The One and Only Guide - Chapter 33
With embarrassment weighing on her, Jian, riding on the Duke’s back, was grateful that she no longer had to endure another grueling march. After three hours of trudging through the snow, her stamina had already been depleted, and her feet were sinking into the thick layers of snow.
Moreover, the Duke’s back was surprisingly comfortable. It swayed less than she had anticipated, and the warmth radiating through his clothes felt like a heating pad, making her feel pleasantly lethargic. The combination of these factors were like a sedative for the exhausted Jian, and she fell asleep on Axion’s back in the blink of an eye.
Thanks to this, Axion could calculate a day less in their journey, pushing them closer to Mandalen. With Jian sound asleep, he could maintain maximum speed, and they hoped to reach Mandalen at least by the third day of travel.
When people think of Mandalen, they often picture reindeer first, but those who actually arrive in Mandalen are more impressed by the stunning northern landscapes and the auroras displayed by the nearby mountain ranges. Axion wanted to show Jian that scenery.
Of course, his goal was also to get to know Jian as they journeyed together.
Axion pressed on energetically, occasionally checking if Jian was still comfortably on his back and if there were any signs of her waking up. Her weight on his back was as light as a thread.
Jian slept sweetly for a long time, and it wasn’t until late afternoon that he woke up. When he did, Axion quickly built a fire and hung the pots over it. Jian watched through groggy eyes as pots, vegetables, and chunks of meat emerged from the Duke’s backpack.
Surprisingly, the Duke’s hands were skillfully cutting the vegetables and meat on his palm. The chopped ingredients landed in the pot with precision. As mysterious spices were added, and the water began to boil, a delicious aroma filled the air.
Unconsciously, Jian swallowed her saliva. The steak they had at the Duke’s castle was delicious, but the food in the pot seemed equally tantalizing. The fragrance of the spices rising from the pot confirmed this.
“It’s all done.”
After checking the situation in the pot, Axion served the stew to Jian first. She accepted the bowl with a nonchalant spoon sunk into it and said,
“Thank you.”
“It’s better to eat before you talk. Enjoy your meal. I’ll take a quick look around,” Axion replied.
“You’re not going to eat with me?”
“Just for a moment.”
He was reluctant to answer. Was he going to the bathroom? If that was the case, it would be impolite to keep probing.
As Jian quietly nodded, Axion grabbed his sword and stood up from his seat. The sound of the approaching wolf pack was getting closer. They were likely drawn in by the smell of the stew. If he didn’t eliminate them now, Jian would be surprised.
There was no shame in the barrenness of the North, but there was no point in breaking the news to Jian. There is no reason why Jian, who is not a northerner, should have to experience an uncomfortable encounter with the pack of wolves.
They weren’t monsters, just a pack of wolves at best, so it should take no more than ten minutes at most. Finished with his calculations, Axion quickened his pace. He had to slaughter the wolf pack before Jian noticed.
Once he was sure Jian wasn’t looking at him, Axion shot straight for the wolves, which were slowly prowling in the distance.
By the time his greatsword sliced through the wolf at the head of the pack, Jian had emptied half her bowl.
She had only known him as an Enhancement Esper, but she had no idea that the Duke possessed such culinary skills. A Duke shouldn’t be able to cook that well, but it tasted good. Seeing various cooking ingredients coming out of his backpack, it was possible he was a gourmet. Although there was no rush to eat, the taste made Jian finish her bowl in a hurry.
And just as Jian took the last spoonful of stew into her mouth, Axion reappeared. Confirming that Jian’s bowl was empty, he wordlessly ladled another bowl of stew and offered it to Jian before starting his own meal.
Jian felt a bit awkward as she accepted the bowl, but after tasting the stew again, she completely forgot about her unease. It was too late for lunch, but it was a peaceful meal. Tranquility gently enveloped the two of them and then disappeared.
However, for the wolves that were exterminated by Axion’s hand, it was an unfortunate day.
* * *
The journey to Mandalen had left a very different impression on Jian. Of course, this was entirely the result of Axion’s efforts.
Being carried when walking became difficult, having delicious meals consistently, and not even catching a glimpse of anything resembling a monster – it had been an exciting and fascinating experience for Jian. Even sleeping in an igloo, while unfamiliar, had been exhilarating. Moreover, the sturdy tent made of ice had been created entirely by Axion’s hands. Jian’s contribution had been nothing more than poking a small ventilation hole in the igloo Axion had built.
In summary, it had been an incredibly comfortable journey. It was all thanks to Axion’s hard work, as he had wanted Jian to perceive the North favorably.
However, despite the ease of this journey, Jian’s two feet were covered in several large blisters. Some had burst while walking, causing her a great deal of pain and discomfort. Her leg muscles, unaccustomed to sudden physical activity, had also tightened considerably.
Jian’s feet were in such a state of disarray because she had led a lifestyle that was far removed from exercise or travel. At this point, she couldn’t help but realize how reckless and naive her plan had been to seek out a Guide in the village beyond the Duke’s castle.
As she looked down at her ruined feet, Jian pondered her regrets.
