The merchants' carriage departed for the city of Lukkos.
　Surrounding those carriages, the escort carriages also departed.
　The people riding in the carriage outside are the adventurers who received the request.

　I was going to ride on that side too, but I was given a ride by Krua-san.
　.........because the adventurers' carriage is packed with people, it is said to be quite uncomfortable.

　I didn't want to go out of my way to ride in such a place either.
　I didn't want to go out of my way to ride in such a place, but when I talked to Krua-san about it, he readily agreed.
　Krua-san and I were sitting on the gohja stand.

　Krua-san held the reins of the horse and the carriage proceeded.
　So far, we hadn't been attacked by any demons, but we wouldn't be able to let our guard down.

"Krua-san, have you already decided what you're going to do after you get there?
I'm going to make a supply run for the city for now.
You use my ability to carry more stuff out, right?
Yes. Excuse me, please.
Yes, I know. And then what do you plan to do?
I think I'll volunteer to be part of the relief effort and, well, I'm considering other options if that's not necessary.
Is there another way?
Yes. Multiple deliveries.

　Then maybe I can help you in that direction too.
　The emergency request issued to the adventurers does not state in detail that they must do anything.
　It is a requirement that you enter the city of Lukkos with the adventurers and conduct support activities there.

　Then it wouldn't be wrong to help the merchants.
　And while we were sitting on the gyoza-dai, Ristina peeked out of the hood.

What's wrong, what's going on?
I'm just wondering what's going on out there.
'I don't see any changes yet. I'm sure it will be a peaceful journey for a while.
Really, I'm glad to hear that.

　Lystina smiled.
　Speaking of which, what are we going to do with that senior troupe member?

''Ristina-san, you're going to meet up with the theater company after you get to the city of Lukkos, right?
Yes.
Is that jerk of a senior citizen who bothered you okay?
I'll figure it out. All I have to do is show them what I'm made of.

　He clenches his fists tightly and laughs.
　She seems to be getting all better.
　I'm sure she'll be fine now.

'If there's anything you need, you can talk to me about it.
Eh, can I ask you anything?
Don't do ... anything. It would be too much trouble.
Oh, you're terrible!

　Ristina-san loosened her mouth.
　Krua-san, who had been listening to our conversation, glanced at us.

''The two of you are good friends, aren't you?
That's right, senpai!　That's right, senpai!

　How are we getting along?

Krua-san, don't be silly.
'What do you mean by weird? Oh, could it be, Lelius-senpai, are you embarrassed?

　Ristina-san loosens her mouth with a smirk.
　........totally.

　I'm not going to be able to get to the top. The arrival schedule was set for the day after tomorrow.
　How far will it progress by the end of today? I was chatting with the two of them while thinking about that.


　00


　The first day of the move.
　Lelius and the other carriages had stopped along the way to make their bases.

　Here and there, people were chatting and laughing around fires.
　Everyone was relatively calm, as there were few demons in this area.

　Among them were Ristina and Krua.
　However, there was no Lelius here.
　Lelius, who had been asked to be an adventurer, was now alone with Ristina and Krua as he was on guard at night.

　They finished the stew that Lelius had made for dinner.
　There were some small conversations, but they were friends through Lelius and there was no intrusive conversation.

'Let's go to bed for today. We have an early start tomorrow.
'Yes. Oh, thank you for lending me your sleeping bag!
That's okay, I had some extra.

　Originally, they only prepared two, but Lelius had made them before he joined the adventurers.
　Ristina prepares that sleeping bag.
　Krua looked around for a while. She looks at Listyna's close and then at the distance.

　She put a hand to her chin as she thought about it, then laid the sleeping bag next to Ristina.
　They quickly lay down and closed their eyes.

'........um, can I have a minute?

　At that time. It was Ristina who cut it off first.
　Krua opens his eyes and looks at Ristina.
　Ristina was also looking at Krua.

''What's going on?
''Well I've always wondered, Krua-san, what do you think of Lelius-senpai?
...Huh?　Uh, um,

　Krua's expression changed blatantly when Ristina's question was asked.
　Ristina looks at it and smiles.

''After all, do you feel like you're conscious as a man to some extent?
........well, yeah. You can't leave them alone, you know........they are a bit lacking in some areas.
'Oh, you might know for sure. But there are times when you can count on it.
Yes. ........Are you aware of this, Ristina-san?
Well, in a way, I guess. But it's just that I enjoy being with her.

　Listyna blurted out.
　Krua let out a small breath.

''....I see. But you're aware of it, aren't you?''
Yeah, well, maybe a little.

　Ristina chuckles and Krua purses her lips into a tight knot.

''Ristina-san, it's great that you can be so honest with yourself.
It's not that simple, really.

　Lystina said, then loosened her mouth.

''Right. Carriage, thank you for giving me a ride!
''........Yes.''

　Then they closed their eyes.