WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: HidingTurtle
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◈ The Wandering Knight and the Moving Castle ◈
Chapter 25: Varda (1)
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Homi looked at him as if asking whether he intended to accept the invitation.
“I’ve always wanted to meet a mage. And she’s famous enough to be called the Lady of the Forest. Aren’t you curious what reward she might offer?”
Unlike Eugene, who was intrigued, Homi was afraid. She recalled old tales in which a mage turned her into a frog, or she left a forest only to find that decades had passed.
Homi had fought the wolves bravely and served him well through the Hall War and the grand banquet. But in moments like these, she was every bit a girl raised in the countryside.
“If she were that frightening, the city wouldn’t have invited her to its banquet. And the world can’t be so terrible that someone who wrote such a desperate letter would harm a guest.”
It wasn’t a knight’s instinct, nor the intuition of someone who understood mysteries. It was something he knew as someone who had lost a loved one.
This letter had been written with one desperate wish, to save someone precious. There was no room for any other intent.
* * *
The next morning, Eugene visited the city guard captain’s office.
Chief Constable Fannis was nominally the highest-ranking official, but the guard captain was the one who actually patrolled and defended the city and its roads.
“It’s an honor to have you visit, Sir Knight.”
The guard captain practically begged Eugene to speak casually instead of formally.
“I heard you’ve visited the Emerald Forest before and know the area well.”
“Yes. Ask me anything.”
Flap!
A large map was spread across the reception table.
‘They call this a map?’
Given the era, it couldn’t be helped, but Eugene, who had often seen military maps, nearly asked if this was some kind of joke.
Contour lines and precise scales were luxuries. It was closer to a rough sketch, marking only major landmarks such as mountains, rivers, cities, and villages.
Still, it carefully showed mountain ranges, river paths, major roads, suitable campsites, and strategic points in wartime.
“It took us ten years to complete this map.”
Judging by the pride in the guard captain’s voice, it must have been an excellent map by their standards.
“It must be classified material. Thank you.”
Maps in the medieval world were strategic resources that weren’t freely shared. Their difficulty to produce was only one reason. Their usefulness went far beyond military matters.
They were commercial weapons for monopolizing better trade routes, and diplomatic weapons that could secure an advantage in territorial negotiations.
“It’s no trouble to show this much to you, Sir Knight. It’s right here.”
A thick index finger pointed to part of the map. The forest was not far from the city, but it covered a considerable area.
“It was named the Emerald Forest because everything, from tree trunks to rocks and paths, is covered in green.”
The guard captain cautiously watched Eugene’s reaction.
“May I ask why you intend to visit this place?”
“I received an invitation from the forest.”
“D-Don’t tell me it came from the Lady of the Forest?”
The guard captain was shocked. As far as he knew, the Lady of the Forest had never invited anyone to her residence.
“She didn’t call herself its mistress in the letter.”
“That is the title we gave her. She is known by many names, such as the Far-Seeing Eye, the Forest Witch, and the Girl Who Walks the Wheat Fields.”
“The Forest Witch? Has she ever harmed people?”
“Absolutely not! People who lost their way in the forest feared her magic and called her a Witch on their own.”
Though he had mentioned the name because it was commonly used, the guard captain considered it disrespectful.
“Long ago, there was a band of brigands who looted, raped, and terrorized the area. The city gathered mercenaries and dispatched a punitive force, so they all fled into the Emerald Forest. I took part as a lieutenant.”
“Playing hide-and-seek in a forest this large must have been dreadful.”
According to the map, they could have fled through the forest to several cities and villages.
“Yes. But the campaign ended in an instant. They ran out of the forest straight into the army’s encirclement. They were skewered by spears and bolts like meat on a spit.”
“...Were they all drunk? Or were there dangerous monsters in the forest?”
The guard captain grinned at Eugene’s baffled expression.
“The surrendered brigands said they had definitely fled deeper into the forest, but when they came to their senses, they were charging out of it. They all looked as though they’d been bewitched by ghosts.”
“A mage’s work? A guerrilla war that could have lasted months ended at once.”
“While the mercenaries cursed at and interrogated the surrendered brigands, they suddenly fell silent. I wondered what had happened, and there was a young elf standing at the forest entrance.”
Given the tone of the story, it had to be the forest mage, Varda. But...
“Wait. An elf?”
“You didn’t know? The Lady of the Forest is an elf.”
“I thought she was a mage who had secluded herself in the forest because she disliked people or wanted to study its secrets. I’d forgotten she could be an elf.”
His curiosity doubled.
Elves lived in deep forests that humans found difficult to enter. A few lived among human society, but they were rare sights in Bonyard City, at the edge of the continent.
“She gathered her skirts and greeted us gracefully.”
“Brave warriors. Thank you for restoring peace to the forest and the nearby villages. On behalf of the trees, flowers, animals, and farmers, I offer my gratitude.”
“That was the first time I had seen so many mercenaries gathered in one place become so quiet. Some even took off their helmets and awkwardly bowed their heads.”
After an experience like that, it was only natural to feel reverence. The guard captain’s expression as he recalled that time was hazy, like a boy lost in a dream.
“Since then, the city has been indebted to her on several occasions. That is why we respectfully call her the Lady of the Forest.”
The guard captain cautiously studied Eugene’s expression again.
“It could be a prank sent by someone. Perhaps they want to humiliate you out of ugly jealousy or resentment. There are more sinister people in this world than one might imagine.”
Eugene snickered.
“You needn’t worry about that. I’m certain the invitation is genuine.”
“I-I see. If you say so, Sir Knight.”
“May I copy the map? I only intend to draw the route leading to the forest.”
“You may take the whole thing with you.”
“I appreciate the thought.”
Eugene copied the map onto the paper he had brought. Since he only needed the route from Bonyard City to the Emerald Forest, he finished quickly.
“There is a merchant caravan leaving in a similar direction. Traveling with them will make it easier to find the way and camp at night. I’ll arrange for you to accompany them.”
“...”
Eugene felt something strange. Before he could even feel grateful, he sensed the pull of fate.
He had met Gopri, come to know Maria and Marcus, formed a connection with the city through Solin, received an invitation after winning the duel, and now even had companions for the road.
The connections branching from one encounter kept multiplying and joining hands. It felt as though they were guiding him somewhere.
“Thanks to you, Guard Captain, this trip will be easy. Thank you.”
“Bonyard City will always welcome you, Sir Knight.”
The guard captain saw him all the way out of the office. The city still had a long way to go before the guard captain and the guards could repay the debt they owed with their lives.
* * *
Since he was visiting someone important, Eugene needed to look presentable.
“I hear elves don’t grow beards. It’s better to shave clean.”
There was no harm in accommodating someone of another race. To elves, a bearded appearance might symbolize barbarism.
Eugene visited the manor’s grooming room and dismissed the maid who tried to attend to him.
“It’s fine. Please step aside.”
“Understood.”
The maid saw the look on Homi’s face that said, “I won’t give it up!” and quietly withdrew.
As befitted a place for entertaining Bonyard City’s distinguished guests, the grooming room had everything.
There was a chair where one could lie down for a massage, along with all kinds of scented oils and grooming tools.
Flick!
As Eugene lay down in the chair, Homi’s tail sprang high into the air. She seemed to have thought of something wonderful.
“Hehe.”
Homi picked up a bottle of scented oil.
“This smells wonderful. It’s gentle and calming.”
“You have a good eye, Sir Knight. It is rose oil brought from Samur, blended with Bonyard City’s specialty herbs. It can also be used to soothe the skin.”
It was the oil the masseuse had used while massaging Eugene’s neck and face.
Since he had liked it so much, Homi had kept an eye on it, planning to sneak some away when they left the city.
Rub, rub.
Homi poured plenty of oil onto her hands and carefully worked it into her fluffy tail.
Plop.
“...Hm?”
Before long, the fragrant tail dropped onto Eugene’s face as he lay there with his eyes closed.
The soft fur, warm body heat, and sweet fragrance combined to make the tail magical.
“Oh...”
Eugene was momentarily flustered by the unexpected service, but soon relaxed.
Soft, yet strong!
No one could resist such a blissful cocktail of sensations. There was no reason to resist in the first place.
“...”
Homi also greatly enjoyed feeling Eugene’s breath against her tail.
But the mental pleasure was considerable as well.
Eugene’s breathing, normally so even, was longer and deeper today. Even his expression as he tried to keep his Squire from noticing pleased her.
That change intoxicated Homi more sweetly than any fine wine in the manor.
When the shave was finished, she cradled her lord’s clean cheeks in both hands, her touch gentle and filled with affection.
“Thank you, as always.”
Eugene took Homi’s hand and pressed it to his cheek.
It was larger than an ordinary woman’s hand, yet still slender. A skilled and strong hand. The only hand he trusted even if it held a blade to his throat.
* * *
Eugene and Homi left the city.
Snort!
Homi now rode a horse as well. The horse’s name was Sandy, a desert warhorse raised in the Samur Desert.
“Do you like the horse?”
Nod, nod.
The hand constantly stroking Sandy’s neck overflowed with affection.
Desert warhorses trained from childhood by treading through soft, sinking sand. As a result, their leg muscles were strong, and they moved nimbly even on dirt roads and through streams.
Their only weakness was their slow top speed, but they were fine horses capable of making up for it. Their strength and endurance made them perfect for a Squire who carried plenty of baggage.
Even after buying such an expensive horse, Eugene’s purse still had plenty left in it. A smile naturally appeared on his lips.
“That’s remarkably efficient for only three fights.”
‘A knight’s rise depends not on how many times they fight, but on who they fight, even if it’s only once.’
“Hm?”
Homi blinked at Eugene’s surprised expression as if asking what was wrong.
“I’m surprised you gave such a mature answer.”
‘I haven’t had my coming-of-age ceremony yet, but I’m already a proper warrior and Squire.’
“Alright, alright. I’m sorry.”
Eugene soothed Homi by combing his fingers through her soft tail fur. Stroking her head worked best when she was happy or being praised, while touching her tail was effective when she was sulking.
They had bought the desert warhorse through a member of the Grand Council who owned a horse market. There was only one in Bonyard City, and it had originally been intended for sale to a Roman noble house.
“If we had come here alone with nothing, we wouldn’t have been able to buy the horse even with money. Not that we would’ve had the money.”
Eugene and Homi were well armed, riding fine horses side by side. It was a sight they could not have imagined just two weeks ago.
Just outside the city gate, people were waiting for them nearby.
“I look forward to traveling with you for this short journey.”
“I will serve you to the best of my ability, Victor Knight!”
The caravan leader, Caliber, bowed respectfully. He was the employer of a party of fourteen people, including mercenaries and workers, traveling with two wagons.
“It makes me uncomfortable, so leave out the Victor part.”
The mercenaries and porters alike watched him with shining eyes from every direction. They were all hairy men, which made it even more burdensome.
Eugene looked over the group.
“Has anyone here entered the Emerald Forest?”
“I-I have.”
A freckled mercenary carrying an axe raised his hand.
“This is Carson. He was farming in a nearby village before he ran away to become a mercenary.”
Caliber introduced him.
“I’d like you to tell me anything you know about the forest.”
“It happened when I was very young, so...”
Carson seemed introverted. Having suddenly drawn attention, he looked as if he regretted raising his hand.
“Even something minor is fine. Speak freely.”
Eugene placed a copper coin in his hand, and courage immediately filled Carson’s face.
Copper coins opened a mercenary’s tightly shut mouth. Silver coins made them reveal secrets that could send their comrades to their deaths, while gold coins made them charge recklessly at knights and monsters. That was the mercenary way.
After clearing his throat for a moment, Carson began.
“When I was eight or nine, I ran away from home once. I argued with my parents over something trivial and stormed out, but they found me almost immediately.”
“If they found you that quickly, perhaps you weren’t truly upset.”
Carson scratched his head.
“Yes. They doted on my youngest sibling too much, so I was acting out because I was jealous. It happens. I intended to go back once my mother came looking for me, all worried, but my father came after me carrying a stick.”
Laughter broke out here and there.
“I thought I’d get beaten if I went back, so I ran even farther.”
“And you ran into the Emerald Forest?”
“That’s right. I managed to shake my father off, but then I got lost. Whew, I was so scared when night fell. It was late autumn, too, so it was cold.”
At first, Carson had been stiff around the title Victor Knight, but Eugene responded warmly and he soon began talking freely. Mercenaries were naturally talkative people.
“I wandered through the forest crying my eyes out, then fell asleep. When I woke up, I was at the entrance. A huge owl was sitting on top of me.”
“An eagle owl?”
Eugene thought of the one that had delivered the letter.
“I don’t know what kind it was, but it was enormous. It spread its wings wide and covered me like a blanket. It was so warm. It’s been nearly ten years, but I still vividly remember that warmth. It protected me from the cold all night.”
It must have been a fond memory, because Carson’s face softened as though he were dreaming.
“When it saw I was awake, it flew back into the forest. Before leaving, it half-closed its eyes and looked at me with pity.”
“...”
“It felt like it was telling me not to worry my parents over something like running away, so I went home crying. My thighs and backside were beaten so badly that I was stuck in bed for about three days.”
It was an interesting enough story that everyone listened closely.
“You didn’t make that up, did you? Eagle owls are terrifying predators with no rivals at night. No animal would be so kind.”
A mercenary who had once been a hunter eyed Carson suspiciously.
“Would I dare lie in front of a knight?”
“Who knows? You might have made it up to earn that copper coin.”
Carson looked wronged, but he could not say anything against a veteran.
“I believe Carson. He doesn’t seem like the sort to lie.”
Carson looked at him with a moved expression.
“That’s all I know about the forest.”
“Thank you. It was helpful enough.”
Between helping subdue the brigands and guiding and sheltering a lost boy, Varda seemed to be a kinder mage than Eugene had expected.
“I believe we should camp here tonight. Does that sound alright, Sir Knight?”
When evening came, Caliber asked.
It took two days to travel from the city to the Emerald Forest, so camping once would be enough.
It was a small clearing beside a stream, not an especially good place to keep watch. Yet it was near the road, easy to gather branches, and beside clear running water.
“You’re the leader of this group, so do as you see fit. I’m only a companion traveling with you.”
“Oh, how could I treat an honorable knight that way?”
Though he said that, Caliber looked pleased that his authority as caravan leader had been respected.
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