「Okay～. Let’s go then～」
I wave goodbye to Krea and Inel-kun, who for some reason came to see us off, and we leave the castle.
Today we’re heading to the Noie squad’s standby post to explain the construction of the new building.
We need to check the planned site before the rainy season starts, confirm the construction method and timeline, and make sure the workers can be properly guarded during the build.
I’m technically the highest person in charge since I was the one who proposed it… but honestly, this isn’t the kind of thing someone like me should be dragged into.
Even to an amateur, it’s obvious that someone with a decent amount of authority got involved.
Since this is a carefully prepared “fishing trip”, today’s escorts are some of the very best knights from the royal guard.
There are also covert agents stationed along the roadside.
It should be perfect… so why does my chest feel so uneasy?
Maybe I’m just not used to this kind of rough stuff, so my nerves are getting the better of me?
Ignoring my anxiety, the horses move steadily forward.
We’re now about halfway there.
From here, we’ll pass through a thick, wooded area.
According to the materials I was given beforehand, this is the ideal spot for an ambush.
Ideal for them, maybe… but can’t they think about how the people being ambushed feel?
「Who goes there!」
I turn at the sharp voice from the lead knight.
A thin, lanky man stands in the middle of the road.
「It’s an honor to meet you, Prince Argusta… or should I say former prince?」
「Call me whatever you like. A lot of people still call me ‘Prince’ anyway.」
「Ahaha. Then, Prince… forgive my rudeness, but I’ll be taking you with us.」
「I decline.」
「Then I’ll have to use force.」
The man raises his hand.
The lead knight is suddenly pierced by several arrows and tumbles from his horse.
No way… what about the covert agents ahead of us?
The man throws something to the ground.
With a wet ‘gucha’ or ‘mecha’ sound… there’s no mistaking it, multiple human noses.
「Yes, yes. I’ve already taken care of all those annoying little bugs in my way. The people of Univance really are something… using a prince as bait so casually. Or is it because you’re not actually a prince anymore that they’re willing to throw you away?」
His words bother me, but right now that’s not the priority.
The plan was to push through and head straight to the standby post… but there’s a chance they already know that.
The escort knights draw their swords and take defensive stances… but something feels very wrong.
I don’t know why, but my gut is screaming danger.
「Thirty-Six Stratagems」
「Huh?」
「Retreat is the best option!」
I pull the reins hard, spin the horse around, and without hesitation kick its flanks.
With a sharp ‘hihin’, it neighs lightly and bolts forward.
A few panicked arrows whistle past me as I glance back, cold sweat pours down my whole body!
But I don’t hesitate.
I just run.
The enemy’s target is me.
As long as I keep moving, they have to either chase or give up.
The speed is terrifying… but right now, running is my only option.
Huh? There’s someone up ahead?
A woman stands right in the middle of the road, arms crossed, casually cracking her neck.
Something’s off… that person…
From horseback, my higher viewpoint creates an illusion.
More importantly, by the time I realize my calculation error, the distance between us has completely closed.
Huge.
So massive that even the word “huge” feels inadequate.
Probably twice my height… easily over three meters.
「You’re not getting away.」
「Guh!」
A sharp arm shoots out, snatches my torso as I try to pass, and yanks me right off the saddle.
「Oho～. I heard you talked that Kishara down, so I was wondering what kind of man you were…What’s this? Just a cute little boy after all.」
‘Creak’, something inside my ribs groans under the grip.
Noie’s tight hugs feel way more welcome than this!
「You’ve got… quite the sturdy arms.」
「Hm～? Being able to crack jokes in a situation like this… not bad at all. If you were just a little bigger, onee-san could teach you all sorts of fun things.」
「No thanks… I’m a married man.」
「Don’t be shy, kid.」
Muscle Prince would probably be thrilled right now, huh?
Right in front of me is a chest size I’ve never seen before.
But honestly… it looks more like pure pectoral muscle than anything else.
「Now then, little boy. Will you listen to onee-san’s request?」
「I’d rather not get kidnapped.」
「Ah, that part’s Yaju’s job, so I don’t care. What I want… is to fight Univance’s Dragon Slayer.」
「No… you already look plenty strong. You could probably call yourself the strongest on the continent, right?」
With unbelievable grip and arm strength, she lifts me, still clutched around the torso, like she’s bringing a microphone to my mouth.
「Once I beat your wife, I’ll take the title. So call her. I got summoned to this boring world and I’m sick of it. Day after day fighting snake-like monsters… it’s pure torture.」
She pulls me closer until I’m right in front of her face.
She’s surprisingly beautiful… small face for that massive build.
「Staring so hard… getting excited?」
「No. I was just thinking you might be something from my 『knowledge』.」
「Ahaha… nope, nope. I’m a creature summoned here from somewhere else entirely.」
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