Volume 5 - Chapter 8 – Raid (1/2)

05-08　Raid

「Thief！？」

The party did not think that they would be attacked in such a place.

「This location shouldn’t be visible. We went down a steep pass, and it’s there’s the distance too, how did the guards not notice?」

Elsa made a calm analysis.

「It’s usually advantageous to attack from above, but we’re not armed. We can escape to the above, but the incline will make things difficult.」

「Is that so? I know of such a place being attacked.」

「Perhaps, in anticipation of us making a round trip, they laid an ambush.」

When going to Port Rock, most trips will be along the same road. As Elsa had said, it would be easy to aim for.

「How many are attacking?」

At Jin’s question, Reiko opened the window a little and looked outside.

It’s easy for this carriage, but a Magic Formula was drawn to produce a barrier making it difficult to see.

「10 people, no 11.」

Reiko reported that they were being attacked by 10 people, while 1 stood in the back alone.

「Really? Oh, that’s right. With these circumstances, Elsa, take this.」

Jin takes a ring from his bag and presented it to Elsa.

「…..Jin?」

Elsa stared at the ring and looks at Jin with a dubious expression.

「Well, this is a ring I made, a Protection Ring.」

Saying so, he passes it into Elsa’s hand.

「Anyway, please try it on.」

「Mm.」

After searching for a finger that the ring would fit on, it fits onto her ring finger. For some reason, Elsa puts it on with a joyful expression.

「It fits.」

「Ok, when you chant the keyword, [Barrier], it will activate and keep you safe from most attacks for one minute.」

「Eh」

「I don’t have time to explain it in detail. Reiko, [Peach Blossom]?」

「Yes, it’s in the luggage.」

A sword can’t always be carried, so it has been place in the storage area in the rear of the carriage.

「Alright, let’s go and meet the attackers.」

「Yes.」

「Jin, please wait here, we will deal with the attackers.」

Although Elsa said so, Jin shook his head in disapproval.

「I can’t do that, it’s an emergency. Everyone has to work together.」

With that, he went outside of the carriage with Reiko. A nurse was standing there, ready to protect the carriage with a short knife in hand.

「Everyone?」

「We can fight as well, we’ll help you.」

When Elsa is about to leave,

「My Lady, don’t go!」

The nurse tried desperately to stop her, then Jin

「Elsa, go inside. We need someone to control the carriages magic defenses.」

「…..Do you understand?」

「Ah, so the person who stays inside will be safe.」

But Elsa wouldn’t listen and jumped out of the carriage.

「My lady….」

The nurse’s eyes were already starting to water, but Elsa remains calm and…

「If we work together, I can use magic, so I’ll also help.」

Saying so, she looks down the hill.

One of the attackers appears to have come into contact with a guard already.

「You! This is the carriage of the daughter of a viscount of the Shioro Empire!」

The butler shouted in a loud voice.

「I don’t know or care who’s carriage this is, it’s profitable for me!」

The leader of the bandits said so as he swung his sword with a forceful attitude.

It was the escort who wanted to stroke Reiko who responded.

「Well, that was disappointing. If you want money, you’re going to have to pay with your life!」

The escort catches the opponents sword and after sliding down its blade, he sends his sword into the bandits heart. He goes all the way in to the hilt of his sword.

The only reason he didn’t cut the man apart is because he didn’t want to show Elsa a bloody scene.

「Gue」

The guard’s ability is certainly reliable, as he knocks out one of the bandits with a single blow.

「I won’t let you lay one finger on the young lady!」

On the other side, the butler was holding a stick like a police baton as he disarmed one of the bandits and struck them in the crown of the head, knocking him out.

The remaining servant was trembling while holding a stick. It appeared to be all he could do to protect the carriage.

Three of the four people break off and head towards Elsa.

「My lady! Why are you outside!」

Although the butler was screaming, Elsa wasn’t worried, as she held out her right hand horizontally. And,

「[Wind Bullet]」

She fired a large quantity of invisible bullets.

「Guh, what’s that?」