The specialties of Suwari village, with a population of about 700, are the concentrate for potions made from refined herbs, and textiles made from threads extracted from insects called monogu. Sometimes the village chief, Parlux, loads them into a carriage and takes them to the royal capital for wholesale. At that time, Ralph accompanies him as guard.

The carriage leaves the open village and enters the forest.

"This year, we harvested high-quality herbs, and the concentrate for the potions is likely to sell for a high price. The quality of Suwari textiles has also improved, so they will be great souvenirs to take home."

"That seems to be the case. That's what Emily said."

Ralph was on guard next to Barlux, who was holding the reins.

"Well, there's no need to be so vigilant. There haven't been any reports of monsters appearing recently, and even if there were, they wouldn't come out because of the sound of the carriage."

"That's true, but there's always the unlikely event. Besides, I'm still receiving a salary from the people, so I have to complete my duties."

Ralph was on loan from the royal capital. Ralph liked the peaceful village of Suwari.

As they were having this conversation, they eventually left the forest and emerged into an open area with an idyllic plain stretching out before them. A sturdy fence surrounded the ranch, and similarly sturdy buildings could be seen here and there. For the time being, Ralph lowered his guard level. He had traveled this path many times with Barlux, and the sense of relief and freedom he felt after leaving the forest was a comfortable one for him as well. In the distance, the royal castle could be seen.

"By the way, how is your wife?"

"Yes, her morning sickness has subsided and she is finally stable."

"I see. Lord Ralph has also come to the village, and everyone can work in peace. I don't know if the baby will be a daughter or a son, but are you planning to raise her as a warrior?"

"Yes, I would like to respect the child's opinion if possible, but I think I will let him use a sword until he is old enough to understand. I want him to be able to protect himself."

"Lord Ralph's child will grow up to be a fine man. I am looking forward to watching him grow up."

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"Thank you."

After driving for about an hour, the main gate of the royal castle that was visible in the distance was now right in front of us.

"Ralph-san."

The guards at the gate were waving from afar.

Still in the carriage, I approached the young, well-built guards.

"Ralph-san, it's been a while!"

"Um, who was it again?"

Ralph boasted with a straight face.

"That's terrible, Belhard! You taught me spearmanship!"

"Hahaha... I'm joking, Belhard. Are you still training?"

"You're a bad person. I never miss a practice. Are you on guard again today? Good work!"

"Ah, will you inspect the cargo?"

"No, it's fine. Please pass through."

Belhard smiled and made way for me.

"Even Lord Ralph is joking."

Smiling, Parx looked at Ralph's face.

"Yes, I taught him spearmanship when he was a rookie. He's built just like he looks, and he's got guts and a sense."

The carriage entered the trading house near the gate, and Parx moored it in a corner of the square. He began negotiating the price of three barrels of concentrated potion and twelve pieces of Suwari fabric. The agent got into the carriage and began appraising the quality of the items.

Ralph got off the carriage as well, stretching his stiff body. He fed his horse some of the fodder that was on the carrier and waited for the negotiations to end.

Barlux readily agreed to the amount the agent had proposed. It seemed to sell for a higher price than he had expected.

The agent called three porters and instructed them to unload the goods from the carrier, and the negotiations ended smoothly.

Barlux approached Ralph with a smile and whispered, "That was more than I expected."

"That's good."

Ralph couldn't help but smile.

The next carriage was waiting outside, so Barlux and Ralph jumped into it and went outside, passing around the carriages.

"After buying the necessities for the village, we'll still have plenty left over, so let's buy some sweets before we go back. The children in the village will be happy."

"Understood."

The carriage carrying Ralph returned to Suwari Village before nightfall.