“Wow, you guys put more thought into this than I realised,” Tibaut stated.

“Of course we did!” Elizabeth responded, looking at him with an eyebrow. She seemed almost insulted by the question. “Do you think we were twiddling during our discussions? Just a few days of nothing but moving our mouths with nothing coming out?” She had left her seat and was now in Tibaut’s face.

“Uh, n-no.”

“Do you know how long it took to convince these guys, especially Furor, I swear he…”

She continued complaining but it seemed she did it more for stress relief than confiding in Tibaut.

----------------------------------------

“Seriously how can you guys not agree on a route? I presented all the options and the scouts even suggested their route we all decided looked promising, so why did it take four hours to agree on it!?”

Tibaut sat there, completely drained listening to her animosity, all this time being too afraid of the consequences if he happened to fall asleep. The other two had fallen asleep.

They slowly began noticing the carriage going over bumpier terrain before stopping.

Elizabeth looked outside and realised how dark it had gotten.

“I guess we're staying here for the night.”

“Huh? I don't feel like we've travelled much. At least compared to that other time.”

“Of course, not. We're being more careful. For we'll have a few of the quicker ones scout out ahead of our route, to ensure they haven't either caught on or are lurking in the area.”

Tibaut looked at Tina, and Lily sitting in the back.

“Well, then I better get some rest.”

“I'll be checking with the others tonight.”

“Oh, uh, goodnight then.”

Thankfully he had the whole bench to himself as Tina slept on the floor while Lily was on the other side of the carriage.

“You're coming with me.”

She grabbed his arm and started dragging him.

“Oh come on! Can't I just stay here?”

“It's not my fault you've proven I can't leave you out of my sight.”

Tibaut resisted but Elizabeth pulled him with little effort on her part.

It seems the others that came along had gathered in their own small groups. As soon as their eyes caught Elizabeth they gathered around a campfire that had already been lit. She approached it and like children gathering before their teacher, they formed a small group in front of her.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Tibaut was forced to stand next to her and got a lot of looks he didn't like.

“Alright then, now I want to ensure everything about this plan goes smoothly and for that I need all of you to be as compliant as possible. I would also love to know what you all have on your minds. Also,”

She seemed to be making a specific point with this next sentence. “I know I'm the strongest one here but I would appreciate it if our discussions didn't so heavily rely on me.”

The others nodded and the discussions began in earnest.

They then began talking about matters Tibaut tried his best to pay attention to (sadly this was a waste of effort).

As they spoke, he realised there was one person who consistently brought things down to a halt. The lanky guy and frankly sketchy-looking guy called Furor.

He would consistently bring up points that, although reasonable, would take way too much time to clear his doubts and several others present.

(“Ugh, has she spent thirty minutes answering this question? No wonder she was complaining about this.”)

As Furor asked these questions Tibaut couldn't help but make up his face and it was further noticeable due to him being close to her.

“Hey dipshit, if you've got the time to look bored how bout you answer the question, huh?” Furor asked.

(“Tsk, couldn't you have left me out of this.”)

“Furor, could you please stop antagonising the others here?” Elizabeth asked, sounding ready to go to bed.

“Don't give me that Elizabeth, I'm not gonna go easy on him just cause he's your golden boy or whatever!” Furor shouted at her.

(“Have you gone easy on anyone, Furor?”) Everyone else there wondered.

“Furor, can we please keep this discussion on rails-”

He cut Elizabeth off, “I see you rolling your eyes at me you bastard! Hey Elizabeth, how about I teach this dipshit some manners!?”

(“Dammit, I let it show on my face.”)

“Whatever, just stay where I can keep a view of you two.” She responded.

“Hehe, scared I might break your golden boy? Don't worry he'll only have a phobia of me when I'm finished.”

Some in the crowd sighed while others were glad they weren't picked.

“Seriously Liz? Do I have to?”

“Just do it so he'll shut up. Also, word of advice, make sure to release some mana-”

“Hey!!!” Furor shouted at her.

She looked at him annoyed, and gritted her teeth. She turned back to Tibaut and patted him on the back.

“Tsk, don't take it too seriously. If he injures you in any way I'll just slap him around before sending him home.”

“He's not gonna... right?”

Furor wasted no time coming over and started the battle by… opening his mouth?

Tibaut expected a punch or kick or something but all he did was take in some air before shouting. Is he trying to burst Tibaut’s eardrums or something?

While Tibaut wasn't seeing much to be afraid of, the others were hightailing as soon as Furor made his way over.

Even Elizabeth rushed over to place her hand over his mouth.

“Not here.” She said. She wasted no time on his response and threw him further into the forest.

“FUCK OFF.” His shout started off powerful before fading into the forest.

It was just a shout but Tibaut couldn't help but feel antsy. He felt like he wanted to go home after hearing that.

“Huh? What's going on?”

“Tch, he can be such a bastard sometimes,” Elizabeth commented.