Chapter 97

The next day after it was decided that we would be heading to the Dark Island, the Kingdom of Relirex.

I was feeling elated. After all,

"Hey, Tütte, how much can we spend on snacks? Do bananas count as a snack?"

There I was, enjoying tea in the usual garden, asking Tütte, who was disguised as a snack.

"Hmm? Bananas? I don't quite understand what you're saying, but it sounds like fun."

"Because, if you think about it calmly, we're going on a trip to another country, all of us. This is more than just a field trip, no, a school trip. Oh, but it's not with the whole class, so it's different. Anyway, just thinking about it being my first trip abroad gets me so excited! I've never even traveled abroad in my past life."

The low spirits I had until yesterday were nowhere to be found. After a day of calm reflection, I realized I was going on my first trip abroad. The thought made me unable to contain my excitement.

"Yes, it is your first trip to another country. Who would have thought it would be to a country of demons..."

In contrast to my excitement, Tütte's mood was low.

(Well, I can understand how she feels. After all, it's a country of demons. While there is some exchange and trade with the Aldia Kingdom, to most people, it's an unknown land of a different race. Considering it's my first trip, it's quite a high hurdle.)

"Well, it's not just me, and we have chaperones, tour guides, and guards. We just have to follow their lead. It's so easy, easy♪"

All our travel arrangements are being made by adults. Mr. Ix will be our chaperone, and Sir Claus will be our guard. Additionally, a guide will be dispatched from the other side to show us around the country.

I'm quite optimistic about this VIP treatment of just following the adults.

Soon, my travel companions started to gather, all looking pleased.

"Saffina, what are you most looking forward to on this trip abroad?"

I immediately tried to share my excitement by asking her.

"Huh? A trip abroad? Well, I guess you can think of it that way. Hmm, let me see..."

Caught off guard by my question, Saffina looked puzzled for a moment before starting to think about something.

"Oh, the ship! I've never been on a ship before."

"Wow, a ship. I'm looking forward to it too."

Saffina clapped her hands and answered happily, and Zaha joined in on the conversation. We're heading to the island kingdom of Relirex, so it's natural that we'll be traveling by sea in a world without airplanes.

"A ship, huh. That's true, it's my first time too. I'm excited; I've never been on a medieval European sailing ship."

"Medieval European?"

The words I carelessly let slip made both of them tilt their heads in confusion.

"S-Saffina, what about you, Magilka?"

I quickly changed the subject to Magilka to avoid the awkwardness.

"Me? Well, I'm interested in the historical buildings of the Kingdom of Relirex. After all, they have a magical civilization that we don't have, so I'd like to see it if possible."

"You'd probably stay until closing time if you went to a museum."

Despite changing the subject, I looked at Magilka, who was gazing into the distance with sparkling eyes, in exasperation.

"Speaking of which, I have a personal place I'd like to visit."

"What, what is it? Where?"

Magilka's interest in visiting a place in the demon country piqued my curiosity, so I asked for more details.

"I was asked by Grandfather to see if we could get the weapons damaged in the last attack repaired."

Magilka said this with a somewhat guilty expression.

"Oh, those treasure-grade weapons. Wait, they were made in Relirex?"

I remembered the shield Zaha used and Magilka's staff and gauntlets during the attack, and was surprised to learn that they were all made by demons.

"Yes, most of the magical tools in our country are made by Elven or demon artificers."

'Artificers' are people who create complex and delicate magic items and magical tools, unlike blacksmiths. In our human society, Elven artificers make items for daily life, while demons make weapons for battle.

"And the treasure-grade weapons we used were made by one particular artificer, who is considered the best in that field."

(A demon's best artificer... Hmm. It sounds like they could make something like a sword or spear that could become armor.)

"Will you get to meet such a famous person?"

Saffina asked, half surprised and half worried.

"No, I don't have any connections, so it's mostly a hope. But if they're that famous, I think we can find out where they are. Also, I hope the kingdom will ask if they have any requests regarding this matter. Mainly, it's Grandfather's wish..."

The last part was said very softly, with a hint of exasperation, but I just smiled wryly.

"By the way, what are you looking forward to, Miss Mary?"

As if to signal the end of the conversation, Magilka turned the topic back to me.

"Huh? Me?"

When asked again, I realized I hadn't thought about what I was most looking forward to.

(Now that I think about it, I was just excited about the trip itself, so everything is something to look forward to.)

But everyone else had given specific examples. It wouldn't do for the one who started the conversation to give such a vague answer. I racked my brain for an answer.

(What am I looking forward to... something? Hmm, I'll just say what comes to mind without overthinking it.)

I closed my eyes, pretending to think deeply, but almost mindlessly blurted out what came to mind.

"Food..."

"..."

An awkward silence filled the air, dominated only by the chirping of birds. I immediately realized how embarrassing my answer was and opened my eyes wide.

"Ah! No, that's not it. I just wondered what demons eat. I'm not expecting it all the time, just thought of it now."

I frantically gestured to explain, but everyone looked at me with a very warm and understanding gaze.

(No, stop it! Don't look at me like that! I'm not a foodie!)

"Hehe, it's true, what do demons eat? You can learn a lot about a race's culture and history from their food, so it's interesting."

Perhaps feeling sorry for my desperate attempts to explain, Magilka came to my rescue.

"Right, that's it."

"Again, I just want to eat!"

Just as I was relieved that the topic was over, Zaha tried to bring it up again, so I stepped on his foot under the table to silence him. Looking around, I noticed the other two had also moved slightly, so it turned into a simultaneous attack.

(Oh my, even Saffina is becoming less lenient. That's a good thing♪)

"I'm looking forward to the trip abroad♪"

"Yes, it will be."

"Indeed."

Leaving Zaha face down on the table, the ladies and I continued to enjoy our tea gracefully.

A few days later, we set out for the Kingdom of Relirex.

Thank you for reading. It feels like a new chapter, "The Dark Island," is beginning...