Chapter 100

In the pouring rain, we stood in the carriage, racking our brains about what to do next.

It's clear that the air currents are definitely off. But it's not as if there's a strong wind blowing.

We made it to the Ludon Plateau, but maybe we're in the wrong spot.

No, it's too early to give up. We've come this far, so can't we just try a bit longer?

"Hmm, even if we have to wait until next time, what about launching an observation balloon?"

"Balloon? I've never heard of it. What kind of magic item is it?"

Balthro reacts to my spontaneous suggestion.

He keeps his eyes on the horse, which seems to be enjoying the rain, and asks me in return.

"Like, you fill a balloon with light air and send it up into the sky."

"I don't quite understand what a balloon is, but it sounds interesting. An observation balloon? If we hang from it, can we go up into the sky too?"

"To carry people, we'd need a large balloon. I don't think it would be too difficult to just launch it. For the material, the frog skin that Balthro brings back from time to time would be good."

It can't be used as rubber, but some of the skins remain elastic and don't tear even when dried. According to Sequoia, a trace amount of magic keeps them fresh.

"Hmm. If there's a storm in the upper atmosphere, that would explain it. Even if the wind isn't as strong as we hoped, it's still intriguing."

Penguin seems to agree with the idea of the observation balloon.

Sequoia and Aruru are excited about flying in the sky.

The material for the balloon is fine, but what gas should we use to fill it?

Hmm, hydrogen seems like a good choice.

For an unmanned observation balloon, hydrogen should be fine, right?

It's easy to extract and the lightest, so it's perfect.

But for a manned balloon, it's a different story. Hydrogen is highly flammable.

I can't remember clearly, but I think my science textbook said something like "hydrogen burns with a loud pop."

When hydrogen and oxygen combine, they explode.

Scary, scary.

Hmm?

Hmm?

Sequoia, who usually pouts and calls herself a "cat girl," is unusually cheerful and playing with Aruru.

It's nice, but I feel like I'm missing something.

I'm about to remember something, and as I stare at her face, she inevitably starts to inch closer, drawn to me like a magnet.

"I won't complain this time. Even if it's with a cat girl, I'll endure not being alone with you."

"The empire has flying dragons for riding, right? Flying isn't impossible, is it?"

As I ponder and ask Sequoia, she nods without hesitation.

"Yes, but it's exciting to fly with science."

"Ah! I finally got the fish bone out of my throat. You can fly with magic, right?"

"For a great mage like me, it's no problem."

"Got it, got it."

I place my hands on her shoulders and nod with a big smile.

"What, what's this sudden move? Even if I'm cute, you don't just suddenly get close... I welcome it, of course."

"Wow, wow."

Oh no. My voice sounds like a demon's.

Still, Sequoia's face relaxes, and she seems ready to jump into my arms.

I quickly place my hand on her head to hold her back.

"What's going on? You're toying with a girl's heart."

"Sequoia, please."

"Even for me, it's a bit much in front of others."

"It's okay. It's a solo mission. Look."

I point upwards with enthusiasm.

Sequoia finally realizes my intention and her face tenses.

"You want me to go up and investigate the sky right now?"

"That's right. The reward can be anything... well, anything I can do, but I'll do my best to fulfill it."

"Absolutely. That's right. If you can take me up into the sky with the power of science."

"Got it!"

Let's go before she changes her mind.

I push Sequoia's shoulder from behind and signal Aruru to open the carriage door with my eyes.

"The sky seems to welcome Sequoia. Haha."

"Indeed, you're in high spirits."

As soon as the door opens, the rain, which was so intense just a moment ago, suddenly stops.

Perhaps because the rain stopped, a rainbow appears in the sky, standing out against the desolate landscape.

The contrast between the rainbow and the earth is so beautiful that it makes you feel the trip was worth it just to see it.

"Balthro, if you have it..."

I mumble to Balthro, and he immediately brings the item from inside the carriage.

What he holds is a thin rope.

I hand it to Sequoia's small hand, and we're ready to go.

"Will you hold this?"

"Yeah, if you're worried about dropping it, you can tie it around your waist."

"It's only about three meters, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"Even though I'm encouraging you, I think there might be turbulent air currents up there. If it feels dangerous, come back immediately."

"It's safer than you walking on a paved road."

What am I supposed to make of that analogy...?

Am I being told that I'm so dangerous that even walking on a flat, obstacle-free path is risky, or the opposite?

"Wait a moment."

A magic circle appears under Sequoia's feet, and wind starts to blow from it, lifting her skirt.

No, you should at least hold it down a bit.

"Again, black."

"Aruru, be gentle."

Aruru, pointing is not nice.

Meanwhile, Sequoia floats up gently and quickly rises to about ten meters in the air.

The movement of the rope is...

There's more wind than I thought. The rope is swirling, but...

"Can you go a bit higher?"

I shout to the sky, and Sequoia ascends further.

"How is it, Penguin?"

I ask Penguin, who is intently watching the rope.

Without taking his eyes off it, he raises both flippers in response.

"Doesn't this look promising?"

"Yeah. The optimal height is probably between ten and fifteen meters. At twenty, the strength of the windmill is a concern."

"Right. A height of around twelve meters might be best, based on the rope's movement."

Got it.

"Sequoia, thank you! You can come back down now!"

As soon as I shout, she descends.