Published: July 3, 2025
Yesterday's meeting with the merchant Gecko went smoothly.
Starting today, I am assigned to guard the Capital City of Aberdeen.
Ryo arrived at the gathering place earlier than the scheduled time. Arriving five minutes early is a basic rule.
He wore his usual robe gifted by the dullahan, sturdy yet affordable clothes bought by Abel, boots, and carried Murakumo and Mikael's Custom Knife at his belt.
Additionally, he slightly modified the bag he made during his travels with Abel and slung it over his shoulder.
Inside, there were homemade potions and compact seasonings like salt and pepper that he might use.
At the gathering place near the East Gate, Gecko’s ten covered wagons were lined up, and the guard squad seemed to be conducting pre-departure checks.
“Oh, Ryo-san, good morning!”
“Gecko-san, good morning. I look forward to working with you starting today.”
Saying this, Ryo bowed his head.
Merchant Gecko was a prominent merchant who represented the nation.
In Ryo's imagination, he seemed like someone who would be seated in the president's chair at the main office, giving orders from there...
It was strange to see such a great merchant personally leading a caravan between countries.
When Ryo asked Hugh about it yesterday, he said, “The route between Aberdeen and Run is special. For Gecko-sama, traveling this route seems more like a hobby.”
He was indeed an unusual merchant.
However, he seemed like a good person, which relieved Ryo.
“No, no, it’s my pleasure. Master McGrath has stated that you can fully trust Ryo-san's combat abilities. We are also grateful for your help. Let me introduce our captain of the guard first. Max!”
When merchant Gecko called out, a spear warrior in his mid-thirties with the aura of a seasoned veteran approached.
“Max, this is Ryo-san, the adventurer who will be joining our guard. As I mentioned yesterday, he’s a d-rank adventurer but has Master McGrath’s endorsement.”
“I’m Max, the captain of the guard. You might have heard, but we lost five men on the way here. So, you’ll be joining us as a replacement... Mainly, I think you’ll help us during combat and watch during the night. We’ll be traveling together for about twenty days, and I think there will be various things, so I appreciate your cooperation.”
Saying this, Max shook hands with Ryo and returned to his preparations.
“Well, that's how it is, but Max has been managing our guard squad for the past five years. He’s quite capable and handles most things without problems,” Gecko praised.
Ryo had been wondering what he would do if the leader of the guard was someone difficult to approach, so he felt relieved that Max seemed like a reasonable person.
After that, Ryo talked with Gecko about their luggage, the towns along the way, and the highways.
By the way, during the discussion about the luggage, there was no mention of the "magic stone" at all.
Considering safety, it might be natural.
Although the adventurer recommended by the Guild Master was trustworthy, the fewer people who know about precious information, the higher the safety.
If there’s no need to inform, it would be preferable not to disclose it...
Soon, Ra and the others from "Switchback" arrived, and the group departed from the City of Run, heading towards the capital of the Duchy of Inberri, Aberdeen.
Ryo was arranged around the fifth and sixth wagons along with Ra and the others.
The road leading out of Run's East Gate was the same highway heading towards Kairadi for a while.
It passed near his home, so it was a familiar route for Ryo.
However, on this road, the group passed a swift horse.
“That was a swift horse from the Lord's Manor,” Ra said after they passed by.
“It’s a bit concerning, but it’s not our business,” lightly remarked Sue, the scout from "Switchback."
At twenty-four years old, with dark brown hair tied back, her lively black eyes moved around charmingly.
The reason her age was confirmed was that she said it specifically to Ryo.
“I’m older than you, you know.”