The black-and-white kitten glared at Matthew, indignant at his laughter. With a leap, she vanished into the roadside forest.
"Wait!" Sean reached for his reins, but Matthew stopped him. "She'll be fine."
Sean watched the trees. "I hope so."
Matthew's smile faded. "Just recalling funny memories from home."
"Where is home?" Sean asked. "You don't sound like a Lane native."
"Anjou Kingdom. I came for Vernis' truffles—stayed seven years." Matthew's gaze grew distant.
…
Lucio slowed his horse, drawn by talk of food. "I loved truffles too! As a boy, Father and I hunted them with pigs. Half ended up in the sow's belly!"
Matthew paled. Suddenly, truffles taste like… pig saliva.
"Anjou has no oak forests?" Lucio pressed.
"We have plenty—just no appreciation for truffles." Matthew sighed.
…
As they chatted, Sean's EXP surged:
Hour 1: +28 EXPHour 2: +26 EXPHour 3: +24 EXP
Total: level11 136/200
Though EXP gains diminish,Sean relished Matthew's stories of distant lands. The kitten returned, glaring at Sean before curling on Matthew's shoulder.
…
At noon, the garrison camped by the Morningstar river. Matthew described Anjou's royal drama.
"King Harrison became a sanctuary warrior 30 years ago - has a 500-year lifespan. But his son, Prince Matthew Iris… 71 years old and still a crown prince!"
"71?!" Sean gasped. "That's tragic!"
"The worst? He'll never became a sanctuary warrior. Dies at 150, never king."
Sean adopted a somber tone: "'One day, my reign will end… and you shall be crowned posthumously.'"
Matthew laughed so hard the kitten hissed. "Precisely!"
…
Lucio approached, miserable. "Soldier's stew is ready. Not great, but filling."
Matthew perked up. "Stew? Let's hunt! pheasant,fish—"
"Can't grill," Lucio admitted.
"Leave it to me!" Matthew patted his bow. "And Lucio ,send a attendant to catch fish. Our little friend here loves seafood." He nodded at the kitten.
Lucio grinned. "Of course. Enjoy your'fish date'—I'll handle the BBQ."