Entering the Great Forest

The place where the elf was staying was deep within the Great Forest.

I heard she was near a famous lake within it.

First, together with Azu and the others, I got our equipment and preparations in order.

"There was that massive mosquito outbreak. There might be other bugs too."

"Regular bugs are one thing, but getting bitten by monster bugs is dangerous, so we need to prepare properly."

"You're right…"

"This is about the only time I can cover up my skin."

Alexia layered clothing over her exposed skin.

She was the most exposed among us, so she was being especially thorough.

"That dress armor does look good on you."

"I'm used to it by now, but that's still not a compliment that makes me happy."

She protected her arms and legs with thick cloth.

This should prevent direct bug bites and stings.

"Oh right. Put this on. It's a specially-made insect repellent that works really well."

I applied the insect repellent cream Finn provided to my face.

It was odorless and quickly absorbed into the skin.

"This is amazing. Commercial insect repellents are usually sticky or smell terrible."

I put a small amount on my hand and brought it to my nose.

There was a faintly sweet smell, but it seemed to evaporate and disappear after a moment.

I didn't know how effective it would be yet, but if this kept bugs away, it would be wonderful.

"Where did you buy something like this?"

"I didn't buy it. I made it. It's my own special blend. I gathered all the ingredients from scratch. Well, I learned the production method from the person who raised me…"

"I see, that's why it's odorless."

"Exactly. When you have to stay in the same spot waiting to target someone, bugs getting in the way causes serious stress. Unlike pain, itchiness is hard to endure."

Finn looked a little embarrassed.

Was she feeling shy from being praised?

"I think this is good for the skin."

"Really?"

"There are herbs mixed in, so it does have moisturizing effects. Dry skin isn't good either."

"I thought so. Could you give me some more later?"

"Ehh…"

Finn looked annoyed at Elza's words.

"I want some too. If we commercialized this, it would definitely sell. No doubt about it. I'll pay royalties, so will you consider it?"

"H-hey. You're too close."

Getting a bit heated over this unexpected item, I grabbed Finn's hand.

My hand was easily shaken off.

"I'm not doing anything special though… Well, if you say it could make money, I'll think about it. But that's not what we should be focusing on right now, is it?"

"You're right. Let's discuss this later."

Regaining my composure, I confirmed that preparations were complete.

I put apples and melons in the bag as a substitute for packed lunch and stepped into the Great Forest.

The northern Great Forest had been developed slightly for lumber, but going a little deeper brought you to places completely untouched by human hands.

For the mining town of Shirok, what mattered was the mine, and they had no room to exploit resources from the Great Forest.

So inside the Great Forest, it was dark despite it being midday due to the massive trees overhead.

Thanks to the dappled sunlight, visibility was secured, but once the sun set, you probably wouldn't be able to see anything in front of you.

Since Alexia was with us, we could have her illuminate our surroundings with magic, but this wasn't a place to enter carelessly.

With conditions like these, even without monsters, it would be difficult for Kitan or the miners to even go negotiate.

Azu took the lead.

Finn was scouting slightly ahead, checking for monsters or anything else.

While Alexia's magic could detect the surroundings, we were reminded that visual confirmation was also necessary.

If you grew complacent thinking this would be enough, you'd get outmaneuvered somewhere.

Both Finn and Alexia understood that well.

The same applied to business.

If you rested on your laurels, you'd end up in unexpected trouble.

Thinking about it, the mining town of Shirok was the same way.

They'd operated under the idea that everything would go well as long as they kept mining burning stone, but an elf, an opponent they couldn't do anything about, blocked that and now they were completely stuck.

If they'd prepared something, the situation wouldn't have deteriorated so rapidly.

My business was diverse, but I should take this as a lesson from others' mistakes.

If I stumbled, it would have a major impact on Azu and the others, Kazusa, the employees, and the people of Luido.

Azu cut through the brush and obstructing trees to make a path.

It was little more than an animal trail, but it posed no problem for walking.

"Orleans, are you doing okay? If it's too hard, you can go back to Shirok now."

"Sir, I appreciate your concern, but I consider myself one of the team. So there's no need to worry. I'll let you know if I think I'm becoming a burden."

"That was unnecessary worry on my part."

Orleans's words carried conviction.

I'd treated her like a child.

That was rude to Orleans.

Elza laughed at me for being such a worrywart, and Alexia smirked at me.

Azu stared at me as if wanting me to worry about her too.

I cleared my throat to deflect and pressed deeper.

I munched on fruit as we walked and drank from my canteen.

"Isn't it kind of hot?"

"Yes. Even accounting for the heavy clothing, it feels humid…"

"With the sunlight being blocked, you'd think it would be cool."

Elza was fanning her face with her hand.

Sweat was running down Alexia's forehead too.

We endured the heat and pressed toward our destination.

Partway through, the compass became useless.

A natural dungeon indeed.

Some kind of force seemed to be at work.

If Finn hadn't been with us, we would have gotten lost.

The heat and fatigue reduced our chatter, and I could hear everyone's breathing.

Just as I was considering taking a break, the path suddenly opened up.

A massive lake appeared before us.