GalaxyTL
Since the permission was easily granted, we set off immediately. It’s nice not having to prepare any luggage. It’s so convenient to be able to go just as we are.
“I’m counting on you, Ludo. If anything happens…”
“It’s fine. Should we bring a shadow bird just in case? Really, you’re such a worrywart, Gil.”
And as expected, Gil-san’s overprotectiveness is in full swing before we leave. Even Ludo-sensei has to smile wryly at that. But it makes me happy! Though I do understand his concern a little. After all, Ludo-sensei and I are heading to Nanrei, a country a bit far to the south. Since Ortus is on the eastern edge of the Demon Continent, it takes quite a while to get there. In other words, we have to stay overnight. It’s an exciting overnight trip! I just found out about it too!
“No, I trust you. And if anything happens, I’ll know. It’ll be a good experience. Meg, listen to Ludo… and don’t stray from him.”
“Okaaay! It’s fine, Gil-san!”
But it seems he’s not sending a shadow bird. Oh, he’s making progress. I’m moved that Gil-san’s taking a step towards letting me be independent! Though it makes me a bit lonely.
“…Take care.”
“Yeah! …Gil-san.”
So before leaving, I cling tightly to Gil-san’s waist. Gil-san bends down a little so I can hug him easily, he gets it! Otherwise, with Gil-san being so tall, I’d end up clinging to his legs. Even though I’ve grown, I’m still tiny. Sniff.
But being embraced by Gil-san is really calming. Ahhh.
“Well then, shall we go?”
“Yep! I’m off!”
Feeling energized, Ludo-sensei and I finally left the guild! It’s not like I’m already lonely or anything! Don’t underestimate the mental fortitude I gained from my journey on the human continent!
Well, we first headed to the beast carriage station. What’s a beast carriage? Well, it’s basically the Demon Continent version of a horse-drawn carriage. There’s a branch that rents out beast carriages on the west side of Lilthorley, where Ortus is located, so we’re heading there. There are many differences from horse-drawn carriages, but… the biggest difference is the variety of beasts, I think. There are horses of course, but also flying beasts, amphibious beasts, extremely fast beasts, strong beasts, and beasts with great stamina, a wide selection. But since it’s a branch, we don’t know what kind of beasts are there at the moment. Everyone transfers along the way.
That said, it’s my first time using one too. I often see them though. So I’m actually looking forward to this.
“Hello.”
“Hi! Welcomee!”
After walking about 30 minutes from the city, we arrived at the beast carriage branch. When Ludo-sensei greeted them, a little girl came running from the back of the building. Whoa! A child smaller than me! How cute a lisp is! I’m suddenly so moved.
“Fufu, Meg. Do you remember?”
As I was fawning over the little girl, Ludo-sensei asked with a smile. Eh, remember…? Maybe we’ve met somewhere before. Thinking that, I observed the little girl.
She had round ears on her head and a large, fluffy tail. Probably a Rakudi (raccoon dog) demi-human. …Ah!
“Miina-chan!?”
“Fueh? Onee-chan, did’ju know me?”
When I called her name, the little girl’s eyes widened in surprise. At that moment, a small puff of fire came out of her mouth. Yup, no doubt about it! It’s Miina-chan.
I think it was about 20 years ago, I was her big sister for a day and took care of her. I remember being frantic while watching over her with Maryla-san.
“Oh my, welcome. My, it’s been a while! Meg-chan. Fufu, you’ve become quite the young lady.”
And the one who came from the back was Miina-chan’s mother, a Fokkle (fox) demi-human. That’s right, I remember! How nostalgic.
“We live in the same country, but in different cities, so we don’t have many chances to meet. Especially since Meg rarely goes outside the city.”
Ugh, sorry for being a shut-in. But but, that’s partly because of my overprotective guardians! Though I think it’s because I’m unreliable. Grrr.
“I see her sometimes when I go shopping.”
“Really? I didn’t notice…”
“Fufu, it’s fine. I didn’t call out to you either. But I’m glad we could meet again like this.”
The mistress explained to Miina-chan about us with a gentle smile. That we took care of her when she was a baby. Hearing that, Miina-chan blushed and smiled happily. S-So cute! I can’t help but smile back.
“Are you going somewhere today? Since you came here, I assume you want to use our service.”
“Yeah. We’re going to Nanrei for a bit. Do you have any flying beasts?”
“Nanrei… I see, it’s that time of the year. Is Meg-chan going with you this time? …I see, I think it’s a great idea. If it’s Meg-chan…”
While I was playing with Miina-chan, Ludo-sensei was proceeding with the conversation with the mistress. Sorry for just playing around. But, I mean, she’s so cute. It’s really healing. I totally get why everyone dotes on me now. It makes you want to spoil them, yup.
“I’m really sorry, this almost never happens, but we don’t have any flying beasts at the moment. So could you transfer once at Centrei? You’ll either transfer to a flying beast near the Special-grade Guild 『Annulus』 or to a sea-crossing beast near the Special-grade Guild 『Stella』.”
It seems there are no flying beasts available now. So we’ll have to transfer. We need to cross a bit of the sea to get to Nanrei.
“I see. Well then, I’ll take the fastest beast you have now.”
“That would be the chett. I’ll bring it now.”
A chett, as in the animal. It just resembles a cheetah, it might actually be different. The chett they brought had a beautiful and supple physique.
But still, a cheetah. It’s a bit scary, but the beasts for carriages are all well-trained and contracted with magic, so they almost never rampage, which is reassuring. Skinship with a cheetah, unthinkable in Japan. It’s a rare experience even in this world, so I’m petting it as much as I can. Wow, its silky fur and muscular feel are the best!
“If you’re taking this one, it would be helpful if you could transfer at Annulus. Its legs are fairly fast, but it doesn’t have much stamina. It can run to Annulus without any problems.”
“Got it. Then let’s do that. Is this enough for the fare?”
“Yes, that’s fine. If there are any problems, use the communication magic tool on its collar. It’ll connect to the nearest branch.”
Oh, so that’s how the beast carriage system works. There must be something like a transmitter on the collar. That’s why you can’t just take them home. I mean, there are people who think of bad things anywhere.
“Alright Meg, let’s go. Get in the carriage. I’ll be the driver.”
Saying that, Ludo-sensei nimbly mounted the chett. His white coat fluttering looks kind of cool. By the way, the white coat is apparently his battle attire, so he wears it even outside. I wonder if he considered a different design.
I still can’t ride beasts, so I obediently get into the hooded carriage connected to the chett. It’s small, so even a chett without much strength can easily pull it. I mean, I shouldn’t think in Japanese standards, right? I feel like the physical abilities of animals in this world are far beyond my common sense!
“Be caweful! Come again!”
After making sure we had boarded, Miina-chan looked up at us and said that. My heart skipped a beat. Big sis’s heart skipped a beat! I peeked my face out and answered with a smile.
“Yeah, thanks Miina-chan! See you again!”
When I said that, Miina-chan’s face lit up and she waved at us. Ahh, she’s so cute!
“Meg, that’s how everyone always looks at you.”
Ludo-sensei said this while driving the carriage that had started running, and it was too convincing. But… I’m at that age now, aren’t I?
The beast carriage running on the highway was much faster than I expected. Even though it’s running on a road dedicated to beast carriages, is it okay to go this fast? I thought it would require considerable skill from the driver, but when I looked at Ludo-sensei, he was calmly holding the reins with a relaxed expression.
I tend to forget because Ludo-sensei is always kind and really gentle, but… he’s a pillar of Ortus trusted by Gil-san and Saura-san and the others. Glimpsing his amazing skill in a place like this feels refreshing.
Even though we should be whizzing through the wind at high speed, the carriage I’m riding in doesn’t shake much and I don’t feel the wind, so the collar must have such magic embedded in it too. It’s really convenient. Otherwise, I’d be shuffled around inside this carriage by now.
Seeing the scenery flowing by one after another reminds me of the bullet train. I wonder which is faster? I absent-mindedly thought about such things.
“We’ll arrive before noon. Let’s have lunch when we get there.”
“Okay!”
At this pace, we’ll definitely arrive in no time. Lunch in Centrei, huh? I wonder if they have any local specialties?
Already in a holiday mood, I enjoyed the scenery outside while thinking about such things with a big smile.