Night.

The time when the warm sun hides below the horizon, and a tranquil darkness settles over the earth. It's a time of respite, where those weary from a hard day can catch their breath and those burdened by worries can set them aside and find solace in sleep. But night has more than just the gentle face of a nurturing mother. Behind that warm exterior hides a face colder than the harshest winter wind.

“Our original plan was to finish the trade and set off immediately, camping out somewhere, but at this hour, we wouldn’t get very far.”

“Probably best to stay here for the night, don’t you think?”

“Let’s just plan to leave a bit earlier tomorrow…”

Those who travel far from the comfort of home are all too familiar with the two faces of night. No matter how brightly they carry their torches or use enchanted lanterns, they’re not enough to shine a light on the malice hidden within the darkness. Though the sun was still up for now, by the time they left the village, dusk would be upon them, and they’d soon find themselves camping and facing the wild night. So rather than move a short distance and take on unnecessary risks, they decided it was better to spend the night in the village.

The decision to stay in the village was a bold one, considering the added cost of paying the mercenaries for extra time and the potential losses due to the delay. The mercenaries, now unexpectedly gifted with free time, took to various activities. Some trained, swinging their weapons to hone their skills, while others lay on the soft grass, basking in the warmth of the sun. And someone, with a young girl in tow, roamed the village.

Journey, holding Kana’s hand, wandered through the village until she found herself standing in front of an elderly woman seated on a chair outside a small house, watching the street.

“Excuse me~ Could I ask you something?”

“Hm? What did you say?”

“Ah…”

The reply Journey received was not what she’d anticipated.

‘That’s right. This used to be Grassis territory until a few years ago.’

For an elderly woman, Granik would feel far more familiar than Arkish. Realizing her mistake, Journey corrected herself.

“Hello. Would you be able to tell me the name of this village?”

“Oh, you speak the language of the kingdom! You look like a mercenary, which is quite unusual for a young lady like you.”

“I’m not very good at it, but I know a little. Hehe…”

“Well, it’s better than nothing! So, you’re curious about the village name? This village is called Blum.”

“Blum…”

Journey repeated the name, savoring it. She smiled brightly, repeating it again as if tasting it on her tongue.

“What a lovely name.”

“Thank you, dear.”

Journey particularly enjoyed chatting with locals during her travels. There’s a certain charm to getting to know the culture and daily lives of people in new places. It’s why she went to university and studied the language. While she couldn’t claim fluency, that didn’t really matter. People are generally forgiving when a foreigner tries to speak their language, and most would never judge them harshly for making an effort.

‘Well, there are always exceptions. But those people would likely be unfriendly no matter what.’

Journey wasn’t the type to let a few hostile faces keep her from enjoying her travels. Her curiosity and friendly attitude remained the same even in the virtual world of Celia Online.

“So…”

“Wow, really?”

Tug, tug.

“Hm?”

While chatting with the old woman in her imperfect Granik, Journey felt a tug on her hand and looked down. Kana had turned her head away as if she had nothing to do with it, but there was no one else who could have pulled on Journey’s hand.

“Is that your sister? Oh, dear, it seems the little lady’s getting a bit bored with all my chattering.”

“I’m not a little lady.”

“Oh my, I suppose my old eyes are failing me. Shall I call you a young lady then?”

“….”

Journey nodded as she watched Kana speak with the elderly woman.

‘Kana, Kana…’

Journey couldn’t help but marvel. She even used informal language with someone far older than herself. Maybe it was because she used to be a knight commander. Journey didn’t know that Kana had been speaking that way since she was young, so she mistakenly assumed it was a habit from her past role. Still, despite the informality, she didn’t come across as disrespectful or arrogant.

‘Is it her voice? Or maybe her nonchalant tone?’

As her thoughts bubbled up, Journey shrugged. Who cares? Kana’s cuteness made it all okay. In fact, she couldn’t imagine Kana speaking in formal language. It would be far too awkward.

‘And even if she were arrogant, who could make her change?’

“I only listen to orders from those stronger than me.”

Journey thought back to Kana’s words as she’d swung her sword with confidence. Then she shook her head.

‘…That can’t be. Kana isn’t that kind of person.’

Even if Kana felt that way, she’d express it with her sword rather than her words.

“There’s a famous flower field around here, isn’t there?”

“A flower field? Oh yes, it’s the pride of our village. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes. My sister here loves flowers. How can we find it?”

“Just follow that road, dear. You’ll come across it eventually.”

“It’s not inside the village, then…”

Journey felt a slight sense of injustice as she realized why she hadn’t seen it during their walk around the village. The flower field was outside the village limits. Bidding farewell to the old woman, Journey and Kana set off again in search of the flower field.

The path the old woman had pointed to led them beyond the village, up a gentle hill beneath the mountains.

“So it’s not a tended garden…”

Journey didn’t have detailed information about the flower field, only that it existed.

‘If I’d known, I wouldn’t have wandered so much.’

With a sigh, Journey trudged up the hill, and as she reached the top, her jaw dropped at the sight.

“Wow…”

A carpet of vibrant, diverse flowers spread out before her, each bloom competing to show off its beauty. Unlike the neatly arranged flower beds Kana used to tend, these blossoms intertwined naturally, creating a different kind of charm. If they’d been planted by human hands, this scene wouldn’t exist.

Journey, lost in admiration, noticed the faint fragrance on the breeze brushing past her hair.

She realized her hand felt empty.

“…Kana?”

Kana had disappeared. Scanning the area, Journey spotted her not far off, crouched down, studying a small flower with delicate pink petals. Journey quietly moved closer, stopping behind Kana, who was still engrossed in the flower. Kana had probably noticed her approach, but she remained completely absorbed.

‘What a cute flower.’

It resembled Kana a bit.

Not wanting to disturb her, Journey squatted down beside Kana, enjoying the sweet fragrance of the pink blossoms for a while. Just as Journey’s legs started to go numb, Kana finally stood up. Journey followed, a smile spreading across her face.

“Beautiful flower field, isn’t it?”

“….”

Kana didn’t respond, but Journey caught a subtle nod.

Journey wanted to stay and look longer, but the sun was already setting, dipping below the horizon.

“There might even be some that bloom at night.”

If they waited, they could admire flowers under the soft glow of moonlight. But Journey chose to return to the village instead.

‘Skipping meals is no good.’

Especially for a growing child. It wouldn’t be hard to come back later, after all. Journey held Kana’s hand and retraced their steps.

By the time they returned to the village, the sun was halfway down the horizon.

Buzzing.

“…Something’s off, isn’t it?”

As they reached the village gate, Journey noticed the atmosphere had changed from when they’d left. It was more than the usual evening hustle. There was an unsettling buzz, a hint of tension hanging in the air.

“We’ll be fine… right?”

“But staying here… seems like…?”

“It’s not like we’re…”

Even the merchants and villagers had gathered, conversing with grave expressions. Feeling the heavy mood, Journey walked cautiously, her shoulders shrinking.

“Miss Journey!”

Journey turned to see Catherine approaching quickly.

“We’ve been looking all over for you!”

“…For me?”

“Yes!”

“Why?”

“Well, with everything going on, we couldn’t discuss it without you.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Didn’t anyone tell you?”

“No, I just got back from a walk outside…”

“Oh! I’m so glad you made it back safely.”

Journey couldn’t understand why Catherine seemed so relieved, as if she were welcoming a soldier back from a battlefield. Since when did walking become so dangerous?

Catherine noticed the confusion on Journey’s face and explained.

“A horde of ogres has appeared nearby! And they’re headed for this village…!”

“…What?”

A horde of ogres, and they’re coming this way? But… why?

Utterly baffled, Journey blurted out her thoughts.

“Did someone smear honey on the wagons or something?”

Yesterday it was orcs, today it’s ogres. Tomorrow, will it be a dragon horde?

Catherine stomped her foot, frustrated.

“This is no time for jokes!”

“But I wasn’t joking…”

Journey’s eyes rolled, and she lowered her head.

“I’m sorry…”