And So the Journey with Frieren Began

So, you see—

"It's only been two days, how come you've gotten yourself covered in injuries again?"

Frieren held a plate of Mekur Pudding in one hand and a silver fork in the other.

He kept making smacking noises with his mouth.

The two were sitting in a tavern next to the Inn, with the occasional chatter of adventurers around them.

The air was filled with the aroma of barley wine and food.

Her curious eyes scanned Galan up and down.

Seeing his body covered in bandages, he asked with some confusion.

"... It's complicated to explain, but basically, I encountered a very troublesome situation."

Galan waved his hand; he really didn't want to bring up what happened to Oris yesterday.

There's no need to say it.

Speaking of which, should we tell her about Frieren on the list?

He thought about it for a moment, then gave up.

Regardless of whether the other party believes it or not, the source of this information itself is highly suspicious.

Besides, she'll find out about this later; there's no need for her to interfere now.

"Hmm..."

Seeing the tired look on Galan's face, Frieren didn't ask any further questions.

"Don't you feel it's a pity to just give up your established business here?"

After inquiring about it these past few days,

Galan's reputation as Apothecary was excellent in the city.

Even local nobles and upper-class people purchased medicines from Galan through intermediaries.

If an ordinary person manages their business to this extent...

They wouldn't give up easily, would they?

These things are not important to me.

Galan shook his head

"For me, money is enough to make a living. My current goal is to live a good life with Lia."

I ask for nothing more.

He was certainly not lying, but that wasn't the whole purpose of his trip.

They followed Frieren south to the Royal Capital.

On the one hand, this journey would allow Lia to receive her personal guidance.

In the remaining four years, she will surely be able to be trained into Mage capable of standing on her own.

On the other hand,

Galan wants to get away from the Imperial Capital [Eisberg].

He needed to stay as far away from the [Shadow Warrior] organization's sphere of influence as possible.

Only there could he live a truly peaceful life without any worries...

"Lia... is she the one of my kind you mentioned before?"

"Um."

Frieren ate the last bite of pudding on her plate and licked her lips.

There was still a hint of unfinished business on his face.

Squeak--

The tavern door was gently pushed open.

The girl who walked in was a blonde, blue-eyed, and adorable elf.

"Galan."

Lia looked around and quickly noticed Galan chatting with Frieren.

So he ran over to their table.

"Oh, she's here."

Galan smiled and led Lia to Frieren.

After all, they'll be spending a lot of time together, so it's always good to let them meet.

"Frieren...?"

"Hmm?"

Frieren looked at Lia curiously.

A strange sense of familiarity arose within me.

It's been so many years since I've seen Elves other than Serie...

Do you know me?

A look of surprise crossed her face.

"After all, you are the hero who defeated the Demon King."

A look of admiration flashed across Lia's face, and she rubbed her hands together excitedly.

"Can I become as strong as you?"

She stood on tiptoe, as if thinking it would make her appear more powerful.

Frieren sensed the Mana reaction on Lia's body.

I was somewhat surprised.

Although she was still far inferior to herself, Lia was able to cultivate such Mana at the age of over three hundred years.

That's already considered exceptionally talented.

"As long as you cultivate diligently, you will definitely be able to do it in the future."

As she spoke, her hand unconsciously touched Lia's head.

After all, Elves have such long lifespans, as long as she is willing to cultivate diligently...

Their achievements hundreds of years from now will certainly not be inferior to yours.

"Hmm-- Duncan said that touching your head too often will stunt your growth."

"You're only a little over three hundred years old. You'll grow taller in the future."

Frieren smiled, but suddenly, those words sounded so familiar.

It seems like a long, long time ago

Some people have said this to themselves.

She was stunned.

That imposing figure reappeared in my mind.

Flamme--

[The founder of the human magic system]

[The Legendary Great Mage]

She was also her teacher.

I used to gently stroke my head like this.

Her gentle eyes held boundless expectations for herself.

She once told Serie's face that she was Mage born for a time of peace.

He claimed he would defeat the Demon King and end the war between humans and Demons.

Flamme... I've done everything you asked me to do before you died...

In a daze

She felt as if she had returned to that distant era.

He was Flamme's back as the two of them traversed the forest.

Frieren listened as she spoke at length about her vision for the future of humanity and the idea that "everyone could use magic."

--A dream that Serie considered utterly absurd

But for some reason

Whenever she saw the confident and generous smile on Flamme's face, she would feel a surge of anticipation for the future she had spoken of.

Flamme really did it.

Her knowledge of magic and what she learned were selflessly disseminated through books and lectures, greatly advancing the progress of human magic.

The era when "everyone can use magic" seems to be drawing ever closer.

I really want you to see it with your own eyes, Master... In this... prosperous age of magic...

Outside the city

"Hey kid, remember to come back and see me!"

Glenn, still acting nonchalant, patted Galan on the shoulder forcefully.

After learning that Galan was going to leave, he waited at the city gate.

We're preparing to give this old friend a proper send-off.

His left leg, which he had injured in the previous fight with Flag, had almost fully recovered.

Now he no longer needs a cane to walk and looks exceptionally energetic.

Just like when the two first met.

Mr. Galan

Theresia also appeared from behind Glenn.

I just ran into Glenn on the way.

After learning about the situation, out of respect for Galan and a desire to join in the fun, I also came over.

"You must be happy with Miss Lia!"

She playfully covered her mouth, her bright eyes sparkling mischievously.

They looked like they were whispering to each other.

But everyone present heard it.

Galan and Lia blushed simultaneously.

Glenn laughed and gently pinched Theresia's ear.

He was quite pleased to see Galan so embarrassed he wanted to disappear into the ground.

--Finally, I can see this guy get his comeuppance.

Frieren glanced at their reactions, her mouth slightly agape, as if she knew something extraordinary.

But then he looked at Lia with some confusion, a question arising in his mind.

The sun gradually rose to its highest point of the day.

It brought a touch of warmth to everyone.

As their conversation drew to a close, they decided to make sure they arrived at the next town before nightfall, so as not to delay their journey.

After giving Glenn a warm hug, Galan waved goodbye and followed Lia with Frieren in tow.

Therefore

The journey with Frieren begins--