203 Episode 203 "Ancient Elf Ruins Investigation Plan and Another Planning".txt (1/2)

You don't mind if I stay here forever, do you? Please come back for sure!

We left the twin islands with the fairies Lane and Leanne seeing us off.

On the morning of our farewell, they gave me the skill crystal for ”star reading”.

This skill apparently appeared when we spent the night in an underground passage.

The fairies said, ”It's amazing that you can clear the ancient elves' certification! He said.

Of course, I didn't tell her that we were studying the 'cool pose' in our late night tension. Raphilia almost said it, but me and Cecil covered our mouths.

But I noticed one thing.

If the 'Ancient Elf Facility' on the Twin Islands is still alive, then the 'Ancient Elf Ruins' might still have facilities that can be used. It was possible that Rafilia could break through that authentication.

If that happens, he will be able to obtain the Ancient Elves' items.

If there's something like 'Valley of the Mist' that runs on the magic of the land, it will run for hundreds of years, so if you use it ...... well, you might really be able to live without working. It would be great to have a ”dwelling place where you can live without going outside” as the sea dragon Kerkator said.

That would be fun.

──────────── ...

We left the island and went back to our retreat.

We rested for a couple of days and then began to prepare for our journey.

The City of the Ancient Elves, which the Earth Dragons of Earthgulls had told us about, was a four-day walk from the resort, and more than seven days from the port city of Irgafa. From the port city of Irgafa, it would take more than seven days. However, by ship, it would take less than half that time to get there and back.

The tide is controlled by Kerkator, the sea dragon, to get us to the north.

First, Iris, Cutlass and I transferred to the 'port city of Ilgafa' and negotiated with the lord.

Then Iris and I proposed a deal on equal footing.

We will be given a ship that will take us north from the port city. The landlord will load the ship with goods to sell at the resort. Because of the tides, it's difficult to send a ship heading north at this time of year.

However, with the support of the Sea Dragon Kerkator, you can rest easy. The lord can load a large amount of goods, so he can do business with us. It should be enough to pay for a ship that will take us to the northern town and back.

The conversation was quickly settled.

The negotiations are over and the lord seems to have relaxed.

Now that you mention it, I'm really into bonsai.

He began to talk about such things in an embarrassed manner.

I hear there are people in the northern towns who love such things. I'd love for you to sell my products.

With that, the lord gave me the skills related to it. He wants to increase the number of like-minded people. Since it's such a big deal, I'll take it.

We left the lord's house and strolled along the seaside, communicating with Kerkator, the sea dragon.

I boosted Iris with Cutlass' ”Holy Sword Drasgo” and used ”Dragon Seed Awakening Sympathy,” and was able to talk to Kerkator.

The plans on the other side are fine. It was decided that we would head north in a week.

First, Iris, Cutlass and I will leave the port city for the rest area, and meet up with everyone else at the rest area. Since we showed our faces to the lord, it would be unnatural for us to move to the resort. It can't be helped.

''Sea Dragon Kelkator says that it's still noisy on the ground.

After the contact with 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon' was over, Iris said.

I heard from 'Balbalu Dolphin' who likes to play with humans. He said that people are gathering around the King's Capital and the ”Commercial City Metekal”. He says he doesn't know if there is a festival or some kind of event being held ...... but he doesn't know that much about it.” ......

...... crowded with people, huh?

I hope it's just an event or a festival.

I'm curious about .......

'Iris, can I ask you to write a letter to Princess Claudia of the Royal House under the name of the 'Sea Dragon Priestess'?

'Yes. That's right: ...... I had that idea. Since Princess Claudia had 'contracted' to cooperate with the Ilgafa lord house.

Are you writing my sister a letter?

Yeah. It's just a seasonal greeting. It's just a seasonal greeting. I'll use that to get a feel for what's going on. If there's anything unusual, you'll let me know.

Good idea.

I think it's peaceful.

...... It would be best if I could see it for myself. I'd like to hold on to the 'Ruins of Ancient Elves' as well as the 'Ruins of Ancient Elves' as soon as possible. Of course, don't overwork yourself.

Hmph. That's just like my brother.

That's why I love this party so much!

As we discussed this, we returned to the resort.

''In that case, I'll go to King's Landing myself.

The next day.

At dinner at the retreat, Letitia said.

I'm a nobleman myself. ─ I'm also a nobleman and I'm wondering what's going on in the capital. From here we're going to transfer to Ilgafa and head for the commercial city of Metekal. If something dangerous is happening, I'll just gather information and turn back.

Are you sure?

Someone needs to see it for sure, don't they?

Yeah. Information from someone you can trust is best. Letitia is a safe bet.

...... Really?

'Of course. But I'd rather have someone to escort me around.

That's not necessary. It's not.

Letitia shook her head.

'I'll sneak back into one of the caravans. Besides, Metecal is my family home too.'

Rejected. - Rejected. - I'm afraid so am I. - Me too. - Iris too. - Me too. - Me too.

'You all talk!　How worried am I?

Because Laetitia is pretty reckless.

If someone is being attacked by a monster, she'll save him without thinking twice.

That's one of the things we like about Laetitia, but this time we're a little worried.

I've been to King's Landing and the Metecal area, and I think I can escort Leticia to .......

I'm your bodyguard, aren't I?

Rita raised her hand.

'I've been to Metekal before. 'I've been to Metekal, and I met Nagi on the road from King's Landing to Metekal, right?　You know the land, and you'd be perfect as Lady Letitia's bodyguard, wouldn't you?

Can you do that for me?　Rita.

Of course!　You're your master's trusted best friend's bodyguard.

Rita tapped her chest with a plop.

''Leave Leticia-sama's affairs to me, and everyone else, please explore the 'Ancient Elven City'.

So, I'll need Aine or Cutlass to help Rita.

Wait a minute, master.

What's up, Rita?

Why are you looking at me with your cheeks puffed up?

'Nagi and the others are going somewhere they don't know, so shouldn't we focus our human resources on that?

No, but I'm worried that we'll be alone.

''I can turn into a wolf in 'full beast mode' and travel at high speed when it's necessary, right?　Something that could fully support Lady Letitia's escape; I think it would be easier for the two of us to move around.

No, but you're going to have to do something about it.

What kind of master is that so overprotective?

I'm here.

Moo.

Mmm.

Me and Rita are close to each other, and we stare at each other.

Close, close.

'And anyway!　Lady Letitia and I are going to King's Landing, that's all.　If I think you're in danger, I'll go to Metecal and come back!

I feel the same way. Nagi-san and the others are going to a place where they have never been before, so they need to be well prepared. They're the ones carrying the luggage. Someone to set up a base. Even if one of them is missing, the search will be a failure.

”...... What can I do?

Certainly, Leticia is right about that.

We're going to take the Irgafa merchant ship to the northern city and back. That requires the power of Iris. In order for Iris to make good contact with 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon', it would be better to have the 'Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner' of Cutlass.

After arriving at the other side, you'll use the nearby port town as a base to go exploring. You'll have to use Aine's skills to store your luggage. Of course, the place we're going to is the ruins of an ancient elf, so Rafilia is an essential member. Cecil's knowledge and appraisal skills will also be needed.

That's why Rita will be the one who can support Leticia, but I'm still worried.

''Then, let's make a promise. Master.

With that, Rita gave me a little finger.

'If I'm reckless, I don't care what kind of spanking I get from Nagi after I leave.

...... Rita.

So I'll go to .......

Rita whispered in my ear.

'I would never do anything to worry Nagi. If it comes to that, I don't care what kind of embarrassing spanking I get.

...... for example?

Well, you're already a spanking to ask me that!

''Then can you turn into a wolf in 'Full Beastification (Beast Mode)' and fluff me up?'''

Let me at least put some clothes on: ......

So I'll just get my clothes on and...

Rita and I were sitting across the table, face to face, whispering to each other.

''Wow, I get it. So I can mentally 'fully beastify' (beast mode) with my clothes on and get Nagi to fluff me up?

I'm getting a little tangled up, but that's about it.

The story has been settled.

Me, Cecil, Aine, Iris, Rafilia, and Cutlass are the 'Ancient Elven City Exploration Team'

Rita and Leticia were the ”Commercial City Metekal and the Royal Capital, a tour team”.