Help! I'm in Another World and the Dragon Man Want Me To Get Pregnant!
Chapter 23: Journey with Clarion

Chapter 23: Journey with Clarion

"So, it’s like we just abandon the horse, or rather, completely pass the responsibility?"

"Well, in exchange for that, a fair amount of money is paid."

As a customer, Shen Xinghui found this system incredibly convenient.

However, thinking about it, shouldn’t the stable owner from earlier be the one to return the horse, not them?

"Um, with this system, isn’t it strange that we’re the ones returning it?"

"If the return location and the destination of the person borrowing the horse align, the horse can be rented at a discounted price, with the condition that it is returned to the original stable. This way, the stable reduces labor costs and the risk of being attacked, and the borrower can save on expenses. It’s a give-and-take situation."

That made sense.

It seemed like a pretty well-thought-out system.

"Um, how do you know which stable a horse belongs to?"

"See the medal around Clarion’s neck? It contains data about which town and stable the horse came from. It even has the horse’s name, age, and weight."

"So, you can tell by scanning this medal?"

Shen Xinghui noticed the thick golden chain hanging around Clarion’s neck, with a golden medal at the end.

He thought it might be some kind of decoration, but it actually had a much more important function.

"It also helps prevent theft. This medal can only be removed by the stable that owns the horse. Even if someone steals the horse, it’ll be obvious."

"Wow, that’s amazing! I see, it’s very important."

Shen Xinghui was surprised.

He hadn’t realized horse theft was even a thing.

"We’ll ride for another hour, then take a break by the lake. We’ll have lunch there for about an hour. By evening, we should be able to see the next town, and we’ll stay the night there."

"Got it."

The idea of having lunch by the lake felt like something out of a picnic scene.

Shen Xinghui, feeling a little bit excited, leaned on Ignatius and relaxed.

The breeze by the lake was cool.

Just as the sun started to get stronger, they stopped to rest.

While Ignatius set up a sunshade tarp from his waist pouch, Shen Xinghui slumped under the shade of a tree.

The unfamiliar horseback riding had left his thighs, hips, and even his backside sore.

Clarion seemingly in tune with him, was there, rubbing her cheek against his.

Shen Xinghui, finding it endearing, reached out to gently stroke her nose.

Clarion, looking pleased, narrowed her eyes in contentment.

"It’s rare for a unicorn to get so affectionate."

Ignatius finished setting up the tarp and also arranged a simple table and chairs.

He had a bowl of water in one hand, and in the other, a portion of Clarion’s food.

They had purchased the horse’s food at the stable.

"Unicorns are naturally wary and prideful creatures. While Clarion seems calm here at the stable, whether she’ll warm up to you is another matter."

As Ignatius spoke, Clarion continued rubbing her long neck against Shen Xinghui’s arm.

In response, he gently stroked her neck, running his hand through her soft fur.

"It’s said that unicorns open their hearts to those with pure souls. You must have a pure heart, Shen Xinghui."

"That’s not true!"

It was a compliment that was far too embarrassing to be said with such a lovely smile.

In any case, it was time for lunch.

Shen Xinghui took out his meal from his pouch.

The rice balls were filled with salmon, bonito flakes, and pickled plum.

There were also stewed vegetables, cucumber pickles, grilled fish, and miso paste.

When hot water was poured over the miso paste, it would turn into a simple miso soup.

As he laid everything out, Ignatius’s eyes sparkled slightly.

"Amazing, I can’t believe we’re eating such a wonderful meal."

"It’s not that impressive... um, if you’re still hungry, I can get more."

Shen Xinghui felt genuinely happy at the praise.

He couldn’t help but blush, feeling embarrassed.

Watching Ignatius eat the meal with a full smile, the food seemed to disappear into his stomach at a rapid pace.

Seeing someone enjoy their food so much made Shen Xinghui understand the feeling of liking someone who ate delicious food.

"Xinghui’s cooking is really delicious. I’ve never tasted anything like this before, but everything has a simple, warm taste."

"Please don’t praise me so much. It’s... a little embarrassing."

If he was praised any more, Shen Xinghui felt like he might shrink into nothing.

After the meal, they decided to rest for a while.

Shen Xinghui sat under the shade of a tree and covered himself with a blanket.

Ignatius was nearby, and Clarion was there as well.

As a precaution, a barrier to ward off monsters had been set up around the area.

"You must be tired from riding an unfamiliar horse. Are you in any pain?"

"Haha, just a little."

"Would you like me to heal you?"

"No, it’s not that bad!"

Shen Xinghui declined, feeling guilty about receiving so much help.

He lay down next to Ignatius, who looked a little lonely.

The scent of the grass was oddly soothing, and the blanket was just warm enough.

Combined with the fatigue, he quickly fell asleep.

-•-

When Shen Xinghui woke up, he found himself swaying on horseback.

Looking up, he met Ignatius’s gentle black eyes, which were filled with a kind, soft expression.

"You’re awake now."

"Um, I..."

"You seemed tired. I didn’t want to wake you, so I let you rest."

Ignatius smiled and pointed ahead.

In the distance, the outer walls of the next town could be seen.

The town appeared to be a little smaller than the one from the previous day.

They left Clarion at the stable and headed for the inn.

It seemed that Ignatius was familiar with this place, as he guided Shen Xinghui there.

It was here that Shen Xinghui first saw a female Beast Man.

"Oh, isn’t it Ignatius! Who’s this cute kid with you?"