Suddenly, Sion pulled her arm that she almost lost her balance. That alone made her heart skip a beat. But what was more shocking is the realization that Sion did not use her title. He just called her āMiaā, no honorifics. No address. As if they were close friendsā¦ or evenā¦
Actually last night, they decided to stop using titles. It would be problematic to call each other prince orĀ princess. Especially if they will be caught by the revolutionaries.
This cheeky boy. So this was what he was aiming last night when he suggested it. This is really bad for my heart!
Miaās cheeks went red and her brain started filling with all things about love. Sion, however, was fully composed. He stepped forward to shield her as he faces the owner of the strange voice.
Standing before them was a large man with a thick beard.Ā At first glance, he looks like a hunter, but ā¦
āā¦ Is it possible that he is merely dressed like one?ā
Sion silently muttered.
When they fell into the river, he had thrown away the sword for it was in the way of swimming.Ā If this is a companion from the assassins that attacked the carriage, then itās going to be a hard fight. In case of emergency, Sion was resolved to let Princess Mia escape alone.
But the stranger did not approach. He just points to the red mushroom that Mia was trying to take.
āThat, young lady, is a Salamandrake. It is a poisonous mushroom. It can also cause just by touching it.Ā If you eat it, it will really be bad. ā
āWell! Is that so? I thought I could eat it because it was so beautiful!ā
Mia, youā¦
Sion was about to retort but he kept his mouth closed as he realizes how hungry he was. He wondered if the herbs they have eaten yesterday was safe. For a split second, his trust in the Wisdom of the Empire wavered.
āYou guys arenāt from around here? Where are you from?ā
āWe areā¦ Hmmpff?ā
Sion quickly covered Miaās mouth to stop her finishing her words.
āWho are you?ā
Sion was quietly observing the man.Ā When he looked at his gestures, he didnāt look like a combat-trained assassin. But he couldnāt let his guard down. If the opponent is a bandit, one wrong word and they maye be in danger. They could be held for ransom, or even worse, sell them to slavers. Sionās vigilance was justified.
āYeah? Is this one of those ātell me your name first before I tell you mineā things? Well, Iām Muzic from the nearby Doni Village. I am a hunter. See?ā
As he said this, he lifted what was tied to his waist. It was a big rabbit with black and white stripes.
āWell! Thatās a large rabbitā¦ are you going to eat it?ā
āOh, would you like to try it later?ā
āYes, I would definitely want to try it. Actually, we are very hungry because we were separated from our friends.ā
Princess Mia, arenāt you a little careless?
Sion feels uneasy for a moment, but immediately dismisses his thoughts. There is no reason why a person like Princess Mia cannot understand this level of danger.Ā Earlier he was about to make fun of her about the incident with the mushrooms, but that was probably a failure borne out of pure curiosity. It shouldnāt affect her ability o perceive real and present danger.
Which meansā¦
He looked at Miaās face and he couldnāt find a single shred of anxiety. She was just looking at the man. Her expression was calm.
In any case, it seems that she has figured out that there it doesnāt make sense to go along the river as it is.
With a bitter smile, he shakes his head.
I see, sheās more prepared than I am.Ā Her resolve is admirable. I canāt lose to her now.
So, Sion also decidesā¦
āWe are children of a merchants. We were attacked by bandits at the bridge and separated from our parents.ā
This was the story that they have agreed beforehand.
āOh, was that so? That must have been hard for you.ā
Muzic gave them an understanding smile.
āMy village is close to here. Would you like to come?ā
āIām very grateful for that ā¦ but we have to head to the capital.ā
āThe capital? Oh, then Iāll find out if thereās a guy from the village who will be heading out that direction.ā
With Muzic leading, Mia and Sion started following.
ā
At this time, it should already be obvious that Mia didnāt have any resolve. Rather her actions were based on a passage of a book that she has read about forest survival techniques: āRabbit meat is one of the most delicious ingredients in the forest.Ā In particular, the black-and-white striped half-moon rabbit soup deserves special mention. ā
Rabbit meat ā¦ Iām looking forward to it!
In short, she was just hungry.
Buā¦ but, itās not like Iām hungry.Ā At times like this, you just have to eat something that is nutritious!
Her excuses just proves the point that she did it out of hunger. Luckily, no one can hear her thoughts.
Authorās Note:
By the way, the fire lizard mushroom is like Kaentake in Japan.
If you are wondering if it is okay to eat, please try google.
See you soon.
TN:
I probably did not translate the Authorās note properly. I donāt know what ē«č„č“ is. It just means literally fire lizard, but I know it is a species of mushroom. Nonetheless, donāt eat it. Itās poisonous.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!