The minotaur’s heavy footsteps padded alongside Apple’s trotting.

Boasting a powerful frame, he was a presence as impressive as he was useful.

Indeed, with his silver armour and gleaming greatsword to capture the attention of my knights and Coppelia’s smile to cause the peasants to shuffle away, little hindered us as we made our way across the Wessin Bridge and over the wide river below.

Where our destination was, I didn’t know. Only that it was one the minotaur preferred to say where his naturally baritone voice wouldn’t be overheard.

Naturally, I was stunned.

The fact that discretion was known to a knight was more striking to me than any flamboyant manoeuvre they could accomplish with a hair comb.

Especially as he was currently applying it with regards to my royal identity.

“It’s envious to see an adventurer so young,” said the minotaur with an approving nod. “My horns were fully grown by the time I was even allowed to consider swinging my first sword as a squire. The Adventurer’s Guild does not exist in my homeland to offer a different opportunity, you see.”

I offered a polite smile.

So polite, in fact, that only the many competing responses shoving each other out of the way caused me to continue smiling.

“Is that so? Goodness. How fortunate that the plague has yet to reach the Spiral Isle.”

“Excuse me?”

“The plague of ill deeds which threatens this kingdom, I mean. Indeed, it’s most fortunate that adventurers are not required to fill up your bars, for the presence of knights is all that’s required.”

The minotaur chuckled.

“True. Although my brothers-in-arms seek ever to further their fame, I fear that nothing will quite outdo their reputation for being excellent customers. Even so, I dare say we fall short compared to the knights of this realm.”

A knight rose from his little heap of spilled cups in answer.

He took off his helmet and offered a nod as we passed, never once realising that the helmet in question was simply a bucket still with laundry inside. A dotted ladies frock covered his eyes.

I pursed my lips.

“In that case, perhaps the Spiral Isle could consider a cultural exchange? I’m certain there’s much the knights here could learn … immediately, if possible.”

“I’m afraid there’s little we could teach them. The wording in our vows may differ, but the path we walk is the same. Sadly, this also includes being stumped by the same obstacles. If anything, I believe we could all learn from the Adventurer’s Guild instead.”

“I see. That sounds terrible.”

“... Hm?”

“A terrible way to spend your valuable time instead of performing noble deeds, I mean. Adventurers and knights are considerably different. One loyally serves the realm and one loyally serves their desires to wade in pits of mud.”

The minotaur blinked at me.

“Is … Is that so? Well, we all have our own wishes. And I’m not one to judge.”

“You should. Mud doesn’t deserve to be disturbed by the boots of adventurers.”

“In that case, I’m certain the mud is forgiving. All the more so since the boots are worn by those who are rightfully admired. I must say, I’m deeply impressed. To endeavour yourself towards the pursuit of justice at your age is a most noble thing. I see you must make a fine adventurer.”

I offered a courteous nod in the form of a violent shake of my head.

It was the least I could do for his performance, after all.

Despite being masterfully incognito, it was a given that such close proximity to my regal aura meant this knight doubtless knew who I was. Even so, he was proving as discreet as he was polite.

Why, not only had he resisted begging me for my blessing as was the traditional greeting, but he’d also spared my ears any boasts concerning his deeds or his breakfast to me. That was unprecedented.

In fact, all he spoke about was his admiration for adventurers.

Relentlessly.

Indeed … the way he enthusiastically queried me about the functions of the guild I proudly didn’t know about, it was almost as though he truly believed I considered myself part of that shameful organisation.

… Something which needed amending in the tiny chance this was genuine.

“My status as an adventurer is a temporary arrangement,” I said, my tone clear on the matter. “Rest assured, there’s a reason for all things other than the invention of the glazed carrot. That includes why a delicate maiden would embark on such an unfitting path.”

“Oh? And, uh … what would that be?”

“Pride, naturally. My kingdom is imperilled. I cannot stand idly by while the shadows seek ever to encroach upon its fair fields.”

The minotaur nodded.

“Pride runs both ways. Although it is often a precursor to foolhardiness, so too is it a courage stronger than any drink. Sadly, I fear that it will take more than zeal to see these shadows undone, or else these proud knights would have already found the rogues who tarnish your land.”

I looked around at the proud knights in question.

Unlike the purposeful discretion offered by the minotaur, the silence my knights afforded me was due to a haze of drunken stupor. To them, I was simply an incredibly beautiful maiden with multiple noses. And that meant Apple was on snorting duty whenever one wandered too close.

I patted his mane. He needed extra premium apples for this extra workload.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“A sad inflexibility,” I said diplomatically. “That knights strive to meet their opponents in honourable combat doesn’t mean that others will meet them in turn.”

“Quite so. Hence the reason I sought the Adventurer’s Guild. Your reputation to achieve tasks in ways that are deemed inventive is legendary.”

Ugh.

I rolled my eyes. The guild may not have set up roots in every kingdom yet, but their propaganda had.

“Yes, well, when it comes to abducting cats, they will truly stop at nothing. But for threats such as a band of common ruffians and whatever ghoul seeks to lead them, what matters is sobriety and the ability to walk in a straight line. Fortunately, I also happen to be highly talented in all things.”

“Your … confidence is encouraging. Although I hope to see the outlaws who terrorise the people here banished, I look forward to any assistance in finding the dastardly rogues I seek. I believe I am close.”

Coppelia loudly coughed.

I nudged her with my foot.

“O-Ohohohoho! … Fear not, all who transgress within these borders will be apprehended. This is a kingdom of law, after all.”

“That is most encouraging to hear.”

“Indeed, here, laws are deeply respected and must be followed by all–including visitors. This means that if anyone should break said laws, it is also perfectly within the right for those tasked with the kingdom’s safekeeping to remove any lawbreakers.”

“Of course. While I seek personal retribution, I am no vigilante. My fury will not come at the expense of formal justice. Whatever this kingdom decides is appropriate as a punishment, I shall not begrudge.”

I clapped my hands in delight.

“Oh, is that so? … Then that’s excellent! The judges who preside over the courts here are most impartial and unlikely to be moved by somebody standing directly over their shoulder while tapping their feet.”

“Indeed, I’ve no doubt of that. Hence, I will simply wait my turn.”

“Excuse me?”

“Once the villains who have dishonoured my younger brother are found, I will appropriately wait for the kingdom to enact its punishment before I deliver my own. As a questing knight, I’m sensitive to the laws of other kingdoms. But that doesn’t preclude us from following our own.”

The minotaur nodded as he stared ahead.

His gauntlets came together. The mailed knuckles clanged with enough force to wake a dozen sleeping louts just before they barrelled out of the way of Apple’s coming.

I offered a polite smile. As did Coppelia.

“Fwwwfffft.”

Behind a coconut that she was sipping using a straw, all the while watching in shameless amusement.

I hardly saw why.

As far as my memories were concerned, two maidens were present while being accosted by a minotaur bandit. And only one of them had the arms of enchanted steel necessary to send them into flight.

“However, I believe my quest is near an end,” said the minotaur, his gauntlets falling to his side. “I’ve a promising source who can lift the veil. Soon, I hope to know who assailed my brother and who this shade wearing the name of a fallen knight truly is.”

“I … I see! Who might this source be? … And how accurate would you say they are regarding unsubstantiated and witnessless events which occurred several weeks in the past?”

“Quite accurate. Or so I’m led to believe. After all, there are few shamans who are so famed despite having long abandoned their pursuit.”

“A … shaman?”

“A shaman, yes. A matron unique amongst humans. For it’s said that she was taught by the spirit seers of orc clans. She can communicate with the earth itself, listening to the echoes of what once passed. It is for her that I came to the Wessin Bridge.”

I nodded … all the while charitably considering how best to save Coppelia from a minotaur’s disgruntlement.

“Is that so? A shaman. A deeply unofficial profession assumed by those who didn’t have the talent to pass a mage exam. I’m afraid you’re unlikely to receive the news you desire. There are many footsteps which happen upon the ground, each muddying the other.”

“True, but while my own wishes might go unanswered, I’ve little doubt the matron can shed light regarding the outlaws. I believe she herself has been a victim to them.”

Suddenly, a deep frown appeared on the minotaur’s face. He gave a huff through his nose.

“I happened across the scene myself. Upon arriving at the Wessin Bridge, I sought the matron out, hoping she would see me even in the night. I saw instead figures of ill-repute exiting her door.”

“For those visiting a shaman in the night, I would expect nothing less.”

“Perhaps. But the matron no longer advertises her services. She’s since taken up a more ordinary business. And that invites ordinary burglars. I recognised them just from their movements. Naturally, they scarpered without thought to explain themselves.”

I raised a brow in puzzlement.

“I see? Then you’ve already spoken with this unqualified mage?”

The minotaur shook head.

“With little success. For an elderly human to be burgled is a harrowing affair. She rejected my concern and closed her door before me. Yet I hope she may now be inclined to render aid.”

“These ruffians are bold, if they are committing something as brazen as robbery at the Wessin Bridge.”

“Boldness is their forte. But also foolishness. This Pale Knight has brought many brigands under his heel. And when one becomes the head, all must pay their dues. There’s only so much gold to be found in the same barn.”

The minotaur turned to me with an expectant nod.

“I hoped that the guild would be able to offer a soft touch. I fear that I’m not the most subtle of speakers. I would therefore like you to make your own inquiries. If payment is needed, I can provide reimbursement. It will be worth it. I feel it in my horns.”

I offered the coin purse by his side the look of pity it deserved.

After all, I had my well-placed doubts regarding the validity of any directions given by strange women in huts. Moreover, if anyone was capable of discerning who was behind the ire of my farmers, then they’d almost certainly have been approached already.

But then again … he could feel something in his horns!

Perhaps that was like when a princess felt something upon the back of her neck when a loyal handmaiden was reaching for the saddlebag containing the premium apples?

“... Very well,” I said, offering a polite smile as I shooed Coppelia’s hand away. “If your horns say so, then who am I to disregard such a premonition?”

“Thank you. I offer my appreciation for your time. The matron’s shop isn’t far.”

“Wonderful. Is it the first ominous hut that I see?”

“It’s not an ominous hut. It’s a shop.” The minotaur pointed ahead. “It’s small, but colourful. I believe she sells confectionery.”

I blinked.

“Excuse me?”

“It is a bakery of some description. I’m afraid I’m not versed enough in the products I saw to know what they are, but they appeared artisan. For anyone to disregard their magic training to undertake such a new and radical business must mean they’re quite proficient.”

I nodded.

Then, I peered around me as I realised we’d crossed into the half of my kingdom which wasn’t blocked by drunkards. And that meant one thing.

There was now cake.

“... H-How dare these ruffians accost my people! The suffering and harm they’ve endured shall not go unanswered! Come, we must leave no stone unturned!”

My hands began shaking Apple’s reins.

They stopped only a moment later. And it had nothing to do with wanting to hop off Apple because Coppelia was now skipping merrily ahead without me.

No … rather, it was because there was something familiar in the air.

A warming aroma which tickled my memory like the grass of a spring afternoon not unlike this one. Except that rather than being starved of essential nutrients, I was drowning in it.

After all, Florella was known for many things.

Her adherence to sensible portion sizes wasn’t one of them.

When given command of a kitchen, she could make even a 13 layer cake look miniature in comparison to the mountains she could craft. Especially when they were her infamous 5 ingredient secret love stuffed knuckle-shaped ‘la misericordia final’ chouquettes, each loose pastry threatening to trigger a landslide upon me.

A strange thing, then … as well as mildly horrifying.

Because unless I was mistaken, that was very much what was now wafting through the air.