Chapter 197
“Shall we change and leave right away too?” Reno asked after Killis. Isaac stayed silent, but his expression suggested he’d follow my lead.
After a brief hesitation, I nodded.
“Let’s go. Knowing our destination, we can move faster.”
Staying overnight wouldn’t eliminate the need for future camping, so we might as well depart now.
“Better to take the blow quickly.”
Once decided, we changed swiftly and mounted our horses.
Reno took the lead since only he could guide us, relying on his spirit’s directions. Killis and I rode side by side behind him, with Isaac bringing up the rear.
It didn’t take long for exhaustion to set in.
‘This is way harder than I thought.’
My throat burned with thirst.
I’d known it wouldn’t be easy—riding on palace groomed paths versus rough outer roads were entirely different experiences. I’d prepared myself mentally.
But some things can’t be overcome by resolve alone. This was one of them.
It felt like driving on unpaved roads after only ever knowing smooth highways. Every hoofbeat sent jolts through my body, doubling the strain.
Even with Killis illuminating the path ahead and only needing to follow Reno, the shadowy forest flanking us felt unnerving.
Perhaps sensing my fatigue, Killis called out to Reno.
“Lord Reno! Let’s rest for a while!”
At his shout, Reno immediately slowed. We gradually matched his pace until the horses halted altogether.
Dismounting, Reno approached Killis and me.
“Are you tired?”
“I won’t deny it, but Her Highness seems exhausted too.”
“Your Highness? Can you dismount?”
“Maybe…….”
As I shakily tried to climb down, my horse suddenly shook its head, circled once, and knelt.
Startled, I clung to it—then realized it was helping me. My perspective lowered as the horse settled onto the ground.
“Th-Thank you.”
The words slipped out instinctively. Once I was safely off, the horse stood again with a spirited snort.
“How clever.”
“Really…….”
Whether coincidence or intentional, I was impressed.
“Sorry……. I’m holding everyone back.”
“Not at all. I was tired too.”
“Besides, it’s well past dinner. Why don’t we eat here and rest before continuing?”
“That sounds good.”
“Isaac, you agree?”
At Reno’s question, Isaac nodded silently.
“Your Highness, sit here.”
Killis pointed to a soft mat suddenly laid out. It wasn’t surprising—he’d likely stored it in his dimensional pocket before we left the palace.
“Thanks. Is there anything I can help with?”
“Help? Your Highness should just rest.”
While Isaac and Reno tended to the horses, Killis retrieved firewood from his pocket and lit it magically. Flames engulfed the logs instantly.
They insisted I shouldn’t feel guilty, but their consideration was obvious. If we were going to camp so soon, we might as well have rested properly at the inn.
This was the consequence of overeagerness.
‘Is Meliana struggling like this too?’
Or was she pushing forward relentlessly toward her goal?
Staring blankly at the crackling fire, I didn’t notice Reno sitting beside me until he spoke.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Huh? Oh…… Meliana. Wondering how far she’s gotten, where she’s headed.”
“Who knows what Princess Meliana is doing, but don’t worry too much. We’ll arrive first. There’s been no sign of anyone ahead of us.”
That was reassuring, but…… What is this nagging unease?
I hoped it was just baseless worry—until something whistled through the air.
Before I could identify it, a sharp thwack sounded right in front of us.
Clang!
Reno’s sword flashed, deflecting the object midair. It clattered to the ground lifelessly.
My gaze dropped reflexively—then froze.
“An… arrow?”
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