NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11 - An Air Travel Gentle as a Cradle
An Air Travel Gentle as a Cradle
“Uwaah…!”
Once I was settled in the basket, Gil-san placed me, basket and all, onto the cloth and tied the four corners securely. Then, after a brief word, he transformed into a large bird in the blink of an eye.
I had to admit, if I hadn’t known beforehand, I’d have been so surprised I’d have frozen up. Because he was huge. But his black wings were beautiful. His sharp gaze, dignified posture, and the golden beak alone exuded a regal aura.
“Sho cool…! Um, um, can I pet you a little?!”
At first glance, one might think to resign themselves to death upon seeing a large Shadow Eagle, but knowing it was Gil-san, I wasn’t scared at all. In fact, even if I hadn’t known it was him, his aura didn’t radiate any hostility, so I might have been fine regardless.
Anyway, to resist touching such large and seemingly soft feathers… was simply impossible.
I could sense that my request was met with a slightly puzzled look, but Gil-san obediently lowered his head. Probably because spreading his wings would be dangerous. I felt a warmth in my chest at his thoughtfulness.
“Fluffyyy… sho fluffy…”
I gently stroked Gil-san’s head. Then, at my request, I wandered here and there, petting his neck, the base of his wings, and all sorts of places, and Gil-san patiently let me. …This is the best. Feathers forever. I want to sleep on them. I started by just stroking them, but it felt so good, I ended up hugging him tightly. Bliss…
『…Well, have you had enough?』
“Fehh!?”
Startled by the sudden voice that echoed inside my head, I looked up. My eyes darted around, but it was definitely Gil-san’s voice I’d heard. I tilted my head, gazing at him, wondering if it had really been him.
『…It’s telepathy. I can’t speak in this form. It’s time to go, so get back in the basket.』
Gil-san spoke with a slightly embarrassed tone. …Come to think of it, I was petting his head, that place, this place, fluffing him up, nuzzling him… Did I… go too far…?
No. I’m a child, it’s fine. It’s the fluffy feathers’ fault! I convinced myself and quickly got back into the basket. The heat in my face was just my imagination. Gah… so embarrassing!
『Alright, you’re in. Let’s go, then. Don’t lean out, it’s dangerous.』
“Okii! Pwease take care of me!”
Trying to hide my embarrassment, I gave a crisp salute in response, and Gil-san spread his wings. The wind they generated ruffled my hair. …Huh, my hair’s pinkish-gold in this form, huh, I thought absently.
Gil-san looked even more magnificent with his wings spread. Because I was looking straight up, the backdrop of lush green trees and the clear blue sky was simply perfect. He floated up lightly and, after briefly glancing in my direction, grasped the tied cloth firmly in his talons. My jaw dropped as I stared up at him, and I hurriedly grabbed the edge of the basket.
I felt a floating sensation. We ascended slowly at first, then gradually picked up speed. It was like a reverse freefall! However, perhaps because he was being careful not to frighten me, he seemed to maintain a moderate pace. It felt like being in a high-speed elevator. The fact that I only felt a gentle breeze was probably due to magic. I imagined that if it were just Gil-san, he’d already be soaring high in the sky… I owe him one.
Thus began our journey through the air. But I couldn’t see the scenery because I was wrapped in cloth. Though I wouldn’t want to go without it; it was too scary.
Gil-san’s flight was nothing short of stable. No shaking, no sudden changes in speed. It was a safe flight, rather than safe driving. The gentle breeze was pleasant. I lay down on my back in the basket. It was a bit cramped, so I used the edge of the basket as a pillow for my head and bent my knees.
A silhouette of a large bird against the blue sky. What a picturesque sight. I wonder what it’s like to fly freely in the sky. It wouldn’t be scary, since he’s an eagle. I envy him…
As I was spacing out, thinking such thoughts, I started feeling sleepy. I had nothing else to do, so it should be fine to sleep, right? Although I felt a little guilty, like when you fall asleep in the passenger seat of a car.
『If you’re sleepy, just go to sleep. It’s easier to fly that way.』
H-How did he know I was sleepy!? But, I see. He was being considerate and taking it slow while I was awake. If I’m asleep, it doesn’t matter how fast he flies, as long as it’s not too rough.
In that case, I’ll take a nap without hesitation. Good night!
“Wha…! Seriously, Gil!? Is that your secret love child or something!? No, wait, are you making a delivery? Bwahahaha!”
“…Nnmuu?”
I was roused from my sleep by a loud voice and laughter. Someone seemed to be in a very good mood.
I rubbed my eyes and looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. It seemed like a brighter voice than Gil-san’s, but… then a pained yelp, “Eek!?” reached my ears, followed by a menacing voice from above.
“Juma… to raise your voice in front of a sleeping child? What kind of education did you receive…?”
“Come on… like you’d actually hurt me… ow, ow, ow! I get it! I’m sorry!”
Looking up, I saw Gil-san, back in his human form, his arms crossed, glaring with displeasure. In front of him were two figures.
One was… I think, judging from the voice, a man with smooth, silver hair that brushed his shoulders and beautiful blue eyes. He was twisting the ear of a small young man with spiky, crimson hair and golden eyes. It looked awfully painful.
From the situation, it seemed the one who’d made that low, threatening voice was the silver-haired man. To think such a voice would come from such a handsome man. And his method was subtly brutal. The red-haired young man must have been the one who’d been laughing loudly. It’s true that’s what woke me up, but there was no need to go that far, right? Please let him go…
Wait? The silver-haired man was looking in my direction. And his ears, peeking out from behind his hair, were pointed. Could it be…?
“Hello there, little lady. I am Schlie Letziano. An elf, just like you.”
The handsome man greeted me with a gentle smile. I felt my heart melting. As expected of an elf, his beauty was breathtaking! But he wasn’t letting go of the red-haired guy’s ear? He’s struggling so much, but he can’t escape. He must be really strong!
“And welcome to the Special-grade Guild, Ortus.”
The man continued casually as if nothing was amiss. Eh, Special-grade Guild? We were already here?
That’s when I finally noticed the large building behind the man.
I had arrived at my destination without even realizing it.