Chapter 95

20 million PVs突破！ Thank you!

I was able to stand in front of the mansion early the next morning, ready to accompany the people from the Triella Chamber of Commerce and Kagura.

Usually, this would be the time when I would be cuddling with my lover, but today I was able to get up without succumbing to temptation.

This was because I was looking forward to Kagura's cooking, which was a far cry from the capital.

Also, today was supposed to be a training day, but the fact that I was exempt from it because I was going to Kagura was one of the reasons for my high spirits.

While thinking about such things and sitting on the steps in front of the entrance, I noticed that Elinora-nee-san, who was standing next to me, was looking at me with a pouting face.

"What's wrong?"

I turned my face towards her, feeling a piercing gaze on my right cheek.

"Is it not okay for me to come back from the capital?"

What is she saying now, when I am already in front of the mansion preparing to leave.

"When are you coming back from the capital, Elinora-nee-san?"

"…Probably around August."

"I don't want to travel in a carriage in the middle of summer. Besides, when you come back, you'll be busy with the harvest festival right away."

"In that case, why don't we go after the harvest festival?"

"It will be cold after the harvest festival."

I firmly replied, and Elinora-nee-san poked me in the head.

I staggered from the poke.

When I looked at her, Elinora-nee-san turned her head away with a "Hmph!".

The best time to leave is now. I won't give in no matter what anyone says.

After that, Elinora-nee-san and I silently looked ahead.

In front of us, the employees of the Triella Chamber of Commerce were busily loading luggage and conducting inspections.

They must be experienced with such travel preparations, as they were working efficiently, unlike when we went to the capital.

Of course, there was no lady who would deliberately leave essential items behind, so I was relieved.

"Al, did you forget anything?"

As if on cue, the lady who would deliberately leave essential items behind opened the door and came out.

Behind her were Silvio-nii-san and Nord-otou-san, who seemed to have come to see us off.

"Yeah, my clothes are already loaded."

If all goes well, we should arrive in Kagura in two weeks.

The luggage for the trip is mainly clothes, and since Triella has prepared food and other necessities, there's nothing to worry about.

Even if I run out of something, I can secretly retrieve it with spatial magic, so it's not a problem.

"This time, the trip will be long and there will be a sea. Make sure to listen to what the people around you say. Also, don't spend too much money."

"Got it!"

Here, I show an innocent smile, but I can't really agree with the latter part.

After all, there might be Japanese-style dishes and ingredients there.

I can store things that won't fit in the carriage or can't be brought back for preservation reasons using spatial magic.

To be honest, I don't think any amount of money will be enough.

Well, once I get there, I can use a transfer to go back whenever I want, but I might go overboard.

"...Suspicious."

"If I use the ingredients from Kagura, I think I can make delicious dishes and sweets."

"You can borrow up to one platinum coin from the Triella Chamber of Commerce."

"No, I can't buy that much and preserve it."

Seeing Elna-okaasan's serious expression, Nord-otou-san seemed to be worried and scolded her.

Elna-okaasan's jokes are hard to distinguish, and she is probably more than half serious this time.

Since I have her word, I'll use more than she said.

After all, I can preserve things with spatial magic.

"I would be happy if you could buy books from Kagura."

Silvio-nii-san said with a bright smile.

"Sure, I'll buy interesting stories and books about the country."

Silvio-nii-san is a boy who secretly admires heroic tales, so I'll find something good for him. I'm also interested in the books from Kagura. I wonder if there are any stories about dragon slayers there?

"Also, please bring back kimonos and fabrics. Triella said they are very beautiful. And delicate accessories, please!"

Although she doesn't like to travel far, she seems to love souvenirs.

In a good mood, Elna-okaasan listed several souvenirs she had heard from Triella.

This is a serious responsibility for me to buy souvenirs. If I bring back something tasteless, I'll be laughed at.

...This is a difficult task. It's a test of my skills as a man of Alphried.

"Do you have any requests, Elinora-nee-san?"

To avoid her sulking, I asked her, even though she seemed to be in a bad mood.

Elinora-nee-san crossed her arms and glanced at me.

"...Like in the capital, I'll leave it to you."

I see, so she wants something like a hair accessory again? That's another difficult request.

"I thought you might want a sword, Elinora-nee-san."

"I heard from Triella that a sword is quite different from a katana. I have a sword, and I don't have the time to learn a katana."

Elinora-nee-san tapped the wooden sword at her waist.

"I see."

She wants to master the sword.

Indeed, it would be strange to start using a katana after practicing with a sword for so long.

The fighting styles of swords and katanas are very different, and if she starts using a katana, she might end up mediocre.

Well, with Elinora-nee-san and Nord-otou-san, they could probably figure out how to use it even without a teacher.

While chatting with Barthol, Mina, Sara, and Mel, who had come to see us off, I heard Triella's voice from the carriage.

"Alphried-sama! I'll introduce the adventurers who will be our guards!"

Turning around, I saw four people who looked like armed adventurers. Near them, Rumba was talking to them in a friendly manner.

It seems the preparations are almost complete, and we will introduce the adventurers who will be our guards and set off.

"Then I'll be off!"

After saying goodbye to everyone, I ran to Triella, hearing words like "Safe travels" and "Don't forget to bring souvenirs."

"These are the adventurers of 'Silver Wind'!"

One of the men stepped forward as Triella introduced them.

A mischievous-looking young man with short blonde hair and green eyes. He was wearing chest armor and other protective gear, and seemed to be a front-line fighter, a swordsman.

"Leader Molt. Nice to meet you!"

Adventurers are often rough and rude, but this young man, Molt, bowed lightly and was very polite. He was unexpectedly well-mannered for his appearance.

Perhaps being B-rank requires a good personality. He doesn't seem like Rumba's junior.

"I'm Alphried Slewlett, and I'll be traveling with you. Nice to meet you."

After bowing lightly to everyone, Molt stepped back and the next man appeared.

He was slightly taller than Molt but seemed shorter due to his hunched back, and looked a bit sloppy.

He probably isn't that old, but his unkempt beard made him look a bit older.

If he tidied himself up, he might look a bit cool. From his attire, he seemed to be a front-line fighter as well. I hope he's okay.

"I'm Arvin... sir."

He scratched his head and spoke in a somewhat lazy manner, getting poked in the stomach by the staff of the female mage behind him.

He seemed to have trouble with formal speech.

"I'm the mage, Alysha."

"I'm also a mage, Ilya Ishartalte."

Then two women came forward. Both held staffs and wore light, corset-like clothing, indicating they were mages.

Since the only mage I know is Elna-okaasan, they seemed fresh to me. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of magic they use.

Alysha, with her navy blue hair, was the one who poked Arvin with her staff.

The other, Ilya, had pink hair and a somewhat nervous aura.

"Is Ishartalte a noble family?"

"Oh, yes! The Ishartalte family is a baronial house."

Oh, this girl is from a higher status than me, the one being guarded. She's a baroness.

Seeing my hesitant expression, Ilya waved her hands and spoke.

"But I'm the youngest, so please don't worry! I'm now an adventurer for various reasons."

I see, various reasons. She might be a bastard child or from a branch family. I won't ask for details.

"But, the Ishartalte family is amazing, you know?"

"What do you mean by amazing?"

Arvin leaned in familiarly. He seemed to be a friendly person.

Alysha, who was behind him, narrowed her eyes at his familiarity but decided not to intervene when she saw my interest.

"Especially Ilya's older sister, she's not only well-endowed but also a maid guarding the princess. Of course, Ilya is amazing too and has great magic skills."

Arvin said, forming a hourglass shape with his hands. I see, he likes this kind of talk. He's like one of the villagers.

Looking at Ilya, she seemed happy to be praised but was smiling wryly because of the extra comment.

"I see. I'm not sure if the princess's guard maid is amazing because of her well-endowed figure or not."

"Of course, well-endowed—"

"Okay, okay, let's stop there. I'll tell Saria about this."

Alysha pulled Arvin's ear as he tried to continue.

I wanted to hear more, but we can't leave if we keep this up. I'll ask later.

"Since the introductions are done, let's get going!"

Finally, we're off. I hope we can have a fun and smooth journey. A trip is a trip, after all.