Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 204

 Time flies, and it's already February in spring.

I feel sweat beading on my forehead, probably from the exercise. This cape is getting a bit too warm, but in the forest, it's better to keep the maid outfit less conspicuous...

"Seria, are you done over there?"

"Yeah, looks like you're finished too. Any injuries?"

"None. They've gotten pretty used to it."

I see three people standing guard while three others are stacking bodies.

This joint training has surprisingly received high praise from the veterans.

Unlike in other countries, in this nation, it's rare to go out of your way to train an unfamiliar rookie unless they're from the same hometown or kin. Usually, rookies group together, get some experience, and then join a clan or warrior band, or build a reputation and team up with different partners as needed.

Given this custom, there was initial skepticism, but by the time the rookie groups completed a cycle, the evaluations changed. They realized that training from scratch is more efficient. Originally, the plan was to withdraw the instructors after one cycle, but due to its popularity, it's still ongoing.

Initially, the main focus was supposed to be on herb collection, with joint training as a pretext, but now the roles have completely switched.

At this point, it should be fine if I step back.

◇

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Back at the mansion, I took a shower at the [Hideout] before reporting my work. Even if I didn't get that dirty, just being in the forest makes me feel like I carry the smell of earth and wood...

"No problem. It seems there were no issues today as well."

"Yeah, everyone is getting the hang of it, and we have instructors too. For the past few days, my only task has been to eliminate distant monsters."

Seriana inquired about today's joint training, but I've been saying the same thing for the past few days, so there's nothing new to add. From her way of asking, she likely understands that too.

"It was just about listening to the herbalists' complaints, yet even Liesel was surprised. But it looks like they'll be fine without you now. It’s good timing... It's unpleasant to have them die left and right even if they chose this path themselves. You don’t need to participate starting tomorrow."

"Got it. Are we leaving soon?"

"The day after tomorrow. We’ll stop by the capital, so there’s no need to pack here. Stay still."

Elena, sitting beside me on the sofa, answered instead. The day after tomorrow, huh... The order from Rob should be finished, so I’ll pick it up. Anything else...

"Whoa!"

As I remembered things to take care of, Elena’s magic-generated warm breeze hit my head.

My hair has grown long enough to almost reach my waist. This drying method makes it look quite amusing... I can tell Seriana is watching with an amused expression. That’s why Elena is probably making big movements, ruffling and swirling my hair on purpose.

"Hey, it’s about time I got a haircut."

"...Right. Once we get to the capital, we can trim the back a bit."

"!"

Usually, I only get permission to trim the bangs, but finally, even the back. Though, it doesn't seem like it will be a drastic cut...

"I’ll also get some touch-ups there, so let’s get yours done at the same time."

"Okay."

Finally, the capital, and the wedding...

I tend to forget, given how often I see Liesel, but we’re not married yet. The day after tomorrow, huh. The rainy season starts around the middle of next month... How will it go?

The ceremony is set for early February during the summer’s commemorative festival, and it's the wedding of the son of the first queen and the new duke. It won’t be just a one-day event.

Even if we stop by the capital, it will take 4-5 days at full speed from here. From the capital, it takes nearly two months via the usual route. That means we’ll pass into January of summer. Two years ago, when I went to the capital, I packed everything into the [Hideout], minimizing extra items and people, and completed the route in a month.

But this time, Liesel, my father, and others are coming, so that won't be possible.

Taking the mountain route would cut it to less than a month, but it’s dangerous. There are those targeting Seriana, making it even riskier.

They must have a plan, but what will it be?