Chapter 38

――I can't understand.

I couldn't keep up with the words spoken by the girl named Al. Mate? I do understand the meaning.

However, where in the world would someone propose to someone they just met, a complete stranger, and someone who only helped them?

I couldn't help but give a wry smile. No, she is beautiful, but...

"......No, there isn't, but is that relevant now...?"

"I'm sorry! Al's race seeks out strong partners. I apologize for being rude after you helped us."

Shal explained for Al. Shal's cheeks were also flushed, but it didn't seem to be a problem. Shal shook Al's shoulder, and Al snapped back to her senses. She then sent a gaze to me and bowed deeply.

"Ahaha... I'm very sorry... The beast blood just got to me..."

"......I understand. We're heading back to town now. Can you come with us?"

"Yes, of course—"

Her words were cut off by the sound of her stomach growling. Shal's cheeks turned red, and she averted her gaze.

"......Let's have something to eat first. I have some soup, so just wait a moment."

I took out a pot from my dimensional storage and poured soup into two bowls. I also set up a simple table and chairs, placing the soup and some bread on them.

"Since we're in this place, I can only prepare this much..."

I guided them to sit down. Al glanced at Shal, then looked at the soup, swallowed hard, and started to eat with a spoon.

"Uuuuu... It's delicious... It's warm and delicious..."

"It's really delicious..."

They quickly finished their meal, gnawing on the bread.

"I'm satisfied now..."

"It's been a while since I had such a warm meal."

I smiled at their satisfied expressions.

"Alright, let's head back. It's quite a distance from here to the town."

"Yes..."

"Thank you very much."

I put the items back into my dimensional storage and prepared to leave. Though, we were essentially going without any luggage.

"Follow me. I'll lead the way, using my detection to find the positions of monsters and head towards the town, avoiding as many as possible."

---And three hours later.

"Finally out of the forest!"

Seeing the open grassland after the forest, I couldn't help but speak aloud. Perhaps because I had been considerate and walked slowly, the sun was already setting, and the sky was turning red. Looking back, Shal and Al were in tears.

"Shal, we finally made it... Now we can..."

"Yes, we can meet Lady Natalie and Father..."

I pretended not to hear their whispered conversation and thought to myself.

...At this time, the gates of the town will be closed. We'll have to camp out anyway.

We could camp near the town, but I don't want to show that tent to anyone.

---Especially not Kokuyou.

But I can't ask those girls to sleep outside.

...There's no choice. I'll just make them promise to keep it a secret.

"Can I have a word with you two? Even if we go back to the town now, the gates will be closed, and we won't be able to enter. I think we should spend the night a little away from here and enter the town tomorrow."

"......Understood. We'll leave it to you, Toya-sama."

After confirming their nod, I continued walking and told them we would camp a little away from the forest.

"Also, I have one request. Please don't tell anyone about my dimensional storage or its contents."

"......Understood. I promise."

"Yes, I understand."

After confirming their nods, I took out the tent from my dimensional storage. It looked like a regular tent.

"Please sleep inside. I'll keep watch outside."

"Such... After all you've done, we can't ask you to do that..."

I shook my head at Shal's words.

"Of course, I can't sleep inside with you. You'll see when you look inside, but I think it's comfortable enough for a good rest."

Curiosity piqued, the two opened the tent and went inside.

"What is this!!"

"Amazing!!"

The tent had sofas and beds, and the inside was spacious, contrary to its appearance. The two were surprised by the unexpected setup.

"Are you... a famous adventurer, Toya-sama...? I've never seen such a tent before. It must be a magic item..."

"I've never seen such a tent either..."

I told them to rest inside and started preparing dinner. I took out firewood from my dimensional storage, set it up, and lit it with magic. I then took out a table and chairs, placed them, and served the soup and bread.

"Sorry, it's just a simple meal, but please eat."

"No... To be able to have a warm meal in such a place, I can only be grateful to you, Toya-sama."

The two sat down, clasped their hands in prayer, and started eating. I thought about asking them questions but decided not to pry, as we would be traveling together until they met Natalie.

After they finished eating, I told them to get some rest early. They entered the tent with apologetic faces.

The tent was enchanted to repel monsters, so they wouldn't come near. I added more firewood, laid down a mat, and lay down.

"I need to wake up early tomorrow..."

I fell asleep while thinking about it.

---

I woke up involuntarily due to the blinding sunlight. I chuckled to myself, thinking about how I had maintained a proper sleep schedule since coming to this world, and got up. Inside the tent, the two were still asleep. I got up, washed my face, and did what needed to be done before they woke up.

"Kokuyou, come here."

I took out Kokuyou and a carriage from my dimensional storage. I knew about the icon, but I had never taken it out before. However, since I had two companions this time, I decided to try it out. The carriage had a driver's seat and could seat six people inside. It was a game item, so it had shock absorbers and tires.

"Is this okay..."

I chuckled at the luxurious carriage, which even a noble could ride in. As I stroked Kokuyou's neck, who nipped at my head as usual—

"What is this!?"

I turned around to see Shal and Al with astonished expressions.