North of Aqualate lies a vast forest region.
Although development has progressed and the roads are maintained…
it’s impossible to clear the entire area.
If you travel through here by carriage, you won’t be able to move freely in an emergency.
So we decided to cross the forest on foot.
"Heeey, why are we walking? For a noble fairy lady like me, this is a bit too harsh, you know?"
"Licorice, you're flying though, right?"
"Ah— that’s a discriminatory remark toward fairies. Flying is tiring too!"
"If you get tired, you can sit on top of my head."
"Fufun, then I’ll do just that."
Why is she acting so high and mighty?
"Aisha-chan, are you okay? If you get tired, I’ll give you a piggyback ride."
"I’m fine. I’ll do my best."
"Yes, yes, Aisha-chan is so admirable. Unlike a certain lazy someone who immediately relies on others."
Sofia glanced at Licorice and smirked.
"Hmph. Calling me lazy is quite rude, you know."
"I never said it was you, Licorice."
"It’s obviously about me! Honestly… fine! I’ll just keep flying forever then!"
Licorice, perfectly baited by the provocation, kept flying with determination.
I didn’t really mind if she sat on my head, but…
I see. Spoiling her too much isn’t good for her growth.
"On!"
Suddenly, Snow barked.
He growled deeply, grrrr.
Sofia and I moved in front of Aisha, Snow, and Licorice, shielding them as we reached for our swords.
"A monster, maybe?"
"I don’t think it’s close yet, but… I’m certain."
If Snow, a divine beast, is showing this much hostility, it can only be a monster.
With that conclusion, we moved forward cautiously.
Soon, the sound of clashing weapons reached our ears.
"Don’t attack recklessly! Focus on defending!"
"Fight in pairs!"
"Damn, it’s too fast…!?"
This is…
Following the sound, we saw a carriage ahead on the road.
It was a carriage pulled by two horses, adorned with luxurious decorations.
Around the carriage were six armed soldiers.
They were fighting monsters while protecting the carriage with their backs.
It looks like travelers were attacked by monsters.
"So Snow was reacting to that?"
"Seems so. The monsters attacking the carriage are… Fire Bears. I see, quite the troublesome foe."
Fire Bears.
As the name suggests, bear-type monsters.
They’re big, strong, fast—and on top of that, they can breathe fire.
Three Fire Bears were attacking the carriage.
The escorts were clearly struggling against such strong enemies.
"Fate, please take care of Aisha-chan and the others."
"Yeah, got it."
The moment I nodded, Sofia dashed forward.
Her movements were like the wind itself.
In an instant, she rushed near the carriage—
"Hah!"
She swung her sword as she passed by.
Keenn!
A wound appeared on the Fire Bear’s head along the path of her blade—
and its body split apart entirely.
Lightning-fast.
That’s Sofia for you.
"Wh–who are you!?"
"Wait, that sword… that appearance…"
"Could you be the Sword Saint, Sofia Ascart!?"
"I’ll assist you. Please tend to the carriage."
Not waiting for a reply, Sofia charged again.
She rushed straight at the Fire Bear head-on.
For a normal person, that would be suicide—
but she’s different.
She doesn't need tricks like surprise attacks or flanking.
The difference in strength is simply overwhelming.
"Gaaah!"
The Fire Bear swung down its massive arm.
But Sofia cut clean through it in one flash.
Then, reversing her blade, she sliced the bear’s torso in half.
The last one realized it stood no chance and tried to flee, but—
"Apologies, but since you attacked people, I can’t let you escape."
Sofia caught up instantly and took its head clean off.
Amazing.
She wiped them out in less than ten seconds.
"Th-thank you… You saved us…"
"You’re welcome. More importantly, the person inside the carriage…"
"Magnificent!!!"
The carriage door flew open, and a man in his twenties stepped out.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he took Sofia’s hand—
and gently kissed the back of it.
TL Note: Rival?
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