-Three Days Later-
Minoru and Petra perked up as they heard a door to the back of the room open, smiling widely and quickly getting up in response.
“Thank you.” Milo had walked out from the patient rooms of the hospital, speaking briefly with one of the nurses before turning back to the entrance, smiling as he saw the other two waiting for him. Using his staff for support, he limped over, with the two of them quickly stepping right over to meet him, Petra crouching down to embrace him. “C-Cut it out, Petra, I’m okay now.” He said with a small chuckle.
“Never a bad time for a hug from a friend.” She replied matter-of-factly, holding up a finger as if to lecture him after letting him go.
“Glad you’re up and at it again, man.” Minoru added in, patting Milo’s shoulder.
“Not running at full capacity–” He began, rubbing his shoulder. “But I’m more than well enough to fight again.”
“Your mana streams aren’t still… snapped, are they?”
“I’d hardly be able to stand if they were.” The halfling chuckled. “You really hate the thought of ‘em snapping, don’t you?”
“I can’t help it! It makes me think of when I sprained an ankle as a kid. My foot’s actually still a bit weaker there even after all these years…” Minoru explained as the three took their leave.
“Anyways. Out of curiosity, were you guys able to find out anything more about what could be going on in Harnewentia?”
“Well, nothing concrete, but Dedrick had a bit of a theory. Ahh… What was it again? Something to do with leylines?”
“Leylines, yup!” Petra chimed in. “Y’see, Harnewentia’s capital is on one of the most productive leyline nodes in They've got this huuuge mana spout just lying around. There’s a ton of mana just pouring outta that thing, it’s what they use to power their transporters.” She explained, walking backwards while facing them as she rattled her words off. “Dedrick’s thoughts were something along the lines of, like, the infection’s using all that mana to fuel itself and grow quicker. Apparently monsters have been showing up way more frequently over in Harnewentia, they’re actually struggling a little to keep up with them.”
“Didn’t he also say that Draetan’s been trying to offer aid to them?”
“Mmh… Yeah, but the people there don't really like the idea."
"I remember hearing there was a lot of bad blood between the two. Harnewentians and Draetani."
"Oh, without a doubt." Milo added. “Draetan's been trying to get them to join the Kingdom for a long time. There was a time where there were almost non-stop invasion attempts from the Kingdom, but now they’ve moved on to trying to do it diplomatically. Although it hasn’t worked out very well.”
“I can imagine. What’s got Draetan so set on them, though?” Minoru asked.
Milo sighed heavily. “There’s a lot of history to it. Harnewentia used to be Draetan’s territory, even before it was Draetan, actually. But it’s changed hands a lot. Trachezam took it from them, then Yeoels got their hands on it, then back to Trachezam. It was this whole thing. Eventually they were able to separate from the whole conflict, becoming a sovereign nation. Although, since they’re so small, they need some additional protection, which Senecia grants them. The capital’s deep inside a mountain range, the one between Draetan and Trachezam, so they already have some solid protection."
"But it's changed hands a bunch before, yeah?"
"Yes, but not because it was sieged. Actually, the damn thing wasn't ever sieged over the course of that whole conflict, it only changed hands when the people surrendered thanks to being surrounded everywhere else. I don't know much of its history, since we've never been there, but I hear the city's only been taken a handful of times in the past." Milo explained. "Either way, the important part here is that it's a valuable place, so much so that there's no doubt the monsters understand that. We just need to figure out how so many of them are showing up there, and where exactly they're coming from.”
“Sounds simple enough.”
“Let’s save those judgments until we’re in the thick of it.”
Arriving back at Dedrick’s family estate, they spied a curious sight, as a few workers were huddled around a fairly large vehicle, parked out front of the large home, with Lydia standing off to the side with a small list on a tablet nestled in her arm.
The vehicle looked similar in general shape to the carriages of the caravan, although it was much bigger, about twice the length and a good bit wider. There wasn’t a top deck, so it was a few feet taller as well. On the outside, its design was surprisingly basic and functional, made out of reinforced wood and solidified further by metal rims, with a large pair of double doors on the back and a row of seats at the front, with the driver controls right before them. The vehicle’s wheelbase was larger than the carriage itself, and entirely metallic, giving it a bulkier, somewhat imposing appearance. For Minoru’s part, he couldn’t help but continue to stare and study it curiously as they approached.
“Hey, Lydia! What’s going on here?” Petra called as the three got closer, the blonde woman turning to face them.
“Welcome back. I see Sir Milo is doing well again.” She greeted with a curt bow. Glancing to the vehicle. “As for what we are doing, we are preparing Sir Dedrick’s personal carriage. He requested it of us after saying that the four of you would be traveling to Harnewentia soon. Rest assured, this carriage will take you there much quicker than the caravans could.”
“Huh, so they have personal vehicles like this on Gaia as well…” Minoru mused quietly to himself.
“Really!? That’s a huge, huge help, thank you so much!” Petra excitedly rattled off, to which Lydia simply readjusted her stance, a hand on her hip.
“Please, thank Sir Dedrick. This is his own carriage, after all.”
“But still, you all are so diligent, you deserve your own recognition!”
“We are simply doing our jobs.” She replied matter-of-factly. “However… Your kind words are appreciated. By the by, Dedrick said he’d like to speak with you once you got back. He should be in the dining room.” She stated simply, before trotting off to direct the other workers once again.
“Wonder what he needs to talk about.” Petra said out loud, as the three made their way into the estate and towards the dining room.
Arriving there, however, the three were surprised as they found Dedrick sitting across from a much older man. A lunan, and presumably Dedrick’s enigmatic father, the man’s face was wrinkled with age and his hair was a more stark white, compared to his son’s lustrous silver as he stood behind a chair on the other side of the table from Dedrick, wearing a black uniform much like that of Dedrick, highlighted in silver with a long, black cape reaching down to his ankles.
“Father, I will not budge on this.” Dedrick stated simply.
“I am sure you are aware of the dangers in Harnewentia, Dedrick. Or do you intend to vouch for Draetan’s acquisition of Harnewentia’s territory?”
“I do not believe it will be as easy as me simply showing up, but I do intend to spread that message, yes. I believe they need our aid, and I would like to be the one to shoulder the burden of convincing them, if I may. Not to mention, my being there might be a welcome addition to their forces when it comes to dealing with the monsters they are facing.”
His father’s eyes studied his son’s expression. In a moment, his gaze drifted towards the entrance, just enough for Minoru to notice, although slight to the point which Petra and Milo seemingly couldn’t tell. His gaze narrowed slightly and his brow furrowed for just an instant before it returned to his son.
“Tell me something, Dedrick. Do you harbor any… ulterior motives in Harnewentia?”
“None at all, father. I only wish to promote the presence of Draetani forces in the country, so we may quell the incursion of monsters on their land.”
The room was silent once more as he studied his son’s face for several moments before speaking again. “If you manage to shift the views of even a few Harnewentians, I will consider it a success. Go, if you so wish.” He stated simply, before letting out a gruff sigh. “Those Harnewentians. They’re too stubborn for their own good. Show them some sense, Dedrick. House Orleans is putting its hopes in you for this journey.” He declared, before withdrawing from the room in such a short amount of time it was as if he was an apparition.
Only after his footsteps had grown too quiet to hear did Minoru, Petra, and Milo finally enter into the dining hall, making Dedrick perk up from his expression of deep contemplation.
“Ah! You’ve returned, welcome back.”
“Hey Dedrick…” Petra breathed out, before rubbing her neck. “Is your father always so… intense, like that?”
Letting a breath go, Dedrick forced a small chuckle. “Unfortunately, yes. Really, it’s a blessing I don’t have to speak with him very much. He’s… hard to handle.” He rubbed the back of his head. “If I were you, I’d count yourselves lucky that all he did was spare you a glance.”
Joining him, the others took their seats around the table, to which Dedrick shook his head, working into a change in mood as he smiled. “That aside, I presume you three spoke with Lydia out front?” To which the three before him nodded. “Good. I take it that you three have never driven in a personal carriage, have you? In which case, I think you’ll all enjoy the experience!”
“Is it that much different from the caravans?” Minoru asked.
“I’d say so! For one, it’s quite furnished in there, and– You know what, why don’t I show you all right now?”
“Really? Is that okay? I mean, they’re still doing maintenance on it out there, right?”
“Of course! No problem with simply taking a step inside to see what it’s like.” He stood up. “Plus, it’ll be a good opportunity to show you all how it works, in case we need to drive in shifts.”
“Wait– Shifts? We’re not going to have any of your workers driving for us?”
“I can drive on my own, it’d be a waste of that skill to just have the servants ferry me around everywhere.” He explained.
“Fair enough, I guess I never expected a rich guy to do his own driving. It’s kind of a strange sight when it happens where I’m from.”
Dedrick chuckled. “A bit of culture shock, huh? Well, I think it’s better this way, we can have as much privacy as we need while we’re on the road, and the workers get to have a bit of an easier time without tending to my needs. Honestly, they shouldn’t run themselves so ragged just for father and I.”
“You care for your workers a lot, Dedrick. Out of curiosity, do other nobles think it’s unbecoming of one to care so much for his servants? I imagine they think you should see them as below you, with how you’ve spoken of them.” Milo interjects casually.
“Hit the nail on the head there, Milo. Many others in the nobility have expressed displeasure with how I treat my servants. I take Lydia out shopping with me and pay for lunch and dinners with her when we eat out, or I’ll take over some of the work of certain servants who are in need of rest. And those nobles have the gall to look down their noses at me.” He scoffed. “Even my father discourages me from doing so, but I just can’t understand them. I’d rather help my workers and have them like me, than work them to the bone for completely insignificant things. Anyone who is nothing more than a slothful, impotent leader has no right to call themselves ‘noble’ in any sense of the word.”
“Wow… I can’t imagine you’re very popular among the nobility.” Petra mused.
“Quite so.” He stated simply before sighing. “That aside, however, we have much more important things to do, like showing you all the carriage. Come, I’ll show you the ins and outs.” He gestured to them to join him, to which they got up and followed back outside.
“Sir Dedrick. Are you done speaking with Sir Cahir?” Lydia asked as they approached.
“Yes. Father will be returning to his study for now. When your work is done, I’d like for you and everyone here to take a break.”
“There is still work to be done around the estate, Sir Dedrick.”
“Nonsense. Father will be cooped up in his books, while I won’t be here for quite a while. I insist you all take this opportunity to take it easy and rest.”
Letting a breath go from her nose, Lydia spoke. “...As you wish, Sir Dedrick.”
Dedrick smiled. “Don’t be too eager now, my dear.”
“I’ll try not to be.”
“Now then, I’ll be showing them around inside the carriage, but get me if I’m needed for anything.”
“Very well.” She confirmed, before returning to her work as Dedrick led the three to the carriage, flinging open the doors at the back and inviting the three in.
On the inside, the true ornateness of the carriage was revealed, and it began looking a lot more like a vehicle the nobility would use, as the inside was quite luxurious. Carpeted, with bunk beds situated in box-like slots on either side, even a few drawers and cabinets.
“Oh, wow.” Minoru breathed out in surprise. “Definitely didn’t expect this. Are all personal vehicles in Villesia like this?” He asked, to which Dedrick chuckled.
“No, no, these are usually reserved only for the upper class. Although I do hear the engines these things use are getting cheaper to make and maintain, so maybe they’ll become widespread in the future!” He got a sheepish look on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, I think this is a little much for a single person like me. I expressed my desire for a personal vehicle, and father got this for me not too long after. I appreciate it, but… It feels like a little much for me to just take out and about when I travel.”
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Do you not drive it often?”
“Not much, no. Usually it’s in storage. But hey! This is a perfect opportunity, isn’t it?”
Petra stepped towards the front of the carriage, where there was a drawn curtain separating the driver seat with the interior. She peeked outside before retreating back inside. “I like it! Now that I’m in here, I could see this being a nice little room to bring wherever you want! Like, if you want privacy, you could drive this out of the city and just, iunno, read. Oh! Or maybe you could bring a friend to play some games with.”
“That does all sound like fun. I could do with some peace and quiet on my own from time to time, maybe once this mission’s over and done with we could even take a trip elsewhere?”
“Ooh, I’d love that!” Petra replied, excited at the prospect, clapping her hands together.
“We were actually planning on heading to Camelot after this, would you like to join us, Dedrick?” Minoru offered.
“You’d all really have me along?” He asked, looking surprised.
“Of course! You’ve been a big help already.” Petra added.
“Hmm… I must admit, I’m flattered by the idea, and my father isn’t very stringent about me being here. Hence my campaigns to other countries, like when you all saw me in Bolia. However…” He thought for a moment more, before shaking his head. “My apologies, but I cannot. I can’t simply go off on an adventure of my own for very long and leave Lydia and everyone else here. My father isn’t the most… forgiving man, you see. I have to be there for them, as well as everyone else in Draetan. Gods know that the other nobles don’t care much for the common folk…”
“You know, Dedrick…” Petra began. “Don’t you think you’re expecting too little of the people?”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“I mean, you always talk about helping them and your workers… I-I think it’s admirable, don’t get me wrong! You’re not like other nobles I’ve met who couldn’t muster care for the common folk if they tried, or those who see them as beneath them simply for not being nobles themselves. Yet… You always speak of them as if they’re your children? If that makes sense… It’s like you’re scared they’ll do the wrong thing on their own.”
“Petra, you can’t just–” Milo began, only for Dedrick to stop him.
“No. Please, I’d like to hear her out.”
Continuing on, Petra took a seat on top of one of the dressers, lined up against the beds. “Don’t you think the way you treat the people living here, or even your workers, is a bit… patronizing? It’s almost like you’re babying them. Like you don’t have faith in them being able to do the right thing on their own without you there.”
“I might be getting in the way of them learning how to handle things on their own, if I continue looking out for them like this, is that what you mean?” He asked, to which Petra nodded, prompting him to close his eyes in thought for a moment.
“I won’t deny that I may be… Inhibiting it in some way. What is the term for a parent that doesn’t let their children do much of anything if it puts them at risk?”
“Helicopter parent?” Minoru answered instinctively.
“...What is a ‘helicopter?’” Dedrick asked, Petra and Milo looking at him with confused expressions as well.
“N-Nothing, nevermind me…” Minoru chuckled nervously.
“Well, whatever the term is, I do see your point that that might be what I’m doing, Petra. I get the concern, truly.” He thought for a moment more. “I cannot guarantee what people will do when left on their own, and others in the nobility either don’t care or wish to take advantage of that fact. I suppose I feel a sense of… responsibility. I don’t think it’s wrong to want to use my position to help people, especially those of my homeland.”
“I don’t think so either! You’re definitely in a better position to help than most.” Petra reassured him. “But… Maybe it’d be best to be more of a guide, rather than always present to solve problems?”
He contemplated her words before speaking. “Maybe I will. I’ll take your words into consideration, Petra. I certainly do want my relationship with the people to be a positive one for everyone involved.”
“No worries, Dedrick. I just… You know, I think people can do a lot together, but it’s a really delicate thing, yeah? They need a leader, but not a ruler… Someone who can guide them, rather than direct them completely according to their own whims.”
“I guess you must have some experience with nobles like the latter, right?” Minoru asked.
“You could say that… They certainly didn’t make it easy for Milo and I after everything that went down ten years ago.” She admitted sheepishly. “We were able to get by, but we never had any help from them, that’s for sure.”
Milo shifted in his seat as he chimed in. “And at times they even tried to obstruct our attempts. We were always kicked away from establishments for ‘loitering,’ when that was never an issue in Lemuria’s capital before. Wanna guess what law was passed not too long after us and the other refugees ended up there?”
“How awful…” Dedrick lamented. “That’s exactly what I want to try and fight, although I suppose I won’t do much good on that front if I don’t take it directly to those making the laws.”
“Ever think of trying to get some more influence in lawmaking, Dedrick?”
“Sometimes, yes, but it always seemed like I’d be out of my depth working in that field.”
“Really? You seem like you’d fit right in.” Minoru added, smiling. “I could just see you yelling ‘Objection!’ while in court. You definitely look the part for a lawyer.”
“Me? A defense attorney? Are you sure you don’t have me mistaken for someone else?” He chuckled.
“I’m sure! You really do cut an imposing figure, you could probably convince a jury with your voice alone.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, I could maybe get by just a little by just acting out the motions, but I’d probably flounder when it comes to actually making a convincing case.” He chuckled. “Either way, we’re getting more than a little sidetracked now, aren’t we?”
“I suppose we are! Sorry about that.” Petra commented. “Oh, right, we should talk a bit about what we’re gonna do once we get to Harnewentia, shouldn’t we?”
“In that case, I’d like to propose a certain idea I’ve been thinking of.” Milo offered, to which Dedrick prompted him to share. “I’ve been trying to think– What could we do to bolster our numbers a bit more? That fight with the vulture taught me that we’re likely going up against a much more concentrated, controlled effort than we initially thought. Admittedly, I think by ourselves, we’d best join up with some other kind of organization we can get on our side.” He explained. “And so, I had a thought– What organization has a base in Harnewentia, that would be more than happy to help us in our fight against the monsters?” He prompted, before reaching into his robes, pulling out a card. On one side was the symbol of a longsword crossed over the shape of a crescent moon.
Looks of realization washed over Petra and Dedrick’s face, the seraut’s expression brightening. “The Lunar Aegis!”
“I paid a visit to the city’s guildhouse, and was able to get this business card for them. It even has the exact location of their own guildhouse over in Ludmilia.”
Curiously, Minoru put a hand to his chin. “What’s so special about these guys?”
“They’re an order of mercenaries and voyagers that have dedicated themselves to fighting and curbing the infection and the monsters that come with it. They were formed by Verik, a man from the west who lost everything in a monster attack. They’ve spread all across the continent, and they do a lot of important work. They even support families who’ve lost their homes as a result of the infection and monsters.”
He smiled hopefully as he looked among his friends. “They’re our best bet for being able to rally some forces together. Not to mention… If that necklace that Carne had is any indication, we might be doing some investigating into the Harnewentian church. We’ll definitely need more eyes and hands on the project than just us.”
“Yes, I think this will work out just fine…” Dedrick mused eagerly. “I think we have a great chance of finding exactly what we’re looking for with the Lunar Aegis on our side.”
“Good job looking into them, Milo!” Petra happily chimed, before looking down at her open hand. “So close… We’re so close to finding out what’s really going on, I can feel it!” She mused out loud. “Dedrick, when will we be able to head out?”
“Actually, I was planning on hitting the road by tomorrow. We needed to wait for Milo to recover, but now that he has we shouldn’t waste any time. News of Carne’s death will have surely reached whoever he’s working for by now. We should be in Harnewentia as quickly as possible.”
“How soon can we get there in this thing, do you think?”
“With minimal breaks? Less than a week. Ideally, I would have us switch drivers every few hours, but I need to make sure you all are comfortable with taking control of this thing.”
“Is it hard?”
“Not when you get the hang of it. Thankfully, from here to Ludmilia is quite the straightforward path, but just know that you need to be alert at all times. Switch out if you’re starting to feel fatigued, keep as much focus on the road as you can.” He rattled off. “It’s not the most complex thing, but if you let your nerves get the best of you it can be a terrible source of anxiety. Are you all fine with that, knowing this?” He asked, to which the other three nodded. “Good!”
“Is there anything else we need to get sorted before leaving?” Minoru asked. “Any chance we might need to prepare for some kind of confrontation?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that Carne’s masters, whoever they are, could possibly send someone or some thing after us. I wouldn’t discount the possibility. If possible, I’d also like for someone to keep watch alongside the driver while we’re on the road. We can sleep in shifts, if necessary.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Same here.” Milo added.
Petra spoke up. “If need be, I could cover someone’s shifts if they need more rest! Serauts need less sleep than others, after all!”
“Very true, but you might be forgetting something about one of us here, Petra.” Dedrick stated, to which Petra offered a confused tilt of her head at his words, only for him to point at one of his ears. “I’m a lunan, remember?”
“Oh, right!”
“Wait… What does that mean? Why’s that change things up?” Minoru asked.
“Oh, lunans don’t need to sleep.” Petra explained.
“They don't!? What– But how?”
“Trance. You see, we can meditate, which leaves us somewhat conscious. Doing that is our equivalent of sleep, we just don’t need to do it for as long as others, about thirty minutes for every hour that an average Gaian needs.”
“So only about… four hours, huh? I guess that explains quite a few things, you never did say that you needed to head to bed, and you were always wide awake whenever I went out late at night.”
“Really, between Petra and I, taking shifts might actually be quite a bit easier than first expected.”
The conversation went on like this for a while, light discussion and planning going on as the workers outside finished up preparation on the vehicle, before Lydia knocked on the rear doors, informing Dedrick of their job being done.
“Ah, thank you very much, Lydia. You’re always all so reliable.”
“Think nothing of it, Sir Dedrick. We will return inside now. Dinner will be ready shortly.”
“Perfect. Shall we all head back inside?” He asked the others.
“Actually, I wanted to go check out the flower garden for a bit, if that’s okay?”
“Sure! You all do whatever you wish, I’ll have someone go fetch you once the food is ready.” He replied jollily as he stood up. “I’ll be in the kitchen with Lydia and the others.”
“Sir Dedrick, must you spare the effort to help us with the cooking? We really don’t mind–” Lydia began.
“Please, Lydia, you know I enjoy cooking with you all. Besides, I’ve scarcely had the chance to do so these past few days, I don’t want to get rusty! I’ll be having none of the usual spiel that I shouldn’t bother with such things.”
“...As you wish, Sir Dedrick.”
“Thank you, Lydia.” He said with a smile. “I’ll be heading in, then. I suggest you all get to bed early after dinner. We’re leaving quite early in the morning, after all.”
“You got it!” Petra affirmed as Dedrick took his leave, the rest of them filing out of the carriage soon after.
Minoru’s hair caught the cool breeze as he stepped out. Looking out towards the mountains to the west, the sky was painted in bright orange as the sun’s light, obscured by the huge formations surrounding the kingdom’s valley, shone preceding their inevitable setting. Putting his hands in his pockets, he took in a deep breath, holding it in his chest. He couldn’t help but feel the slightest bit of trepidation at the events that would follow in the morning.
Letting his breath go, he unsheathed his sword, holding it in both of his hands. Looking down at the blade, he could faintly see his reflection in the cold steel, staring back at him in a strange way.
“I get the… unpleasant feeling that we’re heading for something more dangerous than any of us can fathom. Like a rabbit haplessly entering a wolves’ den… I can’t shake this feeling, and every time I think of what might be waiting for us… I can’t stop trembling.” He thought, his gloved hand tremoring before he tightened his grip on the blade.
“No matter what happens… We’ll protect each other, I’m sure of it… But why do I feel so uneasy? It’s… the same feeling as when that axolotl bit me… What’s happening…?”
He let a shaky breath go. Turning his gaze to his hand as it gripped the handle of his sword.
“I’ll protect them… I’m the one who carries the shield… That’s my responsibility… That’s what I need to do!” He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breath as he thought of the allies that had so graciously taken him in. “I’ll keep them safe… I know it…”
“Minoru! You coming in?” Called Petra, standing on the steps leading to the manor’s entrance.
“Yeah! Coming!” He called back as he sheathed his sword, jogging to meet them at the entrance.
He stopped abruptly as he felt a chill running down his spine, confusion striking him as he stopped at the steps, looking around behind him. Almost quickly as it had shocked down his back had it disappeared. Nobody was behind him, the front courtyard to the manor was utterly empty. He rubbed the back of his neck as he gave a small, puzzled noise.
“Minoru?” Petra asked, her head tilting curiously.
“Mnh… It’s nothing… I thought I heard something, but…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Nevermind, I guess it was nothing.” He rattled off as he joined Petra, walking into the manor without another word.
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An imposing, bulky figure– seated a few miles away from the scene as Minoru entered back into the manor– stood up. An enormous, almost glowing claw left a massive, burning gash in the tree beside it as it let out a gnarled laugh.
“So… These are the ones Carne lost to? Pathetic…” It breathed out in sickening glee. “And here I was, worrying about who might be coming after us.”
Yanking its claw out of the tree, it began walking away.
“Well, if they really do wish to pursue us, they’ll have to learn the hard way where exactly that curiosity will take them. Pathetic Villesians…” In a moment, a bright, purple light enveloped the figure, its voice becoming echoey as it shone brighter and brighter.
“If they really have such a death wish, who am I to deny them?” It stated plainly, with a laugh escaping from its visage, before the figure disappeared entirely, leaving nothing but silence in its wake.
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-The Next Day-
“Can I count on you to behave?”
Bark!
Milo was running his hand across his dog’s head as it wagged its tail while panting excitedly.
“Don’t worry, Sir Milo, we’ll make sure he’s taken care of.” Lydia responded, holding the leash that was wrapped around the dog.
“No, yeah, I’m not worried about that, I trust you guys to take care of him, I’m just hoping he doesn’t act up around here.”
“C’mon, he’s too well-behaved of a boy to do that!” Petra chimed in, petting the dog as well.
“You can tell? What, can you talk to dogs?” Milo joked.
“Yeah? Is there something wrong with that?” Petra asked.
“...No, not at all.” Milo replied curtly.
Hopping out of the back of the carriage, Minoru let out a breath as he looked over to the two. “Yo, we’re just about ready to head out. You ready?” He asked.
“Yeah, be there in a moment.” Milo affirmed, before looking back towards the dog, rubbing its face as he spoke to it. “You better be on your best behavior, or else I’m gonna be really upset when I come back here, you hear?” He declared, to which the dog simply gave a low sound, as if to affirm it understood. “Good.” He finished, patting it on the head before looking up at Lydia. “Thanks again, really, we’ll take him back off your hands once we get back.”
“It’s no worry at all, Sir Milo.” The woman affirmed. “We’ll take care of him, so please focus on your mission.”
“Yeah, we will.” He confirmed with a nod, before heading off to board the carriage, Petra and Minoru following close behind, the doors on the back closing.
The curtain to the front drawing open, the three joined Dedrick at the front seat, Minoru and Milo sitting on either side as Petra stood, holding onto a metal bar to the side for support.
“Alright, let’s get going.” Dedrick stated in an uplifted tone. “Off to Harnewentia!”
“Off to Harnewentia!!” Petra cheered in response, raising a fist to the sky as she did so, the carriage rumbling in a low tone as it began moving along, driving right through the open gates of the estate as it made its way towards the city’s westernmost exit, moving off onto its journey.
Despite the excitement and joy that should follow given the occasion, Minoru couldn’t help but stare off into the distance as the carriage finally took off onto the roads outside the city. Even as Petra cheered in excitement as she felt the wind in her face and hair, or Dedrick and Milo’s spirited conversation that played out right beside him, Minoru couldn’t shake the feeling of the pit in his stomach as the scene of the wilds sped past him.
Was he just being paranoid? Or were his senses trying to tell him something? He had no idea what was going on to give him such a feeling of dread. He shook his head, letting a quiet breath go. He couldn’t be getting distracted like this, they had a job to do! This was no time to be getting worked up over some paranoia!
Looking ahead, he put a brave face on, determined to see this through to the end. He wore a confident smile as he spoke firmly.
“To Harnewentia!”