The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 101
We boarded a carriage heading toward the next village, taking our time as there was no rush.
“Allen-sensei, what’s the plan for the next village?”
“Well, I’ll observe the children there first. If there’s anyone with potential, I’ll take note. But, as you know, talented individuals are rare,” Sensei replied with a light chuckle.
It was true. The individuals recruited by the Zero Division were exceptional in both skills and aptitude. A run-of-the-mill knight candidate wouldn’t make the cut. Many recruits possessed unique abilities or mastery over unconventional magic. Coupled with the need for quick decision-making and extensive knowledge, it was no wonder Sensei struggled to find suitable candidates.
In my case, it had been my… unique circumstances. A perfect match for the Zero Division, some might say. It was likely a path where I’d hide my true potential for the rest of my life.
The village we arrived at this time was markedly different. Unlike the smaller settlement we’d just left, this village housed the manor of a local lord and had a noticeably larger population.
After securing accommodations, we ventured out for lunch. It was midday, and the streets were bustling, with the local eateries packed with patrons.
“Allen-sensei, what are you having? I think I’ll try the grilled Crab Spider.”
“I’ll go with the magical bird pie,” he decided.
When we placed our order, the dishes arrived promptly.
I’d heard about Crab Spiders before—giant spider-like creatures about a meter in size, known for their strong, sticky silk. Though their appearance was off-putting, they were a delicacy in some regions. Their silk was highly prized by mages, making it a valuable gift. However, only their legs were edible, as their torsos weren’t suitable for consumption.
The legs, while intimidating at first glance with their black exteriors and coarse hairs, became much more appetizing once roasted. The heat removed the hair, revealing smooth, flavorful flesh beneath.
The dish that arrived featured three massive legs on a sizzling iron plate. Their hard shells had been pre-split, making the tender meat inside easy to extract. Using a fork, I pried out a chunk of meat, popping it into my mouth. The firm, springy texture was accompanied by a subtle sweetness and a hint of herbs—simply delightful.
“Sensei, this is incredible!”
“Glad to hear it. This pie’s pretty good too. Seems like we picked a great spot,” he said with a smile.
For an extra treat, I ordered bread, stuffed it with the crab spider meat, and took a big bite. The combination was heavenly, making me feel like I’d discovered the perfect way to enjoy this delicacy.
Satiated, we returned to the inn. While I had plenty of stamina, traveling by carriage still left me feeling drained. Barely making it to the bed, I collapsed and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.
The following morning, I overslept until Sensei came to wake me. After breakfast, we began exploring the village.
Our first stop was the local church, where we made donations under the guise of adventurers. We distributed sweets and everyday necessities to the children, playing with them while discreetly observing their potential.
Despite their innocence and energy, none of the children here seemed to possess the traits Sensei was looking for. A few showed promise as future knights, but exceptional talent was scarce.
After three days of observation, Sensei completed his report and sent it to the captain.
“Roa, the report’s done. We’ll head to the next village now. This time, we’ll complete requests along the way, so be prepared for a few nights of camping.”
“Understood, Allen-sensei.”
At the local guild, we accepted several B-rank monster extermination quests, focusing on those deemed troublesome. After stocking up on provisions, we left the village.
Our first target was the Crab Spiders, whose population had grown uncontrollably. The request was to cull their numbers, leaving about ten for ecological balance.
That meant we could potentially eat a few more—an exciting prospect for me.
“Roa, you seem overly excited about these Crab Spiders,” Sensei teased.
“Of course! They were so delicious, I’ve been looking forward to this,” I replied cheerfully.
“Always the food enthusiast,” he said with a shake of his head.
As we ventured into the forest, the scale of the infestation became apparent. Before us stretched a vast spawning ground, with far more spiders than the report had indicated.
“This is way more than we were told! They’re breaking the request’s terms!” I exclaimed, exasperated.
The sheer number was overwhelming. Though Crab Spiders were typically non-aggressive unless provoked, the sight of their countless skittering legs was unnerving.
“This is too much. We’ll have to use magic. Roa, I’ll create an earth wall. Use fire to burn the ones inside,” Sensei instructed.
“But… but… the food!” I protested weakly.
“Focus, Roa. We have to handle this!”
Sensei constructed a massive earthen barrier, isolating four large adults and a cluster of young spiders. Reluctantly, I cast Fireball into the enclosure. The flames spread rapidly, consuming everything within.
“At least this way, we conserve mana,” I muttered.
“Exactly. Let’s keep at it.”
One by one, we repeated the process until only ten spiders remained, as per the request. The operation had taken hours, but it was necessary. Among the remains, we salvaged unburned spider silk—valuable material for crafting.
“I’ll send this to Arnold-senpai,” I said, thinking aloud. “He’ll appreciate rare materials for his creations.”
“Arnold and Yele? Good choices. You’ve built quite a network, Roa,” Sensei said approvingly.
“Of course! But I’m not expecting a custom magic tool or anything,” I added hastily.
That evening, we set up camp in a safe spot. Though the day had been long, I felt a sense of accomplishment. As I stared at the fire, I couldn’t help but smile, imagining what adventures awaited us in the villages ahead.