“You punk, even if I want to respect your preferences, don't you know I'm in the position of a religious leader of the Republic? ‘That path’ is strictly forbidden by the Dragon Orthodox Church. Do you want to be stoned to death as stated in the scriptures?”
Does that mean those who aim for the strongest are ultimately destined to be stoned…?
Still, it's fine.
When I decided to aim for the end of this path, I resolved not to yield to any difficulties. When I voiced that resolution, Frede solemnly nodded.
“If you have such firm resolve… well, I can't bless it due to my position, but I won't stand in your way.”
“Thanks.”
“Fr-Frede? What are you talking about?!”
“Actually, I thought she was too young from the moment I first saw her. This kid, maybe it's better for her to just find happiness here.”