Are You Going to Break off the Engagement and Expel Me at the Same Time? ~I’m an Alchemist Who’s End

Chapter 20: The Cave

Drakes, dragons that crawl over the earth.

Its cruelty has cost the lives of many people.

I remember when I asked the Order for material for a Drake, and they looked at me very crossly.

I didn’t understand it at the time, but when I saw how battered the knights were after they returned, I understood.

How dare I let another risk his life so recklessly.

Since then, I try not to ask for monster materials and look for other materials to substitute.

“Shun and I are going to go exploring. Can Iru take care of the Town?”

“Yes, but what about the forest? Don’t you want to go there?”

“It’s a passageway anyway. After what you taught me today, I know what it looks like, and I’ll find it when I get there.”

“W-wait!”

I couldn’t help but yell.

I was so excited and worried that I couldn’t help it.

“What’s wrong, Amelia?”

“What’s wrong with you? Are you serious? We’re talking about killing a Drake.”

“I wouldn’t lie to you. Of course I’m serious.”

“You… Don’t you understand? It’s a monster. It’s not just any animal, it’s the famous, violent Drake.

What if something happens?

My voice trembled as I thought of all the terrible things that could happen.

Thomas smiles kindly at me, as if he knows how I feel.

“Are you worried about me?”

“Of course I am.”

“I see. Well, yeah. But I’m good. I’m strong, despite my looks. So is Shun.”

“Hey, it sounds like you’re stronger than me. You’ve never beaten me before, have you?”

“Shut up, that’s not what I mean.”

“If I don’t shut up, you can explain it any way you want.”

The two get into a heated argument.

Normally I would smile, but now I don’t.

Then Iru-chan beside me tugged at the hem of my dress.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s true, those two are strong.”

“Iru-chan…”

“This isn’t the first time. Monsters have come into our territory from time to time, but they’ve always dealt with them.”

“Well… All right.”

Iru-chan says to me, trying to calm me down.

But I’m still worried.

I’m worried about what’s going on.

Even if what they say is true, even if they are really strong.

But that’s no reason not to worry.

“Hey Thomas.”

“Hmm? Yes?”

“You’re really going, aren’t you?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Is it because of the material?”

“Yes. But that’s not all. The Drake’s home is near the Town. If there’s a risk of harm to the people, I can’t allow that as the Lord.”

He speaks seriously.

He is not joking.

He means what he says.

“… All right …Then I’ll come with you.”

“Eh? What now?”

“I’m coming with you!”

“…Are you sure?”

I nod my head.

“I won’t slow you down. I’ll make my own preparations.”

“No, but it’s dangerous.”

“That’s the reason I’m coming along. Because I don’t want anything to happen without me being there and not being able to see you guys. I need to see that you two are really strong to feel assured.”

“Haha, come on. It’s more like… Just like Thomas.”

“Yeah… Amelia is even more stubborn than me.”

Apparently so.

I just found out I’m that stubborn too.

And the next day…

Me, Thomas and Mr. Shun went into the forest.

They both carried swords on our hips.

I also prepared carefully last night and got everything I thought would be useful.

“What is that thing Amelia is wearing around her neck?”

“This?”

I’m wearing a small brown cloth bag with a string around my neck.

I think Thomas wants to know what’s in it.

“It’s a monster repellent. It’s filled with a smelly powder that monsters don’t like, and it’s soaked into the bag.”

“Oh, I didn’t know there was such a thing.”

“It’s quite easy to make. But the effect only lasts a day or so.

“A day is plenty. I was a little nervous when you said you would follow me.”

That’s my line.

I didn’t think you would say anything about defeating the Drake.

Thinking back on it, Thomas has always been reckless…

I wonder if that didn’t change as he got older.

I can’t speak for everyone else.

“Hey, you two, sorry to interrupt your friendly conversation, but don’t take it too lightly. If it gets dark, we’ll be in trouble.”

“I know, Shun. Amelia, can we pick up the pace a little?”

“Yes, I’ll keep up with you.”

“Good! Our goal is to reach the cave by noon and finish by evening.”

And so we go deeper into the forest.

Our goal is to reach the foot of the mountain range.

The terrain is so sloping that my feet are heavier than if I were walking the same distance.

Although I trust in my strength, I feel a little tired.

On the other hand, they are both very strong.

Without getting out of breath, they effortlessly jumped over unstable spots and took care of me.

Afternoon…

We arrived in front of the waterfall.

We look up to the edge of the neck, but it is still a long way to get there.

The water is falling, splashing and turning into a pond.

“Is it back there?”

“According to Shizuku’s report, yes.”

“Then I’ll make a path. Shun and Amelia, move back a little.”

“Make a path?”

And how?

I asked, but Shun shook his head and motioned for me to step back.

I followed him, watching from behind.

“Now.”

He moves forward.

Effortlessly, he takes a step toward the water.

“[Ice Road]”

The moment his feet touch the water, the surface freezes.

The freezing spreads like a carpet and reaches the waterfall.

He freezes the waterfall against the current, and the blocked water flows in two directions.

Was that…

“Magic?”

“Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do.”