Re:Zero -Starting Life in Zero

"Damn it, come closer, I'll punch your eye out of the way!"

As a petty thug, Lazens couldn't stand the provocation and bared his teeth and claws, ready to beat up Subaru Natsuki.

Green couldn't stand it anymore and kicked Rajens in the butt.

"Move back a little, you're blocking my light."

"Yes, sir!"

Rajens responded with a fawning bow.

When the leader first said he was going to lead them to hunt down the white whale, the three of them were scared half to death.

Seeing how large the army was, the three of them became arrogant again.

If we can achieve meritorious service in this battle and receive a reward.

Not only can one reap a great deal of wealth, but one can also gain honor and bring glory to one's ancestors.

The usually straightforward Ah Han asked excitedly, "Boss, when are we going up?"

"With your fighting strength, you dare to challenge the White Whale? I've put you in charge of logistics. When you see any wounded, get to the rescue quickly, understand?"

Green said earnestly, then turned and nodded to Adon.

"Most importantly, be careful. Especially you, Adon, don't do anything foolish."

"Yes, boss!"

Just as the three were about to express their gratitude to their leader for his concern, Natsuki Subaru's provocative voice came from outside the dragon carriage again.

"Where's that punk from earlier? Get out of Emilia-tan's dragon carriage right now, and see how I, Dragon Knight Natsuki Subaru, deal with you!"

Natsuki Subaru, basking in the glow of Patrashu's arrival, drew his standard longsword from his waist and brandished it with surprising skill.

"Who is this guy? I can't stand it anymore!"

Lazens was furious and rolled up his sleeves.

"Boss, don't stop me! I'm going to break that damn sword of his! You two, come with me!"

Ah Han joined in the commotion, clenching his fists and yelling, "That's right! I'll beat him off the earthen platform!"

Adon looked at Green with a questioning gaze, as if seeking his opinion.

Green shrugged helplessly.

"Just don't get in the way. That guy is one of us too. You guys can just fool around and stretch your legs, but don't hurt him."

With their leader's approval, the three jumped off the slowly moving dragon chariot one after another, howling as they chased after Subaru Natsuki.

……

Amidst the imposing procession, a burly wolf-orc figure rode a lion-tiger beast, weaving through the crowd.

His grey-brown fur gleamed in the morning light, and his signature fangs swayed slightly with a hearty laugh—he was Ricardo Wilkin, the leader of the "Iron Fang" mercenary group.

His loud voice, thick with Kansai accent, could only reach a few feet to his side at this moment; the rest of the sound was swallowed up by the crowds that stretched to the horizon and the roar of the dragon-drawn carriages.

"Hey, hey, you buddy over there trembling with your sword sheath in your hand!"

Ricardo patted a young infantryman on the shoulder with such force that the man staggered half a step.

"Hey kid, you've practically wrung water out of your sword hilt. Save that lubrication for the victory celebration, hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, several veterans nearby couldn't help but chuckle. The oppressive atmosphere that had been permeating the ranks seemed to have been punctured by his loud voice.

"Haha, this kid is probably a complete novice in every way. Everyone is scared the first time."

The soldier shuddered at Ricardo's slap, his face flushed red, and he stubbornly said, "I...I'm not afraid!"

Ricardo continued to move among the group, using his humor to ease the pressure on everyone.

Before long, his business expanded to the area around Green's dragon car.

Ricardo patted the door of the dragon cart and shouted loudly.

"Hey, is Brother Green there?"

"I am Green, what do you want with me?"

Hearing the sound, Green poked his head out of the window and sized up the orc in front of him.

Ricardo was as burly as an iron tower, with gray-brown fur covering his neck and forearms, and a broad-backed machete hanging at his waist.

The liger he rode was slightly larger than a warhorse, but looked more like a lithe giant hound. It moved with light steps and showed no signs of clumsiness.

Ricardo gave a gruff laugh, his voice booming like a bell.

"Seeing you so relaxed makes me feel relieved. Miss said I have to match your rhythm in battle, and I'm really looking forward to meeting you."

Green raised an eyebrow, casually resting his elbow on the windowsill, and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"It's mainly because your mount is a bit funny, which makes it really hard for me to get nervous."

Ricardo paused for a moment, then grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth, and began to enthusiastically explain things to Green.

"This is called a liger, and it's probably quite rare here. While it's not as strong as an earth dragon, it's much more agile. If things get chaotic during the battle against the white whale, that's exactly when they'll shine!"

Green waved his hand, his smile unchanged.

"Haha, although it's a bit rude, I still want to make a comment. It feels like you're riding on the back of one of your own kind."

In the eyes of modern people, that's just dogs riding dogs.

He was laughing heartily when suddenly a slender, fair hand reached out from the carriage and precisely twisted his ear.

The sudden pain made Green wince and immediately beg for mercy: "Ouch, ouch, ouch! Leah, what are you doing?!"

Emilia leaned closer and apologized to Ricardo, saying, "I'm sorry, Captain Ricardo, I apologize on behalf of my knight."

"Haha, it's okay, it's okay!"

Ricardo threw his head back and laughed, his sharp teeth gleaming in the early sunlight. "Brother Green isn't wrong, mounts and warriors are brothers who share life and death."

Before leaving, his gaze inadvertently swept across the corner of the carriage, and his eyes suddenly paused.

There sat a woman, quietly with her eyes downcast.

But the gaze that landed on his abdomen carried a sharp chill, like the claws of a wild beast, causing even the battle-hardened Ricardo to instinctively tense his back.

This half-elf princess's camp is truly full of hidden talents.

Ricardo thought to himself, but laughed out loud, raised his chin at Green, and threw out a sleazy joke.

"I'll head down now. Green, you'd better take it easy. If your legs are trembling when you get out of the car, you won't be able to fight the beluga whale, hahaha..."

As soon as he finished speaking, he flicked the reins, and the liger immediately understood, carrying him as it galloped towards the back of the group.

Emilia stared blankly at Grin and asked, "What do you mean by getting off the car with trembling legs, Grin? Are you feeling unwell?"

Green was stunned for a moment, unsure how to respond.

"Well... maybe they were worried I hadn't eaten enough."

Emilia immediately grabbed Green's wrist with some concern and said reproachfully:

"Green, didn't you eat breakfast again? I've told you so many times, breakfast is very important, you'll definitely have no energy if you don't eat breakfast!"