Chapter 356: Reconciliation?

“……T-Thank you.”

Sesto said only that before walking toward the newly completed carriage. Watching him go, I instinctively pinched my own cheek.

“Ouch! I pinched too hard……”

I must have done it too strongly, wanting to wake myself from a dream. That was how unexpected Sesto’s words of gratitude were.

“Are you alright? Your cheek has turned red……”

“Why are you pinching your own cheek……”

Till, Khamsin, and Arte came over to inspect my cheek with concern. Yes, yes, this is the rare Red-Cheeked Van. Taking photos will cost you!

Thinking such goofy thoughts, I turned to everyone. Since building the carriage took some time, everyone had already finished their preparations and looked ready to depart at any moment. confirming this, I called out to Dee, who was smiling and showing his teeth.

“For now, let’s move the luggage to the new carriage. Also, since the old carriage belongs to the Marquis family, let’s temporarily remove the top and have the new carriage tow it. That way, we can load luggage onto that one too.”

“So we have increased cargo space!”

“Exactly. I’m counting on you.”

“Understood! Alright, everyone! Move immediately!”

Even though I only gave simple instructions, Dee moved instantly. Wonderful.

As a result, while building the carriage took time, our movement speed increased dramatically afterward. The highway was bumpy in places, but it was generally in good condition. Now that we were using a Van-special carriage, the exhaustion of the horses pulling it must have been reduced as well.

Thanks to all that, I think we managed to make up for the delay by sunset. We began preparing to camp, and this time, not only Dee’s group but also the knights of the Fertio Marquis family were able to set up simultaneously.

“Perfect.”

Satisfied with the result, I was watching the preparations when Sesto stepped down from the newly built carriage. His steps seemed somewhat unsteady; perhaps the shaking had been severe after all.

Thinking that, I watched Sesto’s movements. He noticed me and looked like he was about to turn his feet in my direction. However, he clicked his tongue without hiding his irritation and averted his gaze. Seeing Sesto walk away without saying anything, Till murmured a few words.

“I wonder what is wrong with him?”

I answered her question with a wry smile.

“……Because there was no time, the floor and seat of the carriage were left as hard materials. If we don’t use magic beast leather and other things to make it comfortable like ours, traveling for a long time might be a bit tough.”

“I see. That sounds painful.”

“Did he hurt his buttocks?”

“Shall we give him some medicinal herbs to suppress the pain?”

At my explanation, Till, Arte, and Khamsin voiced their sympathy. Well, even if I asked him if his butt hurt, Sesto would probably act tough and refuse the herbs. Or rather, if I spoke to him, I’d likely get yelled at.

“For now, we are camping anyway. I think I’ll prepare something to improve the interior environment by tomorrow morning.”

While answering, I racked my brain trying to remember if I had anything useful.

The next morning, I immediately headed to Sesto. It seemed Sesto had eaten his meal inside the carriage. When I approached, he showed his sleepy face.

“……What is it?”

To Sesto, who spoke grumpily, I offered a morning greeting.

“Good morning!”

“……What do you want?”

Knitting his brows, Sesto replied. As expected, his mood didn’t seem very good. However, this stone-faced Sesto, looking like he had swallowed a rock from the riverbed, was about to transform into a smile like a child receiving cotton candy.

Holding that expectation, I turned to Arte and Till, who had followed behind me.

In their hands, they held a large pile of folded cloth. Since I couldn’t find anything that could serve as a cushion, I thought I would have him use the layered cloth as a seat.

“Please lay these down. If you do, I think you will be able to spend your time in the carriage a little more comfortably.”

When I said that, Sesto narrowed his eyes, looked down at my face, and then looked at Arte and Till.

“……This isn’t a trap, is it?”

Sesto said that in a low voice. At that, even Van, often called a saint, got angry.

“It is not a trap! I just couldn’t handle the interior because there was no time. If I had obtained the right materials, it would have been an incredibly comfortable carriage!”

I complained while fuming with anger. Perhaps he hadn’t expected to be scolded, as Sesto blinked and replied, “A-Ah.”

Exhaling shortly, I calmed myself down, chanting in my mind that a short temper brings loss.

“……My apologies. The carriage is of the latest construction. All that remains is the interior, so please modify that part as you like. I will hand over the cloth, so it would help if you could make do with that until the next town.”

“……Understood.”

Perhaps the misunderstanding was cleared up, as Sesto replied obediently and accepted the cloth. Good grief, what a troublesome brother. I couldn’t help but sigh at the difference between him and Brother Murcia.