GalaxyTL
After spending the night at an inn in the town in the Demon Kingdom, we woke up early in the morning and started preparing to leave. Gil-san had told me that we didn’t need to rush, that we’d be able to arrive on time at this pace, but… I woke up because I was too excited. Because, because, we’ll be able to see our Ortus comrades! It’s been so long!
“Those participating from Ortus have apparently arrived at the venue, even though they all travelled separately.”
“Eh, really?”
Gil-san, who’d been contacting someone through a shadow bird, said that as I was outside the town, setting up the cloth in the basket I’ll be riding in. I’m so excited! I could hear Gil-san chuckling behind me.
“Shall we hurry then?”
“Y-Yes, please……”
I’m secretly thinking that Gil-san, who’s grinning mischievously, has become a bit sadistic lately. Dad’s incredibly sadistic, but he always says that it’s because I’m fun to tease. The teaser’s the one at fault!
“Maybe I’ll try increasing our speed… make sure you don’t fall. I’ll definitely catch you if you do.”
“O-Okay.”
I don’t want to fall! It’s terrifying to think about being thrown out of the basket at that speed. But I also feel safe because Gil-san’s here, I know I won’t get hurt… no, no, I’m still scared, so I’ll hold on tight! I won’t even stick my head out, so it’ll definitely, definitely be okay!
…I was naive to think that.
“Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…”
I’m currently falling! What the heck! I was holding on tight to the edge of the basket, I even had my head inside, it was perfect! This body’s so light that I was flung out! I might not have been thrown out… if I had a bit more grip strength!
“F-Fuu-chaaan!”
『Leave it to me, Master!』
But I’m not just going to fall! I’ve graduated from just falling without knowing what to do! I just need to call Fuu-chan’s name, and Shou-chan instantly translates and relays it. We’d already discussed this, so there was no time loss. I was immediately enveloped by a gentle wind, floating in the sky. It felt like I was inside a wind bubble.
『Are you okay, Meg?』
Gil-san, in his Shadow Eagle form, appeared above me. He sounded incredibly calm. Why? That’s obvious! I puffed up my cheeks.
“Gil-san, you knew I was going to be thrown out, didn’t you.”
He knew, and he still increased our speed. And that’s all… for training. I know, I know, but I was scared! I’m sure he doesn’t mean anything by it. It’s like one of those unannounced emergency drills. Those were scary… one of my least favorite elementary school events.
『Sorry. But you should be fine with this much. And I wouldn’t let you get hurt, I’m right here.』
“I know, but! I know, but!”
I returned to the basket, pouting. It’s not like he’s actually smiling because he’s currently a Shadow Eagle, but I feel like he’s smiling wryly. Hmmm!
『I also confirmed that you can properly handle these kinds of situations, so I won’t do it again. Will you please stop being angry?』
Gil-san doesn’t lie. So if he’s saying that, then I know he won’t do it again. But as for my anger, hmm, I wonder what I should do. I was still pouting, and then he gave me a tempting offer.
『…If we have time… after arriving at the venue, I’ll take you anywhere you want.』
“Really!?”
I know I’m simple. So stop laughing! I know you’re doing it! But it is tempting, that he’ll take me anywhere I want. I was told not to wander around too much because Sainsley’s still a dangerous place, even though things have gotten much better. So I’ll be able to go to those food stalls with everyone! I also promised Goot! Fufu, I’m excited!
And so, our journey was filled with conversation, talking about that, and making predictions about the tournament. Gil-san’s a good listener, so I always end up talking a lot. I’d already forgotten about what happened, and was in a good mood. Huh? I feel like I’m being manipulated by Gil-san. Well, whatever.
We arrived at the entrance of the town where the tournament venue is at around lunchtime. Gil-san, having gauged my flying speed, maintained a speed that was just below what it would take to have me thrown out, so we arrived earlier than expected. It seems like what happened was also a test, to find my limit. But he didn’t push it to the very limit, so I was able to chat, and it made me realize that he’s always looking after me. Well, I mean, it’s Gil-san.
“The Ortus members are all camping together in a section of the plaza, right?”
I asked Gil-san, who’d returned to his human form, putting on his hood and mask, just to confirm. Because we’d just been talking about it.
“Yeah, they’re saying the inns in town are fully booked in preparation for the tournament, even with all the temporary ones they’ve added.”
Apparently, everyone unaminously agreed that the Special-grade guilds involved with the tournament should handle things on their own as much as possible. Everyone was very cooperative about that. After all, the purpose of holding the tournament is to revitalize the town, so it’s only natural.
“There are a lot of people, huh? And there’s even those who came here in their beast form, like Gil-san.”
“The opening of the tournament is approaching, so I’m sure there’ll be even more.”
That’s true. We, the contestants, arrived early to investigate and get used to the venue, but there’s no need for the spectators to come so early.
I happily looked around, taking advantage of the fact that Gil-san was holding my hand. There are so many different kinds of demi-humans. I’ve seen demi-humans with beast features, fluffy ears and tails, but this is my first time seeing so many in their beast form.
But I’m sure it’s hard for the demi-humans with fur, because this is the desert area of Sainsley. I could see a lot of them, shivering because sand was probably getting stuck in their fur, or scratching themselves with their hind legs. It’ll be tough for Nika-san and Reki, if they were here.
“Ah, huh? Isn’t the town that way?”
I’d been thinking about that, and then I noticed we were heading in the opposite direction of the town. We’re going further and further left. I wondered if there was something there, and when I asked, he told me there’s a large plaza in that direction that they’re using for camping. It’s safer to have it inside the town, but it seems like they prioritized having a large area. And that the individual safety of the tournament participants and those who are confident in their abilities shouldn’t be an issue. It’s a decision that’s only possible on the Demon Continent. It wouldn’t be possible for humans.
“That’s also where our Ortus base is. They’ve already secured a spot it seems.”
I was so excited to hear him say that everyone was waiting there. I do want to explore the town, but I want to see everyone more! I skipped along the path. The other passersby chuckled. H-how embarrassing…!
Just a few minutes later, the sandy road suddenly transformed, and a grassy plaza appeared. It’s obvious this is where they’re camping. The road, which had been difficult to walk on, suddenly became soft and fluffy, it made me happy. Everyone around me had happy expressions too, so I’m sure they were feeling the same way.
I looked up and scanned the plaza. It seems like they’ve simply sectioned it off with ropes. It’s loosely divided into small groups and large groups. Ortus is probably in the back, where the large groups are, I thought, and then saw some familiar faces. I made eye contact with one of them, and I couldn’t help but run.
“Dad!”
“Oh, Meg!”
I launched myself at him! Dad easily caught me and lifted me up. Yay! I haven’t seen you in ages, Dad! He’s still wearing the light blue tie I gave him. Hehehe.
“You seem to be doing well. And you’ve gotten stronger.”
“You can tell?”
“I kind of can. You worked hard, huh? Good job.”
Dad, holding me, said that, observing me. Wow, he can actually tell? That’s incredible! I’m so happy, it’s been a while since he patted my head, saying, “Good job.”
“Good work, Gil. You’re doing okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Dad then said that to Gil-san, who’d been following behind us. He’s like a boss! It’s a bit… strange.
“Meg! Have you forgotten about meeee?”
“Asuka! I’d never forget you!”
I heard a voice calling out from below and saw a handsome boy, pouting. You’re still as cute as ever, Asuka! His silky, blonde hair seemed especially radiant!
Dad put me down, and I greeted Asuka. And then I went around, greeting the Ortus members one by one. Hmm, hmm, now I finally know who came to the tournament!
“Meg-chan, it’s been a while! I’m so happy we get to see you sooner than expected!”
“Meg, I’m glad you seem to be doing well.”
Saura-san hugged me, and Ronny spoke to me, smiling.
“Good work, Meg-chan. Make sure to rest today, okay?”
“Let’s use our extra time to rest. Are you hungry, Meg?”
Kei-san chuckled, talking to me, and Schlie-san gave me a soft smile.
“Hey Meg! We have some delicious food over here!”
“Oi, you glutton! Don’t eat it all!”
“This is bad, I have to eat it before it’s all gone!”
“Even you, Wyatt! You guys are all so greedy!”
Juma-kun was a bit further away, stuffing his face with a chunk of meat, and Wyatt-san was frantically trying to save some. And Reki was scolding them. Fufu, I’m happy that everyone’s the same as ever.
Don’t we have quite a strong force here? I wonder if it’s okay, leaving the Ortus headquarters in Lilthorley like this?