The next day, when Castorice stepped out of her room, she found Ana already waiting, fully prepared, her small cloth bag in hand as usual.
However, upon seeing Castorice, a hint of conflict flickered in Ana's eyes, as if she wanted to say something but didn't quite know how to begin.
"What's the matter? Something you want to tell me?"
Noticing Ana stealing glances at her from time to time, Castorice asked curiously.
"I'm a Servant, you know. I won't remain in this world forever. And… my body right now is just too small."
Ana spoke somewhat hesitantly, a faint blush coloring her expression.
Castorice was momentarily taken aback by Ana's words, then quickly grasped her meaning.
In simple terms—it was a "you're a good person" kind of moment.
Hearing this, Castorice couldn't help but break into a smile.
Did Castorice like Ana? Of course she did! Who wouldn't adore a cute girl? After all, even though she'd become Castorice, her preferences hadn't changed one bit.
Besides, the original Castorice seemed to have had similar inclinations anyway…
But the real point was, Castorice honestly hadn't been thinking along those lines last night—she'd just been teasing Ana because she found her adorable.
Seeing Ana's current state, though, Castorice didn't dare speak the truth. An embarrassed, furious Ana would probably chase her down with a blade…
Ah, well. Might as well let things be for now—it wasn't like she was losing out in this situation.
In response to Ana's "answer," Castorice simply nodded.
Seeing this, Ana breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Both of them tacitly agreed not to bring up the matter again.
Soon, it was time to meet Merlin and set off as planned.
On the way, however, they ran into Ushiwakamaru.
"You two, I hear you're heading out on a mission?"
Spotting Ana and Castorice, Ushiwakamaru walked over cheerfully and greeted them.
"Mhm. But Ur isn't too far from here. We should be back in a day or two."
Castorice smiled lightly. She held a lot of respect for this valiant warrior—back when she was surrounded by enemies, Ushiwakamaru had fought desperately to save her.
Unfortunately, their enemies had come prepared, throwing high-level magical beasts at her, sacrificing them just to stall her.
Even ordinary Bashmu were formidable magical beasts. Being swarmed by several of them, all willing to die just to delay her—not even Ushiwakamaru could break free quickly.
Luckily, Castorice's own strength was more than enough to handle the Beast General.
"That's good to hear. Your performance on the battlefield was far too conspicuous, Miss Castorice. If you'd remained in your previous state, the enemy's next ambush would likely have been even fiercer. Going to Ur now is a wise choice."
Ushiwakamaru nodded. "I'll be heading to the front lines soon. Take care on your journey, and may fortune favor your blade."
After a quick nod, Ushiwakamaru waved cheerfully at Castorice and dashed off into the distance.
Though she was a famous general in Japanese history, in Castorice's eyes, she wasn't much different from any other young girl.
Of course, what caught Castorice's attention more was that lift-to-open accessory of hers.
Every time she saw it, she felt an urge to just… flip it open.
Beside her, Ana watched Castorice with a slightly displeased expression.
Hmph. She was definitely not jealous. Absolutely, definitely not!
After parting ways with Ushiwakamaru, the two soon met up with Merlin and set off for Ur.
Fortunately—perhaps because Castorice had wiped out so many magical beasts on the battlefield—their journey to Ur was mostly uneventful. Aside from a few scattered beasts, they encountered no powerful enemies.
The strongest they came across were just a few Mušḫuššu. Though formidable to humans, in the face of a Servant, they were nothing more than practice dummies for Ana to casually slice down.
Before long, they entered the dense forest.
Uruk was different from other cities—it was built deep within the woods.
Throughout the journey, Ana remained highly alert. Strangely, though, they didn't spot a single magical beast within the forest.
Logically, this kind of dense woodland should have been a comfortable habitat for magical beasts, with plenty lurking around.
Yet, as if by some unspoken agreement, they encountered none after entering the forest.
Honestly, Merlin would've preferred running into a few beasts.
At least beasts weren't as annoying as mosquitoes.
"I really don't know how the people of this city live like this—these irritating bugs, this sweltering heat… It's… It's unbearable."
Merlin grumbled incessantly, leaning heavily on his staff, which now served as a walking stick.
As he complained, he glanced at Ana and Castorice and paused in surprise.
"Wait, how come you two aren't bothered by the bugs?"
It dawned on him then—he'd been the only one complaining the whole time. Had Castorice and Ana said nothing at all?
"Silly Merlin, bugs don't come near Castorice."
Ana's cute face broke into a smile, a hint of schadenfreude in her tone.
"Ah, why didn't I think of that earlier… Miss Castorice…"
Merlin gazed pleadingly at Castorice, hoping to find a bug-free sanctuary near her, free from mosquito bites.
"I could allow it, but Mr. Merlin, you're aware of my ability. If I were to accidentally touch you…"
Castorice didn't outright refuse, but her meaning was perfectly clear.
"Then what about Ana? Isn't she worried?"
Merlin stared at Ana, who was standing quite close to Castorice, his face practically spelling out the word "favoritism."
"Ana's small. It's not so easy for her to make contact."
Castorice replied with a sweet smile.
"Discrimination! This is blatant discrimination!"
Merlin raised the banner of protest, but it was ruthlessly suppressed—Castorice held veto power, after all.
And it wasn't just flies and mosquitoes kept at bay—around Castorice, there was even a faint, cool aura that slightly dispelled the oppressive heat.
"Mr. Merlin, please save your energy. Otherwise, this heat will only make you more irritable."
Castorice smiled as she watched him complain.
Well, even if she couldn't get too close, having a lovely girl nearby was still a mood-lifter.
If it were Merlin's female form, maybe she'd consider it—but for this scummy Merlin? Not a chance!
"Ugh… Next time, I'm definitely hiring a guide…"
Merlin sighed in resignation. Without a guide, even with a map, it was easy to get lost in this dense forest. They'd already taken a long detour just to find a spot marked on the map.
Just as they prepared to press on, a voice rang out from the treetops: "Such admirable resolve—but without a guide, you rookies won't live to see tomorrow's sun!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.