"We're ready, everyone!"
A loud whip resounded outside the wagon as Harry shouted those words.
Right now, we're on our way to the Royal Capital, Rusceah. After we've done our preparation, we've immediately set out on the road. With the long distance we have to travel, we had no choice.
"Hmph! I can't believe I'm riding in such a cheap wagon like this!" Chester complained.
"Believe me, I also didn't expect them to force this on us," I humored.
While not the worst, the wagon the guild had given to us was definitely below my lowest expectations. In the first place, they completely blind-sided us by saying what we will be using was a luxury carriage. The wagon they gave us instead can only be best used to transport crops and other merchant products. Yes, it's a poor merchant's wagon through and through.
"Isn't it just fine? I mean, it's at least better than what we use in our village! Look, it even has a roof!" Erika gleefully said.
"With this, we don't have to worry about getting burnt by the sun," Kai added.
"Oh, but Kai's family wagon is kind of similar to this, only it's a bit smaller and a lot more cramped."
"I see..."
As the son of a merchant, Harry apparently knows how to drive a wagon. He knows how to train and take care of horses as well. Meanwhile, Kai and Erika grew up in a farming village, and they apparently used donkeys to pull their wagons of crops. They would also obviously fit the mission at hand.
Because of their experience and knowledge, the guild chose their party to help me escort Chester. The fact that I'm already friends with them was just a bonus.
Well, I thought the assistant guild master's explanation would end there, but it turns out it was only the half of it...
As they had become eligible for a rank up, Chester's escort mission will now double as their exam. Subsequently, I will act as their examiner.
"You two... Are you really sure about this...?" I asked in concern.
I asked them the same question before, but before we go any further on the road, I just wanted to make sure they haven't changed their minds.
"Yes! We told you already! We've talked about it multiple times, and we've decided we'll be just fine."
"We've also consulted with the guild and some high rank adventurers, and they said the same thing. They even gave us some advice. So we already have some knowledge of what to expect."
"We would like to take this opportunity! Besides, we were planning to go to the capital even before we officially became adventurers. We're aiming for the top, Eria!"
Kai and Erika insisted.
"It's seems you've really made up your mind... Fufu! I hope you won't regret it," I humored.
This particular escort quest would be a one way trip. Since there's another guild branch in the capital, that means we could collect our rewards there. That also means we will have no incentive to at least immediately get back here in Root. In fact, it would be preferable for us to stay there, as our way back won't be any easier.
Even though they know that, Kai and his party still want to continue.
As they mentioned, they must already have a plan in mind in how they would handle the city.
"Hmph! Rusceah would eat you alive. Specially you, nympho-girl," Chester said as he pointed a finger at Erika.
"N-Nympho!? I'm not like that at all!" Erika vehemently denied.
I would usually butt in whenever Chester insults someone, but I just can't do it this time. Not when I can see where he's coming from...
Earlier, when I first asked if they would be able to handle themselves in the city, Erika just butted in and listed some lewd scenarios that may happen when we arrived in Rusceah. I can remember her exact words...
"I heard they get the female adventurers drunk and take advantage of them at night!"
"They would sometimes convince them for an easy quest, and then they would all jump her at once!"
"There were some accounts of male adventurers leaving their female companions behind to the orcs so only they can escape..."
"I heard a rumour that some female and even male adventurers sell their bodies so they can keep up with their expenses..."
"Addictive dugs are apparently being sold in Rusceah, and those who get hooked on them were easily taken advantage off..."
"I heard there's an ugly bastard there with hypnosis powers!"
"There's also a vampire there hiding in the shadow of the night, sucking women's blood! Or so they say..."
"A-And there's apparently a woman there with a giant penis!"
There were still some others, but I'll stop there...
I would have given her the benefit of the doubt if she only listed a few, but she just endlessly continued. The fact she was also talking about them so excitedly didn't help her case.
Her last words before she was accused by Chester of being a nympho were:
"B-But don't worry, Eria! I won't fall for their tricks! I already have you after all... You even took my first kiss..."
I can't believe she said all of those things unprovoked...
"P-Please, Eria! I was just doing research! I was just listing scenarios I've read in books!" she cried as she hugged my waist on the side.
"That's the problem! What kind of stuff are you even reading!" I said as I pushed her away.
She wasn't this lewd the first time I met her. Just what the hell happened to her between then and now...?