293.【Volume 3 Launch Commemoration Short Story】Exciting! Family Trip!

 

Happy New Year!

Hope you’ll continue to support us in 2020!

 

To kick off the new year, here’s a short story to celebrate the release of Special-Grade Guild Volume 3!

 

——

 

I dashed out of the guild. I looked up at the sky and stretched. Ahh, what nice weather! Today’s the day of our long-awaited family trip. I’ve been looking forward to it so much that I couldn’t stay still and ended up coming out here first. Such a child. Well, I am a child.

 

“Wow, you’re excited, huh, Meg.”

“Of coursh! Becauuuuse I’ve been looking forward to thiiiish!”

 

I pouted and protested at Dad’s teasing tone. My pronunciation’s also perfect. I wish it wasn’t!

 

“Hey, what’s the Elf Village like?”

“Not this question again.”

 

I tugged at his clothes, asking this, and he chuckled. B-But I can’t help but ask over and over!

And we’re going to the Elf Village, you know? The Elf Village! I’ve been to the High Elf Village, but I’m curious about how it’s different. It’s my number one fantasy spot. And it’s apparently a tourist attraction, so that makes me even more curious!

 

“It’s probably different from the Elf Village you’re imagining.”

“Geez, Dad, you’we always wike thiiis.”

 

That’s also one of the reasons why I keep asking. Because he always answers like that. I always tell him, “That’s not what I mean, tell me more!”

 

“You’re going to see it for yourself, aren’t you? See it with your own two eyes.”

 

And so it goes like this, he always brushes me off. Ugh. And because everyone’s seen this, I get similar responses from everyone else too.

 

“Fufu, Meg-chan, you really are adorable. Are you that excited?”

 

Schlie-san, who’s also coming with us, chuckled and asked that. Uu~, they’re making fun of me. But, but!

 

“Yesh. Because, there are a lot of elves there, wight? You even said there are elf children.”

 

That’s right! Apparently, there’s elf children besides me! They’re definitely going to be cute. I want to meet them, I want to fawn over them.

 

“Yes, there is one, but…”

 

Apparently, it’s a boy, and a bit younger than me. He was born about twenty years before I came to this world. So we’re just a few years apart. It’s basically like being the same age for elves because that kind of age gap doesn’t matter, so I’m really happy.

And Schlie-san just found out about him a few days ago. He found out when he contacted a friend. I clutched my head, asking why he didn’t tell me about something this important. Apparently, his elf friends didn’t mean anything by it, they’d thought someone would have already told me because of all the fuss. Ahh, yeah, I kind of get it.

 

But still, all the fuss, huh. Elf children are incredibly rare, so I’m sure they were blessed. A basically three-year-old elf boy? …Yep, definitely cute! He’s an elf, so he’s definitely a beautiful child!

 

“He’s still young, so it’s understandable, but…”

“Hmm? Is there something wrong with that child?”

 

But Schlie-san had a somewhat troubled expression. Dad, when asked, smiled wryly and answered.

 

“No, it’s just… he’s a bit spoiled. Or rather, that’s the impression I got. I’ve only heard about him, though.”

“He’s just a bit younger than Meg, right? It’s only natural for him to be spoiled.”

“You’re right, huh? This is bad, using Meg as a standard…”

 

Huh? Is that all? Well, I’m sorry that I’m not just a normal little girl. I’m an adult on the inside, so I can’t just be spoiled like a real toddler. If my soul wasn’t Megu, then I’m sure I would have been more of a handful.

 

“It’s also individual differences. Meg, even when you were Megu, you weren’t much of a handful.”

“Eh? Is that sho?”

“Yeah. You’re naturally easygoing, right?”

 

It felt like he was subtly calling me an airhead. Hmm.

 

“Isn’t he saying that Meg’s calm and kind? I think that’s one of your strengths.”

 

But Schlie-san always says nice things, smiling gently. As expected of my master! I grinned at him after subtly glaring at Dad.

 

“Sho he’s also an enehgetic boy who’s full of curioshity!”

 

Strengths are weaknesses, and weaknesses are strengths! Schlie-san’s eyes widened slightly when I cheerfully declared that, and then he smiled happily.

 

“You’re right. I think it’s wonderful how positive you are, Meg.”

“You really are positive, huh.”

 

I was delighted that Dad also said this, patting my head. I-Is that so? Being complimented about my way of thinking is more embarrassing than being complimented about my looks. Ehehe.

 

“Hmm, have you been waiting long?”

 

It was Gil-san who’d come out of the guild and said this. That’s right, he’s also coming with us on this trip. Because we’re thinking of it as a family trip! Dad, of course, Schlie-san, who’s also an elf, and Gil-san, my papa. No issues at all.

Ah… the only one who couldn’t come is the Demon King. It’s not easy for a king to leave his castle, after all. I invited him with a letter, but he said he unfortunately couldn’t come this time, and that he hopes we’ll have fun. I’m going to ignore all those teardrops that were on the letter. I’ll send you souvenirs…!

 

“Alright, everyone’s here. Well then, get in!”

 

With Gil-san here, everyone was ready, so Dad produced his car, casually saying that. It’s Kakeru-kun, the car we used back in the Hasegawa household! It’s so familiar and comforting! I never imagined I’d see this car in this world. I was stunned when I first saw it.

 

“The child seat’s not ready yet… it’s still being improved.”

“Child… seat…!”

 

I flinched at Dad’s comment. Th-That’s true, I’m currently a toddler. I’m at that age. B-But, this isn’t Earth, and besides, this car runs on magic, so there’s basically no chance of having an accident, right? I started to sweat. My Megu consciousness is rejecting the idea of using a child seat…!

 

“Don, what’s a child seat?”

“Hmm, you know how we use seatbelts in a car? It’s dangerous for small children to just use those. So basically, it’s a seat for children.”

“I see. Honestly, we don’t need seatbelts, but Meg does, right? For her safety.”

 

That’s right, for the Ortus members, who are superhuman, being strapped in is actually more dangerous. Because it’s better to be able to move freely in an emergency.

 

“I can just erase it with magic. No problem, right?”

“…It would be better if you didn’t install it in the first place.”

“It’s my policy.”

 

Schlie-san and Gil-san definitely don’t agree. I get it, I also think it’s pointless, considering all that work.

But, it’s probably… a trauma. Dad came to this world because of a car accident. Though he wasn’t the one driving. I’m sure he can’t just ignore it—those car regulations, his habits from when he was in Japan.

 

“But I’m glad you can drive again, Dad.”

 

So I couldn’t help but to say that. It seems like Schlie-san and Gil-san understood. They looked at each other and then didn’t say anything. Dad, looking surprised, troubled, a complex mix of emotions, ruffled my hair.

 

“Idiot. Of course I can.”

 

He said just that, and then told me to get in the car, ending the conversation. My feelings were conveyed, and it’s probably something he doesn’t want to talk about.

We got into the car. Dad in the driver’s seat, Schlie-san in the passenger seat, and Gil-san and me in the back.

 

“So, getting back to what I was saying, we don’t have a child seat. So Gil, hold Meg on your lap.”

“Fueh!?”

 

Dad said this incredible thing just as he closed the door. Th-That’s true, being with Gil-san is a million times safer than a child seat, but isn’t it fine to just have me sit normally!?

 

“Understood.”

“Hyoh!?”

 

And Gil-san agreed without any hesitation, and then had me sit on his lap. An incredible, human child seat. Actually, it’s not human, so it’s a Gil seat. But I’m not going to say that.

 

“Uu… I’m getting heavy…”

 

I was worried that he’d get tired, but all three of them chuckled. How mean!

 

“It’s fine. Don’t worry.”

“I-Is that sho…?”

 

I can’t even say anything. Am I the only one who’s troubled by this? You guys, haven’t you forgotten that I’m a lady?

 

“Alright, let’s go! Kakeru-kun!”

 

Dad said that, channeling magic power into the car. For a moment, it felt like the car slightly floated. This is why we can smoothly drive even on unpaved roads. I’m not going to ask about the purpose of the tires. This form is probably important.

 

“You’re still calling the vehicle by its name…”

 

Schlie-san said that, exasperated, looking at Dad. Dad proudly replied that its name’s Kakeru-kun because it takes us anywhere! Schlie-san just coldly said, “I see.” He doesn’t seem interested.

 

“What’s with that response? If you’re going to make fun of my naming sense, then you should hear how Meg named her spirits…”

“Nyah—!? Don’t shay it!”

 

They’ll be astonished if they find out I named them like this. Shou-chan because she’s a Voice spirit, Fuu-chan because she’s a Wind spirit! I thought it would be fine in this world because it’s a Japanese thing! I tried to cover Dad’s mouth, but Gil-san was gently but firmly holding me, so all I could do was flail my arms and legs. Such impeccable work, I’m impressed, Gil seat….

We then left, and the ride’s smoother and faster than when I was in Japan. Well, it’s thanks to magic. They’ve also cast a concealment spell, so I can enjoy the view without worrying about people seeing us.

 

“But when it’s a hassle, we don’t bother concealing it.”

“Well, I’m sure the residents of the Demon Continent are used to it.”

 

They’ve travelled all over in this car… Dad said they’re mainly concealing it for me, this time. Because people might follow us if they know where we’re going. “No they won’t,” I said with a laugh, but the other three had serious expressions, so I decided not to say anything. They’re scary, in many ways…!

 

“Now then, from here, we’ll be travelling by ship.”

“That wassh shoooo fast!”

 

We arrived at a port in the south of the Centrei Kingdom. If we’d gone by the normal route, it would have taken a few days, but it felt like it took less than an hour. We’re using a special route, and it’s incredibly fast. It’s a secret, so you can’t tell anyone, even if they find out about it.

 

“It would be faster to have Gil take us, but it’s a trip, you know! It’s not okay to always burden Gil.”

“That’s not a problem, though…”

“Nooo! You’re on vacation. You need to rest when you’re not working.”

 

This is Dad’s policy. He won’t let anyone work, aside from emergencies, when they’re not working. Gil-san furrowed his brows slightly, but this is the Ortus rule, and he’s used to it, because he didn’t say anything else. Gil-san’s beast form is cool, and I enjoy riding storks, but I’m also looking forward to travelling by ship!

 

“The journey will take a few days. Make sure to let me know if you feel sick.”

“Okii! Undeshtood!”

 

I obediently answered Gil-san, who’d warned me about that. I’m sure he’s talking about seasickness. I don’t usually get motion sickness, but I don’t know what this body’s like. I was feeling anxious on board the ship, but there was no need to worry. In the end, it was fine!

The ship’s big, with lots of guest rooms, and even though there aren’t any recreation facilities, it was still fun to just explore. I was excited when they let me go out on deck. It was incredible, all I could see was ocean, and the wind felt so nice! Gil-san hurriedly put his arm around my stomach when I leaned over the railing. Sorry for the trouble… but it’s a secret that I had fun, that it felt like flying over the ocean.

We also played with cards. Dad had brought a deck. Apparently, they’re common on the Demon Continent. Or rather, I know that it’s Dad who introduced them. We played Old Maid. Different people won each round, but I always came last. Why…? It’s frustrating!

Thanks to those three playing with me, in turn, I wasn’t bored and didn’t get seasick. They’re essentially babysitting, but these three, instead of being reluctant, are actually pressuring each other to play with me. They’re incredibly overprotective.

 

 

 

After a few days, the island of the Elf Village finally came into view. I’m so excited! I wonder what kinds of encounters and events await? I couldn’t contain my excitement and started preparing early, making everyone laugh! I mean, I’m excited!