Feeling bitter from what happened the day before, Logan decided that he would train in earnest today. Without the need for his maid to wake him, Logan rose from his bed feeling determined.
The small fox, Luna, who had been resting by his side, made a small yawn before stretching herself and wagging her fluffy tail. As for his falcon, it was perched on the corner of his bed. He had been wide awake for a good hour now, but decided not to disturb his master. Instead, he chose to fix his plumage, which was beginning to grow longer by the day.
"Well then, let's start today. We have to go visit Scorch; he should be ready for today's outing based on what the earl said," Logan voiced his ideas aloud to his two pets before being interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Master? I thought I heard some noise… Oh, you're awake. Good morning, Master Logan. It's nice to see you awake."
Logan looked down quickly to make sure nothing was showing before coughing in embarrassment. "Ehem, yes, morning… Ruri, I take it the others are up?"
Pretending nothing had happened while forgetting she entered without permission, the young maid bowed. "Oh, of course, Master Logan. Young miss Rubina is busy preparing herself, while the Earl has been out tending to his beasts a little before dawn."
"Good, just leave today's clothes near the door, thank you."
Soon, the young girl left, and Logan, along with his two tamed beasts, greeted the others at the table where various dishes were placed.
"As always, thank you, Earl, for letting me have meals and stay here," Logan said before starting his meal.
"Don't mind it, young hero. Now then, let's eat and speak a little as you will be leaving soon for the day. There is a little news about the young Amberstone lass; she seems to be keeping tabs on you, so it was wise of you to keep your secrets," the Earl said while being given a piece of bread readily smeared with fruit jam.
Logan was also given one by Ruri, who seemed to have copied the headmaid Hestia's actions, almost as if a small competition was happening in the background.
"Thank you, Ruri. So, Chloe is a spy then?" Logan asked, trying to figure out if that was a necessary action for the kingdom to take.
The Earl nodded thoughtfully. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Chloe's role is to observe and report your actions to the king, ensuring that no threats arise unnoticed. It's a precaution, given the current unrest."
"But it's better to keep secrets to yourself. Not using your tamed beasts' skills would be the best thing to do for now; it's not a normal tamer skill. As far as the number of monsters you have, try to keep it at around five until you reach dark yellow or orange," the Earl added, taking a sip of the cup of coffee he was given.
"I can already see how powerful you will become with time," Rubina added while using impeccable manners to eat a ham sandwich.
The group was beginning to talk more about how the heroes were doing and how the king had called up the Earl when a butler came in, interrupting them.
"Master Victor, young miss Chloe Amberstone has arrived."
"Let her in," the Earl instructed, exchanging a knowing glance with Logan and Rubina. Both teens nodded in acknowledgment.
As soon as the young girl entered everyone welcomed her, Logan just nodded, Rubina waved at her, and the Earl stood up while signaling for a chair to be readied for Chloe.
"While I appreciate the gesture, I am sad to say I have already eaten, Earl Victor." Chloe bowed while taking a seat, waiting for the rest to finish.
"Don't mind us then, we are almost done. So, what is the plan for today, youngsters? Rubina said you all will be going to another section of the forest," the Earl said, now that his plate was empty, while wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"Yes, about that, I believe we will need to go to the southern part of the forest. There shouldn't be a lot of strong monsters in that area, and it would even make it a good place for the tiny fox, as it would have trouble walking through the roots and shrubs of the northern forest," Chloe said, while taking a sip of the cup of tea given to her.
"Sounds like a plan. I have given the hero a new pet for today's journey since you all were placed in a rather dangerous position the day before, right, Logan?" the Earl added.
Logan, having momentarily forgotten that Chloe did not know about the salamander, nodded while finishing a biscuit as dessert.
"Oh, another?" Rubina said, faking surprise.
"Don't worry about it. I informed the king of today's plans as well. You should all leave soon, though," the Earl finished, trying to edge the youngsters to begin today's journey, also knowing that the kingdom planned to keep Logan weak.
Within half an hour of getting ready, the three teenagers had reached the bustling town. The smell of burning wood and wet soil was something new for Logan. Many of the townsfolk had to heat themselves with lumber, and the ground seemed wet from the passing rain that had occurred the night before.
In the distance he could see the castle where the others in class were and probably still asleep as the first sun was still just rising.
"So the plan is to go shopping. We will need more potions and various tools I forgot about yesterday. Smokescreens, scent masks, and anything else that might come in handy," Chloe said, listing out the items they needed.
Rubina nodded in agreement. "Everything sounds good. The southern forest can be tricky, as the terrain has more hills, so it's better to be prepared."
Logan glanced at his two tamed beasts, who had joined them in their excursion through town. The Scorchwyrm had decided to rest in the carriage and stayed behind. "Let's make sure we have everything... We don't want to be caught off guard again," he said, ensuring they were prepared for any unexpected events.
As they continued through the market area, the normal morning hustle surrounded them. Vendors were setting up their stalls, and the smell of fresh bread and pastries filled the air. The trio made their way towards a specific tool shop, ready to gather their supplies for the journey ahead.
"Don't tell me that is you, Amberstone!" a voice called out from behind them as they were almost finished.
Logan was midway through a yawn when he looked back to see a young man in armor. The man was strikingly handsome, with a confident yet approachable demeanor. His armor bore the insignia of the kingdom's esteemed Gem-Knight family, just like Chloe's.
"Ah, if it isn't the lovely Chloe Amberstone!" the knight called out, his voice filled with a blend of admiration and cheer.
Chloe, who had been leading the group, froze momentarily, her shoulders shivering at the sound of his voice.
Logan noticed the knight's eager expression and the way he seemed to light up at the sight of Chloe.
Rubina, who was by his side, made a small smile. She had met this knight before—known for his humorous, caring, and outspoken nature. Despite his charming personality, his cool side sometimes led others to mistakenly view him as a womanizer. She also knew that he and Chloe were childhood friends, something she knew from her academy days with the two.
"If it isn't Sir Rubyheart," Chloe greeted with a polite nod, trying to maintain her composure. "What… brings… you… here so early?"
The young knight Kai gave a playful grin. "Just doing my rounds, making sure everything is in order. And it seems I've had the good fortune of running into you this morning."
Rubina and Logan exchanged amused glances, sensing the knight's evident interest in Chloe. Logan couldn't help but admire Sir Kai's relentless efforts to speak with her.
"Oh, forgive me, you must be one of the new heroes, and the lovely heiress of Rosengard. How are you these days?" Kai nodded with respect towards Logan while grabbing Rubina's hand for a light kiss.
"If you must know, we are shopping for equipment before we head towards the southern part of Beastclaw Forest," Rubina responded.
"Oh, and how about you join us today, Sir Kai." Rubina said while trying to contain a sly smile from forming on her lips.
Kai raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the offer. "Really, join you? That sounds like an adventure I can't refuse," he said with a charming yet happy grin. "Besides, it's always a pleasure to spend time with such distinguished company."
"Wait, Miss Rubina, do…" Chloe stopped herself, she thought about the choice and knowing Kai, his presence would likely bring a particular challenge to their journey. But she was also aware that if something like yesterday happened they would need more help.
"Very well, Sir Kai. We'll be glad to have you with us, I hope you don't mind hero…" she said while sighing, trying to hide her mixed feelings.
Logan gave Kai a look, then turned to Rubina, who nodded slightly. "More help, huh… I don't mind."
Kai, who had puppy eyes while Logan was thinking, changed them quickly as they twinkled with appreciation. "Thank you, hero. I promise to be of good use and not a burden."
Kai hurriedly walked towards Chloe, who had stormed off ahead of them, and began talking about something neither Logan nor Rubina could hear as the distance widened.
"So, what's the deal? Do you like the guy?" Logan said without beating around the bush with his words.
"What!? No, I just thought it would be funny to see the stoic Chloe's expression change throughout today's trip," Rubina replied, patting Logan's back as if trying to reassure him.
"Plus, can't you see his emotions? It's as clear as day that he loves her. The only problem is that Chloe does not seem to know how to respond to his affection. It's been like that since I knew them at the academy," Rubina added.
"Alright, well I hope he can keep her occupied enough so that I won't reveal too much today," Logan said with a little tension in his voice.
"Oh, don't worry too much. What's the worst that can happen?" Rubina said, grabbing his hand and ran forth to join the other two.