Two

「Phew, that should do it.」

After about 30 minutes of exercise to get used to my new body, I couldn't help but feel the difference. My height had shrunk from 175cm to around 159cm (estimated), and it was throwing off my sense of proportion. But no matter how much I moved, I didn't feel hindered by these strangely ample breasts... could it be thanks to the god's doing?

I decided it was time to prepare for departure. Opening the menu, I changed into a PMC-style outfit, swapping my current black T-shirt and jeans for combat boots, knee pads, and a headset. I also strapped on a chest rig and donned 5.11 tactical gloves, making sure everything fit just right. Finally, I attached a CQC holster to my belt.

"Yeah, looking good!"

Next up were the weapons. For my main weapon, I chose my beloved ACE32 chambered in 7.62×39mm, with a custom EoTech EXPS3 sight and a 35-round magazine. As my secondary, I equipped the JERICHO941PSL chambered in 9×19mm, along with a full tang karambit knife.

"Getting kind of pumped!"

I stashed the loaded magazines in my pouches and double-checked my gear.

"Alright, preparations complete, let's go!"

With dreams and hopes in my heart, I set off towards the city. I had a few skirmishes with monsters on the way from the small hill where I first arrived to the road. These monsters seemed to be of lower level, as they were easily dispatched with a single shot from my Galil or one to two shots from my Jericho. I asked the god what to do with the defeated monsters.

"Just put them in your item box, and later, you can have the guild break them down for you. Oh, and when you register with the guild, make sure to choose the Comprehensive Guild, not the Adventurer's Guild. I'll send you the exchange rate for money via email later. N-Not that I forgot or anything!"

Money... I guess she didn't forget after all. But why was it better to register with the Comprehensive Guild? Well, I'd figure that out in town. It should be easy to find out.

However, when I reached the road, a problem arose. For some reason, this carriage had been following me closely the whole time. Three other carriages had sped past me before I encountered this one, but unlike the others, this carriage refused to overtake me. What's more, it had five guards, all mounted on horses and dressed in matching gear. The carriage itself looked expensive, with what seemed like a family crest, so I assumed they were escorting someone important.

I was wary at first, but now I was just confused. I wasn't marked as an enemy on my radar, and they hadn't said anything to me. Moreover, they didn't seem hostile. They were just following me, and it felt... awkward.

"Agh, I can't take this anymore!"

Unable to endure the awkward silence, I mustered up some courage and called out to them.

"Uhm, excuse me!"

"Hm?"

One of the guards, a man, turned his attention towards me. I felt intimidated, but I couldn't back down now.

"Please don't mind me... you can go on ahead."

He looked at his companions and then smiled as he turned back to me.

"Did you happen to be bothered by our presence all this time?"

Y-Yes. I was actually afraid you might kidnap me or something!

"Yes."

"Don't worry. We have no intention of harming you. Besides, no one who rides in a carriage with our family crest would ever do such a thing."

"In fact, we've been trailing behind you not because of you, but because of an issue with our carriage."

A woman who was part of the escort explained.

"What do you mean?"

"It's a bit embarrassing, but you see, our carriage has the words 'Stop the hor...se' written on it. Ah, he's here!"

Hmm? I faintly heard a voice from inside the carriage. Could it be that someone inside was ill?

The man immediately ordered the coachman, "Stop the carriage!" and the carriage came to a halt. One of the guards promptly opened the door, revealing a middle-aged man who looked pale and was on all fours, heaving.

"Wait, the reason the carriage was slow is..."

I see. This man was suffering from motion sickness, and the carriage slowed down whenever it sped up. I couldn't help but feel sympathetic.

"Ah, I see..."

"I'm sorry for showing you such an embarrassing sight. Could I trouble you for some water?"

"Of course, please wait."

After that, I bought a bottle of mineral water using credits and handed it to the man. I had earned a decent amount in the game, so this expense was negligible.

"My name is Nelson, Nelson Diar Valdek, the Duke of this region. And what's your name?"

"I'm Ellaina."

"I see. By any chance, are you on your way to Gozes?"

Gozes... if I remembered correctly, that was the name of the city set as my destination on the map.

"Yes, I'm heading to the city to register at the Comprehensive Guild."

"I'd like to express my gratitude to you. Would you accept a ride in our carriage as a token of our appreciation?"

"Oh, no, that's not necessary. I'm fine with just your kind words."

I mean, it looked like it would smell terrible inside the carriage. Besides, traveling with nobility seemed like it would only bring trouble.

"We suggest you come with us. It appears you only have a knife as your weapon."

Despite the fact that everyone could see the guns right in front of them, it seemed that guns didn't exist in this world. Well, considering that nobility used carriages for transportation, I had already suspected as much.

"No, really, I'm fine on my own."

The woman escorting us, Amy, seemed to notice something and pointed at the back of her horse.

"Well then, why don't you ride behind my horse? It should be comfortable."

For some reason, everyone seemed to agree with this idea.

Did they all misunderstand something?

"Um, Amy-san..."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Is Aid always like this during missions?"

"Hmm, Aid doesn't usually act like this. I wonder if he's in a bad mood today?"

Frowning like that... was he just naturally like that, or was it because it was his first mission?