Magi Craft Meister

Chapter 714

21-25: Fritz and Gloria

On January 5th, three days later, the Klein Kingdom’s survey party, to which Gloria belonged, reached Zeo Village.

Thanks to the Goliath golems carrying all the heavy gear, their progress had been smooth.

Though it was still early in the day, they decided to make camp there in order to rest the horses. The members divided up tasks: pitching tents, preparing food, and tending to the animals.

“Captain, tomorrow we finally step into unknown territory.”

“Indeed. Gloria, how are your people holding up?”

“All in good condition, sir!”

Captain Bernald was checking on the women knights, but since Gloria herself had hand-picked them, there were no issues yet.

“And what of Sir Fritz from the Shouro Empire?”

“He has been very considerate of us.”

For Gloria and her three subordinates, this was their first long expedition. Fritz Landl, Major of the Shouro Kingdom’s expeditionary force, had been keeping an eye on them.

“I see. Without him and his golems, this march would have been far harsher.”

Even the best warhorses would falter under heavy supplies, but with the Goliath carrying food, water, and gear, they were able to maintain a fast pace.

That evening, while Gloria and her unit were preparing dinner, Fritz appeared carrying a small pouch.

“Lady Gloria, any difficulties so far?”

“I am accustomed to this, though my subordinates are still adjusting.”

She had been reviewing records with her aide but paused to answer.

“Well, field camps are second nature to me, but not often to women knights. Here—” he offered the pouch to Gloria’s aide.

“What is this?”

“Tea. It’s recently become popular in my homeland. Unlike quhe or tee, it won’t keep you awake at night. Try it.”

“Thank you very much.”

After acknowledging their thanks, Fritz left with a small wave.

“He’s thoughtful, isn’t he? A good man,” Gloria murmured.

“Yes, indeed,” her aide agreed as she inhaled the fragrant roasted aroma—hojicha.

Elsewhere, Captain Bernald was consulting with their guide, Roland.

“So, two days east from here there is definitely a settlement?”

“Yes, likely descendants of refugees from the Celroa Kingdom. They live by harvesting honey.”

“…Honey, eh.” Bernald, a man with a sweet tooth, licked his lips inwardly.

“There should also still be some citrus fruit at this season.”

“That will ease our supply concerns. And the path?”

“Only faint tracks, but clear enough not to lose.”

On foot it would be two days, but on horseback perhaps one.

“Very well. We’ll rest early tonight and set out at dawn.”

Though he forced himself to calm down, Bernald could not help but feel excited at the thought of entering the lands of the Former Leonard Kingdom.

At dawn, January 6th, the group broke camp quickly and departed eastward. Their goal: the village of Uogon, about 80 km away. At a brisk pace of about 13 km/h, it would take roughly eight hours including rests.

The massive Goliath golems cast long shadows in the rising sun.

After two hours, the sun was fully up and warmth returned.

“Rest here.”

The party dismounted to water themselves and let the horses graze.

“Just as Roland said—the grazing here is abundant.”

The fields were full of clover-like plants, good both as forage and as a nectar source for bees.

“Lady Gloria, are your subordinates managing? The pace is quicker than usual.” Fritz approached.

“Yes, they’re holding up.”

“Good. Riding at trot is tiring if you’re unaccustomed. Tell them to stand in the stirrups now and then; it eases the jolt.”

“Much obliged.”

At noon they stopped again for lunch. One of Gloria’s knights admitted she had no appetite, wearied by fatigue and saddle-sickness.

Fritz intervened.

“I suspected as much. Give her this.” He handed over a flask.

“What is it?”

“Grated apprul—like a puree. Easy to swallow even without appetite.”

Gloria passed it on.

“Try at least a sip.”

“…Delicious,” the knight whispered, and drank it all.

“Good. Now you’ll last through the afternoon.”

Both Gloria and her aide silently acknowledged how dependable Fritz was proving.

Later, they reached the wide Elme River. Roland guided them upstream to a shallow ford. The Goliaths entered first, showing the water no deeper than their ankles.

“Follow Sir Fritz!”

And so the party crossed safely, stepping onto the soil of the Former Leonard Kingdom.

There, a herd of ten woolly beasts appeared—long-haired, sheep-like creatures about a meter long.

“Ah, Sheepa! If you can, hunt a few!” Roland urged.

Fritz spurred his horse forward, sword flashing. In moments, four animals lay slain, the rest fleeing.

“Will that suffice?” he asked, wiping his blade.

“Perfect! With these, the Uogon villagers will surely welcome us.”

Bernald gave orders to bleed, clean, and pack the carcasses—work made easier with the Goliaths to carry them.

Though it cost them half an hour, the goodwill it would bring was worth far more.

Thus the expedition pressed eastward once more, deeper into the lost kingdom’s lands.