Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 6 — The First Leg of the Journey
Once we boarded the stagecoach and departure time came, the carriage rolled out of the royal capital.
Sharing the ride with us were three others — a man who seemed to be a high-ranked adventurer, and an elderly couple.
Including Arisa, the coachman, and myself, there were six of us in total.
Our destination wasn’t far — a city about two days’ travel from the capital.
We were headed to Waynesvale City, the capital of the Marquisate of Waynesvale, the largest grain-producing region in the Kingdom of Runegard.
It was said that crops from there were shipped not only to the capital but to all corners of the kingdom.
Waynesvale was also an important defensive stronghold, which drew many adventurers and soldiers. Because of that, trade and commerce thrived to serve them.
It was known as one of the largest cities in Runegard, second only to the royal capital itself.
Naturally, a city like that would offer us plenty to learn from our inspection.
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“So, what brings you two to Waynesvale?”
As I gazed absentmindedly out the window, the elderly woman struck up a conversation.
“We run a magic tool shop in the capital,” I explained. “We’re thinking of starting something new, so we plan to visit several cities to gather ideas.”
“My, how wonderful,” she said with a gentle smile.
“A couple traveling together to study and work — how diligent of you. That’s lovely.”
“You’re too kind.”
“A couple running a magic tool shop, huh?”
The adventurer joined in the conversation.
“Wait a second — you wouldn’t happen to be from ‘Cave Dwarf’s Magic Tools,’ would you?”
“Yes, that would be us.”
Apparently, he was familiar with our store.
“Thanks to your magic tools, a few of my buddies are still alive. Those robes you sell — cheap but tough — saved their skins more than once. I owe you.”
“I see. I’m just glad our products could help.”
An unexpected thank-you, but a welcome one nonetheless.
After that, talk flowed easily inside the carriage. For about two hours we chatted idly, until near noon, when a carriage suddenly came racing toward us from the opposite direction.
The driver’s desperate expression caught my eye as it passed — something was wrong.
“Arisa.”
“I know.”
We both sensed it — something bad was coming. Arisa’s face had already hardened, her focus sharp.
“That carriage… something’s off. Might be trouble,” the adventurer muttered, drawing a one-handed sword and readying his shield.
The elderly couple began to panic, clutching each other for comfort. The old man tried to soothe his wife, but fear was clear on his own face as well.
Within minutes, the cause of the disturbance revealed itself.
“Orcs! Orcs on the rampage!”, the coachman shouted, relaying the situation.
Arisa, the adventurer, and I leaned out the window — ahead, a small caravan was under attack by a band of orcs. Several human guards were already fighting them.
“Don’t know why orcs are showing up around here, but I’m helping!”
Without hesitation, the adventurer jumped from the coach and charged into battle. Clearly, he was confident in his strength.
Meanwhile, our coach came to a halt. The driver began turning the horses to retreat for safety.
“Please, wait a moment.”
I called out to stop him.
“What is it?”
“There’s no need to retreat. We can handle the orcs.”
“Hey now, you can’t just—”
Before he could finish, I handed him a Mana Shield Stone.
“This magic tool will shield you from harm if things go south. Channel a bit of mana into it to activate the barrier.”
“A-ah, got it.”
Leaving the confused driver behind, I handed another pair of stones to the elderly couple.
“Please take these too.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Don’t worry. Both I and she can deal with orcs safely.”
I glanced toward Arisa. She nodded firmly. Her level had risen enough that orcs wouldn’t pose a threat.
“Arisa, I’ll leave the coach to you.”
“Got it.”
With her guarding the carriage, I leapt out and ran toward the battle to assist the adventurer in subduing the orcs.
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E/N:
Finally some action after so long ffs! The cliche protagonist event is here!
Anyway, Protection Magic Stone → Mana Shield Stone.
Stay tuned!
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