How To Suck Honey With Extras [EN]: Chapter 32

Extra’s Honeyed Life – Episode 32

37. Goal is Dungeon Tour (3)

There are a total of six wagons we need to escort.

All of them belong to the Rupal Merchant Guild.

There’s one more, a wagon borrowed from the Guild.

It’s not for carrying people, but for carrying spare weapons and luggage for the mercenaries.

With that brief explanation, the mercenaries busily began their final preparations during the remaining short time.

I was about to check my luggage when I noticed Mr. Kalmant approaching me from behind.

“You’re Ailen, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Do you have a moment?”

He seems to have something to say. That’s unusual.

No… or is it?

My role in this escort mission is slightly different from the other mercenaries.

I roughly guessed what it was.

I nodded.

“Do you have any questions?”

“No, not exactly. I just wanted to know a little more about the potions you can provide. If it’s not too much to ask, could you tell me the quantity?”

As expected.

My main role in this escort mission isn’t combat.

I’m more like a medic in the military.

I joined this mission by promoting the potions I can make.

It’s a kind of healer role.

I look after the injured and provide the potions I have.

That’s the contract I made when undertaking this mission.

Of course, I’ll have to fight in some cases.

Even so, I’m primarily a support role, even in combat.

Rear guard! How sweet!

However, the Guild’s initial explanation was insufficient, so he wants to know more clearly and make a plan.

“First of all, I’ve loaded enough for 40 people onto the wagon in advance. And I have some materials, so I can make at least 40 more.”

“Hmm… a total of 80 servings.”

“I can provide up to 40 servings that I made in advance, as per the contract with the Guild. But beyond that…”

Beyond that, it’s not cost-effective.

It’s not a buffet, and I can’t provide potions indefinitely.

Well, it doesn’t matter if I give them away, but it’s good to make this clear if possible.

If they know there’s a set limit, they’ll have to use the supplies carefully.

Up to 40 are provided as a base, and beyond that, a separate fee is charged.

I clearly drew the line.

Mr. Kalmant seemed to understand.

“I know. I’m not that shameless. More than anything, that should be enough. It’s unlikely that we’ll use it all up.”

“I hope not. For the sake of a safe journey, before it becomes my loss.”

“Don’t worry.”

Mr. Kalmant said, as if guaranteeing it.

I heard that he’s been mainly doing escort missions.

In particular, he seemed experienced in planning these kinds of requests because he has a lot of experience with long-distance travel.

Well, if injuries keep occurring, it would be a disgrace.

“But is this the first time you’ve brought in a healer?”

“You could say that. Thanks to that, the clients are responding well this time. We were able to get a more reasonable request fee than before.”

I wondered why there was a sense of respect in his words towards me, but it seems like I’m benefiting them in ways I don’t even know about.

The people who use the potions aren’t just the mercenaries, so the merchants are also benefiting.

Well, the fact that I received three gold coins for this request must be a result of that.

I heard that other mercenaries get about one and a half to two.

It seems that healers are preferred everywhere, even in the world of novels.

“Plus, there’s a wizard this time.”

“…There’s a wizard?”

I was a little surprised by that.

A wizard, on an escort mission?

I heard that he’s taking on the request to go to Deyal Territory like me.

Thanks to that, this road will be a little safer.

Desirable.

I nodded in satisfaction and continued the conversation with him because I had a question.

“But what did you do before when there were injuries?”

“…We dealt with it appropriately, depending on the situation.”

“Appropriately? You mean?”

“Well, there are several ways.”

Mr. Kalmant gave a strange smile and told me, his eyes seeming to reminisce about something.

“Cutting open a monster’s bladder, boiling the contents, and sprinkling it on the wound to disinfect it, or tying it tightly and cauterizing it with fire to stop the bleeding.”

“In some cases, cutting it off on the spot and stopping the bleeding.”

Each and every one of them is a story that I can’t help but doubt my ears.

‘What is this, like grandmothers’ folk remedies…?’

The medicine they had before was also made with techniques at the level of folk remedies.

The ingredients are suspicious, and I don’t even want to hear about it.

I wouldn’t use them even if I died.

What kind of crazy guy came up with the idea of crushing bat intestines and herbs to make medicine?

If I ever meet him, I’ll sincerely slap him.

‘…Well. That’s the best they can do here.’

In this setting, medical knowledge is set to be about the Middle Ages.

It’s when suspicious folk remedies are rampant.

Whether it’s effective or not, aside from that.

‘Is this something to be happy about, or something to lament… seriously….’

Well, thanks to that, I’m making a fortune.

Potions are potions, but being able to use clean water thanks to a contract with the water spirit is also an advantage.

At least, there won’t be any disinfecting with monster urine as long as I’m here.

* * *

After the final check of the wagon’s condition and personnel was completed, the wagon heading to Deyal Territory finally began to roll.

Starting with the strong horses pulling the wagon cheerfully, the mercenaries began to walk side by side, forming a line around the wagon as if surrounding it.

Finally, a not-so-short journey has begun.

Even though they had just left the city, the mercenaries’ expressions were quite tense.

As if proving that escorting is by no means an easy task.

And I…….

“……Kyah, this wagon is amazing.”

I’m leaning leisurely against the wagon’s luggage compartment, enjoying the shaking with satisfaction.

What an easy life!

The other mercenaries are marching.

Not only are there no wagons to carry them, but they also walk with the minimum amount of equipment to prepare for anything.

But my case is different. I’m a rear guard, and there’s no need to waste my stamina.

Therefore, they naturally gave me consideration.

They decided to put me on the Guild’s luggage wagon.

Well, it’s not really comfortable.

It’s because they gave me a corner of the wagon loaded with weapons, food, and luggage.

Even now, if I stretch my legs, something pokes me and stings.

Still, it’s a luxury compared to those who are walking!

In addition, a man wrapped in a robe is crouching in another corner of the wagon besides me.

‘Is that the wizard Mr. Kalmant was talking about?’

His name is Raman.

Seeing as he’s an extra [a minor or background character], there’s no way I’d know him.

I was wondering if I should talk to him, but considering that wizards tend to be introverted and not very sociable, I’ll leave him alone for now.

‘Yeah, healers and wizards are the best after all.’

I didn’t aim for it on purpose, but I didn’t refuse because I believe in enjoying all the benefits I can.

It’s not being cheeky.

This is the proper distribution of roles.

Instead of going comfortably, I have to take care of the injured and make the necessary potions whenever I have time.

If I think of it as compensation for that, it’s not necessarily unfair.

* * *

Has it been about three days since we departed?

At first, I thought it was slow, but we’ve already come quite a long way.

Around this point, the traces of people passing by around the plains we’re passing through are quite faint, and only a faint path can be seen.

It means the real journey starts now.

‘I hope nothing happens if possible….’

Isn’t there a saying that the best thing is for spiritists and wizards to be idle [meaning their skills aren’t needed]?

I don’t want to work.

I prayed like that, but as they say, prayers don’t come true.

“…Stop.”

The mercenaries marching around the wagon were saying that one after another from the front, as if conveying those words.

And the coachman quietly nodded and slowly stopped the wagon.

“W-What’s going on?”

There aren’t many reasons for a wagon to stop suddenly.

A man who seemed to be a merchant from the front wagon asked the mercenaries.

I didn’t understand the situation either, so I leaned out of the wagon and asked a nearby mercenary.

“Um? What’s going on?”

“It seems like a guy who was guarding the surroundings found something.”

The mercenaries aren’t just walking.

Some of them have a good eye for detail and watch the surroundings.

It seems that those who were guarding the surroundings ordered the wagon to stop.

I roughly understand.

“Which way? Beasts? Monsters? Or bandits?”

Which one is it? Aren’t they the event guides that greet common travelers [a sarcastic way of referring to dangers]?

In response to my question, the mercenary listened to the guy in front and told me.

“It seems to be a monster.”

Is it better to have bandits or monsters?

If I had to choose, it’s the same thing.

Still, it’s easier to get rid of monsters without hesitation than people.

The atmosphere is becoming certain that there are monsters hiding around, and finally, after judging, Mr. Kalmant seems to have made the final decision.

“Prepare to respond. I’ll personally kick the ass of anyone who gets caught off guard by those monster bastards later!”

The mercenaries are preparing for battle in an orderly manner.

Since they already have their weapons, they mainly focus on setting up their formations.

It would be a disaster if the horses went wild and the wagon broke away, so the coachmen untied the reins on the horses and firmly hammered stakes into the ground to tie them there.

Then, they covered the horses’ eyes and ears with cloth.

The wagons were densely packed together, and the mercenaries formed a line around them, protecting them like a wall.

“Merchants and travelers, please don’t move inside. It’s more dangerous if you come out.”

Mr. Kalmant calmly said to the merchants and travelers who were the targets of the escort.

A panicked appearance makes the other person uneasy.

Rather, a dry, normal way of speaking would be more reassuring.

He must want to convey that this is nothing.

I also got out of the wagon and waited at the very rear of the mercenaries’ formation.

Before I knew it, I saw the wizard also waiting.

‘But is there really a monster?’

Half doubtful, at that moment, some of the mercenaries shot arrows as a warning.

As the arrows landed beyond that hill, I heard something rustling.

The monster revealed itself.

“…It’s orcs.”

The mercenaries frowned when they saw the monsters.

About twenty orcs appeared.

“There have often been sightings of orcs in the neighborhood, but they’re gathering in a larger group than the rumors said.”

“I’ve also heard rumors that the number of monsters has increased a bit recently.”

“What should we do?”

“Huh, are you suggesting we negotiate with those pig bastards?”

Was Mr. Kalmant’s words a joke?

The mercenaries who heard those words all smirked and shook their heads.

“Of course not.”

“Let’s show those bastards what’s what.”

“Is tonight orc meat?”

The sight of them raising their fighting spirit while saying that shows that they have plenty of confidence.

Some of it is on purpose, but there must also be a thought that this is really nothing.

Mr. Kalmant nodded greatly and shouted.

“Maintain the formation! They’re not patient anyway. They’ll attack first, so calmly counterattack!”

If they maintain the formation firmly and respond, it’s not a group they can’t handle.

Mr. Kalmant and some experienced mercenaries repeatedly said.

I also quietly prepared myself in the rear to be able to summon the necessary spirits at any time.

‘Please don’t come to the rear.’

It’s annoying.

There’s no need for a long confrontation.

As expected, it was the orc group that ran out of patience first.

Were they quite hungry?

-Kuaaaaaaa!

They started running, stomping their feet and making hideous cries.

“Shoot.”

Those with bows and crossbows began to counterattack first when they came within range.

Pshushushushut!

The sound of arrows spewing out rang out incessantly, and arrows flew like rain.

The arrows broke the momentum of the running orcs.

Of course, arrows alone cannot stop the orcs completely.

Since they are monsters characterized by thick fat and muscles, the arrows just get stuck in them.

Still, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.

The bastards instinctively covered their faces and hesitated.

“How foolish.”

I heard the mercenaries muttering with a half-mocking feeling.

It’s common sense to consider retreating from the point of failure, but do they not have the brains to judge that?