The road outside the capital was quieter than Arelion expected.
No grand speeches.No trumpets.Just dirt beneath their boots and the sound of the wind brushing past tall grass.
He walked beside Sir Elayne in silence for a few minutes before something finally clicked in his mind.
Wait.
Why am I walking?
Arelion glanced down at his boots, already dusted with dirt.
I'm a king. An actual king. And I'm walking like an NPC on his first quest.
He sighed internally.
This is my own fault, isn't it? I didn't ask for a carriage. Didn't ask for guards. I literally walked out like I was going to buy bread.
Beside him, Sir Elayne walked calmly, posture straight, eyes forward. No complaints. No hesitation.
"…You seem very used to this," Arelion said casually.
"To what, exactly?" she asked.
"Walking. Fighting. Looking like you could take on an army before breakfast."
"That is a knight's duty."
Right. Of course it is.
He studied her for a moment.
"So," he continued, "what kind of strength do you specialize in?"
She didn't answer immediately.
Instead, her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her sword.
"You will see it when the time comes," she said.
Arelion raised an eyebrow. "You can't just tell me?"
"No."
"…Why?"
"Because explanations are weaker than demonstrations."
Ah. One of those.
He opened his mouth to ask another question—
Only for Sir Elayne to suddenly speak again.
"There is an old saying," she said calmly. "Those who ask too many questions before the road reveals itself invite misfortune."
Arelion froze.
"…That sounds suspiciously made up."
She met his gaze. Completely serious.
"It is wisdom passed down among knights."
Yep. Definitely made up.
He sighed.
I swear I've heard something like this in an anime before. Ask too much, trigger a flag, suddenly boss music starts.
Before he could push further, the sound of wheels rolling over stone reached their ears.
A horse-drawn carriage approached from behind, slow and heavy, its wooden frame marked with merchant insignias. Just as it drew closer—
Shouts.
Steel clashed.
Bandits burst from the roadside, weapons drawn, surrounding the carriage.
Arelion stopped walking.
"…Well," he muttered, "there's the misfortune."
Sir Elayne moved instantly.
"Stay back," she ordered.
She stepped forward, sword flashing free in one smooth motion.
The bandits barely had time to react.
Her movements were precise—no wasted swings, no unnecessary force. One strike to disarm. One kick to the knee. A sharp blow to the hilt that sent a blade flying.
Within moments, the road was silent.
The bandits lay groaning, weapons scattered, none dead—just thoroughly defeated.
Arelion watched, impressed.
No magic. No hesitation. Clean.
Yeah… definitely dangerous.
The merchant rushed down from the carriage, face pale.
"Th-thank you! Thank you so much!" he bowed repeatedly. "I thought I was done for!"
Sir Elayne lowered her sword. "You should avoid traveling alone on this road."
"Yes! Yes, of course!"
The merchant turned to Arelion next, eyes full of gratitude.
"If you are heading the same way, please—allow me to offer you a ride. It would be an honor."
Arelion glanced at the carriage.
Then at his dusty boots.
Best offer I've had all day.
"That would be appreciated," he said with a smile.
As they climbed aboard, the merchant finally asked, "May I know where you are headed?"
Arelion leaned back against the seat.
"To the nearest city beyond the capital," he replied. "Anywhere is fine. This is… the beginning of a journey."
The carriage rolled forward once more.
And with it—
The king's journey truly began.