Chapter 9: Gate inspection

The line finally moved, and soon their carriage reached the very front.

Lylia peeked out from the window, her eyes widening in awe.

"Whoa…"

Four guards stood by the gate, fully clad in shining metal armor. They looked like something straight out of a fantasy movie. 

'Real, actual armor,' she thought, leaning closer. 'Woah... it's kinda cool?'

One of the guards stepped forward, recognizing Eduart instantly. "Sir Eduart!" he said respectfully. "Thank you again for earlier. If not for you, that beast could’ve harmed many."

Another added, "We would have let you pass ahead of the line. You didn’t need to wait with the others."

Eduart shook his head, smiling politely. "That wouldn’t be fair to everyone else here. I’m simply an honest businessman. I’ll wait my turn like everyone else."

The guards exchanged impressed glances. "You truly are a good man, Sir Eduart," one said sincerely. "As thanks, we’ll keep your inspection brief. Unfortunately, rules are rule. We can’t skip the process entirely."

From inside the carriage, Lylia tilted her head, whispering, "What are they even talking about Eduart something with a beast?"

Slade, who hadn’t looked away from the window once, replied flatly, "While you were sleeping, mind you, with your eyes open, a creature got loose. Eduart calmed it down."

Slade described the scene.

"Wait, what?! That happened? Why didn’t you tell me?!"

Slade turned his stoic gaze toward her. "Why would I need to? Did you have to spectate? Whose fault do you think it is for not noticing?"

"…Awww." She flopped back against her seat with a sigh. "Can’t believe I missed that. Guess my concentration really was on point, huh?" She chuckled to herself, consoling her own disappointment.

Still, her curiosity sparked. "So… taming exists too, huh. That’s so cool. I wonder if I can tame something too…" She let her mind wander for a moment, imagining herself with a dragon mount or something equally ridiculous.

Turning to Eduart, she asked, "So, Mr. Eduart, you’re like… a tamer?"

Eduart gave a small laugh. "I had talent for it when I was younger. But I chose a quieter life as a merchant."

"Seems like a waste to me," Lylia said casually, propping her chin on her hand.

"Perhaps," Eduart admitted, "but a merchant’s life is far more peaceful, safe, and stable."

"Well, surely you have pets, right? I’d love to meet them someday."

Eduart just smiled silently at that, giving no answer.

Before Lylia could press further, one of the guards approached. "Please step out of the carriage. We’ll need to check everything."

Slade was the first to hop down, his expression as blank as ever. Lylia followed, holding her new staff like it was a treasured artifact.

The inspection began immediately. Slade stood completely still, his sharp eyes locked on the guards as if daring them to make a mistake.

One of the guards is a woman, which Lylia realized the moment she heard her voice that asked, "Please stand still and raise your arms sidewards"

Lylia’s head tilted. ‘A female knight?! Woah.' Her imagination instantly ran wild. 'Bet she’s ripped under that armor. Totally opposite of me. Me, who's all... skin and bones.' She flexed her noodle-thin arm discreetly and sighed.

"Please stand still and raise your arms sidewards" she repeated, with more firmness this time.

"Oh sorry..." Lylia said as she was about to raise her arms. But then, she stopped "Well, what for?"

"Body inspection." 

"Huh?" she froze, hugging herself protectively. "Wait... what do you mean body inspection? You’re not gonna… like, touch me, right?"

"It’s standard procedure," She replied matter-of-factly. “You might be hiding dangerous items. Don’t worry, we’re both girls.”

"Ehhh...." she hesitated. 

She hasn't even touched herself that much yet, but now someone else will? Even if they're also both girls, that might actually even be worse. 

Though, she doesn't have any choice unless she wants to sleep outside, with the grass, in the middle of nowhere.

She thought that she was over reacting. It might not be that different from a mall's entrance.

Lylia nervously complies. "Right... Sure. Totally fine…" Her voice was anything but fine.

"Empty your pockets," the guard instructed.

Lylia pulled out her staff and book. "These are literally all I’ve got."

The knight inspected the staff briefly, then reached for the book. Lylia hesitated as this was her divine gift from god, after all. But eventually, she handed it over. 'It’s just a magic guide. No big deal… right?'

The guard skimmed through a few pages, her expression unreadable.

Then, suddenly, a strange, almost puzzled look crossed her face before she quickly closed the book and returned it.

"…Is something wrong?" Lylia asked carefully.

"No," She said curtly, clearly avoiding the question.

Lylia narrowed her eyes. "...Now I really want to know." 

But the guard ignored her completely.

"Finally, stand straight. Arms out to the side," The guard ordered.

Lylia obeyed reluctantly. She didn’t want to sleep outside, literally on the grass with bugs, so… compliance it was. 'Just get this over with…'

The check began at her legs. It wasn’t too bad. Just a light pat here and there.

Then, the knight's hands moved higher.

"Ah!" Lylia let out a startled, soft gasp before she could stop herself.

The guard paused. “Something wrong?”

"N-No! Totally fine!" Lylia stammered, cheeks pink. 'That startled me!' she screamed internally. 'Is it because… this body’s still new to me? Or are girl bodies just… more sensitive? Let's find out!'

As the guard’s hands continued upward, brushing lightly over her thighs and stomach, a ticklish sensation spread through her. Lylia clenched her jaw, shutting her eyes tightly to keep from bursting into laughter.

And then, something bumped.

A sudden, firm touch landed right on her chest.

"AHhH~ !" The sound that escaped Lylia was far louder than intended. Heads turned.

Her face turned scarlet as she waved her hands wildly. "I-It was just a tickle! It's nothing!"

The guards gave her skeptical looks before returning to their duties.

Lylia, on the other hand, was internally combusting. 'That was dangerous! What the hell was that feeling!? Hehe.'

Finally, the inspection ended. Lylia exhaled deeply, relieved.

"Nice to meet you. And I’ll remember you." Lylia said, staring. Her voice carried an almost dramatic seriousness, as if making a vow.

The guard blinked, "…Right."

As they regrouped near the carriage, Eduart turned to face them, his tone calm but firm. "This is where we part ways. From here, you’ll be on your own."

Lylia froze, stunned. "…Wait, what?!”

Her voice cracked as she stumbled toward him. "But I don’t know where to go... I don’t even have a place to stay..."

Her shoulders slumped, and she glanced down shyly. “…Could I… at least borrow some money?”

She lifted her face slowly, eyes shimmering like a pitiful little kitten.

Eduart’s kind smile faltered. He sighed, clearly moved by pity, and reached into his satchel. When he handed her a small pouch, the sound of coins softly clinking together was like the sweetest music she’d ever heard.

"You don’t need to pay me back," Eduart said warmly.

Lylia’s face lit up like a firework show. "Seriously?! Thank you so, so much!"

Clutching the pouch to her chest, she thought with giddy pride, 'I knew I could count on my face!...Heh, maybe I could even tame the demon lord with my charm. Nah. No way… right?'

Eduart then turned to Slade. "Would you be willing to guide her to an inn?"

Slade’s jaw tightened, his reluctance clear. "…Fine." Then, glaring at Lylia, he added sharply, "But I’m not paying for anything."

Lylia laughed lightly, waving a hand. "Of course, hehe. Wouldn’t dream of it. " 

She flashed him a grateful smile. 

"Thanks, though."