Chapter 10: Princess Knight Celestina
That night, Carlos-san hosted a luxurious dinner party, and the food was delicious, but a pleasant surprise awaited me more than the meal. There was a bath in the mansion.
Although I had just taken a bath with Mikoto-san the day before yesterday, as a Japanese person, I would prefer to take a bath every day if possible. Yesterday, I fought with goblins and only wiped my body with a wet cloth at night, so I wanted to take a bath even more.
It seems that Carlos-san is very particular about the bath. During dinner, he enthusiastically talked about the greatness of the bath. It seems that it is a custom that was spread by the brave heroes of the past.
As the self-proclaimed best in Primera, the large bathhouse covered in beautiful natural stones was truly magnificent, almost like a heavenly paradise on earth.
However, the real paradise was waiting for me after that.
Two cute maids with bunny ears were waiting in the bath, and they washed my body very carefully. They washed every inch of my body, not just my back, and I felt like a king. I did try to restrain myself though, it's true.
"You have acquired the washing skill."
As a bonus, I even acquired a skill. Its usefulness is debatable, but it felt so good that it made me lose consciousness. I want to practice and someday wash Mikoto-san.
But at first, I thought I would struggle and stay at a cheap inn to earn money. Instead, my life in a different world started with VIP treatment, far from zero.
If I consider the goal of gathering souls, it is best to avoid unnecessary hardships, and there are only benefits if I can concentrate on gathering souls.
Tomorrow, I plan to go to the adventurer's guild to register as an adventurer, and I feel excited like a primary school student before a field trip.
I have to become stronger quickly and hunt down monsters like crazy. I jump into the fluffy bed and close my eyes. The drowsiness soon attacks.
End of the second day in a different world.
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The Western Forest: Goblin's Cave
"Captain Seres, we have completed the investigation inside the cave. We have exterminated 29 goblins and three goblin leaders that were inside."
"Very well done. However, if the number of goblins has returned to this level in such a short period, it's highly likely that there is another group. This may be a more serious situation than we thought."
It was a good thing they came to investigate just in case. The appearance of a goblin group in the Western Forest was already a problem, but if there were multiple bases, it would be a major issue. It should be considered that there is an organized movement behind them.
With such a large scale, there should be at least individuals leading the group higher than Goblin General. The recent intense invasion from the eastern territories may also be related.
Monsters, especially humanoid ones, have human-level intelligence. It could be a feint or pincer attack... in any case, if the Western Forest is taken, Primera will lose their escape route. We must stop them at all costs.
"Alberto, I'll return for now and reorganize the plan. We may need to warn the surrounding towns and villages and cooperate with the guild if necessary. You will continue to investigate around this cave."
"Understood. Should I prioritize identifying the base while exterminating the goblins?"
"That's right. Concentrate on identifying the base while weakening the enemy forces. Listen, don't push yourself too hard since we don't know the enemy's scale. Send reinforcements as soon as you return. Move after reuniting."
"Understood. Captain, please take care. How many guards do you--"
"It's unnecessary. I want to leave as many forces here as possible."
With that said, Captain Seres rode her dragon and disappeared into the forest like the wind.
(Captain, please don't push yourself too hard...)
I first met Captain Seres right after the disastrous incident six months ago. When the neighboring country of Astrea was suddenly overrun by a massive monster invasion, Captain Seres, who was staying in Primera as a goodwill ambassador - then known as Princess Celestina - escaped and is currently under the protection of our Alcalyze Kingdom.
Currently, as the only surviving member of the royal family who has been confirmed to be alive, she should have been protected in the capital city. However, due to her own wishes, she continues to stand on the front lines.
Although our acquaintance has been brief, I can affirm that the captain is truly noble, intelligent, and above all, a kind-hearted person. She treats not only her colleagues but also everyone she meets with equal kindness, and her catchphrase is that she will not let a single person die.
The captain herself doesn't speak of it, but she must be working to protect Primera, swallowing her frustration and feelings of powerlessness from being the only survivor, not being able to protect the citizens or her family, and now being in a one-sided defensive situation without any chance for counterattack.
I might get scolded for this, but when the time comes, I intend to protect the captain even if it costs me my life. All lives are equal, but there are some lives that must not be allowed to be lost.
A report comes in from the reconnaissance team.
"Lord Albert, we've spotted what appears to be a goblin group three kilometers to the west from here."
"Okay, keep observing them. Don't take any unnecessary risks. We cannot afford to lose any more lives."
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Primera Castle, Count Alfred's office
"Lord Alfred, Carlos, the head of Carlos Trading Company, would like to meet with you and has sent a messenger. What do you wish to do?"
Butler Sebastian bowed respectfully as he entered the office. "Carlos, you say? I heard he was seriously ill and could die any day now. Was the information incorrect, or perhaps something unexpected happened?" Alfred pondered for a moment. "Well, I hope it's the latter. It would be interesting."
"I understand. Shall I arrange a meeting for tomorrow? I will take care of scheduling, sir," Sebastian replied.
"Very well. Also, I heard that Captain Cerus returned and has urgent news," Alfred said.
"Cerus went out on a mission, did he not? I wonder what happened. Alright, let's see him immediately," Alfred decided.
"Captain Cerus is waiting outside. I will bring him in," Sebastian said, leaving the room and returning with Cerus.
Cerus had platinum blonde hair that shone like the white knight's armor and captivating blue eyes that hinted at both a noble and strong will. "Lord Alfred, thank you for seeing me. Actually, the report I have is quite urgent..."
The information Cerus presented was alarming. "I see. It does seem suspicious. However, if it is a pincer attack or a diversion, moving the knights in large numbers is dangerous. In that case, it would be best to enlist the help of the Adventurers' Guild for the western forest."
"I agree. I was planning to speak with the guild and make a special request tomorrow," Cerus said.
"Understood. I will provide the budget. You take care of the details. Thank you, Captain Cerus," Alfred said.