Chapter 18 - Reflection part 1

The coat itself resembled more of a dress than anything else. It was a long-sleeved silk jacket adorned with numerous French white buttons and ruffles that loosely hung around the end of the sleeve and the collar.

With several layers stitched into one, its length reached the top of my knees. It seemed designed to be worn with the buttons undone, but in my current state of cold, I really didn't care if it was fashionable or not.

The sky-blue color and flower patterns crossing it would surely make me stand out among any crowd on Earth, though I wasn't yet sure if that would hold true in this new world. Except for the rugged-looking brigadiers wearing thieves' attire, the students' school uniforms, and the reserved tunics of the professors, I hadn't seen much variety in this world's attire.

After taking the corpses into the forest to hide them from travelers' sight, I hopped onto the coach seat where the two horses still awaited orders to move. Though my previous experience with horses hadn't been the best, I was willing to leave the past behind if these two would do what I needed.

I took the strange whip the coachman had been using before "getting lost in the woods" and gave the horses a gentle tug with it, urging them to move faster than I had planned. Despite seeing an opportunity to dissuade them, I decided to simply sit back and release the knife I had been clutching tightly the whole time. With fatigue quickly accumulating, the effects of the runes faded, and I slumped, letting the horses continue pulling the carriage along the road.

...

...

...

My eyes snap open as my hand instinctively grips the handle of the dagger sheathed at my side. I scan my surroundings with a sharp, alert gaze, feeling the runes of Gandalfr activating within me. However, I abruptly halt upon meeting the concerned face of the man walking alongside the carriage.

"Are you alright, lad?" he asks again, his voice filled with genuine concern. "I've been trying to wake you since you arrived at our village," he adds, making me realize I had fallen asleep.

The man himself had a robust, sturdy appearance, typical of someone who worked hard all day. His bronzed skin, loose clothing, and dirty, calloused hands indicated he was a farmer. His thick red facial hair seemed to try to compensate for the slowly receding hairline on the top of his head. His peculiar hairstyle gave the impression he was wearing a thin red donut as a hat.

I shake my head and release the dagger, feeling the suppressed emotions flood out as if a floodgate had been opened. Fortunately, though the runes don't seem to affect my mind, the memories don't feel as raw as they did before I fell asleep.

I glance at the horses still walking, visibly exhausted. Considering they had probably been marching all night, I can't blame them for their fatigue. I gently tug on the reins, allowing them to come to a gradual stop, while casting a glance of regret at the worried farmer.

"I'm sorry... Last night was... exhausting," I admit, letting out a sigh as I try to regain my composure after the shock of waking up suddenly.

The farmer nodded slowly, showing understanding towards my situation. Though his smile was somewhat disconcerting due to his poor dental hygiene, his intentions seemed genuine. "I'm Robert, this is Redfield, in case you didn't know. Not much to see, but it's still home," he said with a smile.

I looked around as Robert spoke, finding myself in the midst of a small but charming village surrounded by fertile fields. The road we were on seemed to be the village center, and a few people watched us as we conversed.

"So, what's your name? And how did you end up passing out here?" Robert asked, curious.

"My name is Ma..." I began, but then stopped. I wasn't sure if I should use my real name now that I was a wanted criminal. I didn't know how authorities tracked down criminals, so it would probably be best to choose a nickname for now. "Ma-Mark..." I stammered, feeling uncomfortable with the improvised name.

"I'm sorry... I'm a bit confused, long night," I murmured, trying to hide my nervousness as I thought about how to handle the situation.

"You don't have to answer me, but it would put my mind at ease to know what might have brought you here," he insists, not giving me the chance to evade the question.

I let out a sigh as my mind rushed to piece together a believable story. "My father is a merchant," I begin, searching for the right words to bring my fictitious narrative to life. "This was the first time I was on a job without him... I had some guards with me, but we were attacked by bandits on the road... I was forced to leave my guards behind as they fought them off... You'd probably find some bodies if you looked," I murmur solemnly, trying to convey the weight of the fictional situation. The fictional memory of the brutal clash of taking a life seeps into my performance, making it much more believable than one might expect.

Robert smiles empathetically as he approaches the carriage and gives me a comforting pat on the shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss. It's not much of a comfort, but nearly everyone here has lost someone close. It might not have been to bandits, but the feelings are usually the same," he says, receiving nods from some people watching us, as a show of solidarity.

I nod slowly, feeling a bit guilty for taking advantage of Robert's kindness and the town's general goodwill. "Thank you," I respond sincerely, grateful for his understanding and genuine concern. But I can't afford to get caught up in the emotion of the moment for too long.

"I'm sorry for asking so directly, but... How far am I from the port city?" I suddenly inquire, aware that time is running out.

Robert shakes his head with a soft laugh. "You're not going anywhere with your horses in that condition. They'll tire out if you push them too hard," he states confidently, gesturing towards the horses pulling the carriage. Although they seem to have regained some breath after the brief rest, they still show signs of fatigue.

I look back at the horses, worried about their condition and my own limited options. "So what should I do?" I ask anxiously, aware that the military and bounty hunters could be hot on my trail.

Robert audibly sighs, evidently sharing my concern. "Well, you could rest here in Redfield for the day. I doubt those bandits would be willing to follow you all the way here... Although they might set up an ambush for you further down the road, if you give them enough time," he suggests, making it clear that there's no perfect solution to my precarious situation.

"I'd love to stay for the day, but I don't want to leave it to chance. I need to get to Antomiers before those bandits become bolder," I emphasize, feeling the urgency of my situation. "I'd even be willing to trade these horses for some of yours if it means I can get away faster," I offer, hoping to find a solution that benefits us both.

Robert raises an eyebrow and approaches the horses, examining them carefully as he evaluates their suitability. I watch closely, hoping for a response that can help me move forward as quickly as possible.

"Well, these two are good mares," Robert begins, continuing to inspect the animals. "But we only have one mare that we use for plowing, I doubt she can pull your carriage alone."

I furrow my brow at this revelation, unsure of how I should proceed from here. But I don't have time to hesitate, I need to find a solution as soon as possible.

"How about this then... These two and the carriage in exchange for your horse, but I also want riding lessons, as well as supplies," I propose, trying to make a fair deal that satisfies our mutual needs.

Robert nods slowly, a thoughtful look on his face as he considers my offer. He strokes his thick red beard as he weighs the possibilities, apparently calculating the benefits and consequences.

"Very well, I think we could do that," he finally responds. "Especially considering these mares will help with the workload. I'm surprised you don't know how to ride a horse and only learned how to train," he adds with a curious tone.

I nod shyly in response to Robert's words. "Uh, yeah... My father thought it was too dangerous and not worth the risk," I admit, feeling a bit embarrassed by my lack of horse riding experience.

Robert laughs, shaking his head with a smile. "Haha! Typical merchant's thinking. Alright, dismount and we'll see about getting you started with riding," he replies jovially, but my stomach decides to make its presence known with a loud growl that threatens to overshadow the conversation.

"Perhaps breakfast first then?" I murmur, trying to hide the blush on my cheeks as I jump down from the carriage and retrieve the bags filled with jewels and clothing. Stumbling slightly due to the height of the carriage, I hurry to follow Robert towards his home, where his wife and two teenage sons await us.

The introduction to Robert's family proves a bit awkward for me, as I'm not very skilled at socializing. However, Aubrey, Robert's wife, greets me warmly and kindly, preparing another breakfast plate for me to join them.

As I mentioned, I'm not very adept at socializing, especially in family situations like this one. So, I decide to treat it as an opportunity to gather information. I seize the occasion to inquire about events in the area and any interesting news, perhaps even about a sword fallen from the sky.

"So, in the capital, we don't really hear much about what happens in the countryside. Is there any rumor about something fallen from the sky? Or any news I should know about?" I ask, trying to maintain a casual tone as I converse with Robert.

He looks at me with a raised eyebrow. "Something fallen from the sky? No, sorry," he responds honestly, shrugging. However, his expression becomes more serious as he continues. "Ah, it probably doesn't concern you, but I'm worried about the future, especially for my sons," he begins, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "Count Mott has been assigned this area, and he's already started sending people to each village. Last time something like this happened, they were recruiting people for a war," he explains, as Aubrey solemnly nods, indicating her agreement with her husband's words.

Furrowing my brow as I listen to Robert's concerns, I know for certain that a war with Albion is looming in the near future, putting his children at risk. Their youth and health would make them prime targets for the Tristain army due to their proximity to the capital. "Do you think they'll truly be forced to fight?" I ask, with concern evident in my voice.

Robert nods solemnly. "If it happens, yes... No matter if they need to work the fields or if their positions are at risk... They'll throw our whole village at an enemy army if it stops them. Even if my son's children survive, war taxes and food seizures would slowly drain Redfield," he murmurs grimly. "To be honest, I'm more worried about the young unmarried girls here... I've heard bad things about the Count. Don't mention this to anyone, but rumors say he doesn't take no for an answer when it comes to having lovers."

A shiver runs down my spine at Robert's words. Count Mott is the man who would have set his sights on Siesta if she hadn't been dismissed. So, while she might have been spared, apparently he's simply shifted his focus to nearby villages. "Isn't there anything that can be done? Surely the princess would have something to say about it?" I ask, hoping that the kind and just Princess Henrietta would intervene in the situation.

Robert nearly chokes at my words, his uncomfortable laugh filling the air as his wife and children look at him with concern. "Haha! Do you think royalty would even listen to what some peasants have to say?" he responds between laughs, though his tone hints at deep resignation. "We've sent people to seek help from the capital, but they refer us back to Count Mott as he oversees this land," he adds, his smile gradually fading.

"Shouldn't there be someone who listens to your troubles?" I inquire, convinced there must be another way to bypass the Count. If not, corruption would have already overwhelmed this Kingdom entirely.

Robert sighs heavily. "There's Councilman Bastien le Gras, but he's too busy stuffing his face with custard tarts than doing his job. He's supposed to represent us, but I never heard of him helping us!" he responds with evident irritation, showing frustration with the village's situation.

I lower my head at Robert's outburst and take a spoonful of the rather mushy porridge into my mouth. The situation here is much bleaker than I had imagined. Damn, if things continue like this, jumping from a tower doesn't seem so bad. In the anime, they never delved this deeply into the lives of the villagers. But I suppose the anime was biased, given that Louise was of nobility and the heroine.