Chapter 255: Starting Point

It’s a shorter chapter. That’s why it’s early. It’s not like I did it for you guys or anything, okay!? I-I’m not going to make too much a habit of 2 per day, baka!

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Chapter 255: Starting Point

“And like that, it doesn’t seem that Itsuki will pose a problem. We’ll need to monitor him, but as long as Rishia’s there, it’ll work out. He can’t really run, nor does he seem to have the intention of doing so.” (Naofumi)
“I see, then I’ll leave him to you.” (Queen)
“Well, if he does end up running away again, then I’m really going to dispose of him.” (Naofumi)
“… That’s something I would like to avoid.” (Queen)
“Alright. Next, we can use Motoyasu’s teleportation to make use of Cal Mira’s healing onsen.” (Naofumi)
“The heroes all seem to have an overly convenient warping ability. Please make use of it to recuperate yourselves.” (Queen)

Before Motoyasu left for Faubley, I ordered him to take Ren there once to make sure we could open a portal if necessary.
We negotiated with the Count there and got permission to use the onsen that cures curses every night.
With this, the curses should pass faster.

“… We suffered quite some heavy damage during this incident.” (Queen)
“Yeah.” (Naofumi)

It’s the same at my place.
Though, it’s still within levels that we can recover from, and my Filo Rials are helping in procuring materials. It seems recovery will be faster than expected.

I didn’t want to spread the Camping Plants too much, but I’ve had to distribute them to the village.
I also brought some here to use as temporary relief. We’ll all be able to manage somehow.
Though, I dread what’s become of this nation’s finances.

Ah, right. The base the Three Hero Church used had some treasure piled up in it. Apparently, it came from the nobles.
The Queen decided that all of it would go towards financing the recovery effort.
This country’s trash has finally been driven out.

“Again… and again, I kept telling her to correct her personality. Even from when she was little.” (Queen)
“Like I care.” (Naofumi)
“That’s right… this is all due to my negligence.” (Queen)
“You’re also slacking on Trash duty.” (Naofumi)
“… He was an extraordinary person at the start, but he’s changed. He was swallowed by the power and authority he obtained.” (Queen)

I peer out the window again. Fohl and Atlas are questioning Trash.
Trash is absentmindedly staring in the direction Witch was taken while he talks.

Hmm?
Fohl seems speechless.
What could they be talking about?

“The executions will start up tomorrow, but what will you do, Iwatani-sama?” (Queen)
“I’ll stay for some closure. After the primary offenders are taken care of, I’ll take my leave. I have to deal with Itsuki and prepare for the next wave. I can’t really afford to waste my time here.” (Naofumi)
“I see. Then we’ll get into contact with you later.” (Queen)

I can finally give the Wave my undivided attention.
I get the feeling that I’ve finally gotten to the starting point.

“Then I guess we should be off.” (Naofumi)

After I finish my talks with the Queen, I prepare to head back.

“Ah, we’ll be continuing our journey for a little longer.” (Raphtalia)
“I see.” (Naofumi)

So we’ll be separating from Raphtalia… I feel a bit of regret, but it seems that she will be done soon.

“Atlas! Atlaaaaas!” (Fohl)
“Onii-sama, just go on your trip already.” (Atlas)

Ah, right. Fohl also completed his Class Up.
I sent Firo with him to the Dragon Hourglass, but it seemed he couldn’t perform a special Class Up.
There was no choice, so I sent Gaelion over.
Just what standards does that Ahoge operate on??

With this, Atlas has taken the Firo route, and Fohl, the Gaelion route.
Even now, I can’t tell just what makes them different.
Since their race is the same, perhaps I will be able to witness the difference between the two Class Ups.

“Because of Fohl-san, our journey is taking longer than it should. Please be obedient here.” (Raphtalia)

With a fed up voice, Raphtalia reluctantly lifts up her hand and embeds it in Fohl’s solar plexus.

“Ugu… I can still go on!” (Fohl)
“Then, me too.” (Atlas)

Atlas chops the back of Fohl’s head.

“Guha! A-Atlaa…” (Fohl)

Hey!
Why are you following up?

“Your training is running late?” (Naofumi)
“Yeah. If we give him the chance, he tries to run home. It’s quite troublesome.” (Raphtalia)
“Right. The instructor always leaves Fohl-san under Raphtalia-san’s watch.” (Rishia)
“Is that so?” (Naofumi)

Dammit, just how much of a Sis-con does he have to be?
He runs away from his own journey.

“I’m currently the strongest of master’s disciples, so it naturally turned out like that… I can understand that he treats Atlas-chan dearly, but I think he should put his effort towards getting stronger for her.” (Raphtalia)
“But, it’s going to last for only a little longer, right?” (Naofumi)
“Yes. I look forward to coming home.” (Raphtalia)
“Then, let me walk you to the outside of the Castle Town.” (Naofumi)
“Thank you.” (Raphtalia)

My group accompanies Raphtalia’s to the edge of town.

“Look forward to the souvenirs.” (Raphtalia)
“You got some?” (Naofumi)
“Yes. We brought a large variety.” (Raphtalia)

Are they materials she got while training? If so, I’d definitely want them.
Raphtalia has values similar to mine. She probably knows what would make me happy.

“Well then.” (Raphtalia)
“’Cya soon.” (Naofumi)

I wave my hand as I watch Raphtalia set out.

“Then, should we be off as well?” (Atlas)
“Yeah, we already sent Ren and Rishia home ahead of time. We should…” (Naofumi)
“Carriage…” (Firo)

Firo suddenly lets out a questioning voice.
For some reason she looks like she’s going to cry.

“Ah, yes, yes. I haven’t stopped by the Old Man’s place yet, so I better go ask him.” (Naofumi)

Does not having a carriage bother her that much?
But, I am also worried about the Old man, so it’s not a bad idea to check.
Though, I did talk with him a bit after the incident.

Apparently, the Three Hero Church remnants raided his shop and tried to stab him with the Dagger of Mob Mentality.
He could tell it was a strange weapon at a glance, so he immediately knocked them senseless, closed shop, and locked them up in an acquaintance’s house.
I did warn him, so this was to be expected.
After the incident began escalating, he helped evacuate the populace.
He truly is a reliable person

More importantly, just what level is that Old Man?
Level isn’t related to combat experience and technique, so perhaps it’s a rude thing to ask.
But, he seems to have a lot of experience for some reason.

“Oh, if it isn’t the young lad.” (Old Man)
“How’s your store been faring?” (Naofumi)
“Quite a bit’s been stolen, but it seems that my money is still safe.” (Old Man)
“I see. So do you plan on reopening soon?” (Naofumi)
“I can open at any time. Though, my variety won’t be the best.” (Old Man)
“Then won’t you come over to my village this time?” (Naofumi)
“Again, laddie? I have no intentions of answering you at this point in time.” (Old Man)

Imya’s Uncle has just returned, so I shouldn’t be too insistent with my invitation.

“And, what are you here for today?” (Old Man)
“My bird is begging for her new carriage.” (Naofumi)
“Ah, that matter. I’m sorry, young lady, it’s not done yet.” (Old Man)
“I see… Firo is sad.” (Firo)
“As compensation, I’ll use some techniques from Faubley to improve it. Don’t worry.” (Old Man)
“What do you plan on doing?” (Naofumi)
“They have something that lifts the wheels and body to lessen impact apparently.” (Old Man)

… Suspension?
I see. This world has such things as well.
The old man unrolls a blueprint and shows it to me.
It involves attaching simple springs to the Wheel’s couplings.

“Then…” (Naofumi)

I supplement the design by sketching a damper on it.
Even so, it only uses simple pipes, water and air pressure.
It’s not like I’m that knowledgeable on the matter.
I’m only reiterating information that one of my friends who liked cars lectured to me long ago.
However, even with that, the Old Man’s eyes shine with admiration. He nods a few times.

“Boy, you know some interesting things. I’ll test it out.” (Old Man)
“My world was one without magic. If you try using magic with this design, I think you may get a good effect.” (Naofumi)
“I understand, boy. You don’t need to sketch it all out. I have the inspiration.” (Old Man)
“I see. I’ll look forward to it.” (Naofumi)
“Yeah! Firo will look forward!” (Firo)

After looking over the blueprints with the old man, we warp back to the village.