A startling thud sounded out as the Ashleye family’s wagon ran over a bump in the trail, launching Mican slightly into the air, making him drop the book he was reading.

“That’s the third time today…” He grumbled out in annoyance.

Two days had passed since the group’s departure from Spurrose, and Mican was gradually getting used to old-school medieval travelling.

There were many inconveniences both large and small about the method though, and being someone from a world of advanced science, Mican felt it with his entire being.

As time passed, the great rolling plains of grass that the group had been travelling through broke to finally reveal forests portioned between the plains, and large mountains of grass in the distance. Along with the greenery though, came the various annoyances. Many small bugs had come out of hiding to try and feast on Mican’s flesh and blood. Many of them couldn’t pierce his skin, but just having them crawl over him was enough to put him into a bad mood. Bumps in the road had become all the more common due to anthills and various small animal burrows.

The night noises as well kept the young man awake several times, and only the roaming of the adventurers nearby gave him enough assurance to sleep. Many times he would hear the rustling of things roaming near the camp, or the howls and cries of creatures in the distance. The bear with three eyes had left a bit of a mark on him, and it made him paranoid of the roaming dangers in the forest.

It wasn’t all bad though. While the caravan ate mostly rations like dried jerky, hardened bread, or nuts for breakfast and lunch, the daily dinner that was cooked by Becket was extravagant and tasted absolutely delectable.

He also had books which had been lent to him to read, shared by the entire caravan. They were silly children’s fables, but they helped him paint a more accurate picture of the world he was in. The stories spoke of grand battles, of princes and princesses, of dragons and monsters. While he didn’t know what was real or fake, just having the creatures appear was of help to him.

Talking with Harold, Duarte, and Becket of various topics had become his most prominent pastime in the past two days, along with reading.

The grand new sights reminded Mican of pictures in his old world, but the experience was vastly different. In a sense, he could feel the view with his entire body. The vibrant green for his eyes, the cool wind blowing on his skin, and the smell of the earth in his nose.

What especially charmed him were the stars in the night sky that sparkled endlessly after the sun went down. It had become a new hobby of his to stare at the night sky, and the giant dragon’s head in the sky each night.

Each look at the giant head only furthered his curiosity, especially of the strange, specific unwillingness he felt upon meeting its gaze.

According to Harold, the new scenery meant that their approaching destination, the city of Gaspereau, was close. In another day or so, the vineyards would start appearing along with various large properties in the distance, and it would mark the end of their journey.

Picking his book back up again, a shout interrupted him before he could begin reading.

“DAD! I mean, father! We have an… ummm… a guest!”

From outside the wagon came the light voice of Duarte, accompanied by the soft chattering of his little sister.

Standing up slightly, Mican made his way towards the front of the wagon. Reaching the front, he poked his head outside of the gap in the fabric, in curiosity.

Slightly blinded by the bright sun, the young man’s eyes adjusted to the face the sight of a very surprised Harold, sitting in the driver’s seat of the wagon. He was looking off to the side, his eyes wide and mouth hanging slightly agape.

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Following his line of sight, Mican came face to face with the dazzling smile of a young woman with dull red hair, following the wagon on a horse. The two siblings sat directly in front of her on the horse, looking just as confused as their father.

“…Boss? Boss Melinda? W-what brings you here? I apologize for the poor reception; I hadn’t expected you!” After blinking his eyes several times, the middle-aged man realized it wasn’t a dream, and stumbled over his words in his hasty welcome.

“There’s no rush, Harold.” The caravan leader spoke in a pleasant tone, smiling with her eyes.

Reaching under her coat, Melinda pulled out a shiny silver bell, ringing it several times. The melodious chimes rang out in the air, travelling across the caravan and alerting the group to set camp for the day.

“I had found a suitable position to camp, so I came out here to help you four set up camp for the night.” Signaling to Harold, the young woman took one of the reins of the wagon from his hands. “I had encountered the little ones along the way.”

“Please, boss! I can handle this, just leave the dirty work to me, I beg of you.”

While he was still confused, Harold knew better than to take advantage of or accept help from his respected boss, in fact, he feared it.

Reaching out nervously, he gently tugged at the reins in Melinda’s hands, attempting to take it back, but she did not relent. Smiling at the blacksmith, the caravan leader led the wagon the same path the others went, to a spot to settle the horses down.

Setting up the camp, Mican and a very nervous Harold were only able to sit by the side and watch as Melinda swiftly and skillfully set up the tarp, fire, and bedrolls, turning to the young man as if to show off her skills.

Harold had pushed for the chores, but she hadn’t let him touch any of it. He was only able to sit by in trepidation.

The caravan had set up camp a fair bit earlier today, and the sun wasn’t going to set for a little while yet. The bright sun hung low in the sky which was clear of clouds, and it covered the world in an orange hue.

“Mican, be honest with me. Do you know why the boss has come out from her carriage?” Sitting on some logs by the side, Harold spoke in a low tone towards the young man.

His tone was grave, and it looked to Mican as if he was sweating profusely. Duarte off to the side was also visibly nervous, his eyes darting around the scenery. Even Sarah had quieted down.

“I really have no idea, Harold. Why do you guys look so bothered by it? What’s wrong with her being out and about?”

“You’re a newbie so you don’t understand, but Boss Melinda only rarely ever comes out of her caravan while we’re on the move-” The blacksmith wiped a few beads of sweat off his forehead before continuing. “-she has only come out during moments of crisis or great danger to the caravan, each and every time.”

“You mean when the group is to be annihilated?”

“She’s guided us away from misfortune each time, but there have been casualties before… and now she’s visiting our caravan personally! This can’t be good news…”

As they spoke, Melinda had finished setting up their small camp, and had approached them unnoticed.

“Heee, there’s nothing to worry about, Harold. What’s wrong with me wanting some fresh air once in a while?” Giggling softly, the caravan leader interjected in the conversation.

“N-nothing Boss! Nothing wrong with that, I’m just curious as to what brought about the change in mood. To even visit my wagon specifically?”

“There’s nothing wrong, so stop your silly worrying. I’ve simply come to visit my dear Mican and show him around the caravan.” Sitting down on the soft grass, Melinda looked at the middle-aged man, amused.

“Huh? Mican?” The old man was stunned, and it almost seemed like he forgot how to speak.

He swiveled his head between the caravan leader and the young man, his children following his movements, equally as confused.

“I’ve heard that you’ve already lightly introduced him to the other members the day before, but I think it’s much better if I give him a personal introduction, much deeper.” The young woman put a finger up to her chin, tilting her head and smiling gently as she spoke. “It’s much more important since this caravan shall be a home for him in the future.”

“ERK.”

Upon hearing those words, Harold and his children collectively let out a startled sound, reminiscent of a goose choking on water.

The son and father’s jaws dropped uncontrollably, and they blankly stared at Mican in absolute confusion. Their mouths hung wide open, and it looked to the young man as if he could fit an apple inside them with no problem.

Sarah looked startled and gave Mican another look, as if reappraising him.

Looking at Melinda, she put a hand to her mouth, giggling softly. It was apparent to the young man that she knew exactly what she was doing, and was having a great time teasing the family.

“Mican, allow me to show you around my Willow Caravan, and properly introduce all of the members to you. They should be done setting up camp by now.” Standing up, Melinda reached her hand down and gently picked up Mican’s, pulling him up with her.

Not minding the other two, she began leading Mican away to the other campfires. The jaws of the father-son duo stayed open the entire time, staring after them as they headed away.