The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 180: Calm Roads, Quiet Nights

The morning mist clung to the trees as the caravan set off once more, their wheels creaking gently over the uneven dirt path. Sunlight speared through the forest canopy above, casting dappled gold onto the road as the peaceful rhythm of travel took hold.

The group moved with ease, their spirits light, helped by the quiet company of a man whose very presence guaranteed safety. There was no need for constant worry or second glances into the forest's depths. With the Monster King riding along, the fear of bandit attacks and beast ambushes seemed laughable. Though they were in beast territory now, they hadn't even run into one. It really felt like Lance had a magical deterring effect.

Lance spent most of the morning inside one of the rear carriages, seated on a soft pile of wrapped cloth bundles and goods. The wood creaked occasionally beneath him as the wheels rolled over stones, roots and dips in the path. He sat with one leg lazily crossed over the other, his large frame making the interior feel somewhat cramped, but he didn't mind. His long black hair flowed freely, a few strands catching the soft breeze that filtered in through the small openings in the side.

Throughout, he remained awake, his eyes half-lidded and calm but watchful, quietly listening to the muted voices outside. The merchants spoke of ordinary and usual things like prices in the northern towns, which inns served the best ale, gossip about local noble houses. It certainly was a new experience, as he had mostly been cooked in the monster companies, and when he left, he went to the dragon lands.

By midday, the group reached a gentle slope leading to a riverbank. The water sparkled beneath the sun, flowing clear and calm as birds chirped in the trees nearby. Seeing the opportunity for rest, the leader of the caravan raised a hand, signaling for a stop.

"Water and food break!" he called.

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The horses were unhitched and led down to the river, snorting and stomping with relief. Others began pulling out food and supplies, settling near the water under the shade of nearby trees.

Lance stepped out of the carriage, blinking slowly against the bright light. He looked around with the relaxed air of someone who could afford to drop his guard. The soft murmur of the flowing river met his ears, and he walked to its edge, crouching briefly to run a hand through the cool water.

"You never really appreciate how much you miss normal things until you're lost," he muttered to himself.

"Not often you see a king crouched by the river like that," the old caravan leader said, approaching with a thick hunk of bread and dried meat. "You make it hard for folks to believe you could punch through mountains."

Lance accepted the food with a slight grin. "Hahaha... let's not be mentioning that again." He said.

Since they had been nearby, there was no way they would miss the loud rumble caused by the crumbling of entire mountain tops, not to mention the visual proof. Though they were unsure how it was even possible, as it wasn't common knowledge that people that strong could be encountered so easily, what they were sure of was Lance's strength.

They sat nearby in companionable silence, watching the rest of the group laugh and share meals.

"Seems like you've built something real," the merchant said after a time. "That kingdom of yours... I've been there several times now. Everyone appear happy there, it's so unreal sometimes."

Lance tore a piece of hard bread, throwing it in his mouth. "That was always the point. I didn't just want a sanctuary, I wanted a home, for all of us."

The man nodded. "Well, you've got one. The people know it, too."

Lance listened, thinking how odd it was to bring up such a topic out of nowhere. Perhaps it was because the leader was a man nearing his old ages, he didn't seem bothered much as the rest, despite being aware of Lance's position as a king. It was very refreshing for Lance. Being treated with constant reverence was never something he got used to well.

Soon after, the group packed up and moved once more. The road stretched on gently, winding through old trees and occasional clearings, everywhere mostly surrounded by thick forests. As they moved, the merchants soon began talking to Lance more comfortably, asking questions, and even joking. Since he answered them honestly and with a tone that lacked any "royal airs", everyone was comfortable and he came off as very approachable. Now Eran even rode alongside Lance's carriage from time to time, clearly curious. His profound words certainly brought their effects.

As evening fell, they found another wide space beside the path and set up camp.

Lance, sat by one of the larger fires that had been kindled, receiving his share of food and water as he listened with a calm expression as one of them in the group, a woman plucked a lute and sang in a gentle voice. He wasn't used to this kind of peaceful journeying… or more accurately, he hadn't expected it. It would seem that they had gotten more relaxed with him around, even daring to play the flute at night.

It felt strange… pleasantly strange.

When the last of the firewood had been fed into the flames and the beddings were readied, the camp quieted.

"Any issues tonight?" Lance asked as he helped move a crate closer to the center.

The caravan leader shook his head. "Nothing so far. This stretch has been quiet. Maybe your presence scared the bandits and beasts off."

"Maybe," Lance said with a smirk. "Or maybe they're waiting for the worst possible moment."

The older man chuckled. "If they're dumb enough to try it, they'll find out why no one wants to mess with your kingdom." He man said confidently in Lance's steed.

'Yeah… I can taste the faith you have in me.' He thought to himself.

By midnight, most of the camp was asleep, tucked away in their tents or under thick blankets. The guards took their positions quietly, while Lance, at their insistence, was given a corner of the camp to rest again. He didn't really need it, but he accepted.

He just asked them to inform him if any troubles arise, but their determined and concise responses gave him a clear feeling that he didn't need to tell them.