The trip back to the bandit camp went without a hitch. I found a stash of currency in one of the wooden cabins, and a bunch of food in some kind of make-shift storage. With all that came with it, I just used |Item Box| to store it.
"You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Item Box| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]
Other than that, we managed to keep all the bandits in line. It wasn't very hard since they were pretty weak compared to their boss. With that, we handed them over to a group of knights Wilharrow called via messenger pigeon.
"I appreciate you all coming here." [Wilharrow]
"No need. It is our duty to protect and serve." [Knight]
For some reason, I expected more knights to show up. There were only four of them. They each had red and gold armor, with only three of them having blue capes while one had red.
"Oh, it's you!" [Knight]
"Huh?" [Solace]
One of the knights pointed at me. Among the four of them, the one with a red cape came forward. I could tell it was a woman from the voice, but I don't think I was familiar with any female knights. The only knight I knew of was Vanport.
"...Do I know you?" [Solace]
"Ah, forgive me. It must be my helmet." [Knight]
The knight took off her helmet, allowing long red locks of hair to unfurl down her shoulders.
"You…?" [Solace]
I kind of recognized her. …I think.
"Still no? I was there when the criminal Jukhan made a mess of the city square." [Red Haired Knight]
"Ah…!" [Solace]
It was the lady that stood up for me when I got attacked by Jukhan. From what I recall, she was a knight captain.
"You look well! How's your men? I remember Jukhan hitting them pretty hard." [Solace]
"It was nothing a few potions and healing magic couldn't fix. We're fully operational." [Red Haired Knight]
"Very nice. By the way, I never quite caught your name." [Solace]
It felt weird talking to this knight captain. It was like one of those socially awkward conversations I was forced into back on Earth.
"Where are my manners? My name is-" [Red Haired Knight]
"Huh? Auntie?!" [Fina]
"Auntie?" [Solace]
Stepping out from behind, Fina came forward. That was weird since It was supposed to be me and Wilharrow taking care of the situation.
"Fina? What are you doing here?" [Red Haired Knight]
"I'm part of the Hero's party!" [Fina]
"What?! That's incredible!" [Red Haired Knight]
Wilharrow and I exchanged confused looks.
"So… you two are related?" [Wilharrow]
Fina shook her head in a rapid manner once she heard that.
"N-No! She's the mother of a friend of mine!" [Fina]
The red haired knight smiled and placed a hand on Fina's head.
"That may be so… but Fina feels like another daughter of mine." [Red Haired Knight]
Fina seemed a bit bashful to hear that.
"Oh my, I almost forgot. My name is Eris Reid, Captain of the Crimson Knight Order. Pleased to meet you." [Red Haired Knight]
She reached out and shook Wilharrow's hand.
"And I am Wilharrow, the Hero of Metus." [Wilharrow]
I was just going to shrug off the "Auntie" information until Fina poked my side.
"By the way, that's Leyhna's mom." [Fina]
"Eh?" [Solace]
Leyhna's mom. Something that simple, yet so profound.
"...You're Master's sister?" [Solace]
"Master…?" [Eris Reid]
I cleared my throat.
"I mean Vincent Reid. Are you related to him?" [Solace]
Realization crossed Eris' face.
"Ah… yes, that would be my brother. You're his disciple?" [Eris Reid]
"Yeah. I'm friends with your daughter by the way." [Solace]
"Is that so? Then I hope you take care of her going forward." [Eris Reid]
It was… strange. Eris was so… nice. So refined. I really wonder how Leyhna turned into… that.
"I never knew my brother took in a fourth disciple." [Eris Reid]
"Hold on, fourth?" [Solace]
That was news to me.
"I know Nakros. Who are the others?" [Solace]
Eris began to speak, but chose not to.
"Hm… I think it'd spoil the surprise if I tell you. Well, maybe next time." [Eris Reid]
"Next time?" [Solace]
Eris then motioned to the other knights, who then began to shepherd the bandits.
"I'm quite the busy woman. We can chat in a more open setting next time." [Eris Reid]
You know what? I'm used to getting left on cliff hangers like this. I didn't even say anything. All that happened after that was Eris handing Wilharrow a bag of mel, which is the currency of this world, before heading off.
"How much did we get from that?" [Solace]
Wilharrow peered into the bag, causing his eyes to widen.
"A lot." [Wilharrow]
He then handed it to me.
"Put it into your |Item Box| for now. I really don't want to lose it." [Wilharrow]
"If you're making such a big deal out of it, I don't really want to lose it either." [Solace]
Then again, money is money. I'll take every mel I can get.
"Well then, shall we proceed with the plan?" [Wilharrow]
"Plan? What plan?" [Solace]
"The plan to take down the demon on the bridge. I had Raon and Leon get what we needed. Now all we have to do is take him down." [Wilharrow]
I had almost forgotten that I told him and Raon to think of a plan while I looted the bandit base.
"I hope it works." [Solace]