Chapter 34

From the clock tower, somehow Sammie and I managed to hold on without falling.

The Guardian Contract was successfully established, and now Sammie and I can use [Telepathy].

Even though I have round ears and am in a sealed state, it seems I am indeed an [Elf].

According to Sammie, who barely survived at the clock tower, I do have magic power circulating within me. However, the flow is sealed, and I might not be able to use it properly at my will. My mother was in a similar state, but as an Elf, the Guardian Contract with Sammie continued.

So, I tried to see what [Telepathy] feels like, but it wasn't as if all my thoughts were transmitted or I could read Sammie's thoughts.

It felt more like only the thoughts I wanted to convey to Sammie actually reached her, similar to a phone call.

With this ability, we can communicate no matter how far apart we are, which is very convenient.

Sammie can also communicate with my parents, so if anything happens to them, Sammie will be notified immediately. This gives me peace of mind for my journey.

So, I said:

"Dad, Mom, I'm going now."

Reni Shulm Guorga. I've turned four!

Four! It's the season to set off on a journey!

"Get plenty of sleep, eat well, and grow strong."

"Okay. I'll get even stronger."

"That's right. I don't have to worry about Reni."

We, a family with many memories, welcomed the morning of the departure with smiles. ...But Dad was a bit teary-eyed.

"Dad, don't forget to take care of the dolls."

"I know. You've decorated the house with so many. I'll be fine."

"Mom, don't overwork yourself. If something difficult happens, go to Sammie right away."

"Yes. If you have any problems, tell Sammie too."

"Okay."

I hugged Mom tightly one last time, and she returned the embrace gently.

"Reni. ...Be careful...!"

Then, I was passed to Dad, who hugged me tightly.

He was so emotional that his voice cracked, but he let me go and gently set me down.

"Sammie. Take care of her."

"Please, Sammie."

"Yes. I will protect her."

The three adults exchanged glances above my head.

They nodded firmly to each other, and then Sammie took my hand.

"Let's go, Reni."

"Okay!"

The weather was clear.

The wind was pleasant, and it was a beautiful day, perfect for a journey.

"I'm off!"

I waved to my parents.

Mom smiled, and Dad, though crying, smiled and saw me off.

"How is the new mayor doing?"

"The new mayor took office in a hurry after Shurtem's departure and doesn't plan to stay long. However, they are working hard to stabilize the situation."

"I see."

"Shurtem embezzled a lot of public funds and collected exorbitant taxes from the surrounding areas, so the new mayor is dealing with the aftermath. The new mayor is not incompetent and shows no signs of wrongdoing. I believe they are doing a good job."

"Then, I'm relieved."

As we walked along the road, I talked with Sammie.

We could use [Telepathy], but talking was easier.

Although there was a commotion after Shurtem's departure, it seems the new mayor is managing things well.

This should give my parents and the women we helped peace of mind.

"However, we still don't know the whereabouts of the children. I apologize for not finding them before we set off."

"No, thank you for investigating. I wonder where the children went."

The children were gathered with the women by Shurtem and sold somewhere. Shurtem said it was to establish connections with higher-ups...

"Sammie, where should we go first?"

"First, we should head to the city center that oversees this village and town."

"The city where the mayor lives?"

"Yes. It's called Reoliga City. If Shurtem has connections, we might be able to trace them from there."

"Got it."

I nodded at Sammie's words.

Since Shurtem said he wanted to establish connections with higher-ups, it makes sense to suspect the mayor, who is above the town mayor.

"I've already conducted some investigations, but there might be things you can discover by seeing it directly, Reni. Moreover, it's the most prosperous area, so it would be a good place for you to sightsee."

"Okay! I want to go!"

"Reoliga City is a transportation hub, and many merchants visit. Therefore, there are many inns and shops catering to travelers. I'm sure you'll find something you like."

"Looking forward to it!"

I've always lived in the village, and the most prosperous place I've seen is Slanita City.

If there are streets lined with many stalls and shops like in the game, I definitely want to see them with my own eyes! Sammie's explanation made me so excited!

"Our destination is Reoliga City, where the mayor lives!"

"How long will it take to walk?"

"It should take about three days to Reoliga City. There are towns along the way, so we won't have to worry about accommodation. If we need to hurry, I can carry you, but..."

"No, I want to walk myself."

If Sammie carries me, it would be faster and easier, but I need to build my muscles.

My abilities still have negative modifiers.

"You're right. Let's take our time. I'm sure there will be things along the way that you'll enjoy."

"Okay!"

So, we set off on our journey, and three days passed.

On the way, we enjoyed delicious steak at a famous meat restaurant and visited an orchard where we could pick fruits. The time flew by as we had fun.

According to Sammie, we should reach Reoliga City today.

"The road is wide, and there are more carriages."

"Yes, it's a transportation hub, so there's a lot of traffic."

The road from my village to Slanita City was unpaved and just wide enough for people to pass each other. Now, the road is wide enough for carriages to pass, and it's paved.

There's no traffic jam, but as soon as one carriage passes, another one comes along.

This alone shows how prosperous Reoliga City is.

"...Sammie, look at that."

"What is it?"

Another carriage passed by.

As I watched it, it suddenly stopped and changed direction, heading back towards us.

"Hey! Run!"

The driver shouted at us as he passed by.

"Look to the south!! It's a dragon!!"