I Have a Task Log

Chapter 458: Chapter 457: Giant Companion

Dressed in sharp riding attire and mounted on a tall steed, Karen Valenza smiled. "Colin, long time no see! I heard you took care of a few Mind Flayers?"

"Just one, really. The other was taken down by the Grand Market squad," Colin said, getting straight to the point. "We’d like to buy a pack horse, if we can."

"That’s not nearly enough! I’d suggest you each buy two Warhorses, a riding horse, and several pack horses. Now *that* would be enough."

As he spoke, Karen kept pulling at the reins to get his restless Warhorse to settle down.

"We’re not really used to fighting on horseback," Colin said.

No matter the world, a proper Warhorse was incredibly expensive and a huge hassle to care for. With that many, they’d have to hire Grooms or Attendants.

There was no need for them to break the bank for a mount; it just wasn’t worth the cost.

Of course, if it were for a creature like a Griffin or a Pegasus, that would be a different story.

"Alright then. Since you’re my friend, I’ll take you to have a look." Karen dismounted and handed the reins to a nearby stablehand.

He led Colin and the others to an area near the main ranch house.

The fences here were much higher than in the other areas, and the paddock itself was far cleaner.

Karen shouted a few phrases in a southern dialect. Before Colin could even make out what he’d said, several stablehands in the yard herded over dozens of horses.

"These are all rejects that couldn’t make it as Warhorses, but their bloodlines are sound. They’ll be more than enough for pack duty, though they might need some time to adjust. I wouldn’t recommend loading them up with too much at first."

Karen continued, "Pick one out for yourselves. As for the price, I’ll let it go for fifty Gold Coins."

"Thanks," Colin nodded.

Generally speaking, fifty Gold Coins was the price for an Ordinary pack horse, but the quality of these horses was clearly far superior, so Karen was indeed giving them a discount.

Before he could even finish, Kase pointed at the largest horse in the herd and shouted, "That one! That’s the one! I think that one looks great."

Colin glanced at the horse Kase was pointing to.

It was a heavy draft horse, its shoulder height nearly matching Kase’s. When it raised its head, the top of its head was likely close to eight feet off the ground.

"That’s a Hoar Horse from Soen Island, the largest horse breed in the world. But because they’re just so big," Karen slapped his thigh, "a normal person’s legs are spread too far apart when riding them, so it’s very uncomfortable. They’re incredibly strong, though."

Colin took a closer look at the Hoar Horse.

He didn’t know what kind of horse would be best, but he figured he should pick one that wasn’t too bright. It would probably be more obedient.

Staring at the Hoar Horse among the herd, Colin saw a bit of Kase in it. He turned to the others and asked, "If no one objects, let’s get this one."

"No objections from me," Dorn said, crossing his arms.

"I was actually hoping for one of those super-tiny ponies, the kind that’s the size of a puppy. They’re so cute," Orelia said tentatively. Seeing the looks on everyone’s faces, she quickly added, "...but this big horse looks great too."

"We’ll take this one, then. Here’s our money." Colin reluctantly pulled ten Gold Coins from his money pouch.

Seeing this, Kase and the others did the same, each pulling out ten Gold Coins.

Standing by, Karen furrowed his brow slightly at the sight. His expression seemed to ask, ’Is a squad that’s slain a dragon really this broke?’

The group led the horse back to their apartment. While Colin and the others went about their own business, Kase enthusiastically spent the better part of the day in the stable, bonding with his Big Hoof Treasure.

「The next morning.」

Colin took Kase and the Hoar Horse they had bought yesterday to the Dwarf Sewer. After bringing Dorn out, they headed for the north gate of Thousand Masts City.

This time, the Half-Orc had an iron-rimmed Large Shield on his back, while an Armed Sword now hung from Ale’s waist.

Both items were loot they had obtained after dealing with the Mind Flayer.

As they walked, Kase pulled an apple from his bag. He took a bite for himself before pushing the rest toward Big Hoof Treasure’s mouth. The giant horse’s lips twitched, and with a CRUNCH, it devoured the offering.

Big Hoof Treasure carried three bags of various sizes on its back.

Counting the contents of the Dimension Bag, this was everything they owned.

It had to be said, having a pack horse was a great feeling. At least they no longer had to walk around with clanking, rattling backpacks.

As they continued on, Kase bellowed joyfully, "Haha! I’m finally not the pack animal anymore!"

"That pile of gear you’re carrying probably weighs as much as a pack animal’s load anyway," Colin said, gesturing to the numerous weapons Kase had on him.

"It’s not your stamina that’s worn down by being a beast of burden, it’s your dignity," Kase said.

"Seems our friend Kase is a bit smarter than he looks," Dorn quipped. "That last line sounded like a famous quote by some great fool!"

Before they knew it, the group had arrived at the city gate.

Colin looked around but didn’t see the Weston Clan’s assembled caravan. He turned back to the others and said, "Looks like we’ll have to wait here for a bit."

They didn’t have to wait long before Bob’s voice suddenly called out from a distance.

"Hey! Colin! What are you guys doing here?!"

Looking toward the sound of the voice, they saw the old carriage driver leading a caravan over from within Thousand Masts City.

Once he got closer, Colin called out, "We’re escorting a noble’s caravan, so we have to wait here for a little while."

"Guess I’ll be waiting here a bit, too," Bob said. "Those assholes at the Carriage Guild finally realized that hiring a bunch of Low-tier Adventurers is no substitute for hiring a few pros."

"Seems we came along at a good time, then," Colin laughed.

"You guys are different," Bob said with an awkward laugh.

He then added, "Did you know? Lately, the slums are full of stories about you."

"What stories?"

"That you solved the disappearance case in the slums. We’ve been spreading the word about it for you recently," Bob said with a smile. "Everyone’s started calling you the ’Half-Imperial’."

"Why would you do that?" Colin was stunned. "And what the hell is a ’Half-Imperial’?"

"You’re our friend. Of course we’re going to help build up your reputation."

Bob explained, "Well, most people know your squad is, uh... a symbol of racial harmony. So they’re guessing you’re of mixed blood, part from the Ancient Empire and part modern. I mean, you have black hair, and you like to walk around in that antique-looking armor, right?"

’What kind of nonsense is that? I’m a native of Thousand Masts City.’ Colin silently glanced down at his Chest Armor.

’At this point, all I can do is pray that Donkexes finishes up my new armor soon.’

Sensing the awkwardness, Bob cleared his throat. "So, uh, how about we talk about those new dishes Old Black Heart has been messing with recently?"

The group continued to chat idly for a few more moments.

The appointed meeting time was drawing near, but the main road remained empty. There was still no sign of the noble’s caravan.

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