Chapter 112: One More Addition

When I showed the modified carriage to my Apostle Theo and my guard knights Ria and Gil, the three of them praised it as well-made, but they weren’t surprised like Letty or Sophie were. When I told Letty and Sophie about that… “All three of them have been poisoned by Will and have lost their common sense.” “Sister Letty, could it be that we will become lacking in common sense too?” Both of them are terrible.

By the way, since the southern undeveloped lands are hot, I added another feature to the carriage that I intend to use for buildings eventually. When I explained that the modification of the carriage was a prototype for functions to be introduced when the undeveloped lands eventually became my territory, Letty understood. I was worried whether the Magic Stone would function as I imagined, but using a Water Magic Stone, I managed to do it well. It seems Water Magic Stones indeed have properties opposite to Fire Magic Stones. I decided to keep it a secret before departure and activate it once we arrive. I’m sure they’ll be exasperated at first, but once they actually use it, they should understand its value.

And so, preparations for the exploration were complete, and the day before our departure arrived. An unexpected person came to visit me. Though it was summer, the person wore a hood. When they removed the hood in front of me, platinum-silver hair spread out as if fluttering in the wind. “Phew, Northernford is hot too, isn’t it?” The person smiled brightly and made a gesture of fanning their face with their hand. “Well, that’s because you were wearing a hood. By the way, you usually don’t leave the Elf Forest, so what’s up today?”

The visitor was the Elf Chieftain, Lucelina. “Yes. I heard that you, Lord William, along with Theo and the others, are going to explore the southern undeveloped lands, so I came to ask if I could accompany you.” “Eh? No, wait, isn’t it bad for the Chieftain to come explore dangerous undeveloped lands…?” “Muu, I pride myself on being one of the leading mages within the clan, you know.”

“I’ve heard about Luna‘s skill in magic from your sister. But we can’t have anything happen to you. Didn’t the Elder oppose it?” The Elder cares deeply for Luna. Luna‘s parents passed away recently, so she must have opposed her going to the Sea of Trees. “Yes, Grandmother opposed it. However, one cannot serve as an Elf Chieftain by only avoiding danger. I couldn’t accompany the search for the Leyline Crosspoint, so I persuaded her that I must go this time.”

Luna is clenching her hands. It seems her resolve is firm. If the Elder has agreed, I can’t refuse. Luna is a Tri-Mage, and I hear she can use Search Magic too, so there’s no doubt she’ll be a combat asset. Besides, Theo, the son of the previous chieftain and likely the next chieftain, is coming along too.

“If that’s the case, I welcome you. Since we’re going and returning via Teleportation Magic this time, we plan to teleport back immediately if it gets dangerous.” Luna broke into a smile that looked like a flower blooming. “Thank you for allowing me to accompany you.” “No, I’m the one who should be grateful.” Despite it being a dangerous exploration, I’m grateful she offered to accompany us. Letty, my sister, Theo, and Luna… I really am surrounded by good people.

I didn’t predict this would happen, but I’m glad I made the carriage with plenty of capacity. When I told Sophie that Luna would also be accompanying us, she rejoiced, saying, “So she really is coming with us.” It seems she had anticipated it.

The next day, we gathered at the entrance of the Fairchild family mansion. Letty brought a sturdy-looking dark brown leather trunk, and Sophie brought a smaller trunk dyed a cute yellow color. Ophelia and Gilbert‘s trunks were the rugged type used by the Knight Order for expeditions. Theo, Luna, and I—who can use Storage Magic—are empty-handed.

“Since you and the others are empty-handed, Brother, I feel somewhat frustrated. I need to learn Storage Magic soon too.” “Ahaha, I’m sure you’ll learn it soon, Sophie. Besides, we’ll be organizing our luggage inside the carriage this time, so we’ll be leaving the trunks behind.” The four of them brought their luggage packed in single trunks out of travel habit. But once they organize their luggage into the chests of drawers inside the carriage, the trunks will be left behind.

“Being able to leave the contents of the trunk inside the carriage… it throws off my rhythm somehow.” “It feels like going on the Knight Order’s expeditions will become painful after this.” Once everyone finished organizing their luggage into the carriage and came out, I stored the carriage using Storage Magic.

My parents had come to the entrance to see us off. “Father, Mother. We’re off.” “Will, I think it goes without saying, but make sure to return via Teleportation Magic if things get dangerous.” “Yes, Father.” “Letty-chan and Sophie, take care too.” “”Yes.”” “Ophelia, Gilbert, I know it’s a burden, but I’m counting on you.” Ria and Gil responded to Father with a salute.

I had everyone grab onto my clothes, and I gently touched the two horses. “Now, off to the southern undeveloped lands.” I activated Teleportation Magic.