LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 133: Camping
It looked like my earlier concerns about running out of spells were unfounded. The Empire was more interested in their infighting than engaging us. Since we did not have any wagons we avoided the roads and went through the wilderness. In the evening we stopped at a clearing to settle down for the night. Lucy, Elandru and myself turned back into our normal forms.
I quickly discovered that having maids was awesome. It allowed Lucy and myself to just sit back and relax. I pulled a table, chairs and cooking supplies from my storage. I also had a tent for the maids and one for Lucy and myself. Josef would use a tent with Elandru and Thessia said she did not need anything.
While Iris and Minerva had no training as maids they certainly knew how to set up a camp. Their military training showed. Despite her previous position in command Iris had no problem getting her hands dirty. But we should get her some recruits. Terath was being lazy, as usual.
“So, you have never told me much about your village.” I said to Lucy, who was sitting next to me. While I had furniture in my storage we were currently leaning on a big tree, enjoying a bit of nature.
“True. It’s been a long time since I was there. I hope they are alright.”
“Do you have any other family, besides your parents?”
“Nobody close. I was young when I became a soldier. I had a lot of hope back then. When I was sentenced to slavery… I lost all contact with my parents. I am not sure what they know.”
“We will need to answer some questions. Like how you became a strong warlock, a kitsune even in such a short time. I suppose we just smile mysteriously a lot.” I suggested.
Lucy smiled. “A good plan. I would like to see some faces when they realise I am the real Lucy. Not an agent who took over her identity to infiltrate the embassy.”
“Our current companions were not around for that. But we will have to tell them at least something. Especially our loyal maid knights. We should be vague about the ritual though. And the area we drained of mana…”
“A wise choice.” Lucy said while leaning into me. I put an arm around her.
“Are you going to recruit more people in your village? Should we just take everyone? Assuming they want to. How big is this place anyway?”
“Well, it’s a farming village. Of course the people don’t own their land, it’s property of the local lord. We have a small shop, a bakery, a smith and most importantly a tavern. And a bunch of farmers. Maybe around 100 people. Mostly beastkin. Not all are foxes. We have cats, wolves and some bears as well.”
“Hm. That would be a large caravan to take with us. What is our plan for crossing the mountains? Going through Iron Rock is an option but getting a ship to cross the lake could be an issue.”
“There are entrances to the Dwarven Kingdom in the north. They are mostly closed these days, since all trade flows through Iron Rock. The dwarves are still holding a grudge because the Empire tried to starve them 500 years ago. But I think a certain archfey could easily convince them to let us through.”
“Do you actually know where those are? Or just that they exist?”
“There are signs on the road, you know. One can follow them. And we can always buy a map. But I have never travelled there in person. I am sure with our combined powers we shall defeat this dangerous foe, called navigation.” She teased.
“And we have servants. We can always delegate the task.” I added.
“Mhm, now you are thinking like a proper archfey.”
“Speaking about nobility, what about the local lord? I can’t imagine he will be thrilled with us taking his people.”
“Assuming he is still in charge he is an old man. Baron Nathan Aspey. He is neither generous nor cruel. As long as you pay your taxes and don’t break the law you are fine. I have no idea about his political leanings. Or his children. But he is intelligent enough to not pick a fight with us if we show our power.”
Lily approached us. “Food is ready, my ladies.”
“Neat. What have you prepared?” I asked while getting up.
“Honey glazed dire boar with roast potatoes.”
“That sounds nice.” Lucy said.
We were in a clearing, surrounded by nature. Yet we had a banquet table, chairs and cutlery. A nicely prepared meal awaited us next to a fire and our tents. I pulled a lovely barrel of beer out of my inventory. Clearly that was missing.
We all ate together. I did not need our maids to just stand there and serve. They should enjoy their hard work as well. It was a nice peaceful evening. Not the way I had expected this day to go. We lingered around the fire after the meal until it was time for bed.