Chapter 98

While dealing with the incident involving the fluffy creature that resembled a mouse or a rabbit, which was supposed to be a future livestock, I ended up taking a lot of time and ended up leaving all the countermeasures to Bartholomew.

So, I tried to proceed as planned and head to Ludon Plateau by carriage...

"Sorry, Bartholomew, for asking you to do this."

"I enjoy driving, so it's fine on my end."

That's right. Although we decided to go by carriage, there was no driver because I was traveling with Arle and Sequoia. I thought about asking someone else to drive, but Bartholomew volunteered. It was during a casual conversation about what we were doing next, where I mentioned we were heading to Ludon Plateau, that we realized we had no driver.

"Arle, can you drive the carriage?"

"There are two horses, and I need to use my detection skills, so..."

Arle, sitting cutely next to Sequoia, nodded adorably.

"I can drive the carriage too."

"No need to compete!"

I know that both of them can handle driving the carriage, but either way, my back would hurt in a short time. On the other hand, Bartholomew drives so smoothly, considering the comfort of the passengers. The carriage driven by him and Rumburg feels like a different mode of transportation.

As we were talking, the carriage started moving, and the scenery around us began to change.

"Riding in a carriage is quite fun, isn't it?"

The penguin, flapping its flippers on the seat, seemed delighted. Unlike me, it might love vehicles. Inside the carriage, the penguin was next to me, and Arle and Sequoia were sitting opposite, swinging their legs.

If someone who didn't know anything saw this scene, they wouldn't think we were about to go on an investigation. Oh, the penguin is wobbling and almost falling over. I quickly supported its white belly with my palm, and it opened its beak and skillfully bent its right flipper halfway.

"Penguin, be careful. It's much bumpier than a car. It's only this smooth because Bartholomew is driving."

"Wouldn't it be better to install a suspension? The best would be to pave the road, but..."

"Suspension? Ah, I see."

A suspension is a mechanism that uses springs to reduce the vibrations of a vehicle. I think it works by the springs compressing and extending to absorb the shocks. Springs are also used in fluffy bed mattresses and have a wide range of applications.

"Hey, explain properly. Sojiro, Joshua, if you two get too cozy..."

"What would you do?"

"Pout."

"...Ah, okay."

Even if you puff up like a pufferfish, how should I react? Alright.

Leaning forward, I almost lost my balance due to the carriage's movement but managed to reach out to Sequoia's face.

"Are you going to pet me... mmmph."

"Ahahaha."

"Hey!"

Sequoia was tapping my chest gently. Meanwhile, Arle mimicked Sequoia and puffed up her cheeks.

"Arle?"

"Master Joshua, you looked so happy. Please, Arle."

"Sure, sure."

I petted Arle's silky hair. She's so cute. She looks younger than she is, but her innocent reactions are genuine, which makes me want to protect her like a child. Hmm? Wild children, you know, look young but are full of mischief inside.

"Mmm."

Oh no, I might end up with a Sequoia attack if this continues. In such situations, I always use my usual trick.

"A suspension is a mechanism attached to the wheels that uses springs."

"Hmm. What are springs?"

"Didn't you have them in Rosenheim?"

"I've never heard of them."

"It's hard to explain with words alone. How about I ask Toire to draw it while explaining?"

"Definitely. You tend to forget quickly."

"No, I don't forget!"

"Your eyes are wandering."

Hmm. I can't hear that.

"Springs are tools that use the principle of elasticity, where they change shape when force is applied and return to their original shape when the force is removed."

The penguin, unable to bear it, came to my rescue. What a precise explanation. This should make it clear to Sequoia. She must have translated the penguin's words in her head, as she placed her hand on her chin and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. Seeing such gestures and expressions, I realize she's not a child.

"So, it bounces when you press and release it?"

"Exactly. When force is applied, the wheel sinks, maintaining the level inside the carriage."

"When the force is removed, it returns to its original state. I see. It would be interesting to use in a bed too."

"Wow, you've already grasped the uses of springs. Impressive."

"Hehe. There's a material similar to springs, though not exactly the same. It's like the tentacles of an octopus that live in the sea."

"Ugh, that's a bit disturbing..."

Before it bounces, the suction cups would stick, and you'd be eaten! Speaking of bouncing, rubber is another material that reduces vibrations. I think it's made from the skin of a frog... I've asked Bartholomew and the others to collect samples if they find frogs, but the results haven't been good. I wonder if we can make rubber from tree sap like on Earth.

◇◇◇

After about an hour of travel, Arle pointed out something outside the window.

"Master Joshua, there's a strange fruit?"

Outside the window were thick, long leaves characteristic of succulents, with vivid, almost garish pinkish-red fruits hanging heavily. The shape somewhat resembled a Christmas tree.

"That's probably a dragon fruit."

Given its distinctive shape and color, I could guess. Just to be sure, I asked Bartholomew to stop the carriage and used plant identification on the bright red fruit. Yes, as expected.

Arle, who was the first to get out of the carriage, seemed interested in something else.

"Over here, it has an interesting shape!"

"Indeed, that's a fan cactus. Oh, it seems oil can be extracted from it."

Arle was poking a fan cactus, which, as the name suggests, looks like several fans stacked together. It has a paint-like green color and, along with the dragon fruit, is a primary-colored plant.

"Everyone, why don't we take a break and have a snack here?"

It's a bit early, but since we're here, let's take a break.