“You guys,” Eugene called out.

“Yes, sir,” the guides answered while groveling. They had been tasked by Count Lucas to lead Eugene’s group to the forest.

“The way to Marine Forest. Right path. Are you sure?” Eugene asked.

“O-of course. This is the fastest and safest path to Marine Forest,” one of the guides answered.

“Hm.” Eugene gave a cold stare, and the guides quickly lowered their heads while trembling.

‘There’s something off about this.’

At first glance, one could think of them as being nervous in front of a high-ranking noble, but Eugene noticed that something was different. The guides were simply too nervous and frightened. Moreover, their behavior had been persistent over the past two days.

“Quick and safe? Until now, we saw a group of roamers. Three times,” Eugene asked.

“T-t-there are even more roamers on the other roads! I-I swear it, sir!” The guides bowed their heads while stuttering. Beads of sweat decorated their foreheads.

Eugene looked down at them for a moment before turning his head. “Luke.”

“Yes, Master,” Luke answered.

Eugene purposefully spoke in the Caylor Kingdom’s language, “Are they guiding us properly?” 

“It does feel as if we are taking a bit of a roundabout, but it...