128.2. Those Who Are Standing Can Still Be Used, Even If They’re Friends, Isn’t It?

When Shururu returned to the city from the wetlands, I had already taken the initiative, having heard that she had returned the horse she borrowed from Kyle.

(I can’t let my guard down…!)

I’m a man too, and while I appreciate being liked… I really do appreciate it!

“Alright, let’s head to Leafan Town first.”

“Got it!”

“Yes!”

So we sped down the highway.

A very wide highway connects Golden Dawn and Leafan Town.

It’s spacious enough to accommodate six large transport wagons side by side, all paved with alchemical hardened rock. They’ve marked lanes on it, creating a three-lane road in each direction for the first time.

At first, merchants were confused by the road being divided into up and down lanes, but with clear explanations in Reifan Town and the Akindou merchant caravan teaching other merchants the rules, it was smoothly adopted.

Additionally, a separate path for swift horses was established, so even when horses are running, they don’t interfere with the caravans or other travelers.

And so, the three of us were racing along the swift horse path…

“Craft-sama!” “Craft-sama!” “Craft-sama!” “Craft-sama!” “Craft-sama!” “Craft-sama!”

Shururu’s appeals were overwhelming!

Her affection is appreciated, but the pressure is immense!

As I dealt with it casually and continued forward, night finally came.

“Alright, let’s stay at that rest stop over there.”

The highway has several rest stops.

They’re square, bland buildings made of alchemical hardened rock, with only a well, a fireplace, and cheap beds, but they’re free to use. They also serve as shelters if attacked by monsters.

You need to bring your own food and firewood.

To prevent settlers from moving in, hired adventurers regularly check the area, so it’s relatively clean.

When we entered the rest stop, several merchants and travelers were chatting while roasting dried meat.

“Are there still beds available?”

When I asked, a merchant turned around pleasantly.

“Oh, plenty available.”

“By the way, I wonder what kind of person the Pioneer Count is, who set up so many of these facilities. I can’t wait to get to Golden Dawn.”

“It wasn’t the Pioneer Count, but the Frontier Count who set them up.”

“Really? I don’t know much about that, but it’s still much appreciated. I was bracing myself for a harsh journey since I heard it was the edge of the frontier.”

“Is the journey tough?”

The road to Golden Dawn is unimaginably long. Even the route from the Frontier Count’s territory to Leafan Town is a place ordinary merchants wouldn’t normally go. The journey from Leafan Town to Golden Dawn is even more daunting.

“Once you’re on the highway, it’s surprisingly smooth. The road is well-maintained, so wagon wheels don’t come off, and thanks to adventurers and other caravan guards taking care of the monsters, there are no monsters, and there’s a place to sleep.”

“I see. That’s good to hear.”

After chatting a bit with them, I slipped into bed.

Of course, Shururu joined me in the same bed.

“Um, Shururu-san?”

“Haa… haa…! Is it okay!? Is it okay!?”

At times like these, the vertically elongated pupils of the Lizardmen are frightening!

“Not okay! Nothing about this is okay!”

“It’s alright! Craft-sama is just counting the stains on the ceiling… haa haa!”

“No way! If you don’t go back to your own bed, I’ll leave right now!”

“Eh…”

“Go back!”

Shururu reluctantly got out of bed.

This is it!

What Shururu wants is to have children! She’s pressing for it, and it’s troublesome!

I consulted her brother, Jurara, about this issue, and his response was:

“For Lizardmen, bearing the child of a strong person is an honor. Craft-sama is a hero. I’m not saying you should marry or take her as a mistress. Just provide her with some seeds as a casual gesture.”

Seriously!

Isn’t that something you do with a future spouse!?

Screaming inwardly, Jitarou gave me a sidelong glance.

“Craft-san, you’re strangely squeaky clean in some places, you know.”

“Squeaky clean… isn’t that normal?”

I know my old adventuring companions sometimes visited brothels, but I couldn’t do it.

Maybe it’s because I was raised in an orphanage run by a church, but I don’t want to do such things with anyone other than someone I’ve promised a future with.

“Are you interested, though?”

Of course! I am!

I couldn’t help but shout.

“I think doing naughty things is wrong!”

“Craft-san should just burn up!”

Why is that!?