Might
Ah... umm... Do you want to eat with us?

When Might said that, Pam's eyes opened even larger. He looked at Lorence in turn and was happy to see him nod his approval.

Lorence
Well, sit down. Eat what you want.

Lorence gently pointed out a chair, and Pam nervously took a seat.

At first Pam was reserved, but then he began to immediately eat with violent vigor. It's doubtful he was chewing properly. It seemed he had probably been very hungry. He probably wasn't given honest meals.

Might
Don't eat so quickly, no one is going to take it from you.

Might talked to him very gently, resenting the way this young boy was treated.

Lorence
It's small but splendid. You didn't have anything to eat before?

Pam
Yeah.

Though bread was stuffed into his mouth along with the stew in his throat, he vigorously nodded.

Lorence
Really... Lately I've been meeting a lot of hungry people.

Smiling wryly, he waved at Might. The knights in the surrounding seats burst into laughter.

Might
Haha, hahaha...

Might laughed awkwardly with the others.

Then Pam began to cough painfully next to him.

Pam
Mugu... Kukukukuku...

Seemingly, food was stuck in his throat.

Might
Are you ok?! It's because you ate so quick.

He hurriedly struck Pam on his back.

Pam
Huu, I was surprised. Thanks.

When Pam finally swallowed the clump of bread, he paused to breath and dabbled in the cooking again.

Lorence
Oh my... It looks like this food may be insufficient. It can't be helped, you can order a few more things.

Lorence ordered another dish, though amazed.

In this way, mealtime passed.

When they finished the meal, they left the bar.

Lorence
Well, you can go anywhere, you're free now.

Might
You won't be captured by that guy again.

They said good-bye to Pam and began walking towards the inn. But then...

Pam was following from behind Might and the others. If they turned around he would hide behind something. And if Might and the others turned their backs again, he would appear unexpectedly and follow them with a trot.

Might
...Lorence-san, umm...

Lorence
Ah, I understand. ...What's wrong?

He turned around, perplexed. Pam hid behind a building again.

Might never thought about approaching him.

Might
Pam, you can come out. ...It's ok, we won't get angry.

When called to gently, a small face peeked out quietly from the shade of a building.

Might
Why are you following us?

Pam
Ah, umm... I don't understand what I'm supposed to do after this...

The words he answered with were very hesitant, as Might expected.

First of all, beastmen hardly ever had exchanges with humans. They were supposed to be living quietly among the mountains, separated from human habitation. Might began to see it. In this place he didn't have anyone he could depend on.

Pam timidly looked up at Might's face as he approached. Unable to bear it, he opened his mouth so his feelings could overflow.

Pam
I'm, all alone.

He clung to Might's waist tightly as tears poured out of his eyes.

Might
Pa, Pam...

Pam
To me, to me... this person was kind to me when we met... And was really nice right away.

As he said so he placed a hand on Pam's head. As he was considering he had a relieved expression, but it seemed he was also at a loss. He probably wanted to, even if he didn't say.

Might
H, hey. Pam...

Might
...Lorence-san. Well, would it be possible... to take him with us?

He was confused and appealed to Lorence.

Lorence
It's unavoidable, since he has no relatives. While he's traveling with us, will you take care of him?

As he said so he placed a hand on Pam's head. Somehow he had a relieved expression, but it seemed he was also at a loss. He probably wanted to, even if he didn' t say so.

Might
That's good, Pam. We can travel together.

Pam
Uwah, thank you. Might! And... also, Lorence!

Probably, some time ago during the conversation, he'd remember their names. With an innocent smile that sparkled, Pam turned around and skipped about and was glad.

At the situation, Might and Lorence let smiles slip out despite themselves.

The next morning, the party rode their horses into the woods.

There was another way leading to the southern village. But, it was a seemingly old road that was rarely used. It was because people seldom passed. It tended to be ruined and difficult, and the horses had a hard time progressing.

Might had placed Pam on the horse in front of himself.

Pam
This is my first time on a horse. Wai, it's very tall, isn't it?

Looking at his surroundings from horseback was probably very unusual to him. He looked around restlessly and couldn't calm down.

Might
Pam, keep still for a little while.

He told Pam who kept squirming around, discouraged and getting a cold sweat. Might never got very accustomed to riding horseback. He'd practiced horse riding many times at the training school, but naturally this was his first time riding with two people. It made him very tense.

As he arranged with Lorence yesterday, he was looking after Pam... Now, he was beginning to regret it a little bit.

Pam
Un. I understand!

It was the 5th reply today. Seemingly, it wasn't very pleasant because Pam couldn't keep still. Might sighed and concentrated on the reins.

Might
Besides that... When we finally get to our intended place...?

When he heard talk of the path, it shouldn't have been so far to the southern village. Even if they took a detour, they should have arrived before sunset. Long ago the day had begun inclining, and faintly night was sneaking up.

Might
What is this, we've just been going in circles...

Lorence, who was in front, reacted the the spilled words.

Lorence
Certainly, it doesn't feel like we've been going back and forth in the same place.

He overlooked the surroundings doubtfully.

Lorence
...The day will end soon. It's dangerous to march around in unfamiliar woods more. Shall we rest here?

Everyone stopped their horses on Lorence's command, and camping preparations were started. They raised a fire and meals were finished with portable food. Since they should have already arrived in the village, they hadn't bought food provisions from the town.

After they finished their meals, Pam started to sleep near the fire. He was probably tired from frolicking during the daytime.

Lorence
...Strange. If we were going south, we should have come out of these woods a long time ago...

Lorence twisted his head dubiously, checking the map with his knights. An uneasy atmosphere that couldn't be described in words spread over the knights.

Then it happened. From inside the thick trees they heard the roar of a monster. The noise was so loud that the leaves shook on the surrounding trees. It seemed it was a considerable figure.

Lorence and his knights drew their swords and stood ready.

Lorence
A monster...! Be careful... All members, be ready to attack!

Might also drew his sword, confused. In addition to the roaring of a monster, the sound of trees breaking approached.

Might
Pam! Get up.

Pam, who slept like a log, was shaken awake while Might held his sword. Pam yawned, and raised himself still half asleep.

Pam
...What's wrong, Might? Is it already breakfast?

Might
Hurry and run away!

As Pam tried to say something the sound was immediately behind them. Pam was horrified as he looked back.

Lorence and the knights stood ready.

The trees were beaten down and the form of a huge monster appeared. It had a big horn, and was some type of dragon. It was 3 times the length of a person. Even Lorence appeared like a child next to it.

Lorence
It's coming!

The knights pointed their swords all at once.

The monster bared its fangs. Breaking many trees, it came their way...! But, in the next moment, the monster stood up and roared, then fell forward.

Man
Woohoo! Did it finally die?

When properly seen, a person was hanging onto the back of the monster's neck. He placed his hands on the horn, and he enthusiastically thrust his sword into the root. He didn't care that Might and the others were dumbfounded, but he laughed in a loud voice joyfully.

Man
With this I can get a huge reward! Hehehe... All the troubles this beast gave me were worth it!

They understood those words. The man was a bounty hunter. It was the kind of monster that reward money was placed on. If proof of the extermination was brought back, like a horn or nail, they would receive money for the kind and number of monsters. Naturally, stronger monsters had high rewards for them.

Man
This! Shit! This is hard. What a persistent beast...!

Seemingly the horn couldn't be easily cut off, and the man was shouting loudly.

With the fire from the bonfire in his hand, Lorence approached the man.

Lorence
Ah, over there...

Man
Nn? You mean me?

Lorence
Ye, yeah... This... You're a bounty hunter?

Man
I've been chasing it for this horn. But, what are you doing in a place like this... What?!

The man finally noticed Might and the others, and immediately noticing something, he raised his voice.

Man
Kka! I was thinking this thing had a gold horn but it's just silver!

Seemingly it was the horn of the monster that he was fighting so hard to remove until now. He probably noticed because of the light from the torch Lorence was holding.

Man
Che, I celebrated prematurely... A silver horn is worth half as much as a gold horn.

And yet he firmly cut off the horn and stowed it in a unmistakably small sack.

Then, he came the direction of Might and the others as he ignored Lorence, who watched silently as the man sat down by the bonfire. His attitude was truly shameless, even if he wasn't called out on it.

He wasn't concerned but no one could say anything, because of the man's bizarre appearance.

It seemed like he'd been injured, as his right eye was hidden under an eyepatch and his left arm was artificial. Since he used his sword, and skillfully cut off the monster's horn, it must have worked similar to the way his flesh arm did. Perhaps, it was a gimmick arm made using special technology.

Although a gimmick arm is a type of artificial arm, they were first-class goods made by technicians that connected to the nerves. It seemed this man had one of those.

The natural texture of the metal emitted a dull light in response to the light of the flames. Probably, it was manufactured to copy what the original arm would have looked like. Plastic surgery required so much money that it would cost as much as the gimmick arm itself. Was he stingy about it?

However, it seemed like he didn't care about any of that. He remained cool even when Might and the others stared at him. He seemed to have very bold nerves.

Man
Just out of curiosity, what are you and the others doing camping here at midnight? You had to be saved by me.

He said that in an extremely carefree tone, wiping off the blood from the monster.

On behalf of everyone that was dumbfounded, Lorence spoke to the man.

Lorence
...I am Lorence Lancaster. I'm the leader of the Knights of the Court. And you are?

Man
Oh, me? I'm Leica Kitto. Nice to meet you.

At once Pam came out in front, very interested.

Pam
I'm Pam!

Leica
Hehe~. Do the latest knights enroll children?

Pam looked confused, and the man's facial expression instantly became mischievous as he saw Might.

Might
...Ah!

Lorence interrupted him and he raised his voice unintentionally.

Lorence
No, these two are different. They aren't knights.

As he tried to make an honest correction, Leica used a laughing voice.

Leica
Well, then they're your children?

Lorence
...What! Chi, children?!

He was barely able to say a single word. He also raised his voice in an unreasonable amount of hysterics.

Leica
Hahaha, just joking. Don't take it so seriously! You're funny if someone teases you. He laughed in a loud voice that was almost impossible to bear. A loud roar of laughter resounded over forest in the night.

Lorence
...We're just going to the village on the opposite side of these woods.

Lorence's discouraged expression showed the resent he was suppressing. Whether it was out of anger, the tone of his voice was very low.

Leica
Hoho, the village south of here, huh?

Lorence
...But, it seems we made a mistake in our path. No matter how far we go south, we can't escape from this forest. Do you know the way?

Leica smiled faintly as he eyed the map and the compass the knights had in their hands.

Leica
By chance... Were you guys relying on this compass to get through the forest?!

Lorence
Yes, that's right.

Leica
Oioi, this is the Forest of Illusion that changes the magnetic field constantly. If you depend on a compass, it could take you a lifetime to reach your destination.

He displayed an exaggerated amount of surprise. But, considering his speech and conduct before, his reactions weren't very reliable.

But, then,

Might
Forest of Illusion?! ...I see. And so we've been in the same place going round and round...

Might was convinced and nodded his head.

The atmosphere of consent spread over the knights. If they considered it, it was because their information collection had been insufficient in the town yesterday.

Lorence
And... How can we get out?

Leica laughed again at Lorence's bewildered question, and showed him a complacent smile.

Leica
It's ok... I can lead you.

It was an unexpected proposal.

But, Might thought about the place they had met, and exchanged glances with Lorence.

Might
Lorence-san, we might have to accept his proposal.

Lorence
Aa, I thought so, too.

Leica
Please accept the kindness of strangers with an open heart... Ah, but the remuneration won't be excessive. Isn't that a cheap way to spend your money?

With that he really laughed, and Leica made a circle with the fingers on his right hand.

Might
I knew it... He's the type that's easy to figure out.

Lorence
It's impossible to trust him... But I don't see any other way. I'm unwilling, but even though I think he's deceiving us, we could ask him. This way we can follow rather than be confused by the path as it is.

Might
But... Will it be ok?

Lorence
Don't worry about that. In any case, none of our companions seem to have wounded legs. If it comes down to it we'll catch him.

With the other knights, the two whispered to each other in low voices.

Leica
You guys, I can't hear everything but...

This time it was Leica's turn to be discouraged.

Eventually, the party accepted Leica's offer, and received his guidance.

Until then they'd been going around in circles, when they should have easily gone through...

Although on the way some trouble started (which were all caused by Leica's jokes), the party arrived to the village of their destination safely.

But...

Lorence
Thi, this is?!

The village had changed completely. All the houses were black and had been laid to ruin, as if burned by hell fire.

Might looked around his surroundings dumbfounded, while the knights kept lookout without any carelessness.

Might
What in the world is this...

He got off the horse, and wandered around the village that had been turned into ruins.

Perhaps the fire started all at once. The burnt bodies here and there indicated that it must have been difficult to escape. Although that many days shouldn't have passed yet, the putrid smell of corpses was already drifting around the village.

Might
Is this the acts of robbers...?

Too much of a terrible scene, Might's senses partially withered. The putrid smell of corpses that reached his nose made him feel nauseous.

Lorence
...No, it probably isn't that. Information of robbers appearing frequently in a neighborhood wasn't near here.

He answered sharply, inspecting the surroundings with a sharp eye. Although Lorence's facial expression had calmed down, the hand on the handle of his sword had stiffened white. It was probably the intense resentment that just kept him from restraining it.

Lorence
Besides...

The firmness of his words continued, and Might swallowed his saliva involuntarily.

Might
Besides...?

Lorence
If it was robbers, they wouldn't have gone so far. The village is reduced to ashes... It wouldn't be possible to pillage the village...

Might
Then...

Lorence
...I don't know. At any rate, the situation in which this village was attacked... It's an unusual situation...

Although Lorence ordered his knights to search for survivors, at this time it seemed unlikely to even find one person. The entire village was devastated. Completely. There was no mistake. -The village was totally destroyed.

Lorence
...Where is the group was sent for reconnaissance? It couldn't be that they also...

When they dismounted and walked by their horses, nearby some rubble raised a small sound and collapsed. He quickly sent a signal to his subordinates and rushed over.

And, something was moving at the bottom of the rubble. It was a survivor. When everyone (except for Leica) removed the rubble and rescued him, he was a man from the group of knights that had gone missing.

Lorence
Hey, are you ok?! What happened here?

The dying subordinate was raised into a sitting position as he asked desperately. Although one of the knights with knowledge of medicine had treated him, Might realized it was only soothing. Half his body was completely crushed under the wreckage building. It was a miracle he lived to now. Probably, as his duty as a knight he tried hard to survive to fulfill his position and give a report of the situation. He could have died on the spot - he had taken a serious wound.

And yet he still turned towards Lorence and forced out the words.

Knights Member
Si, silver... he... vi, village... in an instant...

Lorence
Silver? What is silver!

Knights Member
...Cha, chaos... it came...

That was his limit. Suddenly his blood covered hand fell to the ground. The knights were wrapped in their friends death with a heavy silence.

But, not caring about that sort of atmosphere, Leica raised his voice indiscreetly.

Leica
Silver? Does he mean the thing I killed yesterday?

He pointed out the silver horn fixed to the horse. It was from the monster that had caused him trouble last night.

Although he was astonished by the rude interruption, Lorence managed to put together a doubtful answer.

Lorence
But, there were many knights around. A monster of that degree shouldn't have been able to kill them...

Might
Yes, and besides, that monster shouldn't have been able to manipulate fire... if I'm not mistaken.

Might was remembering his field practice in his training school. The same kind of monster as that had been exterminated many times.

Of course, if a trainee like Might could possibly fight one of those monsters, it should never be that someone with the merits of a knight could ever lose to one. Besides, they had an entire unit.

Lorence
At any rate, it's urgent that we return to the royal palace, this needs to be reported to the King.

The subordinate's dead body was covered with cloth and put on a horse. They had to leave although there were many friends they hadn't found yet.

Lorence
Hurry. Time is valuable!

Directions were given quickly to his subordinates, while on horse.

Leica spoke, confused.

Leica
Hey, Master Lorence's. My guidance fee?

Lorence
Ah, such an annoying fellow. We can't pay right now... But if you want your reward, it's ok if you follow!

When he shouted irritably the horse began to run. Might and the knights also followed.

Leica
...Hey, hey, wait up! Geez, this is so much trouble!

Grumbling and complaining, he chased after the horses.

Running the way back for a long stretch, the group arrived at the Court in the day.

As the King received the report, he furrowed his brows and groaned.

King
...I see, the village was annihilated.

Lorence
Yes. Furthermore there was only one survivor from the knights, and he said that "something silver" destroyed the village in an instant... And, chaos came...

King
Silver... chaos...? Hmm... That is somewhat foreboding...

The King folded his arms in thought for awhile, then he opened his eyes and raised his voice.

King
Lorence, hurry and... find out the true nature of this "silver something".

Lorence
Yessir!

King
And offer a large prize for this "silver something". Also, borrow the hands of bounty hunters or mercenaries, so that we can eradicate this quickly.

Lorence
Certainly.

Might and the others met Lorence as he came out of the audience chambers.

Leica
Is there a big reward for hunting this "silver something" guy?

Leica asked instantly, and Lorence became discouraged.

Lorence
...Is it possible you were eavesdropping?

Leica
I'm going to come too. To exterminate this "silver something"!

Leica didn't care about Lorence's expression, but he raised his fist vigorously. Seemingly when he heard about a large reward, he put his mind to it.

Lorence
...It'll probably be good if you work selfishly.

Leica
Master, and the guidance fee from before. Can you pay me now?

Lorence
I'm busy now. I'll give it to you later.

Seemingly, he was trying to ignore Leica as much as possible. Once he said that briefly, he left at a quick pace.

Leica
...Hey! Shit. I'm not leaving until I get my guidance fee!

Might
...Do you want money so much?

Might asked, utterly amazed at Leica's implacability. He couldn't believe that a man who acted so wildly need anything from the knights that protected the kingdom. When he got a response, naturally it was aloof.

Leica
Always. I can't do anything without money, it's better to have some rather than none. Don't you think?

Might
Even though that's true...

Leica
Now, to check out the palace.

Bewildered, Might's words were blocked out, and he walked away not minding him. It seemed like he had no fragments of reverence for the royal family. When Might came to the Court for the first time, he had a hard time speaking. In Leica's case, he had thick nerves and seemed insensitive.

Might
(Is his intention really to look around the royal palace or to look for valuable things...?)

Might worried seriously about whether he should report it to the palace guard.

Might returned to the room of the lodging he was assigned. He was different from Leica, he couldn't look around inside the Court so freely and easily.

Might
Besides that... There's a horrible power that destroyed only that village in an instant...

He sat on the bed and remembered the tragic scene he saw at the village earlier.

The flames were so strong they burned every house in an instant. And everyone was burned cruelly, with corpses rolling-.

Even the members of the knights who have participated in many fights unintentionally look daunted by the ghastly view. What kind of power must there have been?

And who had such an evil soul-.

Without even noticing his heart wandered to the person he was most worried about.

Yes. That shadow had carried off Adonis.

Might
It isn't just that village. There's been an explosion of monsters, and that shadow appeared... I think there's a connection... But, I'm stuck...

He felt like he forgot some important facts, and yet he couldn't remember them... Even when he thought about it for awhile, he still couldn't think of it.

Might
(It can't be helped... At any rate, I'll be allowed to accompany Lorence-san for the time being.)

As he summed it up he sat on the bed to rest,

Pam
Ne ne, Might! The royal palace is so huge and fun~!

Pam, who had been prowling around the lodging, returned to the room.

Pam
I ran around a lot but I didn't run into any walls unless I ran too much, although I ran through all the passages. And then, and then...

For this solitary child, all the things in the king's palace would be new (the same could also be said of Might somewhat). He sat down by Might with sparkling eyes to report what he had seen.

Might
Is that so. As big as it is you'll become a lost child.

If he looked at Pam's innocent smiling face, it was likely he'd forget the question sticking in his heart. When Might responded with a smiling face, he used his arms as a pillow and lied down. It would probably be good to pass the night acting as Pam's partner.

Pam
And then, and then...

Pam tried to continue eagerly but stopped suddenly to look close to Might's ears.

Pam
That stone, is really pretty. That, the one in your hair.

He pointed at Might's hair decoration.

Might
Ah, this?

Might touched his own hair ornament. The stone was attached by a string... A strange stone that sparkled an emerald green.

Might
(Which reminds me... This, Adonis gave this to me...)

His memories revived with a whiff.

He never turned back to those nostalgic days before. Memories of distant days-.

Adonis
Might, this... will you take it?

Might
What? ...A pendant?

Might received a pendant with a beautiful emerald green stone. Adonis already had the same type of stone in his hand.

Adonis
This is different than an ordinary pendant.

He showed the set of pendants and Adonis smiled proudly.

Might
Different... How is it different?

Adonis
Yes. These two... If the people who hold these stones think about each other strongly... Look, the stone resonates light.

Might
Resonates?

Adonis
I put magic into them, do you want to try? Look at the pendant.

Might gazed at the pendant as he said. --The beautiful color was charming.

The stone quietly began glowing.

Might
Uwah, it really does!

As Might raised his voice in wonder, Adonis whispered gently to him.

Adonis
But, it won't resonate if the owners are too far apart...

Might
What... But this is interesting. Thank you. I'll treasure this.

He grasped the stone tightly, and smiled sweetly as he showed his stone. Adonis smiled quietly. His smiling face seemed to be very happy.

Might
I see...! This stone, has that sort of power...

Might closed his eyes as he grasped the stone, thinking of Adonis deeply. That smiling face and gentle voice... those deep, thoughtful eyes... and... and...

Might
(...Is it useless...)

When he opened his eyes, no changes had happened to the stone. In Might's palm only a calm, dull light was emitted. At that time, the brightness he remembered with Adonis wasn't visible at all. The light was broken, and Might tied the stone back into his hair with a sigh.

Might
(Adonis... Where in the world are you... Adonis...)

I want to meet him. Now, immediately. I want to meet and talk about various things...

That sort of and these sort of things... The incident after slipping out of the training school... These past few days, as if the stormy seas of fate were trifling with him, he wanted to talk about anything and everything. ..

He burned that thought into his mind and embraced it... For the sake of meeting Adonis.

Adonis... I want to meet you... If it's to meet you, I don't care about any difficulties... Such hardships...

Pam
...Ne, Might. What's wrong?

Grasping the stone in his hand, Pam tilted his head, looking blankly as Might was absorbed in his thoughts.

Might
Ah, no... It's nothing... I'm just a bit tired.

Pam
Huun...

Pam's expression looked unsatisfied with the answer, and Might tried to smile weakly at him.

Then, the door opened and Leica entered the room.

Leica
Yo, I'm intruding... I'm using this room, too.

It was another example of his arrogance where he didn't restrain himself at all. He was conscious of Might, who frowned.

Might
Well... This room, it only has 2 beds.

Leica
I see, so let's go to bed together. How about it, Might?

He said it completely naturally, and Might shook his head in confusion.

Might
Do, don't joke...!

Leica
Don't be shy, think of me as sleeping with an older brother, with a lullaby. Well, Might-chan?

He sat on the bed alone, grinning, and began humming a lullaby. It felt like he'd been teased perfectly. Bearing the irritation, Might turned his back on him.

Might
...I'll, sleep on the floor.

Leica
Don't be so unaffected, that's odd for an innocent child. It can't be helped, well Pam, it looks like we're sleeping together.

As he said so, he saw Pam not understanding and beckoned to him.

Pam
...I'm, I'm sleeping with Might.

Pam quickly hid behind Might.

Leica
I see, if you're going to bed with your small comrade then there's no problem.

Leica
I'll just sleep on the bed by myself even though I'm lonely. ...You might even say, I could stretch out my legs and slowly go to sleep.

He crawled under the blankets, speaking in such a tone that they couldn't tell if he was joking.

Soon they heard the regular breathing of sleeper. It seemed he fell to sleep easily. He was a man of his own pace.

Might
...What is with him. I'm tired from just associating with him.

Pam
I'm really tired.

They exchanged glances and smiled wryly.

Although it was still early for them to be going to sleep, they decided to go to bed. Since they hadn't gotten enough sleep after last night's camping, either, they were still tired. Moreover, they were going to be busy tomorrow.

The next morning, Lorence visited the room and awakened Might.

Lorence
In a little while today we should put the castle behind us. In order to advance out search for the "silver something", we have to go further. And, what will you do Might?

Might listened to him as he wore his shoes and sat up from the waist on the bed, and asked Lorence.

Might
Well... Can I come with you?

Lorence
I thought you would say so. It seems ok. We're due to leave at noon. Until then, finish getting prepared.

Leica
Isn't it almost noon... It'll be soon. So then, we'll have to prepare quickly.

Leica jumped out of bed and said that, having woken up without the others being aware, fixing his eyepatch.

Lorence
You're not coming.

Lorence made a strange face which disagreed with Leica as he briskly prepared plainly.

Leica
Hnn? I'm allowed to come with you. You can't get away until I receive my guidance fee. More than that, if we go together, we can find information on this "silver something" in our hands more easily.

Leica
Well, that's the reason. Very well, Lorence-san.

When they passed by each other, Leica clapped Lorence on the shoulder in an unusually friendly manner and left the room.

Leica
Now, it's time for food, food food...

Lorence
...That guy confuses me...

With an expression to the extent that his head should be buried in his hands, he saw him off unpleasantly.

That Leica was excellent in both hunting and guiding had been proven in the forest the other day. But, his character was a different question. He seemed especially uncongenial with Lorence.

Pam
What? ...Are we going somewhere?

Pam stirred restlessly and came out of bed. Rubbing his eyes, he looked up at Might and Lorence in turns.

Might
Pam, in a little while we're going on a trip, you can stay here.

He placed both hands gently on Pam's shoulders, and addressed him gently.

Pam
Eeh-! No! No! I'm going too~.

Pam's eyes began to tear, and he clung to Might's hip.

Might
Pam, we won't be able to play when we go. It might be very dangerous.

Lorence
It's as Might says, you should stay here.

Lorence also said in a strict tone.

Pam
It's ok, I won't be any trouble! Please, I don't want to be here all alone... I don't want to be alone.

Now he clung to Lorence's legs, begging eagerly.

Might
(He doesn't want to be alone...)

Certainly the Court was an unfamiliar place to Pam. Although the bed and luxurious meals were prepared, it would be lonely to pass time in a place where he didn't know anyone. Even more for such a young boy.

Pam
Please... Lorence...

He looked up with tears in his eyes and pleaded. Although Lorence was accustomed to giving orders to the knights, at this time he was truly bewildered. Even if he said it one million times and explained the reasons, Pam wouldn't be able to bury his loneliness.

There was only one way to calm him down.

Lorence
...Whatever there may be is known by the others. If you become cumbersome, we'll leave you and go.

Pam's expression changed completely and shone as Lorence's words finally fell.

Pam
Right! It's absolutely ok. I won't become cumbersome! I'll help to the utmost!

Oh my... Might couldn't hold back a bitter smile as Lorence sighed.

Might and the others left for the eastern town within the day.

Pam
Wai, we're finally here~!

As they neared the entrance to the village Pam couldn't wait and began running.

Pam
Ne, hurry hurry!

Might
Pam is so energetic...

Half a day had already passed since they left the Court, and soon it'd be evening. They arrived at the village at last after struggling with a forced military march in order to hasten the distance they covered.

Although Might was completely exhausted, Pam didn't show any fatigue as he ran.

Might
(Am I... the only one out of strength...)

As soon as he thought that, Lorence and Leica also had expressions of fatigue seeping out (but, neither of them expressed it so meekly). Then, Pam must have been a special exception.

Might
(For a child to be so tough, it must be because he has the blood of beastmen...)

Getting off the horse and running towards the village, Pam turned back.

Pam
Ne ne, come quickly! ...That, what's wrong, Might?

He peered at Might's face and noticed his expression.

Pam
Ne Might, are you tired?

Might
Y, yeah... a bit.

Pam
If that's so I'll carry you!

As he said that Pam embraced Might's body and thoughtlessly picked him up in his arms as if he were a child.

Everyone
?!

Everyone was dumbfounded in amazement by the superhuman strength the boy of such short stature showed. Was it brought about by the blood of the beastmen? Pam began running to the town, carrying Might lightly.

Might
Wa, wait... Pa, Pam, it's ok, you can put me down.

Pam
Ok! If you're ever having a hard time say so. I can always transport you!

Pam finally put Might down, and ran again with with lots of energy towards the town. Everyone around stared at the situation in blank amazement.

The group rested sparingly and searched the entire town collecting information about the "silver something" until the day went down.

But, before they found sufficient information, the curtain of night fell and they were reluctantly forced to stay at the inn.

Lorence
Tomorrow we will go out again for more information. Today we will rest again.

In accordance to Lorence's words, the group dispersed in front of the room. There were no single rooms at the inn, so two people had to use each room.

Pam
Might, let's sleep in the room together!

Naturally, Pam pulled on Might's hand.

But, Lorence kept them back.

Lorence
Might, wait. We have to talk some. Sorry, Pam. Can't you sleep in the next room with Leica?

Pam
Eh~, whyy~?!

As Pam swelled his cheeks unreasonably, Might suppressed his inner ticklish feeling, and rebuked him.

Might
Pam! You promised, not to cause any trouble.

Pam
...Muu, I understand. Leica, let's go.

Pam nodded reluctantly.

Leica
Oho?! Lorence-sama designates Might-chan for tonight?

Instantly Leica made fun of him with a grin.

Lorence
S, stupid person... Go to sleep quickly without saying such worthless things!

Having no immunity to this kind of joke, Lorence's cheeks reddened. He seemed shaken and his voice sounded shallow. He had an expression that couldn't be considered that of a veteran in the knights.

Leica
Aah, scary scary. Well, Pam. I'll tell you some folklore.

Pam
Riight. Well then, Might. Good night.

Leica and Pam went to the room next door, and Might and Lorence entered their room.

When the door was closed, Lorence gave a large sigh.

Might
...And, Lorence-san. What do you need to tell me?

Lorence
Nn, ah... no, that... how should I say it... the truth it... I don't have anything to tell you.

Might
Huh?!

It was unusual for Lorence to enunciate poorly, and Might's voice rose.

Lorence
No, excuse me. I manipulated the division of the rooms, that... Should I say I was worried...

That is, it seemed to be about Leica.

Might
...Oh. Do you feel weak?

Lorence
Well, that is... what. If I speak to that guy, he'll drive me mad. It is deplorable for a knight...

As long as he'd been working as a knight, Leica could take away his character and trouble him like a young boy. It was the type of expression his subordinate knights should never see.

For someone who had lived in a rigid order until then, a wild and straightforward person like Leica was probably outside his understanding completely. But, other than in the bewildering circumstances, the human feel in him couldn't be seen passed the capable knight, that Might held and affinity for.

Lorence
...What is it?

Somehow it had become amusing, and Lorence looked at Might in wonder why he was holding back laughter.

Might
No, it's nothing. Lorence-san the master swordsman, it seems, is also a person with weaknesses?

Lorence
Nn...? That is, well... I'm merely a knight. I haven't trained my body enough yet. I can't be called a master swordsman at all.

Might's words mingled with a bitter smile and he raised his voice involuntarily.

Might
No way... Lorence-san is a splendid person! I, long before I met you, I respected you!

Might
I've... been training eagerly training my best with the sword, thinking that someday surely "I want to become a knight like Lorence-san"...

Lorence
I, I see... That's... still an honorable goal in life.

His pure boyish thoughts were thrown in front of Lorence as he smiled, and somewhere that tickled him. Might instantly noticed how excited he was, and his face reddened.

Might
...Ah, that... excuse me. It's just something I'm very passionate about and I got selfish... That I can travel with Lorence-san, I...

Lorence
It's fine. I don't mind.

Might
R, right... Lorence-san.

When he replied in a voice that was about to fade away, Lorence smiled. And, he added a thought in a low voice.

Lorence
Therefore, the... matter with Leica...

He said that with a noticeable expression, and Might laughed softly.

Might
Ah, yes. I understand. Since we were supposed to talk awhile ago in secret... You don't want Leica to see, your weakness...

Lorence
C, correct. That is, what... I sincerely request.

Might smiled slightly as Lorence looked more serious than necessary.

Might
Yes, it's ok. ...Let's go to sleep already. We have to get up early tomorrow.

Lorence
R, right. That sounds good.

They exchanged smiles shyly and each went to bed.

Leica
Che, still? Complaining bastard.

Leica was listening to the situation, with his ear pressed to the wall.

Pam
What are you doing, Leica?

Pam questioned his doubtful actions with a strange expression on his face.

Leica
You're too young to understand an adult's en-joy-ments.

Pam
Eh~ what is it?

While he misunderstood what Leica was teaching him, he suddenly stopped and pressed his ear against the wall.

Leica
Good, good, you have good ears... Isn't that right? So do you hear anything?

Seeing Pam's large ears, Leica laughed like a joking boy.

Pam
Uhn. I can hear it completely~... Adult's enjoyments aren't interesting.

Leica
Heh, seriously... Che. Well then. Let's go to sleep, Pam. I'd expect Might to stop whatever that Lorence guy tries to pull...

That Lorence avoided it himself was something Leica didn't even dream of considering. He slipped hastily under the blankets after saying a selfish thing.

Pam
Hee-n. I don't get what adult's enjoyment is.

Although Pam wasn't satisfied with the explanation, Leica was already asleep. Without understanding the meaning, Pam also slipped into his bed.

When Might woke up the next morning, Lorence's figure was already missing from his bed. Did he happen to go into town?

Might
...That's right, it'd be bad if he didn't go into town to collect information.

Still half asleep, memories were in his head.

Hurry to town

His appearance isn't ready

Is no one else here anymore?

He stares into space for a little