Chapter 27 (1/2)
The next day.
I am in the underground storeroom of Jiiteias Castle.
“[Wall of Iron]!”
As a result of my spell, a box taller than myself and made purely of iron appears.
I then transfer a portion of my treasures from the sling bag to this this perfect cube that does not even have joints, and as such is completely impossible to ‘open.’
“...... This, how do you take out its contents?”
“When needed, I can just use [Destruction] on the whole box.”
Claura shrugs her shoulders resignedly at my response. I doubt that resignation is due to my speech being too casual.
(T/N: Gio is now using casual speech.)
The change is not particularly due to any erotic developments that occurred last night. Rather, it is because the way I see her has merely changed along the lines of [stranger → colleague in the same team onground → nakama]. She does not seem to mind.
After lifting the castle with [Renovation] again just like last time, we set off for Lelis (in this state of affairs, even I did not want to stay one more night).
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The road that connects Shulendal in the far north with Lelis, reaching even Yuule, is apparently called the ‘Royal Highway.’
(T/N: Anyone got a better suggestion for how to translate 法の街道? Legal Highway sounds really weird.)
According to what I’ve previously heard from Sedam, at the height of Shulendal’s power 200~300 years ago, it used to control the entirety of this continent. However, the chaos from a large anki outbreak caused the country to decline, eventually leading to fragmentation, which is how this area came to be under the rule of the Liuus Union. When I heard the story, I thought “I see, the fantasy trope of an ancient super civilization,” but this is all actually within the realm of common sense.
However, despite losing the actual ruling authority, being the oldest civilized country means it still possesses enormous influence. As examples, the Carbanera Knight Order still swears allegiance to the Shulendal royal family up to today (although they don’t have to pay tax), and Claura also proudly told me that “the Andel family’s lineage traces back to Shulendal!” I think it is like how the Muromachi shogunate was like for the people living in the Sengoku era.
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Claura didn’t want to ride the phantom horse together down the Royal Highway, so we are leisurely making progress on foot.
Though there are gentle ups and downs, the highway is generally flat, making the going both easy and peaceful. At times, we pa.s.s by shepherds chasing herds of livestock, caravans, and other travellers. Everyone has relaxed expressions on their faces. Wasn’t this part of the road p.r.o.ne to bandit attacks only up till recently? When I posed the question to a merchant who we happened to camp out with, he kindly explained to me that “a Great Wizard-sama has taken up residence around these parts, so all the evildoers have long fled the area.”
Isn’t the spread of information way too fast?! is what I thought, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Don’t tell me, the Grand Cross has been purposely spreading it as a rumor?
Fortunately, it seems that the rumor going around does not go so far as to include a precise description of said ‘Great Wizard.’
What with this and that, I wonder how many decades it has been since I last took such a laidback walk free of all distractions. Watching the scenery evocative of pastoral songs from Central Europe inch by while travelling in the company of a lady who, though noisy, is a stunning beauty. I somehow find myself deeply feeling that it was a good thing that I was transferred over. Sorry, my colleagues and friends at my workplace.
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Three days after setting off from Jiiteias Castle.
No matter how peaceful and enjoyable the journey, the monotonous scenery stretching far as the eye can see does get boring. Seriously, this is why us modern people are no good.
Abruptly.
“Once we clear that hill, Liuus Lake and Lelis should come into view.”
“Ohhhh!”
At Claura’s words, I break into a mad dash, taking giant leaps up the slope. I do indeed feel the wind carrying traces of humidity. When I reach the top, my line of sight widens up all at once.
“Wooowww……”
It’s the sea! is literally the first thought that jumped into my mind.
The blueness of the almost frightening amount of water fills my vision. So this is Liuus Lake. The opposite sh.o.r.e is not visible due to the fog. I’ve previously seen Lake Biwa from a viewing platform, but I can say for sure that this definitely beats it.
“Awesome! A fortress city!”
At the end of the highway is the city of Lelis, spread out as if it is trying to embrace the lake. The entire place is encircled by two layers of solid stone walls. The part where the city touches the lake is clearly a port, with large s.h.i.+p-like silhouettes visible even from here. The city’s buildings are all made of stone, and the rooftops are colorful and a delight for the eyes.
It is a true fortress city. I was excited when I first laid eyes on White Sword Castle, but this…… This is on a whole different level altogether.
“...... Wait a-, you’re too fast!”
I hear a sweat-drenched Claura having a bit of trouble behind me, but I pay her no mind. I would pay her no mind, but well, yea it was my bad.
“Sorry, I wanted to see Lelis as soon as I can.”
“That’s fine and all, but…… You sure are a good walker for your age, aren’t you?”
“‘For your age’ was unnecessary.”
I didn’t tell her, but my boots are a pair of magic items called Travelling Boots. If I felt like it, I could keep pace with a racehorse without feeling any fatigue. They are the reason why a journey on foot isn’t painful for me, considering my age. Hmm, could it be that these boots are actually bad for my health?
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Taking full advantage of the abundant amount of water nearby, Lelis is surrounded by a great moat.
There is a large drawbridge about two traffic lanes wide over which caravans, peddlers, and farmers pulling carts are going back and forth in huge crowds.
The Royal Road does not only reach Yuule in the east, but also stretches north and south, so the number of people here are on a whole different level.