Chapter 19 - Reflection part 2

With dinner finished, I found myself at the mercy of Robert, who promptly led me to a field where the only mare in the vicinity grazed. Her dull white coat with brown speckles gazed at me with curiosity, and after brushing her for a few minutes, she seemed less uneasy with my presence.

Eventually, Robert returned with a heap of gear necessary for horseback riding. Though a bit old and worn from use, according to Robert, it was still "functional enough."

The man taught me everything I needed to know about horses: what they can eat, how to maintain their hooves, how to use the riding gear, and even which knots to use when tying up the horse.

But riding turned out to be the hardest part. Maintaining balance in the saddle, especially when the horse trotted, was quite a challenge. I fell off the back of the horse several times, covering myself in bruises as I learned bit by bit.

Fortunately, I discovered a "trick." While riding, I could grip the handle of my dagger in its sheath to activate the Gandalfr runes, doubling my stats. This improved my control over the saddle and my reaction times when things went wrong.

Over time, I went from being thrown off the saddle to being able to handle the trot and climb hills without issue. My rapid progress surprised Robert a little, but it was no problem for him.

After lunch, we decided to let the horse rest in preparation for what was to come later. I used that time to mentally review horse care, recalling every detail Robert had taught me. However, I also seized the opportunity to secretly review the Spellbook, which I hadn't let go of since I first read it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had learned three more spells since then, even if they were basic. It was a small progress, but I was proud of it.

I realized that I had spent more time here than I initially planned. Being in Redfield for three days was a significant risk, especially considering the possibility of aristocracy guards looking for me. Were they underestimating me, or had Louise provided false information about my whereabouts? Either way, I couldn't afford to stay much longer.

I would be obliged to leave Redfield soon, which was somewhat disappointing. This village was the first place in this new world that I had genuinely liked. The people were kind and welcoming, quite the opposite of the nobles at the academy. Though the food didn't meet Earth's standards, it was plentiful and comforting. If it weren't for being hunted by the aristocracy, I could have imagined spending much more time here.

However, my fondness for the place wouldn't change my situation. After finding Robert, we both went around the village gathering the various supplies we would need for our journey. They handed me small bags filled with dried meats, hard bread, fruits, and some nuts, along with a kind of water canteen. But upon discovering that it was literally made of goat skin, I wished I hadn't asked.

They also gave me a few other things, but I still dare not ask about how the currency works. After all, I've claimed to be a merchant's son; it would be incredibly odd if I couldn't distinguish my pennies from my pounds.

When all is said and done, I find myself sitting atop "Bullseye," as I decided to call the horse. We're in the middle of the village, right where Robert had woken me up that day. Robert's family stands to the side, ready to bid me farewell, but I'm surprised not to see Robert nearby. However, I soon see him coming out of his house with a large piece of fabric in his arms.

"Hey, this was meant for my son on his birthday, but since two mares and a carriage aren't worth what we gave you, we'll get him something else," says Robert as he tosses the brown cloak over my shoulders.

"I doubt you'd get far if you're caught off guard by rain without protection. The clothes you're wearing wouldn't even shield you from a drizzle," Robert remarks sagely. I nod, realizing the importance of his gesture.

I tighten the cloak around me, fastening the clasp just below my collar. I don't bother pulling the hood down at this moment. "Thank you... You've really helped me here. I don't know what I would have done otherwise," I admit with an appreciative smile.

Robert nods, taking a step back to embrace his two sons. "Just remember to visit them when you're nearby! If I see you around here without saying hello, I'll give you a smack, just like my father used to do with me!" he jokes as his wife and children give him worried looks.

I can't help but laugh in response to Robert's comment, grateful for his generosity and wisdom. I nod with a smile as I give my supplies one last check. The bags of coins, food, water, and daggers are secured, along with the sacks of jewels and clothes that the thieves had acquired and are now tied to the horse behind my saddle.

"See you later, guys! I'll visit you in the future if I can!" I say, bidding them farewell for the last time as I focus on guiding Bullseye out of the village, towards the sunset painting the horizon.

Despite the picturesque charm of the place, Robert had advised me to travel in the morning, warning me of the dangers lurking in the countryside as I moved away from the capital. However, I have a time limit to respect, and I can't allow my pursuers to catch up with me.

Even if I could fight them, I'm cautious about shedding more blood, especially if they're just doing their job.

I let out a sigh as Bullseye jumps slightly to pass over a root, almost dislodging me from the saddle. "I swear, Bullseye! If you throw me off, I'll turn you into glue!" I growl at the horse, half in jest, as we venture further into the forest. The horse responds with a neigh, leaving it in doubt whether he understood my threat or was simply expressing his own attitude.

All I knew was that I needed to reach the next village as soon as possible. Unlike the carriage, I wouldn't be able to sleep while traveling, so even though it's faster this way, I would eventually need to rest.

As I follow the established path, I begin to go over the plan once more. For these three days, I've been considering what would be the best course of action to take. When I arrived in this world, I initially planned to follow the established plot until Louise made a portal to the normal world. I didn't even mind if it was my world or not.

However, that plan had to change when I learned of Siesta's dismissal. But I kept clinging to the idea of following the plot, even when circumstances changed drastically.

I know I shouldn't have used magic without better control over it. But I was tired of being treated like a slave and wanted to be seen as an equal. Even in the anime, after Saito proved his worth in combat against Guiche, he continued to be treated as a servant at first. However, my attempt to avoid a beating from Guiche so he would give me the sword out of pity ended in disaster when I decided to use magic and accidentally ripped his hand off.

I sighed, feeling the weight of my actions on my shoulders. Despite my best intentions, I had caused more harm than I intended. Now, I had to face the consequences and move on. I grimaced as I remembered that the plan was the only thing that kept me from hitting Louise from the start.

But the current plan is still to go back home. Or to Saito's original world. Both options are better than being here. But without Louise, I only have one person to turn to... Tiffania.