Grave and I went to the guild master’s room.

There, I explained the situation to Rigard.

“I see… hence, you want to go to the snowy mountains.”

“That’s right.”

“…Hmm, Grave.”

Grave reacted when his name was called.

“If you were the only one who’s going, I could understand, but…”

Rigard’s line of sight shifted towards me.

“Why are you going too, Liliana? The snowy mountains are dangerous. There are many strong monsters there.”

“I think so, too.” Grave looked at me.

I should explain the reason.

I nodded and answered Rigard.

“Fake Ice Stones are difficult to distinguish. To those who haven’t seen them, they look just like ice. Also, the mining method is unique. Amateurs can’t handle it.”

“I see. So that’s the reason.”

“So, it seems. I want to go alone, but it doesn’t seem like I can mine the stones without her.”

“I see.”

After hearing the reason, Rigard alternates his gaze between us.

Because the idea sounded dangerous, was he going to turn it down?

Rigard showed an extremely serious expression. I became nervous.

“The two of you are going together, right?”

“That’s right.”

“A, as long as Grave is with me, I think everything will be alright.”

“Well, the man indeed can go against a few dragons. Alright, you can go.”

Although Rigard seemed dead serious, his reply was quite nonchalant.

…What was I worried for?

“Grave, let me say this once—don’t let anything happen to Liliana.”

“That’s only natural.”

“As long as you understand that, there’s nothing else for me to say. Good for you guys, you can flirt to your heart content.”

“Now, now, boss…”

“Gahahaha! But you said only the two of you are going! Don’t lie, now, you probably expect that to happen!”

Grave, whom was teased, turned away.

I could only see his profile, but his ear seemed a little red?

Maybe, as Rigard said, Grave truly did expect that…?

“Well, you can go flirt all you want, now. For the time being, please come back safely. That is all I can say.”

“Okay.”

“Do you need help with the preparation?”

“It’s alright. I’ve been there several times. I can say that I’m quite familiar with the place.”

“I see. Stay safe, Liliana. If you’re scared, just hug this guy. He will surely protect you.”

“Alright, I will do th—wait, that’s embarrassing!”

“Aren’t you glad, Grave? She doesn’t seem to be too against the idea of hugging you.”

With a happy grin, Rigard spoke to Grave.

Grave, who kept being teased, pouted slightly and sighed a little.

“I’m good, but don’t make fun of Liliana.”

“Sorry, sorry, my bad. Well, take care.”

“Alright.”

Then, Grave and I made preparations for going to the snowy mountains.

We prepared a set of cold weather equipment, a heat source, and a camping kit.

“H, hot…”

“Haha, of course it’ll feel cold if you wear them here. You should put it on once we are about to reach the top.”

“I understand.”

That was my first time wearing a Mokomoko suit.

It was hot, and not to mention, hard to move in. I didn’t really like it.

“Even if you don’t like it, you have to wear it properly.”

“Eh?”

“Your expression said that you won’t wear it if you could.”

“Ah, well, I’m not used to wearing clothes like this…”

It seemed that my expression had betrayed my feelings.

“The climate of the royal capital is much milder. It doesn’t change much here, either. Unless we go out, there’s no need to don heavy attire.”

“I see. Due to quests, Grave has gone to various places, right?”

“Indeed. Every place has its own advantages and disadvantages. That’s why it’s fun.”

“I understand.”

I had only ever been to the royal castle and the town.

Because I rarely left the royal capital, I’d definitely get lost if I went there now.

I soon realized the narrowness of my world.

“Is being an adventurer fun?”

“You’re about to experience it. We’re retrieving some rare materials from the dangerous, snowy, mountains. We’re definitely going on an adventure.”

“Going… on an adventure…”

When I heard that, I was somewhat excited.

I didn’t feel nervous, though.

It seemed that my expression was transparent again.

I realized that Grave was staring at me. When I stared right back at him, he averted his gaze.

“Well, shall we depart? It’s a little dangerous, but if you think of it as an adventurer, you might be able to have some fun.”

“Alright.”

I prepared myself.

Thus, my first adventure was about to begin.

---

E/N: She makes it sound like she has been to excavate said stones…

***T/N: Lmao, if the glass sword is made, shouldn’t the lady marry the blacksmith instead of the aristocrat who insourced someone to fulfil her requirement?

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