Chapter 94

"Where is Kagura?"

"Where is Kagura?"

To explain Kagura again for the newly arrived Elinora and Rumba, Tori began to describe it.

Tori must have explained Kagura three times today alone. He had become quite skilled at it, summarizing the key points well.

"Oh! There's rice there!"

Rumba, who loves bowl dishes, seemed very interested in Kagura's food culture. She was asking Tori in detail about the kinds of dishes available.

"Sashimi? You eat raw fish?"

"Yeah! I was surprised when I was served red fish meat raw!"

I'm a bit curious too. I want to hear more about it.

"I get the general idea of the country, but why are you going all the way to Kagura? It's a foreign country, and it's even farther than the capital?"

While the conversation was focused on Tori and Rumba, Elinora frowned and asked.

"Because I'm interested in the country called Kagura. I want to go and see it and buy things directly."

"It's unusual for Al, who usually stays at home, to want to go so far."

"True," Elna agreed with Elinora.

I don't think I'm that much of a homebody, though. I go out in the garden, play in the village with Thor and Asmo, and even go to Sera's restaurant.

I haven't been to the neighboring village, though.

"Maybe you just want to skip practice?"

Oh, there's even that advantage to going to Kagura. But stop it, Elinora.

Nord, who was slightly more positive a moment ago, now looked a bit annoyed.

"No, I don't. If I were going to skip, I'd do it openly. I wouldn't go on a long journey just to skip."

Besides, once I skip, it gets harder to do it again. I can only resist within the range of what would be considered acceptable tardiness.

"Well, that's true. ...But I won't let you skip as long as I'm here."

Elinora nodded as if she understood.

If I really wanted to skip, I'd have to teleport to the capital.

But that's not the issue right now.

I need to get permission from Nord and Elna to go to Kagura. I can't afford to focus on Elinora.

"Come on, it's fine, right? There are B-rank adventurers, so it's okay. I can use magic, so I'll be fine!"

"On the way to the capital, I saw Al use magic to defeat goblins, but the sea journey is even more dangerous."

I tried to reassure them that the safety issues were fine, but Nord's reaction wasn't good.

He seemed to think that goblins were not a significant challenge. If I could push a bit more, it might help...

While I was inwardly groaning, Rumba, who had finished talking about food, spoke up.

"Huh? Don't you have guards?"

"Of course, we do. A B-rank party of adventurers who specialize in guarding. They're called 'Silver Wind.' They're reliable, and I often hire them."

"Are they Malt's party?"

"Yeah, do you know them?"

"Yeah! They're the ones I used to take care of! They're a fun bunch, aren't they?"

Rumba laughed heartily.

It seems that 'Silver Wind' are Rumba's junior adventurers.

That makes me even more confident.

However, Nord still didn't give his permission.

"What's the matter, Nord? They're capable, aren't they?"

I wanted to question the word 'capable,' but I didn't want to make things worse, so I kept quiet.

"Still, the sea can be unpredictable. There could be a big storm, and there are more troublesome monsters in the sea than on land."

"That's a pointless worry. You can't predict what will happen on land either. With Al's magic skills, he won't die easily."

Honestly, if his life were in danger, he could teleport back. With shield and ice magic, he could even walk on water, and he's confident in his magic skills for combat on a ship.

"If you're that worried, I'll go with Al."

"Rumba will?"

Rumba's words made Nord look up.

Rumba, are you really going? If you're there, I won't be afraid at all.

I can't imagine Rumba being defeated by monsters. No matter how dire the situation, he would laugh and overcome it.

"Yeah!"

"Great! With Rumba, I'll be safe!"

"It's a way to thank you for letting me stay in your home and for the delicious meals. I'll protect you if anything happens!"

Rumba gave a thumbs-up.

Oh my, Rumba is such a wonderful and reliable person.

It's good that we let Rumba stay in our home.

"...If Rumba is going, it should be fine, right? It's unusual for Al to be so proactive."

"...Hmm, if Rumba is there, it should be okay."

Yes! With Rumba's accompaniment, both of them became more positive.

Rumba seems to have a lot of trust. He even mentioned that they used to be in the same party when they were adventurers.

By the way, Elna, does that mean I'm not usually proactive?

Usually, my actions are driven by desire or laziness.

I thought everyone is like that, but this time, I feel a strong desire to see the country of Kagura.

Did Elna see through that...?

After Nord and Elna exchanged words and thought about it, Nord finally said:

"...Okay, if Rumba is going with you."

"Yay!"

With Nord's permission, I stood up from the sofa and raised both arms.

"Thanks, Rumba!"

"Hehe, leave it to me."

Then, moved by the moment, I ran to Rumba, who picked me up and put me on his shoulders.

Oh, the view from a person nearly two meters tall is so high.

"Then I'm going too!"

While I was happily on Rumba's shoulders, Elinora, who had been watching, stood up with a dissatisfied voice.

If Elinora comes, it will be even safer, but that would be overkill.

To fully enjoy the sightseeing in Kagura, I would prefer if she didn't come. I want to take my time there.

"No, you can't. Elinora, you're going to the capital to practice with the knights. You've already sent your acceptance, and it would be rude to Laila, who invited you."

Nord tried to reason with Elinora, who was throwing a tantrum. It turns out Elinora already had plans.

Elinora is supposed to become a knight in the capital, but her induction is next year.

The fact that she was invited to practice means that some knight has noticed her exceptional skills.

I've seen knights come to the house occasionally to practice with Elinora. It's like they're scouting her.

"Ugh! That's true, but..."

Elinora, hit where it hurt, looked dejected.

Since she has plans with Laila, she has to prioritize them. It's important for her future.

I had thought she was unusually cheerful lately, but it was because of these plans.

In any case, now I can go to Kagura with Rumba and have a peaceful trip.

I immediately started packing for the journey to Kagura.

Where is the protagonist who is going on a trip with an old man? Here!