Wagon Sweet Wagon

Putting his arm around Rose and petting her head, Miguel takes a deep sigh, “Alright, now that Rose is asleep let’s talk business.”

“As you wish.”

“First of all, I want to make it clear once more that the deal we have with you guys is that Rose can live her live however she wants and is not bound by your rules once she’s ordained.”

“That is correct, we intend to honor that deal. Do you intend to honor your side of the deal that she will get and keep her personal knight to serve and teach her?”

“Yes we do. We will not intervene directly in it but ultimately Rose might choose to fire said knight.”

“If she does, well just keep bestowing new knights on her until she’s satisfied.”

“Tsk Fine. Let’s talk about the trip. I came here because I wanted to make sure you don’t try anything and to observe Rose. She intends to keep adventuring after her ordination so if possible, I’d prefer if we could come to an agreement to keep the knight observation covert, so I can see what her usual adventuring life is like. Of course you’re invited to observe as well through one of your knights. I’m sure it is also of interest to the church how Rose usually lives.”

“While I am curious, I also think it’s best not to endanger her in any way. The chances might be very slim that something will happen due to our knights acting covertly but I’d rather not take that chance at all.”

“It is barely a risk. It might even be to our advantage if the knights are not too overt as it encourages the demons not to just take a frontal assault. A frontal assault is much more dangerous than them attempting to somehow infiltrate us.”

“...”

“Perhaps you are right…But it does leave me with a bad feeling.”

“Then how about this? We’ll tell her you were the one that suggested this. That will make her think more highly of you, which seems to be what you want. Does that sweeten the deal for you?”

“...”

“It does…Alright, I will agree to your proposition.”

About twenty minutes later at the Duke’s mansion, everyone stops their carriages. Miguel and the Saintess then approach the Shooting Stars. Miguel seems to be carrying Rose, who is currently asleep.

Miguel says, “We’re stopping here to get that wagon you have been adventuring with. John, you however please continue riding with the saintess to get your guardian angel at the church.”

“Alright…She won’t do anything to me though, right?”

“Not as long as you don’t try something first. I’ll also send two royal guards with you to guarantee your safety.”

“Alright, in that case it should be fine. I’ll see you all later once I get that ‘guardian angel’.”

Slightly worried Sher aka gives him a hug, “Just make sure you stay safe, okay?”

“Don’t worry. It will be fine. I doubt they’ll be doing anything to the new saintess’ best friend.”

“If you say so…I’ll see you soon.”

“Yep, see ya.”

They then split up and keep going to the stables where Sher Aka seems to get excited as she sees the horses again, “Hi Margaret! You’re looking really healthy! And Applecore, such a nice mane you have! You’re both looking like you had a great time here!”

The horses do seem to recognize her and get a little excited themselves rubbing their faces on Sher Aka’s shoulder and head.

“Now! How about we three ladies go and see our wagon again? Would you like that? Yes of course you would~”

Sher Aka then leads out the horses from the stables and towards where the stablemaster told her their wagon is stationed.

Seeing the wagon come into view Rayla gets excited, “Ah! Home sweet home! I missed this little rackety thing.”

“I for one am glad I was able to sleep in a bed these last two years,” Scarlet scoffs.

“Oh~Don’t tell me you don’t miss us three cuddling up in there?”

“Well…I guess it had its uses…”

“Then how about we use it for that once again! Go take Rose, I’ll lay out the bedding!”

“Pfft Sure!”

Picking up Rose from Miguel’s arms, Scarlet carries her over to the wagon while Sher Aka puts the horses to the cart.

A bit skeptical, Miguel walks around the cart and inspects it. Looking inside, he watches as Scarlet, Rose and Rayla take up a significant amount of space on the inside.

“So this…Was Rose’s home?”

“Yeah pretty much,” Rayla answers, “Though we did also stay at Inn’s when we had the chance and back in Berk she shared the room at the boarding house with me.”

“I see…Doesn’t it get quite…Crowded in there?”

“Only when we’re all inside at the same time, but usually we have two people on the coach seat. When it’s cold it gets a little cramped because we all sleep inside here but when it’s warmer and the terrain is good John and Sher Aka usually pitch a tent right outside the wagon.”

“And how much time do you spend inside this wagon?”

“Uhm…When we’re travelling probably for most of the day. We do have small breaks in between to stretch and do our business as well as lunch and dinner but otherwise we’re mostly in here.”

“And how often do you spend time on the road?”

“Most of the time really. Unless someone is injured or there is something else going on that prevents us from questing. Usually we’re at an Inn for two to three days after each quest and then get back on the road.”

“I see…I’m surprised you were able to endure that Scarlet. You are usually the first  that complains when the slightest thing is wrong.”

“That’s because as Crownprincess I demand a certain level of quality. When I’m here, I’m not doing so as my function of Crownprincess, so I don’t mind.”

“I see. You are surprisingly adaptable.”

“Thanks!”

“Where would be a good place for me to sit then? I’d prefer a spot where I can keep an eye on Rose.”

“Just sit in the corner. We’ll make it work.”

“Alright.”