The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 219: An Unexpected Companion

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

Escort for Princess Sarya.

Unexpected words were spoken, and I was taken aback.

'Why us?'

'Because I thought you were very dependable. You helped us just now... Not only Rain's abilities, but also your companions' are formidable. Don't you think it's normal to rely on them?'

'Well, I can't say I don't understand, but...'

It's a request from the princess.

I don't want to refuse, but...

By participating, won't we end up tarnishing the reputation of Alec and the other knights?

I'm concerned about that, but...

'Don't worry about Alec and the others. We were in a bit of a bind due to the shortage of people originally.'

As if she could read my thoughts, Princess Sarya says such things.

Or rather, this exchange has raised more mysteries.

'Um... I want to ask something fundamental. Why is Princess Sarya here?'

'Are you familiar with Seallrock in the southern continent?'

'Certainly, it's a port town at the southernmost tip, right?'

'I had a little business over there... Right now, I'm on my way back to the capital.'

'And this business?'

'I'm sorry. This matter is highly confidential, so I can't divulge it...'

I see, I've grasped the general situation.

Princess Sarya received some kind of mission and went to Seallrock to work. The reason for the lack of guards is probably to conceal the fact that a member of the royal family is involved.

I'm curious about this highly confidential task, but...

If it's already finished, it shouldn't pose a significant obstacle.

I glanced at everyone.

Except for Sora and Luna, who seem a bit hesitant, everyone nodded in agreement.

'Understood. If you're okay with us, we're willing to take on this task.'

'Thank you.'

And so, we became the escort for Princess Sarya.

――――――――――

"So, I said it like this. 'You foolish monsters, repent for your sins and return to the earth!' Yeah!"

"Well..."

"They were so frightened by my aura, they panicked and fled."

"It's better not to take Luna's stories at face value. About 90% of it is made up."

"That's not true! It's just about 80% embellished!"

"Are you aware of that?"

"Hehe, Sora-san and Luna-san are interesting, aren't they?"

From the slowly moving carriage, these voices could be heard.

Sora and Luna were allowed to accompany Princess Sarya in the carriage as part of the escort. The ride in the royal carriage was apparently very comfortable, and neither Sora nor Luna felt queasy.

Our carriage followed behind...

Kanade, Nina, and Tina were waiting on the cargo bed. Tania and I were walking outside, serving as guards alongside the knights.

...

Alec and the three knights, among others, walked in silence. Although they maintained a stoic expression, there was an air of tension about them.

Even though it was a command from Princess Sarya, they didn't seem pleased about outsiders joining the escort.

Well, that's understandable.

They must have felt uneasy with just the three of them, and their pride was probably wounded.

However, considering we had indeed faced a crisis, they couldn't really argue, so they reluctantly accepted it.

As far as I'm concerned, since we're going to be traveling together for at least a while, I'd like to get along... but...

...

Alec and I made eye contact, and he quickly looked away, clearly avoiding my gaze.

It seems making friends with him will be challenging.

With a quiet sigh, I continued walking.

――――――――――

"As the sun began to set, we decided to take a break at a rest area, not pushing ourselves too hard.

We lit a fire, set up the tents...

Then, we did a quick survey of the surroundings.

After confirming there were no monsters nearby, we resumed preparing for the camp.

Alec and the knights were also starting to prepare for the camp.

They were setting up luxurious tents.

I suppose one of those would be Princess Sarya's sleeping quarters.

Soon, the preparations for the camp were complete...

We took turns having meals.

One group kept watch...

While the other group had dinner while conversing with Princess Sarya.

It felt like our responsibilities included both guarding and entertaining.

"Phew."

During the break time, I sat on a chair made of logs arranged around the campfire.

"Is it okay if I sit next to you?"

While eating warm soup and bread, Princess Sarya approached.

Unable to refuse, I nodded, and she took a seat beside me.

"Once again, thank you. We appreciate you taking on the role of our escort."

"It's nothing. If there's anything we can do, we're willing."

"Hehe. Rain-san, you're kind, you know?"

"Is that so?"

"Without making a single unpleasant face, you accepted my sudden request, and you've been friendly as I hoped... Don't you think you're kind?"

"If I agree with you there, it would be self-praise, wouldn't it?"

"Now that you mention it, hehe."

Princess Sarya seemed really delighted.

She appeared to enjoy such trivial conversations immensely.

Given her royal status, perhaps she usually leads a constrained life?

Is that why she finds this leisurely interaction enjoyable?

Suddenly, I found myself pondering such things.

"Would you tell me a story about being an adventurer?"

"Sure."

We had encountered various incidents on our journey thus far.

I began to slowly and carefully recount each one.

... 

"… So, I ended up fighting those folks who were illegally excavating in the mine."

"Was it, uh, difficult?"

"Well, yes. The enemies were using monsters, and there were some dangerous moments... but thanks to my comrades, we managed to overcome it."

"Isn't that due to your abilities, Rain-san?"

"Not really. It's because we had each other that we could fight without worrying about our backs... If I were alone, I think I would have been powerless and lost."

"I see... hehe."

Princess Sarya suddenly smiled.

She sent a gaze in my direction, as if she was seeing something dazzling.

"I'm envious."

"Envious?"

"I don't have anyone I can call a trusted companion... When I hear your stories, I can't help but think that."

Perhaps because of her status as a princess, is Princess Sarya lonely?

"What about the knight named Alec?"

"Alec has helped me... But to be honest, I find him difficult."

"I see."

"I don't mean to belittle him, but... sometimes, he looks at me with a cold gaze... There are times when I don't know what he's thinking."

I see...

It seems Princess Sarya has a discerning eye for people.

And she's quite intelligent.

"I'm sorry, I've been sharing rather boring stories."

"No, don't worry about it. Thanks to you, I'm more certain now."

"Huh? What do you mean..."

"Could you lend me your ear for a moment?"

"Yes...?"

I whispered gently to the curious Princess Sarya.

At first, she looked puzzled...

But as she listened to me, her expression transformed into one of surprise.

"That's... It can't be..."

"I don't have complete certainty yet. It's about 50-50. However, I can't just leave it be... I want to set a little trap. If my hunch is correct, they might make a move tonight... Would you cooperate with me?"

"... I understand. I leave it to you, Rain-san."

TL Note- The trap is set......let the hunt begin. 

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