Chapter 51

After introducing myself, I felt a sense of discomfort. It was because of the girl standing in front of me, the "Pope" — Titia, who was smiling.

...Even though I neutralized the poison, she still looks like she's in pain?

How far can I get involved with Titia? As a former player, I want to get involved in various ways. However, as someone who has lived as a duke's daughter in this world, I feel that getting involved will lead to serious trouble. I'm sure I'll be dragged into the deepest parts of the country, and my peaceful life will be over.

But, I can't just leave a girl in pain, right?

"Hey, Lady Titia. Can I ask what happened?"

"......"

However, Titia shook her head silently, apparently not wanting to talk.

...I can't force her to tell me something she doesn't want to, can I?

"Then... um, do you have a place to go? We can't just say goodbye here, right?"

"That's right. If you need help, we can help you."

Tart also looked worried about Titia. He must want to help a girl his age who is in trouble. However, from the look on Titia's face, it's clear she doesn't want to involve us. I wish I could somehow be of help...

"Let's go back to Tzile for now. Is that okay, Lady Titia...?"

However, Titia shook her head. She doesn't want to go back to Tzile—there must be someone in the country who is against her.

...Someone in the government, perhaps?

This is bad, this is very bad. The situation seems to be quite dark. But since I've met her, I have to take responsibility! I've decided, I've made up my mind!!

"Alright. Let's go to the 'City of Ice, Snowtia.' How about that, Lady Titia?"

"Um... but, is it okay...? You two are from Tzile, right...?"

Confused, but with a glimmer of hope, Titia's expression changed slightly, and I didn't miss it.

"Of course! It will take a day of camping from here, though..."

"Can I... ask you...? I can't thank you now, but I will... someday!"

"I'm helping you because I want to. Don't worry about thanking me. Try to relax a bit more."

"That's right. Master is amazing, so it will be fine."

We got on the horse we had tied to a tree and started down the road to the 'City of Ice, Snowtia.' It's very inconvenient for three people to ride one horse, but Tart is small, and Titia is only seven, so we'll do our best...!

...I should get some kind of vehicle item soon. I need to go to a dungeon to get one, which will be quite challenging.

With Titia, leveling up, and the 'Holy Maiden' quest... I have a lot to do now!

***

After camping for one night, we arrived at the 'City of Ice, Snowtia.' Since it snows in winter here, I put on the coat I had bought just in case. I'm glad I bought it!

"Meow meow meow meow meow!? Is this... snow!? I've heard about it, but this is the first time I've seen it!!"

As soon as we arrived, Tart's excitement reached its peak. His tail was standing straight up, and he looked adorable. Titia was watching him with a smile.

"Let's get a room and rest. I remember there's a hot spring inn here, so let's stay there."

Generally, inns don't have baths. However, this place has a hot spring, and some inns have them attached! I remember from the game days that there were hot spring events, and if a player of the opposite gender tried to enter, they would be struck by lightning and die. No peeking, absolutely not!

So, as we were looking for an inn—there was a gate right at the entrance of the town, which was easy to find. I pretended to be a tourist and registered by touching the magic stone. Tart did the same after seeing me.

We found an inn with a private hot spring and decided to stay there.

How long has it been since I've been to a hot spring? In this life, of course, but even in my previous life, I haven't been since I became a corporate slave... since college!? Or did I go in college...? Anyway, it's been a very long time.

"By the way, I'm going out for a bit. Can I leave Lady Titia with you, Tart?"

"Going out... I understand."

Tart nodded immediately, sensing my intention. Yes, I'm going to use the 'Teleport Gate' to go to Tzile.

"It's cold outside, so I'll buy anything you need. Tart, Lady Titia, is there anything you want?"

"I'd like some sweets as a souvenir!"

"Got it!"

After working hard on the witch hunt and camping, we came to Snowtia. I definitely want a reward. I want some sweets too! Tonight, after dinner, we'll have a sweets party with the three of us. That's what I've decided.

"Is there anything you want, Lady Titia?"

"Um... but..."

"It's okay. I'd be happy if you could tell me what you want. I'll buy a complete set of clothes, so if there's anything else you want..."

From the looks of it, Titia doesn't have a bag, so she must have been at the 'Dried Spring' with just the clothes on her back.

"Then, um... can I ask for an 'Empty Potion Bottle'?"

"...I have one, so I'll give it to you."

I didn't expect her to ask for that! As I was about to take it out, Tart said, "I have a lot," and took out several bottles from his 'Bag.'

Titia seemed surprised that so many bottles came out of such a small bag.

"I also have a 'Magic Bag.'"

Titia said this and lifted the long sleeve of her dress. There was a small pocket, which turned out to be a 'Magic Bag.'

...Wow, amazing!!

"I didn't know equipment could have such a function! I've never heard of it before, and it's incredibly high-tech!"

"It's quite convenient. ...I can keep snacks in it like this."

Titia took out a candy from the 'Magic Bag' in her sleeve and smiled playfully.

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

"Thank you, too!"

We all put the candy in our mouths. It had a gentle, sugary taste that soothed our tired hearts. It was delicious.

"Um, but... this 'Magic Bag' doesn't have much capacity... so, it would be a big help if you could prepare some clothes. But, I'm really fine with everything else... Thank you, Sharon."

"You're welcome. If you need anything, just let me know."

"Yes."

I decided to buy plenty of daily necessities, sweets, and food, and left the inn.