Chapter 592: Chapter 314，Part2: 2 - Preparation ②

Chapter 314 Preparation ②

Part 2

Just before dawn. I was in front of the main gate of the Imperial Capital of Zebrudia.

Even a large city like Zebrudia is quiet during this time of the day. The only people walking around outside are knights on patrol and merchants who wake up early, so the scenery looks a little different to me, who usually gets up around noon.

In front of the gate, there was already a carriage with the 『Laughing Skeleton』 mark, the symbol of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》, engraved on it. It was different from the carriage I remembered, but I guess it is too late to think like that, since 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 wrecked their carriage to the extent that even carriage insurance companies refused to insure it.

While yawning, I complain to Lucia, who is walking next to me, about Gark-san’s visit.

“Seriously, Gark-san can be so troublesome sometimes. He is always trying to raise my Level despite me refusing every time……” (Cry)

“That’s because…… Leader stubbornly refuses to take the exam!” (Lucia)

Why does everyone care so much about other people’s Levels? For someone like me, who is aiming to retire, this is unbearable.

Well, in the midst of all this misfortune, I was able to push all the post-processing matter of the prophecy onto Gark-san. I almost got scolded by Franz-san again…… I did shout his name without his knowledge.

And there, Sytry, standing near the carriage, approached with a *nikoniko* smile.

“Good morning, Cry-san! Everything is ready. Even the statue of Luke-san, seeeee――” (Sytry)

She is wearing her usual traveling attire. It is still early in the morning, but she is full of energy. Behind her, Kilkill-kun, who has shown no sign of recovering his physical condition since he became smart by fasting, was carrying a stone statue of Luke on his back and saying kill, kill.

Luke also said kill, kill from inside the statue, so they may be a good match with each other.

“Are 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 already here?” (Cry)

“Not yet. Well, it is still a little early……? I think they should be here soon. Also good morning to you too…… Mimic-kun.” (Sytry)

When Sytry says that, Mimic-kun, who was following behind me, hides in my shadow.

Apparently, Mimic-kun is not very good with Sytry. It is probably because she looked at him as if she was looking at her prey when she first met him. It is a look that Liz often gives, but it is unusual for Sytry to look like that.

Well, she has always wanted a Space-Time Magic Bag……

It has been a long time since I have been on an expedition as 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》. Although it is an expedition, we are not challenging a Treasure Shrine, but it doesn’t change the fact that the forest where Yggdra exists is still a harsh place.

If Luke didn’t turn into a statue, I wouldn’t have gone there even if I had been summoned tho’……

“G’d morning~, Cry-chan!” (Liz)

“Good morning, Master~.” (Tino)

As usual, Liz comes with Tino, full of energy. Since she’s with her, Liz must have stayed at Tino’s place last night.

I knew it, but it seems like I am the only one who is weak in the morning……

The members this time are from two Party, 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 and 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》.

As the number of people increases, so does the amount of luggage. If you have more luggage, you have to use a larger carriage.

For Treasure Hunters, selecting the right tools to carry is a difficult problem. Especially when traveling to a distant Treasure Shrine over a period of several days, the amount of luggage becomes enormous, since daily necessities are also required.

More luggage means more weight and bulk you will carry. It is difficult to escape when something happens, and the damage is enormous when your supplies are attacked. I don’t know how many times 《Strange Gief (Nageki no Borei)》 have been attacked by Monsters and Phantoms and lost their items.

However, if you are too stingy about your luggage you won’t be able to handle the situation when something happens.

But Mimic-kun’s presence solves everything this time.

Water. Food. Camping gear. Most of the bulky supplies are already stored inside Mimic-kun. The only things I have on me now are things that people would be suspicious of if I didn’t have them.

Mimic-kun is not a Relic that should be made public. A Space-Time Magic Bag is already a precious Relic that everyone wants, but once they learn that a Space-Time Magic Bag with the same level of functionality as Mimic-kun exists, countries, companies, and thieves will use whatever means necessary to steal it.

Even if they ignore the fact that I travel on a treasure chest, it is not good for people to know that it is a Space-Time Magic Bag. It may be too late to do anything about it now since he has already swallowed many people, but keeping in check how much information is spread is the best.

Come to think of it, does 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 know about Mimic-kun?

Then Anthem, who was staying at the church, joins us, and out of nowhere comes Eliza with a lazy expression on her face.

It is not like she usually has such a sharp expression, but now Eliza is even weaker than usual.

I see…… Besides me, the other member who is weak in the morning is here.

“Good morning, Eliza. I am counting on you today?” (Cry)

In response to what I said, Eliza slowly confirms where I am, and *kokukoku* nods. Lucia frowns and speaks to Eliza.

“Eliza-san, are you alright? You don’t look well…………” (Lucia)

Eliza blinks her eyes slowly, looking at me and Lucia alternately, and then she says.

“……………… My legs………… Want to run away, from Kuu.” (Eliza)

…… What do you mean, hey.

Even if I look like this, this time I am different. Our purpose is what it is, so I am bringing with me all the collections I have amassed until now. On top of that, there are a lot of people who can be in charge of recharging them, so I am the strongest I have ever been.

No…… I guess second best because of Kryhi.

There is nothing to worry about. If it doesn’t work even with this me, there is nothing more I can do.

Eliza sluggishly climbs into the carriage. When I feel someone’s eyes on me and look over there, Tino is looking at me with a subtle expression.

I feel that my standing in Tino’s mind has been changing recently. I have to admit that I relied on her a lot last time and showed her my uncool side, but I would like to make up for it as much as possible.

It has been a while since my arm has been itching to do something.

“Why don’t you get in quickly, Tino?” (Cry)

“…… Eh? U-Uhm, Master~? I’m…… Just seeing you off――N-No, it’s nothing! I-It’s an honor!” (Tino)

Tino looks at Liz next to her and gets inside the carriage as if she has been shoved inside. ………… I feel like I have done something unnecessary.

Weeell, you know…… It is because if Tino is not here, Car-kun is not going to work properly……

I sit down on Mimic-kun and wait for Lapis and the others. The sky turns white and the number of people gradually increases, but Lapis and the others do not appear to be coming.

Lucia, who is sitting next to me, checks the clock next to the gate and says.

“Lapis and the others are late, right…… Normally they are the type of people who are punctual……” (Lucia)

“Maybe something happened?” (Cry)

I don’t mind waiting a bit, but unlike Eliza who is at her own pace, Lapis is a steady person. Did something happen?

After 30 minutes of waiting while yawning repeatedly, Lapis and the others finally arrived.

Apparently, something happened, and both Lapis and her companions have cloudy faces. When she sees me, she says in a lower voice than usual.

“Sorry we are late.” (Lapis)

“I don’t mind, but…… Did something happen?” (Cry)

The expressions of her Party Members are also somewhat uneasy. Most “Spirit People (Noble)” are rational and always have an attitude that even makes them feel cold-hearted, so when they show such an unusual expression, it makes me feel uneasy too.

When I timidly asked, Lapis *kyorokyoro* scans the surroundings and says with a frown.

“Aaaah. The thing is Kruz is missing………… She was supposed to be with us until we arrived at the Imperial Capital…… Do you know anything?” (Lapis)

…………………… Ah.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Hahaha poor girl, Cry really forgot about Kruz!

Tchao à plus!