Chapter 32: Takatsuki Makoto arrives at the city of Laberintos (1/2)

We had an extravagant dinner in the Flying Ship, and Lucy and I got our own individual suite rooms.

I would always sleep on the floor of the resting area in the guild.

This is such a jump in luxury that I can’t calm down!

“I can’t sleep.” (Makoto)

I sobered up and couldn’t sleep, so I decided on catching a bit of the night breeze and went outside.

The deck of the ship at night had no lights and was pitch black.

I heard that it is because if they were to put lights, monsters might attack.

There’s a number of guards keeping watch at the deck.

They seem to be bird beastkin, but I wonder if they can see in the dark?

Thanks for your hard work in your night shift!

I lean over the handrail of the ship and look down from the ship. It was pitch black, and it makes me doubt whether we are actually flying in the sky.

Without a city around, there’s no light.

“It is different from Japan, right?”

“Fuji-yan, huh.” (Makoto)

The one who appeared behind me was the owner of this ship.

He has expensive looking wine in his hand.

“How about we have a drink before sleeping?” (Fujiwara)

“A little bit then.” (Makoto)

Fuji-yan has completely taken a liking to alcohol.

We sit directly on the deck, and pour the drink relying on the light of the moon.

“In this world, the moon and stars are beautiful at night.” (Fujiwara)

“In Tokyo, we couldn’t see any stars after all.” (Makoto)

But even in this world, there were practically no chances to leisurely watch the stars.

When thinking about that, I can tell that these kinds of moments are important.

“But, in this world, this beautiful moon is said to be the sign of misfortune. What a mysterious thing.” (Fujiwara)

“Moon magic isn’t popular after all.” (Makoto)

From within the seven elements, Moon is said to rule over death and darkness.

There wasn’t a single person taking lessons of moon magic in the temple.

“It isn’t only that. The Moon Country of this continent, Raphloaig, has perished after all. As a cursed country.” (Fujiwara)

“If I remember correctly, it was because a 1,000 years ago, they betrayed the humans and went to the demon’s side? According to history.” (Makoto)

“The Moon Oracle at that time, dubbed as the Witch of Calamity, was apparently pulling the strings from the back.” (Fujiwara)

“Because of that, no one uses moon magic.” (Makoto)

Water magic is the weakest magic.

Spirit magic is forgotten magic.

Moon magic is detested magic.

By the way, the strongest one is Sun magic.

“I am glad my skill wasn’t Moon Magic.” (Makoto)

The darkness element is one I do admire a bit though.

“I heard that the Moon Oracle has been subjugated by the Sun Knight Order recently.” (Fujiwara)

“Eh? They go that far?” (Makoto)

No matter how evil the past Moon Oracle was, there’s no sin with the current Oracle.

“Lately the monsters have been increasing in numbers, and the talk about the revival of the Great Demon Lord, there’s a lot of ominous rumors. They must have wanted to relieve the uneasiness of the people.” (Fujiwara)

“The one who is being used to achieve this ‘relief’ certainly doesn’t feel great about it.” (Makoto)

While we were having this conversation, we were sipping the wine slowly.

This wine is crazy easy to drink.

It is completely different from the cheap wines at the food carts.

“Strong monsters are appearing in Laberintos, and it is apparently getting heated up there, you know. Please be careful, Takki-dono.” (Fujiwara)

“What’s difficult are the Mid Floor and below. I will be taking my time adventuring on the Upper Floor.” (Makoto)

“Takki-dono, you act as if you are the safe thinker type, but do reckless things. It worries me.” (Fujiwara)

“Really?” (Makoto)

“Facing that giant alone wasn’t something I would consider sane-desu zo.” (Fujiwara)

“Well, it had a good result.” (Makoto)

“Please don’t be too reckless in Laberintos.” (Fujiwara)

After saying this, we finished drinking our wine.

Aah, I am a bit drunk.

Wine has a higher percent of alcohol than ale, if I remember correctly.

“By the way…” (Makoto)

While pouring a second round, I tried asking something that I was wondering about.

“How is it going with Nina-san and Chris-san?” (Makoto)

“Pffft!” (Fujiwara)

Fuji-yan spurts out his wine.

“That aloof Nina-san was pretty heated up when Chris-san was around. It is my first time meeting Chris-san, so I don’t know much about her, but it felt like she was pretty into you, Fuji-yan.” (Makoto)

“Well…the two certainly do hold good feelings towards me.” (Fujiwara)

Ooh! So manly.

He easily admitted it.

“Thanks to my skill, I can’t even pretend I don’t notice.” (Fujiwara)

With eyes gazing far away, he gulps down his wine in one go.

“I see, a way too strong skill has its own downs, huh.” (Makoto)

With a skill that can read their minds, you can’t become a dense character.

“So, who do you like?” (Makoto)

“Y-You are really pulling the topic here… They are both important friends-desu zo. How about you, Takki-dono? How is it with Lucy-dono?” (Fujiwara)

“How?” (Makoto)

“Fumu, because of my skill, I can understand your feelings, Takki-dono, so it is a bit boring.” (Fujiwara)

“My condolences.” (Makoto)

The wine has gotten slightly lukewarm.

[Water Magic: Cooling]

“That’s handy.” (Fujiwara)

“Want me to cool it?” (Makoto)

“No, I prefer it like this.” (Fujiwara)

“I see.” (Makoto)

We went silent and time passed like that.

But looking at the moon reflected in the wine glass and enjoying a journey in the skies is pretty nice.

“Takki-dono, I thought your relationship with Sasaki Aya-dono was good.” (Fujiwara)

“Eh?” (Makoto)

That was really out of nowhere.