Chapter 99

"Alright, we should be nearing the outskirts of the city."

We were being jolted in the carriage that had miraculously survived the disaster, trying to leave the city of Misra.

"Yes. Our stay in Misra's capital was brief, but it felt quite long, didn't it?"

Leen seemed to have regained some of his energy compared to before. After that, Ines changed out of the tattered white dress and into her usual clothes, and after resting, she seemed to have recovered from her fatigue to some extent.

Leen, Ines, and I are heading to the Kingdom of Crease, but Roro decided to return on a different route, riding the dragon. The dragon seemed to have emerged from the ring with the red stone that Roro possessed, and I thought it could be returned to the ring, but apparently, it's impossible to do so with just the power of the people here.

When Roro asked if I wanted to ride along, I firmly declined. Thanks to the adrenaline from the battle with the skeleton, I managed to keep my mind focused elsewhere, but if I were to ride now, I'm confident I would pass out. Roro mentioned that Lala would be disappointed, which made me feel a bit guilty, but I just can't handle it.

"But, was it really good to leave like this? We could have helped with the cleanup at least."

The city of Misra was in ruins. The roads were collapsed, and buildings were in shambles. When I peeked out the carriage window, I saw people gathering in a large square, preparing to camp. They would have to spend the night there. I felt like there was something we could do to help.

"You're right, we would like to help, but we have our own city to rebuild. I believe they can manage on their own. Tyrance is capable, and I don't think we need to worry about them."

"True."

"Besides, I don't want to interfere with my friend's important time."

Leen seemed to be in a good mood as he spoke.

"Important time, huh."

After that, Astilla immediately ran through the city with Prince Tyrance, treating the injured. She reportedly went around, holding the hands of the people of Misra, who looked despondent, and encouraging them, saying, "It's okay! As long as you're alive, everything will be fine!"

Perhaps her efforts paid off. Despite the devastation, the people's expressions were surprisingly calm. Prince Tyrance, though being dragged around by the rather impulsive Astilla, continued to give detailed instructions to his subordinates and seemed to enjoy her company.

"Astilla and the prince, they're not really related, right?"

"…Yes, that seems to be the case."

"Then they'll continue to pretend, right?"

"Yes, I think so. This fact won't be made public for a while."

She will apparently continue to act as the false 'Pope' for some time.

The real Pope was devoured by the skeletal monster. For some reason, he offered himself to the monster with a joyful expression. She was nothing like the beloved Pope I had imagined. Perhaps the difference between hearing and seeing is just like this. Prince Tyrance, her son, didn't seem to have a good relationship with his mother, but witnessing her death must have been painful.

Can Astilla really replace her? I doubt it. Astilla seems to think she's a good actor, but honestly, she's nothing like the real Pope. They look the same, but their auras and actions are completely different. I think it's only a matter of time before people notice… or maybe they already have.

"Well, it's not my place to worry… since she's the one doing it."

For some reason, the prince and everyone else seem to be fine with it. Honestly, I don't fully understand what's going on, but if they're okay with it, then it's probably fine.

"You're right. We can only hope they manage well."

"Yeah."

I agree. There's nothing else to say. I realize there's still so much about this world I don't understand, and there are many things I don't know, even in my immediate surroundings.

──Ines, who is driving the carriage in front of us, is truly an amazing person.

I was surprised by her again. During the battle with the fleshy skeleton, she was laughing and enjoying herself while casting lightning, and her movements became faster and faster, leaving me behind multiple times.

When she started cutting through the lightning, I almost dropped my sword in shock, but from then on, she was so incredible that it was hard to describe. With a smile I had never seen before, she sliced the giant, fleshy monster into pieces as if it were vegetables for soup. I was in awe the entire time. I tried to protect her and the dragon by deflecting lightning… but I kept thinking that maybe I should just let her handle it.

Believing Roro's words that my black sword was effective against the skeleton, I managed to fight until the end.

──I don't think I could ever match her, no matter how hard I try. I stared at the back of Ines's head.

"──What is it, Noll?"

Sensing my gaze, Ines turned to look at me.

"……Nothing, don't worry about it."

"……?"

Well, as long as I don't anger her, I don't need to worry about whether I can match her or not. I decided that I would never anger her, looking at the back of her head. Otherwise, I can only see a future where I'm joyfully sliced up like that monster.

"……There are truly amazing people in this world."

I sighed, realizing how incredible she was. Seeing her smile during the battle was a surprising side, but it made sense why Leen relies on her. However, I was amazed by more than just her.

──This girl, Leen, sitting next to me. I realized she's not just an ordinary person. I shouldn't be deceived by her small, delicate appearance.

I had a hunch, but the intense light that flashed before my eyes at the end was apparently released by her from the ground.

The light pillar was –– terrifying. Suddenly, something flashed, and the fleshy skeleton monster was reduced to just bones. The bones then charged at me at an incredible speed. The 'light floor' that Ines had created disappeared, and I froze in fear, but my desperate sword swing managed to hit the bone monster and shatter it instantly.

The bones were more fragile than I imagined, breaking like glass with no resistance. It was anticlimactic how easily they shattered.

I learned that she had orchestrated everything, and I was just a pawn in her plan. Honestly, I wish she had told me beforehand. Thanks to her, the number of injured was minimized. Her ability to command such a situation at her age suggests she will become a formidable leader in the future. She is truly formidable. But… she's not the only one.

──Roro. He had changed dramatically since the last time I saw him. The boy who once seemed so helpless is now freely controlling a giant dragon, almost like a pet. …No, it's more like a friendship between humans. They communicate perfectly. I remember hearing that the dragon could easily destroy a city…?

I realized I'm surrounded by extraordinary people.

I think I've grown, too. Being able to deflect lightning is a significant improvement, but I feel like it's too early to be complacent.

Reflecting on it, the skeleton was relatively easy to defeat. Of course, I couldn't have done it without help from others, and especially this sturdy sword. I don't think I won solely because of my own strength.

"Yeah –– I still have a long way to go."

I felt the need for even more rigorous training when I return. I need to ask Gilbert to train with me again. …Though he might be busy, I hope he can spare the time.

But for now, we're still on the journey. I can enjoy the travel for a while longer. As I looked out the window, I suddenly realized I had forgotten something important.

"…Oh… s… shit…!!"

"Mr. Teacher? Is something wrong…?"

Leen, worried by my sudden agitation, peered at me.

No, I shouted a bit too loudly, but it's not a big deal. It's not a big deal, but it's quite important to me. However, it's not really relevant to her, and it's a bit embarrassing to bring up now. Still, I decided to consult her.

"Sorry, Leen. I have a favor to ask."

"…What is it?"

"Can we stop at a town along the way? …I want to buy something. …I forgot to buy souvenirs."

──Yes, my coworkers at the construction site asked me to bring something back from outside the city. I agreed and even prepared the money for it. But I forgot. I should have bought something in Misra, but the city was in such a state, and we had already left. The only option now is to stop at a town on the way back.

"…I see. That's understandable. It's no trouble at all. We rushed on the way here, so we can take it slower on the way back."

"Thanks, that would help."

"Can you do that, Ines?"

"Of course."

Ines slowed the carriage, and it moved at a leisurely pace, almost as slow as walking. The scenery outside the window, which had been passing by quickly, now seemed more familiar. I noticed a flower I had never seen before as I gazed at the ground.

"It's a nice day. Why don't we open the window?"

Leen opened the carriage window, and a gentle breeze blew in, along with a fallen leaf. I picked up the small leaf that landed on my lap.

"…I've never seen a leaf like this before."

"Yes, they are rare in the Kingdom of Crease. This is a leaf from the 'Sky Star Tree,' a species that only grows in this region. It's a very rare variety."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I've only read about it in books, but the 'Sky Star Tree' is said to be very long-lived, and those who hold its leaves are said to receive good luck. Some say the leaves contain components that can induce a sense of happiness when consumed, and when brewed into tea, they have a smooth taste and are highly prized among enthusiasts. They are so rare that they are called 'phantom tea leaves' and can fetch very high prices in the market. According to historical records, they were even cherished by ancient nobles and royalty…"

The conversation about the leaf led to one of Leen's usual informative talks. He has an incredible amount of knowledge, but he speaks so quickly that only about half of it registers in my mind.

But ––

"Then, I'll take this back with me."

It might not make a good souvenir, but I decided to keep it for myself. It's just a leaf, but I enjoy these small discoveries. Seeing unfamiliar animals and plants makes me feel like I'm really in a new place.

In that sense, this small leaf is perfect. It won't take up much space, and if I preserve it well, it should last for a while. It might be the best way to remember this journey.

──Finally, it feels like a real trip.

Thinking this, I listened to Leen's enthusiastic explanation, half-heartedly, and gazed at the passing scenery outside the window.