The Golden-Haired Summoner - Chapter 44

[Master, what does the hot weather have to do with us?]

[Don’t you know about ‘Boshintang’ on the hottest days?]

[B-Boshintang? Isn’t that… what you mentioned before?]

Even though Rai wasn’t actually a dog, he shivered with a horrified expression.

You’re actually a wolf, you know. More specifically, a spirit.

[Yeah. It’s that dog meat soup.]

[Ack!]

I wasn’t sure if that dish existed here, but people here clearly had similar ideas about eating dog meat.

Poor Rai.

Every time he transforms, he risks becoming someone’s meal.

“You stubborn fool! Forget negotiations! Everyone…!”

“Undaine! Underwater Breathing!”

Since Ash wasn’t acting, I decided I would.

I tried to stay out of it, but I couldn’t just sit back when I was now part of the “negotiation terms.”

As the bandits prepared to attack, I summoned Undaine.

The moment she appeared, she trapped all twelve bandits—along with Chad—in Underwater Breathing bubbles.

The bubbles were large enough to encase them fully, preparing for any possible resistance.

[Master, Master, is this the right way?]

“Yes, good job, Undaine.”

With Undaine, when I summon her with a strong intention, she reads my wishes and acts on them as soon as she appears.

It’s similar to transmitting commands by thought, except I don’t have to explain it. This approach works best in emergencies, though it’s hard to use if your bond with the spirit is weak.

“Geenie, why Chad too?” Ash asked, his face serious.

“Because he’s annoying. Every word out of his mouth is like an insult… hmph!”

“But even so…”

“Aarrgh!”

Originally, I only intended to trap the bandits, but Undaine had sensed my irritation toward Chad and trapped him too.

He’s just too irritating.

Thinking about it, Chad looked so much like Kenta, another guy I’d known who was just as aggravating.

Hmm, I wonder what Annie even sees in this guy?

I chuckled to myself, watching Chad flail in his bubble, but then Ash approached with a stern expression.

“Geenie, if you intend to kill these people, I won’t forgive you.”

“…And if you don’t forgive me? You’re a pacifist; what are you going to do about it?”

I’m definitely more aggressive.

But even I don’t kill so easily!

“Killing is clearly against the law. Even if it’s self-defense, it’s still not right!”

“So, are you going to report me now?”

“I’m not saying that, but I am saying that it’s wrong.”

“How frustrating.”

If someone like Ash became the crown prince—and eventually, the emperor—he’d certainly make a good emperor, but not necessarily a strong one.

A peace-loving emperor who avoids war and would sacrifice a bit of himself to prevent conflict… The common folk might find comfort in that, but the nobility wouldn’t stand for it.

They’d likely plot rebellions or try to manipulate him. Though Ash wasn’t foolish, he’d still need a powerful ally to prevent anyone from taking advantage of him.

But that ally couldn’t be Chad or Lox.

It couldn’t be me either.

I could barely handle being loyal to my own country, let alone provide strength for a foreign emperor.

“…Please. Don’t kill them.”

“I don’t plan to kill them. I’ll turn them over to the city guard. I happen to have a deep respect for the law.”

“Really? But those slavers…”

“They were slavers. These are bandits.”

Not everything is the same.

As far as I’m concerned, all slavers deserve death.

At that moment, the bandits reached the limit of how long they could hold their breath.

There were thirteen bubbles in total, and one of them was thrashing more wildly than the others.

Ugh, that muscle-bound brute.

This is why I don’t like big guys with bulging muscles.

[Master, one of the spells seems like it’s about to break.]

“Right. Let their heads out, Undaine.”

[Yes, Master.]

If a spell breaks, I’ll feel the backlash, no matter how small or large, so I had to act before Chad broke the bubble.

The bubbles shrank, letting the bandits’ and Chad’s heads emerge above the water.

The bandits seemed too dazed to fully process what was happening, while Chad, as soon as his head was free, gasped for air and yelled at me.

“Whew… pah! Hey! What do you think you’re doing? Do you have any brains? Why trap me?”

“Undaine, close it again.”

“You…!”

Gurgle.

For your information, I graduated from Drike Academy, known as a ‘genius training ground,’ so don’t you dare say I lack brains. You’re asking for a beating.

“Undaine, make Chad’s bubble extra large so it won’t break. Let him out occasionally if he looks like he’s about to suffocate.”

[Yes, Master. Extra large…]

The bubble expanded to three times its original size, with Chad floating inside it.

With it this big, the spell won’t break. While Ash may need some personality adjustments, it seems Chad needs a sense of propriety even more, so I’ll let him suffer a bit.

“Please let Chad go. This isn’t about tormenting him. What are you doing?”

“I am tormenting him.”

“Gr-warggh!”

It’s not my fault.

It’s his fault for constantly provoking me.

It’s a talent, in its own way, to get under someone’s skin with every word.

“Why? He’s our comrade, isn’t he?”

“…Am I your comrade too?”

“Of course.”

He considered me a comrade despite my freeloading presence? Only Ash would think that way.

Even I saw myself more as a traveling companion than a comrade.

We were only together until Elan. After that, we’d part ways. If Ash hadn’t been with this group, I wouldn’t have even approached them.

Since he considers me a comrade, I’ll let it go for now.

“I see. A comrade… Alright, I’ll release Chad. But if he keeps provoking me, things won’t be so fun.”

“If Chad offended you, I’ll remind him to be careful. Please try to get along peacefully.”

“I’ll let it slide this time. So, can we tie up the bandits now and take back the money they stole? Turning them over to the city guard sounds peaceful enough, doesn’t it?”

“Agreed.”

Some of the bandits, now aware of their situation, were beginning to panic and struggled to break free from the bubbles.

But considering even Chad hadn’t been able to break out, there was no chance that these thin, frail bandits could do it.

“Lox, what are you doing? I’ll release the spell, so go and tie them up!”

“Oh, uh, right. Understood.”

“Undaine, release the spell. And if they try to run, catch them and half-drown them again.”

[Yes, Master.]

Once the spell was lifted, the bandits didn’t even try to run, watching me closely as if expecting another attack if they made a wrong move.

Lox quickly grabbed a rope and rushed over to tie up the bandits.

Even so, he seemed quite hesitant to approach them, as if the skinny bandits were somehow intimidating.

Meanwhile, Ash was busy helping Chad, who was coughing up water, as he still hadn’t figured out that he shouldn’t talk underwater.

Rai, on the other hand, had drooped his head.

“Rai, what are you doing? Go and help them.”

[D-dog meat soup…]

“…Are you still going on about that? Go already!”

[Yikes!]

Rai looked up at me with a pitiful expression.

If I sympathized with him now, he’d whine about it and refuse to transform into a wolf anymore.

He’s already reluctant to transform into a snake, claiming that people stare at him too much.

I kicked his rear end, and then, watching Lox struggle with the ropes and Chad cough up water as if he didn’t understand the concept of holding his breath, I felt a slight twinge of pity.

Poor Ash, book-smart Lox, and all-brawn Chad. With these three, could Ash really manage to become the crown prince?

It was clear that Lox was suited as a servant, but Chad was utterly hopeless.

Just look at how he treats me.

How annoying can he be?

Calling him a “comrade” was really only something Ash would say.

Well, maybe I could put some hope in the two people we were supposed to meet at the next city.

With twelve tied-up bandits in tow, even with the horses, our progress was painfully slow.

It took us double the time we expected to finally reach the city.

The small city of Daniz, located between Koran and Elan, was surrounded by lush greenery, fitting for a place where 80% of the land was mountains and jungles.

Surrounded by mountains, Daniz was also known as a tourist town, famed for its blooming flowers in spring, summer, and fall.

It was currently the peak tourist season, and even though the sun had long since set, Daniz was brightly lit from a distance.

Come to think of it, mid-May was festival season in Daniz, wasn’t it?

Ah, my timing is perfect as usual!

I felt my spirits lift at the sight of the festival.

“Look, there’s Daniz!”

“Yes, and thank goodness the gates aren’t closed yet.”

Ash, who was next to me, responded as we neared the city.

Most cities closed their gates at 11 p.m., and once closed, only messengers from the kingdom or nobles could get them opened again.

Ordinary travelers arriving after closing time had to camp outside until morning.

“Since it’s festival season, they probably won’t close the gates overnight. Daniz’s festival may be small, but it’s quite lively.”

“Wait… Geenie, did I tell you the name of the next city was Daniz? I didn’t even know about the festival.”

“Oh, I just love festivals, so I know all about them. Haha.”

In reality, I don’t love them enough to memorize every single one.

But while attending the academy, we had a course that required us to learn the names of lords, population sizes, and notable events in each city, so I had it all memorized.

It was an elective course, but after five years of it, I could circle the entire Elan Union with only a compass, no map needed.

“Really? Who doesn’t love festivals? But a festival probably means there won’t be any rooms left at the inn.”

“You said you’re meeting your other party members here, right? Maybe they’ve already reserved rooms.”

“No, I’d guess Gale and Enk won’t arrive in Daniz until tomorrow or the day after.”

Gale? Enk? Must be the names of the other group members.

Not having a room would be a problem.

I’m very much a creature of comfort, you know.

“Is that so? Well, let’s check first. We should hand over the bandits before anything else. Let’s go, Rai.”

With that, I spurred Rai forward without looking back.

Ash, Chad, and Lox had the bandits tied up to their horses, which slowed them down.

[Master, isn’t Ash the leader of this party?]

[Huh? Yeah, it’s Ash. Why?]

[It kind of feels like you’re the leader.]

Thinking it over, I realized I might’ve been taking the lead a bit too much.

I hadn’t meant to act like the leader, but I tend to dislike dawdling, so I often take charge without realizing.

[Yeah, I should be more careful from now on.]

[Why? You should just go ahead and make yourself the leader!]

[If it were just a regular party, maybe, but not here.]

Being the leader here might lead to a certain crown prince role next.

Glancing back at Ash, who was following behind, I urged Rai forward toward the city gates.

The guards’ eyes were fixed on Rai, probably finding it odd to see someone riding a dog.

“Hello?”

“Oh, uh, hello? Welcome to Daniz.”

“Is it festival season?”

“Yes, it is. The festival will continue through tomorrow. May I see your identification?”

Most people had dark gray badges, typically made of iron, indicating commoner status.

Nobles’ badges varied with unique family crests and embedded jewels, and were generally gold.

The badge I handed over was silver.

Silver badges were usually used by merchants. Instead of my name, it only listed my affiliation and position, which I was careful to keep hidden from Ash and his group by arriving ahead.

“Here you go.”

“Let’s see… Inspector of the Cosmo Trading Company’s First Inspection Unit? So, you’re a merchant?”

“Yes, here to inspect. I heard the tea leaves in Daniz are quite exceptional.”

This badge was provided by Hansen to help conceal my identity.

He’d chosen one without a name that suited someone traveling alone.

Although it wasn’t ideal for a young woman, I could probably cover by saying my family was in the trade business if Ash asked.

“It sure is! Our tea leaves are the best on the continent. Please, come in.”

After retrieving my badge, I looked back to see Ash and his party close behind.

The guards’ attention shifted from Rai to the bandits trailing Ash’s group.

Now, all that was left was to hand over the bandits.

Hm, I wonder how much the reward will be?

With a light heart, I slipped into the bustling festival crowd.

Why? Just in case anyone decided to hand me the paperwork to process the bandits, it was better to kill some time this way.

A festival wouldn’t be complete without food.

Drawn by the delicious smells, I found a food stall with skewered chicken, fried snacks, simple bread, and honeyed fruit.

They even had skewered fish and grilled scorpion.

Feeling hungry, I grabbed a bit of everything and then remembered Ash and the others were probably hungry too.

“Ah, four chicken skewers and two grilled scorpions, please! Make it to-go.”

[What? Master, I thought you didn’t like grilled scorpion?]

[I don’t, that’s for Chad. Two chicken skewers each for Ash and Lox!]

Although, what if Chad ends up liking the scorpion? He is a peculiar one.

[Master, by the way, I saw a stall selling rat skewers. How about those?]

[Rat skewers? Perfect. Where?]

[Over there!]

With my yellow paper bag full of food, I headed over to find Ash, Lox, and Chad just exiting the city guard building.

The city guards saluted them as they left, and the three looked pretty pleased. I hurried over to them.

“Hey, how big was the reward?”

“Geenie! Where did you disappear to?” Ash asked.

“Hmph, she probably didn’t want to deal with handing over the bandits and ran off.”

Bingo.

Chad was annoyingly spot-on, but I wasn’t about to admit it.

“Wrong! Look, I thought you’d all be hungry, so I bought food. Here, Ash, Lox, Chad—take yours.”

“This is… more than enough…”

“Chicken skewers? It’s been a while since I’ve had some. It must be festival time.”

“What, did you spit in mine or something?”

Chad, if I had that much malice, I’d have poisoned it instead! What an insufferable guy.

After all the effort I put into picking out strange foods, this is what he says? Hmph!

“Chad! Why do you keep saying things like that? Geenie went out of her way to buy food for us!”

“Exactly! I picked it out with care.”

“Hmph, we’ll see once I open it. What do we have here… ew? Centipede skewer, rat kebab, bat wings, and… orc sausage?!”

Chad looked horrified, which made all the trouble I’d gone through to pick out the most bizarre foods feel worthwhile.

“Well? Do you like it, Chad? I specially selected these just for you.”

“Wow, I never thought…”

“What, you’re moved? Huhuhu.”

Chad was trembling, and it brought me no end of amusement.

Of course, even a skilled person would flinch at orc sausage.

Especially when the sausage was as thick as a human arm.

“You’re actually a good person! I’m touched. How did you know exactly what I’d like? Especially this orc sausage—it’s not easy to find!”

“W-What?”

Wait, he actually likes it? Really? Those intentionally horrible dishes?

Also, I’m a woman! Not a “good guy”!

“Thank you, truly. I always thought you were strange, maybe a bit of a maniac with a hint of madness, but…”

“What? That’s how you thought of me?”

“Sorry, sorry. Here, as an apology, have a bite.”

“Hey! Don’t shove it in my face… ugh! Don’t make me eat that.”

What Chad held out to me was the most grotesque-looking rat kebab.

Its belly was split open, with the innards removed, resembling a specimen in a dissection class.

Darn it! I went out of my way to buy that, and he actually likes it?

“Really? It’s tasty. Anyway, thanks for the meal.”

“…Two silvers.”

“What?”

“Two silvers. Two scorpion skewers, one rat kebab, one bat wing, and an orc sausage.”

Watching him eat with such delight, I couldn’t help feeling mischievous.

Who does this?

Demanding some compensation seemed like the only way to feel better.

“You’ve got to be kidding! Two silvers for that? I’d give you one, at most!”

“Delivery fee’s one silver. Hand it over.”

“Why am I the only one paying? And I didn’t even ask you to get me anything!”

“Did I say I was giving it to you for free? Hand it over. And you got the special menu, so there’s an added charge! Two silvers.”

Even if I had money to burn, I wouldn’t spend a single copper on you.

How dare you? Calling me strange, mad, and a bit of a maniac?

That’s basically calling me a crazy person!

I guess we really are destined to be enemies.

“I’m not paying! No way.”

“Pay!”

“Not happening!”

“W-wait, Geenie! Calm down, calm down. Chad’s just blunt; he doesn’t mean any harm. I’ll cover the two silvers… actually, take this instead. It’s the reward we received for the bandits.”

Ash handed over a pouch that looked like it held more than one gold.

I didn’t really need it, but if he was offering, why not?

I quickly reached out to grab it, but Chad cut in.

“Hold on! Why are you giving it to her? Give it to me instead!”

“How ridiculous. I’m the one who captured the bandits, so it

’s my reward! Why should I give it to you? Move!”

“It was our party that handed them over, so we got the reward! Legally, those bandits are ours, so the reward is ours!”

“Still, Ash offered it to me, so what right do you have to interfere?”

I snatched the pouch from Ash’s hand and tried to tuck it into my clothes, but it was too bulky, so I handed it to Rai.

[What is it, Master?]

[Hold it in your mouth!]

I put the pouch in Rai’s mouth and looked at Chad with a smug expression.

Of course, since he was taller, I had to look up at him, which I hated.

“You… you witch…!”

“Ha, I’m feeling generous, so I’ll waive the two silvers this time. Be grateful!”

“Grateful, my foot! You left it with a dog?!”

“Huhu, try taking it back if you can.”

Chad and I were destined enemies.

And even more so with Rai.

Since when? Since the day he broke his sword on Rai and got subdued!

Despite our animosity, Chad was bolder with me, but more cautious around Rai.

It’s not that he fears Rai but rather that he finds it undignified to fight a “dog” he considers beneath him.

No one wants the shame of losing to a dog, but winning doesn’t exactly earn bragging rights either.

It’s a lose-lose situation.

“Grrr…”

“Darn it, Ash, why did you just hand it all over to her?”

Rai growled, and Chad, clearly upset, shivered and protested to Ash, but Ash scolded him instead.

“Chad, you’re being too rude. That money belongs entirely to Geenie. Did you help capture those bandits at all? No, you didn’t!”

“Th-this… Ugh!”

Though Chad was frustrated, he couldn’t defy Ash, who was the leader.

Seeing Chad subdued made me realize that maybe Ash wasn’t so much of a pushover after all.

And he was saying all the right things. How admirable, haha.

Night was falling, and the festival atmosphere grew livelier.

Meanwhile, my relationship with Chad continued to sour.

Though we’d argued fiercely, I’d emerged victorious, so I was in a good mood.

That is, until an hour later.

“This is so annoying.”

[Why not just sleep outside…]

“No! I refuse!”

My frustration had reached its peak.

Why?

Because after checking over ten inns, we’d been turned away each time—there were no available rooms.

My mood had plummeted completely since that hour of triumph.

“P-please, Geenie, calm down. There might still be a room somewhere.”

“It’s likely full because of the festival… It’ll be difficult to find a vacancy.”

“I don’t mind camping.”

“Well, *I* do! We’ve already camped out for three nights!”

Lox tried to reassure me, Ash stated the reality, and Chad just added salt to my wounds.

What a perfect balance!

It’d be perfect if Chad weren’t here.

“We’ve camped three nights already; one more won’t hurt.”

“Don’t start with me! I’m exhausted. I want a bed!”

“Do you think anyone else isn’t tired? And what can we do if there are no rooms? Let’s just find a quiet place and camp. You won’t die from one more night out. Ash, Lox, let’s just go find a good spot to camp.”

Why should I camp out when there are so many inns right here?

“We don’t mind, but Geenie…”

“No! No way. Not happening!”

“Ridiculous. What’s so impossible about it? Stop being stubborn and just follow along!”

“Who are you calling stubborn?”

Damn it! My pride wouldn’t let me follow Chad like this!

And why does he get to call me stubborn?