Chapter 72

The two's destination, the "Merchant Kingdom Blume," was far enough that it would take about two days by carriage from the kingdom.

However, that was by carriage. For the two of them, who had no luggage, that distance was nothing much.

For the two, who could kick off the ground, leap over trees, and run through cliffs, the journey was akin to a hike.

And about two hours after leaving the kingdom, the country they were aiming for appeared before them.

"There it is. That's the 'Merchant Kingdom Blume.'"

"That's...!!"

Before the two of them, a vast number of ships were spread out, anchored on land. These ships were not stranded; some were used as shops, and others as homes. This country, where the custom of using ships as houses exists, is also known as the "Land Port."

"Amazing! I've never seen so many ships before!"

Luisa, acting her age, got excited. Seeing Luisa's joyful expression, Sharo smiled happily.

"Hehe, you'll be surprised by a lot more than this, Luis. After all, it's the height of the most lively festival of the year right now."

"Festival!? I've never participated in a festival before! Wow, I'm so looking forward to it!"

Hearing about the festival, Luisa's excitement rose. The excited Luisa couldn't help but firmly grab Sharo's hand.

"Come on! Let's go quickly!"

Suddenly grabbed with such force, Sharo was surprised and replied, "Hya, hya, okay!"

But Luisa didn't care and started running.

While being pulled by Luisa, Sharo thought to herself,

Ah, I'm really glad we came...

◇

Inside the Merchant Kingdom, it was bustling with people. This was only natural, as it was the first day of the "Festival of Prosperous Trade," which attracts people not only from the continent but also from other continents. Good items sell out quickly, so discerning merchants search for hidden gems with keen eyes.

Of course, there are also many people who come just for the fun. Luisa and Sharo are among them.

"Wow, so many people! I've never seen this many people in the kingdom before!"

"Well, usually the kingdom has more people, but apparently the number of people triples on festival days."

"Is that so? Then where should we go first? What's there?"

"Hehe, just calm down."

Saying this, Sharo took out a piece of paper from her pocket.

"I picked out some stores that Luis might like yesterday. Let's go around these."

On the paper were stores selling rare magical tools, stores with items related to heroes, and bookstores with magic-related books—many stores that would pique Luisa's interest. Last night, Sharo had stayed up late searching for stores that Luisa would like.

Seeing the lineup on the paper, Luisa's eyes sparkled.

"Wow, Sharo! There are so many fun stores! Let's go quickly!"

"Well, I can't say no to you. I'll go with you."

While saying it was no use, Sharo's lips were relaxed. She hadn't had much time to be alone with Luisa recently, so she was having a great time.

However, the fun time didn't last long.

"...Luisa?"

Suddenly, a voice calling Luisa's name came from behind the two, who were walking happily. The moment the voice reached her ears, Luisa's feet stopped.

Her throat dried, her legs went numb, and her focus blurred, making it hard to think clearly.

Noticing Luisa's sudden change, Sharo called out, "Hey, Luis, what's wrong!?" but Luisa didn't recover. However, the person who called out didn't care and approached them.

"...I knew it was Luisa. I really looked for you."

The person slowly approached. Luisa took a deep breath, composed herself, and turned around with determination. There, she saw a familiar figure.

"It's been a while...Elena."

When Luisa called out the familiar name, her worst childhood friend wore a devilish smile.