Chapter 76
Looking closely, even the handles and decorations are all made of ruby.
A perfect combination of chic black and red!
“So, what do you think? I put a lot of thought into it.”
Gergys, dressed similarly to the carriage, opened the door with a smug expression.
“Plus, this is a transforming carriage!”
“A transforming carriage…?”
Wait, could it be what I’m thinking?
Does it suddenly transform with a swish and a snap into a robot…?
“Strange magic in a carriage is dangerous, Cherry. Take the one I prepared.”
At that moment, Idsys appeared on the opposite side, opening the door, and with utmost gentleness, treated Gergys’s carriage like a hazardous object.
Honestly, I was more drawn to Idsys’s carriage anyway, because it was a combination of white and gold.
Babies prefer bright things over dark ones, after all.
The carriage pulled by eight white horses was adorned with ribbons on their necks, which was incredibly cute, but that wasn’t all.
“Cherry, when this carriage runs, golden bubbles will pop out above your head.”
“Golden… bubbles…?”
I’m hooked. Absolutely hooked.
I definitely want to ride it!
Excited, I wiggled my hips and took a step towards Idsys’s carriage.
A victorious smile crept onto Idsys’s lips as he saw this.
But I didn’t get into Idsys’s carriage right away.
“Did both of you prepare these carriages just for me?”
If that’s really the case, I’m seriously touched!
Gergys grumbled as he answered my question.
“Yeah. There’s a chance we’ll start hunting as soon as we arrive. You might have to stay in the carriage for hours, so we didn’t want you to get bored.”
“A regular carriage could be dangerous too. If you got bored and stepped out of it, that’d be a real problem.”
Do they really think I’m such an untrustworthy baby?
I pouted my lips but then decided to take each of their hands.
“Thank you both for being so considerate!”
“Oh, by the way, no matter which carriage you choose, both are yours.”
Idsys said it so nonchalantly that I almost didn’t react, but then I was hit by the realization.
“Mine?!”
“Yup. We made a bet on which carriage you’d like more. I thought for sure you’d pick my amazing transforming carriage!”
Gergys groaned, clutching his head.
He looked so pitiful that I couldn’t help but ask.
“…What does it transform into?”
“Oh, the wheels descend, wings pop out from the sides, and the seat you’re sitting on rises up…!”
It really is a robot.
Judging by that description, it’s definitely a robot.
No thanks.
Without hesitation, I turned towards Idsys’s carriage.
But just as I grabbed Idsys’s hand and was about to climb in, a huge shadow loomed over us.
A shadow so massive that I had no choice but to look up, and I heard a rumbling sound overhead.
Curious, I gaped at the sight, and there, hanging from a dangling rope ladder, was someone.
“Dad…?”
“I prepared it for you.”
“What… what is it?”
“It’s an airship.”
Haphneous!
Dad, who had brought the airship close to the ground, leaped off with pride and surveyed the carriages with a satisfied smile.
I could see in his eyes, ‘Still using carriages? You’ve got a lot to learn.’
“Come on, have a look. It’s your very own airship.”
“An airship shaped like Cherry….”
I finally understand the saying, ‘There’s always a bigger fish.’
My dad’s scale is simply unmatched.
He’s incredible!
“Let’s go, daughter.”
“Y-Yes.”
In awe of Dad’s presence, I couldn’t help but nod vigorously.
My twin brothers looked frustrated, but there was nothing they could do.
The ride quality of a personal airship is simply unbeatable.
‘But now the problem is… it’s an airship, yes, but….’
I glanced at the cherry-themed exterior of the airship and buried my face in my hands.
Riding on this flashy, sparkling, and utterly childish airship…
Oh, the embarrassment!
* * *
Thankfully, I didn’t have to parade around as a superstar on the cutesy cherry-covered airship, drawing everyone’s attention.
We just had to wait at the location, and then we’d be transported to Scorantal, the Amon-infested area, using large-scale teleportation magic.
Eventually, my entire family boarded the airship.
The interior was filled with expensive furnishings, as if a piece of the royal palace had been transported here, but there was one problem.
‘Why is the floor….’
It’s a strawberry-patterned carpet, isn’t it?
And why is Dad walking around on it so casually…?
I’m, I’m a bit embarrassed!
Gergys seemed to feel the same way, his face grimacing as he looked at the strawberry-patterned floor.
It was the first time I felt such a deep connection with Gergys.
“Scorantal is famous for its crab dishes. The locals will have crab dishes ready and waiting for us.”
“Wow.”
We were all set to depart, and as I took my seat, I pretended to be surprised at Idsys’s explanation.
My secret weapon: acting like I don’t know anything, even though I do!
‘Now that I think about it, the giant crab sashimi in Scorantal is an amazing stamina item.’
In the game, I couldn’t taste it, but now I wonder how delicious it really is?
The description always said it melts in your mouth the moment it touches your tongue, so I’ve always wanted to try it.
Reminding myself not to reveal how much I knew about Scorantal, I deliberately asked a question.
“But Amon is dangerous. Why do people live there?”
“First of all, the people of Scorantal take great pride in their homeland. Every year, the capital offers them a chance to relocate, but they refuse.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Of course, some individuals do choose to leave, and the capital supports their relocation.”
Grandfather, you really govern the country so wisely…?
This is another detailed setting I didn’t know about.
I blinked and tilted my head.
“But how do they make a living in such a dangerous place?”
“Scorantal is a beautiful place, famous as a tourist destination. From spring to fall, you can enjoy nature’s bounty. When winter comes, the military arrives, bringing in a lot of money.”
True, feeding this massive group alone would bring in a fortune.
If they endure just one harsh winter, they can live in abundance for the rest of the year.
Different people might have different perspectives, but the people of Scorantal must have accepted that way of life.
“Crab dishes are famous, attracting visitors from all over the world, and they also have hot springs.”
“Hot springs!”
“There’s hot water outdoors, and you can soak in it.”
Ah, I’ve started imagining it.
How heavenly would that be…?
But I won’t be able to enjoy those hot springs.
I didn’t bring any maids or attendants with me.
I heard that during the 40-day hunting period, even bathing is roughly handled with magic.
“Oh, and after we arrive, the people of Scorantal will come to serve us the next day.”
“Oh, so that’s why no one’s bringing their own servants?”
“Yes, and in the rare case of an emergency, the locals are familiar with Amons and know how to avoid them. It’s better to hire the locals than to bring ordinary servants.”
Since the Amon wave happens every year, everything is meticulously organized.
It’ll be dangerous, but as long as I stay put, I should be fine.
“Oh, I think we’re about to take off.”
A moment later, Gergys, who seemed to be staring at something, spoke without blinking.
And then, the next moment.
Whoooosh!
A gray sky, snowy fields.
Snow-covered rocky mountains.
And the wind howling with an eerie sound.
Since we were in the air, I pressed my nose against the glass and peered down.
– Kyaaaah!
Then, a giant Amon looked up and, using its tail as leverage, leaped straight up!
Thud!
It was, of course, blocked by Dad’s shield, but it was enough to scare me.
“Is that thing insane…?”
“Stay here, Cherry.”
Noticing my trembling, Gergys clenched his teeth and threw open the door.
A blizzard immediately swept in, making it freezing cold.
“P-Please be careful!”
“I will.”
Gergys jumped out into the void first, followed by Dad.
I wanted to watch because I was so worried, but as soon as Idsys snapped his fingers, the curtains closed over every window.
“Now, shall we draw magic circles in our sketchbooks while we wait?”
There was no doubt that a scene unsuitable for children was unfolding below.
* * *
The first battle ended relatively smoothly.
From what I heard, Gergys and Dad took the lead and wiped them all out.
In truth, I was inside the airship, obediently drawing magic circles, so I didn’t see exactly what they did or how they did it.
I just knew it was over when I heard the loud bangs and explosions, so I came down.
And before I knew it, the sun was setting.
“Dad!”
“Cherry, don’t come closer. I’m covered in blood.”
I spotted Dad and ran over, but I couldn’t cling to him like usual.
His wine-red hair had turned almost black.
Though he managed to clean his face, his clothes were a mess.
“W-Were you hurt?”
“No. How could I be hurt?”
I checked him carefully just in case, but Dad really seemed fine.
Finally, I sighed in relief and looked around.
It seemed like none of the other knights were seriously injured either, thank goodness.
“How many were there today?”
“A total of 1,520.”
“That’s fewer than this time last year. There might be a bigger wave tomorrow.”
Idsys, who was speaking with Dad, frowned.
As the two continued their conversation, I looked around for Gergys but ended up spotting someone unexpected.
“Huh?”
That boy from before…
‘Silver hair… Silver hair, what was his name….’
Ah, it’s Pabel!
I helped him with his hyperventilation before.
I wonder if he’s been okay since then.
Without realizing it, my eyes followed the silver hair.
For some reason, he looked more lively today, and I couldn’t help but keep glancing his way.
‘But who did he come here with?’