-

Opal Zirconium embarks on the journey in the so-called late spring, followed by the rainy season.

Rain isn't everything. Even more grandiose is the melting of the snow that has been accumulated for more than half a year, bringing mud and water disasters that cannot be underestimated.

At this time, landslides erupt from time to time in the southern mountains, which is not a suitable season for long-distance travel.

Long Tail shook his body and reached out to wipe the rain from his face. The robe was soaking wet.

He glanced back at the noble brother of the Great Heyar who was following him.

When they had crossed the plains, the two had rented two two-horned horses from the Wrangler, and when they came to the vicinity of the Falling Star Mountains, the Wrangler left with the herd.

Falling Star Mountain is not a very tall mountain, but the mountains that stretch out from it are endless. Although the slope is mild compared to the mountains on the northern and southern borders, it is not easy to traverse.

What's more, the continuous heavy rain and snowmelt rivers block the footsteps of pedestrians.

They hired a guide from the village at the foot of the mountain, a commoner in the prime of life, who traveled through the mountains three or four times a year to the towns of the south to exchange some goods. Opal moved him with two silver coins and agreed to set off during the rainy season, and he was a good guide—but unfortunately, three days earlier he had been caught in a mudslide due to a sudden landslide and fell off a cliff.

At first, Nagao tried to rescue him, but the dirt and rocks kept falling, and soon the man's body was completely submerged.

Now they were completely lost, walking through the forest, trying to find staccato paths, making their way along valleys and rivers, all the while beware of possible beasts.

Occasionally, they will take a break when they encounter a giant tree or a safer cave.

More often than not, they are on the road, even overnight for days when the rain has stopped.

Such a life is close to the brink of unbearable conditions for an inferior Heyal like Nagao, not to mention the pampered, college-born Opal Zirconium.

But Opal didn't even say a word of complaint.

Now that Nagatail looked back at him, he still saw a tense, tired, expressionless face. His expression was almost reverent, like the ascetic priests he had seen in the temple for days.

Exhaustion had made him silent, and even though he had been quite quiet in the first place, it had now reached a point where Nagao wondered if he didn't have the strength to speak anymore - it was not good to be strong. After all, Nagao's job is to be a guard, and if Opal Zirconium dies on the journey, he probably won't dare to return to the center.

After finding a relatively lush cedar tree, Nagao proposes to rest.

It just so happened that the rain had stopped.

"We should continue to ......"

"We should rest. Nagao said firmly, looking at the temporary master stiffly.

Finally, Opal Zirpria slowly sat down on the ground against the branches of the giant tree.

The terrain has stabilized, the threat of landslides has been greatly reduced, and they have maintained a proper distance from the river (where you can hear the sound of the water and smell the river when you are about 10 meters closer) to prevent the flash flood from spreading excessively. In any case, now that they are safe and tired, it is indeed time to rest.

"You're such a stubborn fellow! I'm sorry, I mean, sir. Nagao sighed and sat down, untied the ties of his robe, and relaxed his neck for a moment, "Is this the case with Lord Moshi?"

"I don't know. "Opal cherishes words like gold.

Longtail looked at him.

After a few moments, Nagao's long gaze came to fruition, and Opal added, his voice hoarse: "I don't think his health would allow him to cross the mountains during the rainy season." ”

Not an answer at all.

Nagao sighed and shook his head.

He pulled the hydration bag out of his backpack and handed it to the opal. He tugged at the brim of the hood above his head, stuck out his tongue to catch the rain that had been wrung off, and tasted the smell of dust and earth.

"I'm here for a paid job, and what are you for?" Nagao continued, "I guess you and Lord Moshi must be really good friends - look at the way you look now, the muddy water has stained your pretty hair and face—this friendship is simply touching." ”

Nagao was somewhat surprised to find that he was still able to speak, and he judged that he was still quite healthy physically and mentally.

Opal swallowed the water in the water bag, which wasn't actually very clean, closed his eyes, and shook his head imperceptibly.

"May I ask that?" said Long Tail curiously, "I've always wondered how you get paid for doing things for him?"

"Not all cooperation is clearly divided into giving and taking. Opal said.

"Uh," Nagao thought hard for a moment, acknowledging that what Opal said was instructive, but, "there's always some good, right? ”

"You probably should think so, Longtail. Opal seemed to have finally taken some interest in this conversation, he opened his eyes, sat up slightly straight, and the corners of his lips showed a slight teasing arc, "If Mo Shi rises to prominence in the court, all those who have helped him will become the ones he trusts." And what the trust of a person of high power means, I should not need to say more, you are also a person who has served in the court, it is impossible not to understand. ”

"Indeed," muttered Nagao, "that's what I thought, I want to take a gamble, or I'll be honest in Amber Castle guarding that little sheep gate." ”

Rain slid down the tortuous skin of the ancient cedar trees.

"But, actually, I am willing to do anything for him without any reward. Opal whispered.

God, apostles, let me atone for my sins.

-

The stream is widening and the woods are thinning. Finally, the vast landscape of the plain unfolded in front of me, and the rain-soaked grass and trees reflected beautiful layers of golden light in the faint sunlight.

Nagao took a long breath.

Opal said, "So, here we are. Without a guide, we walked too far west. ”

When he walked to the plain, Opal Zirconia's expression can be described as a sudden realization - quite inexplicable.

"Is this your hometown?"

Opal shook his head.

They walked forward and soon came to a village. It was a small and fairly wealthy village, and they were entertained at the chief's house, and at last they had a good meal, and washed their robes and feet. Nagao inquired with the village chief about their location, only to learn that they were now in Count Amethyst's territory.

The village has been mined by the Count of Amethyst for generations and is an export source for rough gemstones.

"Is Count Amethyst in his domain now?" Opal asked.

"I guess not here. The chief replied, "Your Excellency just came back from the Central last year (he had been his younger brother until then, and the Viscount was collecting taxes from us), and he stayed there for quite some time, but when the rainy season began, the Lords usually go to the Chipping City. ”

"Chipping City, is it the city where the Blue Silver Castle is located?"

"Yes, sir. It's a bit of a walk from here, but it's still a good walk. ”

Opal nodded.

Nagatail moved closer to Opal and whispered, "Are we really going there?"

Opal glanced at him and explained, "Yes, the Silver Castle is now owned by the Goldmane family. Although we deviated from the original path, fortunately, the distance was not far, and we could reach Chipping City in about three days. ”

"You're pretty ...... here. Familiar?"