Caravans. In his original world, similar things had existed. Merchants and transporters would join together to protect both themselves and their cargo when passing through dangerous areas, defending against robbers and other violence.
The caravan head was typically a merchant responsible for transporting goods between cities, who engaged in this business as a livelihood. Other members of the caravan included both those who traveled under this banner as well as unaffiliated merchants who joined for the journey.
I have to say, this is pretty much what I expected.
The scene before him essentially mirrored his knowledge of how such things worked back home. At least with respect to outer appearance, there wasn’t really anything that stood out as being different.
However, if one were to instead consider the armed individuals standing by the wayside, the differences between this caravan and ones back home would become immediately apparent.
A single glance would reveal armored warriors and mages alike, including even female swordswomen similar to Lefille among their number.
Although the armed individuals numbered not more than twenty, Suimei nevertheless felt that this was quite a substantial force already.
The sheer number of guards that had been hired was a testament to the dangers of this world.
Not only was the level of civilization in this world considerably low, but many dangers were also present that were not to be found in his own world. In this world, without suitable martial force, travel between cities and kingdoms would already be all but impassable; transportation methods from back home such as airplanes and rail were, of course, an impossibility.
Traveling between cities consisted of following the large, paved road. Street lights did not exist, and even finding a water source or lodgings required a good amount of effort.
As Suimei considered the circumstances, he came to realize just how convenient life had really been back in his own world.
Debating the relative conveniences and inconveniences of the two worlds with himself, Suimei finally arrived, and made his way toward a particular man who was dressed like a merchant.
From the description he’d been given at the guild when accepting the request, this appeared to be the man who had given the commission to the Twilight Pavilion.
“Can I help you?”
“I’m Yakagi Suimei, from the adventurer’s guild. I’m here to present myself as one of the escorts for this caravan.”
The man first met Suimei’s business-like introduction with a look of suspicion, his expression changing as he suddenly remembered something.
“Oh, how polite. I’m Galeo, the one who’s organized this caravan. You’re the Yakagi who knows restorative magic, I presume? Thank you for accepting this request. If any are injured along the way to Kurand, I’ll be relying on you.”
“No problem at all. It’s a pleasure to be working with you as well.”
Suimei took the outstretched hand in a handshake, signaling the end of their business meeting.
Suddenly, however, Galeo looked at Suimei with some confusion on his face.
“I’d heard Yakagi-san was a mage, but your clothing…”
“Oh, my clothes?”
“Mm-hmm. No matter how I look at it, I can’t see it as a mage’s clothing…”
So he’s confused about this too, huh?
“Haha. I’m not actually that fond of mage’s clothing, to be quite honest with you,” Suimei answered with an unfeigned smile.
Galeo again gave him an appraising look.
“Oh? Why’s that?”