Volume 2 Chapter 19 (1/2)

Volume 2 Chapter 19: Additional Means of Travel

Before even a few minutes passed after greetings at the reception, a man ran out from the workshop area.

Wilhelm in his triangular hat, an executive of the shipbuilding guild.

「Carrier-niisan, you came right away? And everyone!」

「Time wasn’t specified, but I thought that for such things the sooner the better. Was it alright?」

「Yes, absolutely. Or rather, thank you for responding to my sudden invitation… And, we don’t have to talk while standing, do we? There is a reception room over there, mind if I guide you there?」

「Sure, show us the way.」

After saying a thing or two to the female clerk, Wilhelm started to walk.

After following him for some dozens of seconds, we reached the parlor at the back of the guild.

The reception room, which was designed to be adjacent to the workshop, was lined with a beautifully decorated table and comfortable sofas.

However, because it was in the immediate vicinity of the workshop, I still could hear the sound of metal being worked. From the glass window in the room also came voices from the work area.

Probably realizing that, Wilhelm wryly smiled as we sat down.

「Welcome to the Shipbuilding guild. Sorry for it being so noisy here.」

「No, no, hearing the sounds of work is interesting in its own way. Berzelia also was happy to see something unusual.」

「Yup! There is a lot of interesting stuff here, so it’s quite fun.」

Visible surprise appeared on Wilhelm’s face when we said that. And—

「…Is that so. It’s my first time hearing that from anyone. I’m glad that you say so.」

He uttered with a delighted expression—

「——Captain, I brought the tea!」

A man and a woman with a tray came in from the door that was left open. But they weren’t alone. Several more people came with them.

Their faces looked familiar—

「Oh? Could it be that you are the sailors that took the icy road back there?」

They were the people that walked to the port with the help of Saki’s magic.

Some should have gone to the hospital after that but looks like everyone returned.

「Yes! You truly saved us there! Thank you very much, Hero of Magic-sama! And her companions as well!」

One after another, they took turns bowing their heads to Saki and us.

「If it wasn’t for your road of ice, I thought that we would be dead…」

「Saki-sama is out savior!」

They were saying in unison.

「No, I was just tagging along.」

On the other hand, Saki responded with the usual frozen smile—

「You guys, get back to work already. I understand how you want to thank them personally, but they are guests. Stop intruding.」

「——Ah, got it, captain! We will leave the tea and sweets and go!」

With Wilhelm’s shouts, the sailors placed the tea and left the room.

However, it didn’t affect the gazes I felt coming from the window connected to the work area at all—

「So that is the Hero of Magic-sama? She is so beautiful.」

「Yes, and so dignified. It’s my first time seeing her in person…」

And we could even hear such voices coming from there. Apparently, Saki’s visit is seen like a pretty big deal.

「Axel was the one who received this job, so I think it’s Axel who should be the center of attention…So why is everyone so stuck on me…」

Muttered Saki with a smile, yet for some reason, a black fog was slightly flowing from her.

In response, Wilhelm apologetically lowered his head.

「Sorry for those rude gazes. They are thankful to Carrier-niisan as well, but looks like they can’t help but be captivated with the hero. From my point of view, carrier-niisan accomplished a pretty amazing feat as well…」

「Haha, it can’t be helped. Saki’s magic is flashy. She uses such elegant and beautiful spells that no one would be able to forget after seeing them even once.」

In fact, Saki played a very big part this time. Of course, she will leave an impression. As I voiced my thoughts, Saki, though blushing, looked at me with a pout.

「I’m happy about your praise, but please don’t just laugh and accept it! Originally, Axel is a lot more amazing…!!!」