"Calm, calm down..."
With the swords already drawn...
Sera could not hold on to the reins and controlled the horses with her heels.
Although there was some initial confusion among the horses due to the sudden stop, their ability to calm down after Sera's words showed how well-trained these horses were.
'It's crude, but the trap's made by someone with intelligence.'
Just a few inches away from the hooves was a taut rope.
It was tied to the nearby trees and, as if intended to be used at night, was painted black.
Thankfully Sera managed to sense the danger beforehand and skillfully stopped the carriage, otherwise it could have lead to a huge accident wherein the carriage overturned.
"Which bastards..."
Ian stood up with his foul words.
"Ian-nim. Take care of the carriage."
After calming down the horses, Sera stood up and requested him to oversee the protection of Riley and Iris.
The carriage was stopped in the middle of the forest.
Although there was a path which allowed carriages and men to travel through, to the sides were bushes and trees whose leaves fluttered in the cold night wind.
'Is there...nothing more to the trap?'
Sera looked about.
She began to sniff with her nose as her eyes could not see far in the darkness.
'It's not done by humans. It's faint, but there is the stench of a beast.'
If humans are excluded, there aren't many species that could perform such a feat.
As Sera began to narrow down the likely candidates she looked down at the taut rope which was blocking the path.
'Should I cut the rope and continue on?'
The rope was simply painted, and didn't seem too difficult to cut.
It would easily split in two even without the use of mana.
'I must hurry, before the trappers come.'
At the moment the culprits could not be seen.
The decision was quick.
It was just when Sera was about to come down from the driver's seat.
"...Kilkil!"
From the darkness a snicker could be heard, and daggers coated with green liquid flew at Sera from her blind spot.
'Behind?!'
Sera quickly pulled her sword back and spun her body.
Sera's face was filled with frustration, realising she was a tad late.
'Kuk, it's annoying to fight with a blow from the...'
“...Uah! Coke!!"
Ting!
A teacup flew towards Sera, and the dagger which was flying at Sera's back ricocheted.
'...start?'
As if he was having a strange dream, Riley woke up with a scream and knocked the teacup from Iris' hand.
"R-Riley? What's wrong?"
"...Ah."
Iris could not see the dagger before and looked at her son with surprise.
"Well...I just had a weird dream."
"Phew, you surprised me."
'...?'
From inside the carriage.
Ian who was looking blankly at Sera's back blinked his eyes repeatedly.
Such an amazing coincidence?
At such a perfect timing?
At such a perfect angle?
For Riley to knock the teacup in his sleep and hit the dagger midair?