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“Are you really leaving, Arje-neesan?”
“Yes. I can’t stay still for too long.”

The truth is, not only do I want to stay still for a while, I’m looking for a place to settle down for good. But this forest just won’t do.
We’re probably still within the kingdom’s borders, so mooching off of Oswald-kun is out of the question.
And so, the day after I sent Chrome-san on her way, I decided to set out. To go find someone who would support me for the rest of my life.

I stroked Behaki-san’s belly—he was now fitted with a fine saddle and reins—and spoke to him.

“It suits you, Behaki-san.”
“Hmph, is that so? You’re beautiful too, Argento.”
“…………”
“What’s wrong?”
“No, thank you.”

He no longer pouts when I call him Behaki. What a shame.
The saddle and reins were a gift from Oswald-kun. Apparently, they belonged to a poacher who came here before.
I’ve also been given all sorts of other things, like a stove and lantern that light up when I channel mana into them, as well as maps and blankets.
Everything I received was from the poachers’ belongings… Or, to be frank, their remains, but since they’ll come in handy on my journey ahead, I’ll gratefully accept them.
After all, those poachers were in the wrong to begin with, so they can’t complain about being killed. It’s not something I need to feel bad about.

“Sorry these are all secondhand, Arje-neesan! I just kept them just in case!”
“There’s no need to apologize. You’ve been a great help.”
“Thanks a bunch!!”

Behind Oswald-kun, who’s bowing his head, the forest animals and monsters are bowing as well.

……It turned into quite a grand send-off, huh?

I guess, from their perspective, I’m the one who saved their forest, so I suppose it’s only natural they want to send me off. It’s still over the top, though.
Yesterday, animals and monsters came from all over the forest to pay their respects to me and hand over gifts, sort of like tributes.
According to Oswald-kun, what they brought were fruits, edible nuts, and medicinal herbs.

I’ve stored everything I received in my Blood Box.
I might look like I’m coming empty-handed, but I’m actually fully prepared for my journey.
I’ve also received a considerable amount of spring water to drink. Thanks to that, it doesn’t look like I’ll need to stop at any towns or villages until I leave the country.

“The border is that way, right?”
“Yep! Actually, if you go the other way and take the main road, you can leave the country… but there are immigration procedures. You want to sneak out, don’t you, Arje-neesan?”
“Yes. Without drawing attention.”
“In that case, you should definitely cross those mountains over there. That’ll take you to a republic called Yotsuba! Just watch out for the border guards!”

Where Oswald-kun pointed, there was indeed a mountain range.
It wasn’t a rocky mountain, but one covered in trees. It was still far away and looked like a small hill, but even from here, I could make out its deep green color.
According to him, once we pass through the sea of trees, we’ll be outside the country. Since we can see our destination, let’s take it easy.

“Here, take this!”
“…A katana?”
“Yep! I figured you’d probably want a weapon, Arje-neesan, so I picked out a good one from the poachers’ stuff!”
“Hmm…”

I take it and draw the blade.
The dull gleam in the dappled sunlight is unmistakably that of a katana.
The edge is clearly sharp. I swing it at a falling leaf, and it slices through cleanly.

“Whoa!”
“Huh? What’s wrong?”
“Nah, I just didn’t see your swing…it got me startled.”

I thought I’d gone easy on it, but apparently I swung pretty fast. I wonder if I did something wrong.

…So katanas exist in this other world, too.

I always thought of them as a weapon unique to Japan, but it seems they exist here as well. Or maybe someone else who was reincarnated brought the manufacturing methods with them.
Anyway, I’ve had a good look to confirm it, so I sheathe the katana.

“That’s apparently an Artifact!”
“An Artifact…?”

I heard that term yesterday, or rather, it came up when I analyzed Chrome-san’s stats through my Blood Reading.
Oswald-kun seemed to realize I’m not familiar with one from my expression, so he explained it to me.

“They’re tools with special powers. You can form a contract with one by imbuing it with your own mana. Once you make a contract, only the contract holder can use it until they die.”
“Hmm… I see. So, what are the special powers of this katana?”
“That, I dunno… Supposedly it was a sword that was on sale. It’s just a regular sword if you don’t form a contract with it though, so don’t worry—it’s not like you can’t use it.”

Details unknown, huh. Maybe I shouldn’t handle it carelessly. It’d be a problem if it had some weird ability.
I didn’t figure out anything about the katana, but since I now understand what an Artifact is, I stow the sword inside the Blood Box.
I’ll put the decision on whether to use this katana on hold for now. Even if I do use it, I’ll treat it as an ordinary katana.
Since Felnoute-san had the “Tool Appraisal” skill, she might have been able to figure something out, but I can’t rely on someone who isn’t here.

“Well then, I’ll be off.”
“Thanks a bunch, Arje-neesan! I’m gonna get stronger! So next time, I can protect this forest all by myself!”
“Is that so… Well then, as a thank-you for helping me get ready for my journey, let me help you out a little.”
“Huh?”
“Mm… Blood Contract.”

I bit my finger until it bled. I then smeared the blood onto Oswald-kun’s body hair and spoke the words.
Just as water seeps into the ground, the blood seeped into his body.

“O-oooh!?”

There was no visible change. However, Oswald-kun himself seemed to understand how his body had transformed.
I, too, could tell that he had become incomparably stronger than he was just moments ago. Because we were now connected.
Blood Contract. A technique that enhances the abilities of the one to whom I give my blood.
The recipient doesn’t become a vampire; their abilities simply grow stronger. Also, the Master can issue binding commands to the Servant.
Of course, I have no intention of using that coercive power. What I’m doing is simply a gesture of gratitude.

……Besides, this forest is a nice place for a nap.

Putting aside permanently living here, I think it’s a great spot if I’m just visiting for a nap.
It’s such a perfect napping spot, so I really want him to protect it. This is just a small bit of help, born from that sentiment.

“……Arje-neesan. Seriously, thanks a ton!!”

A brief word of thanks. It means we’ve formed a bond strong enough that we don’t need to waste words to understand each other.
Oswald-kun bowed so low I worried his head might touch the ground. I lightly stroke his head. The feel of his short fur was soft and pleasant.

There’s no need to drag around someone I’ve bound with a Blood Contract. As long as I don’t issue orders, his will is respected.
Actually, a high-level Blood Contract can completely strip the other party of their free will, but I have no intention of doing that.
It was just a simple thank-you, and a small envy.
I just wanted to root for him—someone who has a place of his own and is willing to fight to protect it.

After patting his head a few times, I stepped away from Oswald-kun. He seemed to realize that was the signal to part ways, and he lifted his face.
His face bore that same friendly smile, just like the mascot at the butcher shop.

“Here we go.”

It had been a while since I’d ridden a horse, but I got on surprisingly easily. My body must have remembered how.
I settled my butt into the saddle and gripped the reins lightly. Since he’d walk just by giving a command—no need to pull on the reins—that’s what I did.

“Please take care of me, Behaki-san”
“No need for formality. Just call me Behaki.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to just go with it.”
“Well then… Please take care of me, Behaki.”
“Hmph. Leave it to me.”

Behaki began to walk slowly. From behind came the voices of many monsters, animals, and birds.
Even though I felt a tiny bit of reluctance after being called out to like that, I didn’t look back.
Feeling the voices fade into the distance, I close my eyes.

“Are you going to sleep, Argento?”
“I suppose so. Let me know if you get tired, Behaki. We’ll take a break.”
“Sure. I’ll take you up on that.”

The sound of Behaki’s footsteps and the gentle swaying that accompanies them feel pleasant.
Feeling the scent of the wind and the fading voice, I gradually let my consciousness grow dark.
It’s really great that I’ve got a way to get around. It’s so easy.
Satisfied with what I’ve gained, my consciousness sank into sleep.
The border is still far away.
I have plenty of time to sleep.