66-66 Morning of departure (1/2)

The morning of my departure for Mithra.

I headed for the meeting place I had been told about.

When I arrived at a deserted place on the outskirts of the capital, it was still dark, but I could already see a small figure standing there.

That was ────

You're early, Leanne.

”Yes. I was so nervous I couldn't sleep, so I came a little early.

She was dressed in the same comfortable outfit as usual, and looked the same.

It seems like it's been a long time since I've seen Leanne like this.

”Yes, it has. It's been a while since I've seen Leanne.

I see. ...... It's been that long.

It must have been about two months ago when Lean came to see me with a couple of guys to measure the size of the clothes he was going to wear over there.

We really haven't seen each other for a long time.

Perhaps it was because I was having such a good time training with Gilbert that the time seemed to have flown by.

”Looks like Rollo's here too.

When I looked in the direction Lean was looking, I saw a boy with a face I knew walking toward me.

But I had a strange feeling about his appearance.

Then, as he walked closer and closer, I realized what that strange feeling was.

......?　Lolo ...... maybe you've grown a little taller?

...... Yeah. Just a little bit.

I haven't seen you in a couple of months, I think. ...... You've grown a lot.

Yeah. I've been fed.

Yeah.

As we were saying our proper reunion greetings, I saw a woman wearing silver armor that shone dully in the dim light, her golden hair swaying as she walked towards me.

She strode straight up to Leanne and gave her a small bow.

'Mr. Linneburg. The carriage is ready.

As soon as it's loaded, they'll be on their way.

Thank you, Inez.

Inez gave a brief report to Leanne and immediately turned to me.

I was relieved to see that she was in a more friendly mood than before, and she smiled a little.

Inez smiled a little. I'd like to thank you again for your help with .......

I'm sure you'll be glad you did. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results. I'm counting on you.

”Yes, ......, I'll be counting on you too.

I still have some preparations to make, so if you'll excuse me. I'll see you later.

”Yeah, see you later.

I was a little relieved as I watched Inez's back as she walked away.

In fact, last night I was quite worried that I might have to go with that dragon, but it seems my fears were unfounded.

...... So you're not going with that dragon this time?

”...... Lara?

”............ Lara?

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

...... ”Lara” is the name of that dragon.

I think it was Noor who gave it to me. ...... Don't you remember?

She said, ”It's hard to call a magical dragon, so let's give it a better name that's shorter and easier to call. She was really happy when I told her that name. ......

I'm sure I remember that name from .......

We were talking about naming that dragon, and since Rollo seems to be taking care of it, why not name it something similar? This is the first time that I've ever seen such a thing.

Well, if Honnin likes it, it's fine.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

”...... No. I've heard that dragons don't have a clear gender distinction like humans, but ...... you should call them that. If you don't, you'll suddenly be in a bad mood.

”Well, ...... dragons have various preferences, too, ......?

I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I'm talking about.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

From a human point of view, I think it's a female.

And, as you said, we could have chosen to ride with Lara, but ...... her huge body is a bit intimidating and too conspicuous. She's resting somewhere else right now.

”........................ I see.

Was that really an option .......?

Well, it's fast, and you don't have to worry about being attacked by demons if you fly over. It's a good way to get around, but ...... I'm not very good at heights myself.

...... Oh no, I think I'm going to faint again just thinking about it.

I'm going to have to change the subject.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it.

There's no one at this meeting place but us.

Yes, there are four of us, myself, Inez, Dr. Noll and Rollo.

As before, Inez will take the reins of the carriage.

Inez will take the reins of the carriage as before.

Your brother and father thought it would be best to have a small group this time.

”...... I see. That may be true.

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If you look, you will see a strange figure approaching you from far above.

The figure, which looked like an old man, was hovering in the air and looked suspicious to me.

It was flying straight towards me. ...... Should I throw some rocks around there and shoot it down?

Oh, there it is!

Ho ho!　We're just in time!

Dr. Oaken?

That suspicious old man was the sorcerer's instructor.

He landed softly on the ground and held out one of his two leather bags to Lean.

”Here you go, girl. A parting gift. Take it with you.

The sorcerer instructor handed Lean a bag of some kind, and Lean looked at the contents and shouted in surprise.

”This is ────?　You are sure you want to do this, Dr. Oaken?

”It's just a good luck charm.

Take it with you.

Well, it's best not to use it.

”Thank you, ....... I'll take it.

Lean thanked him and tucked something into his chest.

”And Rollo. Here's one for you.

”...... for me?

Yes. That's what we're here for today, isn't it?

The ring ────?　Could this be it?

Rollo took the small ring offered to him by his instructor.

Yes, it's a ...... thing.

You can take it with you. You know how to use ...... it, don't you?

”...... Yes.

Of course you know how to use it, but it's not something you want to be seen with. You can keep it in this bag until you need it.

”...... Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Oken.

When Rollo thanked him, the instructor gave him a thumbs-up smile.

Rollo placed the ring in the small leather bag he had received from the instructor and tied it around his waist.

”Dr. Oaken?　What the hell is that?

”Well, I can't keep this a secret from my daughter at .......

I'll let you know.

But don't ever tell anyone else. ......?　Never. ......?

If they find out about ......, it's pretty bad.

I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I have.

”────!　No way, is that really ...... possible?

”...... Hooray, of course.

I'm a genius, after all. ......?

Well, the original idea and order came from Rainbo.

I'm not sure if I'm the only one in the world who can make such an absurd proposal come true in such a short time.

I'm terrified of my own talent these days!

──── It seems to have taken you a long time, though.

It was only about a week ago that you came to me half crying for help, saying that you would never make it before your departure if you continued like this.

”...... Dr. Thane?

We turned to the new voice and saw the monk instructor standing there, smiling gently.

There were a few other people there that I recognized as well.

”...... Thane ...... you know what?

I'm sure you've heard of it.