SWNOVELXO Chapter 112
Chapter 112. Departure Into The Wilderness
I slowly woke up to the morning sun.
The wooden window of this inn had small but precious glass embedded in it, so it became surprisingly bright when the sun rose. I carefully sat on the edge of the bed, trying not to wake my bedmate who was still asleep.
This bed wasn’t a furnishing of the inn; it was used in a rundown city hotel I had stumbled upon.
――Did I overdo it yesterday…?
It had been a while, and the reactions were so enjoyable that I got carried away, and thanks to both of us having more stamina than most, it turned into a long night.
Anyway, if I met Narnia’s father, he would probably say, “Had a good time last night, didn’t you?”
……We might have caused quite a disturbance to the neighboring rooms. We lost control partway through.
I scratched the back of my head as I got up and took out a cleaning device from the container.
I turned the various dried and stuck liquids on my body into dust and removed them. I carefully opened the sheets and used the cleaning device on the blanket and Cherina as well. Fortunately, I didn’t wake her up.
I quietly picked up our scattered clothes from the floor and cleaned them with the device, then placed her clothes on a chair to avoid wrinkles.
My eyes landed on the underwear she had worn. It was more modern than I had expected, but still had an unsexy, old-fashioned Meiji or Showa era vibe.
This must be the latest fashion in this world. After all, it was what Cherina wore.
I had a thought.
Women’s Shorts = 1,960 yen
Women’s Bra = 7,680 yen
……Is this expensive or cheap? I’ve heard some can be outrageously expensive, but… no, let’s not overthink it. I’ll buy something in her size and her image color, red.
Remaining balance: 291,659 yen.
I found some cute underwear. Not bad. I placed it with her original underwear.
I put on the clothes I received as a gift yesterday, deep purple, almost black.
Despite its appearance, it was highly breathable and quite cool. The dye seemed special, making the fabric feel cool against the skin. It might have heat-dissipating properties.
After getting ready, I gently patted her head, trying not to wake her.
Then I took out the 【Original Symbol (Trade God Merhes)】 from the container. It was a one-of-a-kind handmade item not listed in the inventory even when stored in the container.
I placed it by her pillow.
After one last gentle pat, I quietly left the room.
……The bed is… high quality, so I’ll consider it a replacement.
As I descended to the first-floor counter, I saw the innkeeper with his usual sullen face. Narnia’s father sat there, looking bored with one elbow on the counter. Not a hint of hospitality.
“……I’d like to check out, but please don’t enter the room for a while.”
The innkeeper nodded lightly, seeming to understand. It’s the inn’s policy not to pry. The church should have paid the lodging fee, so I headed outside.
“……Take care.”
A voice called out from behind. Without turning, I raised one hand in acknowledgment and left.
Four people were waiting outside. I recognized Hag and Yaralai. Narnia was there too. Why was the priestess here? And she had a huge load, looking ready for a long journey. Well, whatever.
Despite her slender appearance, she seemed quite strong.
“Hey, good morning.”
“Yeah…”
Narnia, who had been chatting with the others, turned to face me.
“What’s wrong? You look down. A smile is essential for a poster girl!”
I pulled Narnia’s cheek.
“Nani hoho—!”
The young girl flailed, grabbing my arm. Well, she wasn’t that young.
“Gonna laugh?”
“Wahaha, haha, haha, hihihi!”
“Got it, I’ll let go.”
“You understood her!”
I couldn’t help but retort to Yaralai’s precise translation. My Kansai boss would kill me. As I let go, she rubbed her cheek and pouted.
“That was mean! Big brother!”
“Shut up. If you’re the inn’s daughter, send off your guests properly!”
I pulled her cheek again.
“Hahero!”
“Then smile.”
This time, I let go immediately. Her cheeks were quite stretchy. After rubbing her cheek for a while, Narnia, slightly teary-eyed, flashed a smile.
“Thank you for staying with us!”
She bowed deeply. I patted her head roughly.
“Big brother, come back again!”
She looked up with a big smile.
“Yeah. Don’t know when, but I’ll return.”
“Yes!”
She hugged my waist tightly, so I placed a candy set on her head.
Remaining balance: 290,859 yen.
“Geez! Treating me like a kid!”
“What, you don’t want it? Give it back then.”
“I want it!”
I couldn’t help but smile at the small joy bubbling up from my chest.
“Promise, okay!”
“Yeah.”
The priestess, Reitia, bowed to me.
“Good morning, Akira-sama.”
“Morning… That’s a lot of luggage. Going somewhere?”
The slender beauty smiled awkwardly.
“Actually, I’m also heading to Lake Rel.”
I see.
“Sorry, can we talk while walking? I’m heading to the Veliello Trading Company.”
“No problem. I’m the one imposing, after all.”
As we walked, Narnia naturally tagged along. I decided not to say anything.
“Is it related to us?”
“No, there are various reasons. Transfers aren’t uncommon.”
Her smile hid a lot of hardship.
“I see… So you’re going to Lake Rel. Why don’t you come with us?”
“Huh?”
“We’ve got a special carriage, plenty of space. It’ll probably be faster than going on your own.”
It might be more than just a little special.
“Thank you, Akira-sama. I’m touched by your offer. But I have a horse provided by the church, so I’ll travel at my own pace.”
Gently declined. I thought she might be our watchdog, but I guess I was overthinking.
“I see. Everyone has their own plans. Besides, it might be awkward for a woman to join an all-male group.”
When we reached the trading company while chatting lightly, we found a crowd. Seemed like it was the company’s people, but what about their jobs?
“Akira-san.”
Friena-san and her husband emerged through the crowd.
Even the baron… no, Count Retter, Bro Sower, and Bachal were there.
“Why is everyone here?”
Are they having a meeting?
“We came to see you off, of course.”
I looked around at the members again. This looked like a summit of new nation’s key figures. Was a summit being held? …A summit within one country sounds odd.
“Isn’t this a bit much?”
“You don’t seem to understand your position at all.”
Bahar stepped in from the side to join the conversation with Friena.
“Sure, the revolution itself was an urgent matter, but do you not realize that you were the one who pulled the trigger and led it to success?”
What? I’ve just been going with the flow since I was sent to this world. I haven’t done anything grand.
…Going with the flow, if I think about it, makes me a terrible person. Okay, I’ll try to live more selfishly. After all, I’ve got a chance to reset my life.
…Though, I have no vision of how I want to live. As long as I can live peacefully, that’s fine.
“You’re overestimating me.”
I glanced at Bahar.
“Seriously…”
Bahar scratched his head vigorously. He had bags under his eyes and looked very tired. On closer inspection, not only Bahar but also Cherina’s father and Blou had similar looks.
Especially Blou Soar, whose hair was disheveled, his complexion was pale, and he looked completely lifeless.
“Hey, Blou, you look like you might collapse any moment.”
“Yes… I was particularly busy yesterday and barely slept.”
“Are you okay? It’d be a problem if you collapsed now, right?”
When I looked at Bahar, the dark-skinned handsome man nodded emphatically.
“That’s right, but we had no choice but to push through yesterday.”
Really? In such a situation, did Cherina take a break? Or maybe she needed to because of the situation.
“Weren’t you guys on a break?”
Blou and Bahar exchanged glances and gave wry smiles simultaneously.
“Who knows?”
For some reason, Bahar looked like he’d swallowed a bitter bug. Did something happen?
“Oh, Akira! Are you leaving? I’ll miss you if you’re not here…”
The one who emerged next to Bahar was Count Retter. He’s already a key figure in the country, so what is he doing here?
“Good morning, Count Retter. Long time no see. How have you been?”
“I’ve been a bit busy. But I’m okay.”
“That’s good. I’m glad the revolution went well this time.”
If it hadn’t gone well, I would’ve literally lost my head.
“Are you leaving? Won’t you stay?”
He looked at me with a strangely sad face. He might generally be considered ugly, but he’s not a bad person, so I hope he finds a good wife.
This man would look like a stereotypical geek if he wore an anime shirt and a bandana on his forehead.
“Yes, I have a place I must go.”
“I see… I won’t force you to stay… though it’s lonely.”
He’s not very aristocratic in moments like this.
The count, looking meek and shrinking, could probably gain fans.
“Don’t worry, in a new country, you’ll surely make new friends.”
“Really?”
“Yes, definitely.”
The count nodded slowly and smiled contentedly (though creepily). …If only it weren’t for that…
When my conversation with the count ended, Blou Soar approached again.
“Well, Akira, there’s something I’d like to ask you.”
He said, stepping closer. Too close…
“What is it?”
“I’d like you to tell me everything you know about political systems.”
Are you serious? I’ve already told you a lot!
…Wait a minute…
“…Can you keep a secret?”
“I don’t know what secret you’re talking about, but if it’s in exchange for information, I’ll take it to the grave.”
“Alright, follow me.”
I told everyone I’d be right back and led Blou to the warehouse where the camper was parked.
“This is…”
Blou gaped at the camper.
“Oh, that’s not the main point… By the way, this will cost some money, but you’ll manage.”
“Manage…? I can’t say until I hear it.”
“You won’t refuse. Just wait here.”
I entered the camper and focused.
World political systems and their issues = 189,200 yen
Capitalism and socialism = 96,000 yen
Explanation of financial systems = 112,900 yen
Wow, expensive!
I stepped out of the camper and called to Blou.
“Hey! Get 398,100 yen ready now!”
Blou widened his eyes in surprise.
“Even if you suddenly ask for such a large amount…”
“Just do it! Ask Friena! She’ll probably be okay with it.”
“Huh… okay. I’ll try.”
“Hurry up.”
Blou left and soon returned with a bag of gold coins.
“…I managed to borrow it immediately.”
“Good, hand it over.”
I grabbed the bag, went back to the camper, and bought all three books. Then, I gave Blou the change and the books.
“What… are these?”
“You’ve seen a book before, right? These books have a lot of difficult stuff written in them, so you can handle the rest. Just don’t show these books to anyone. If you need the content, buy some washi from Cherina and copy it yourself. It’s okay to show those copies.”
Blou hastily flipped through the books.
“…What is this…?”
His face changed color as he skimmed through the highlights. He looked like he was about to fall to his knees, so I stopped him.
“Read it later. It’s worth the money, right?”
“Yes… yes… rather, this is…”
Even as he stood, he couldn’t take his eyes off the book.
“…Are you going to read it here?”
Blou snapped out of it and looked up.
“Sorry about that. Let’s go back.”
He took out a leather bag from somewhere and carefully stored the books inside. It might be an item bag.
“Alright.”
The impact of the books seemed so strong that the camper conversation didn’t come up.
When we returned outside, Cherina had joined the group. When our eyes met, she blushed and looked away. I also averted my gaze. Then, as if drawn by gravity, our eyes met again. I scratched the back of my head and returned to the group.
“Are you done?”
“Yeah, it’s finished.”
“…You finished quickly. Blou was talking about imprisoning you to get the information.”
I threw a cold glance at Blou.
“It was a joke… If I could’ve kept you with money and women, I would’ve, but that’s not possible due to various circumstances.”
Blou glanced at Cherina, who returned an icy glare. What happened…?
“I just wrote down the main points for him.”
“…I see. As long as Blou is satisfied, it’s fine.”
Bahar handed me something.
“Take this as a farewell gift.”
It looked like a large knife but had too many barbs and seemed hard to hold.
“It’s the tip of a spear made from the bones of large fish around here. You can sell it if you’re in trouble. It won’t fetch much, though.”
Looking at the white object again, it was a spear much larger than a kitchen knife, made from bone. The vicious barbs were not meant to harm enemies but to prevent prey from escaping.
“I’ll gratefully accept it.”
I swung the spearhead. Bahar slightly lifted the corners of his mouth. No more words were needed.
Large spearhead made of sea fish bone = 36,200 yen
“Hey, long time no see.”
Next, Cherina’s father spoke.
“Long time no see.”
“We’ve both been busy. I’d like to give you a grand reward and a position to keep you in Tessa, but…”
“You’ve treated me more than well. Besides, I have somewhere I must go.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that. I’ve instructed Friena to help with anything you need, but was there anything lacking?”
We both looked at Friena, who smiled seductively, and we couldn’t help but chuckle. Her struggles were evident.
“It was more than enough. Thanks to you, I have everything I need to leave.”
“Good to hear.”
With a kind yet stern look, he glanced up at me.
“By the way, are you taking Cherina?”
“Wha?! Why would you ask that?!”
His gaze turned sharp and narrow.
“…You hurt my daughter, and now this?”
He stepped closer with an imposing aura despite being shorter.
“Well, that’s…”
I looked away, seeking help from Cherina, who was greeting others, and Friena… Nope, she’d be counterproductive.
As I felt myself panicking, her father suddenly laughed heartily.
“Ha ha ha! It’s a joke! A joke! You show your emotions more than I expected! As a merchant, that’s no good!”
He patted my shoulder hard. It hurt.
Friena smiled with a snake-like gaze as always, seeing through everything. What a monster.
“Well, come and accept it eventually. My son-in-law.”
“Uh…”
“Bwahahaha! Now! You should get going!”
Saying that, I was pushed towards Cherina.
I stumbled and landed in front of her. It seemed the muscle duo had just finished greeting Hag and Yaralai and stepped back.
“H-hello.”
“G-good morning… Akira-sama.”
We greeted each other awkwardly. Last night was, well, beyond imagination—a fierce night of activities. It wasn’t something for a virgin.
We glanced at each other nervously. This feels like announcing what happened last night.
I straightened up and faced Cherina. Then I noticed an original symbol hanging from a chain on her chest. Also, part of her bra’s lace was visible through the cleavage.
“Thanks for everything.”
Cherina also straightened up.
“Yes. Thank you too.”
We stared at each other in silence for a while.
“Well… once I finish my business, I’ll come back.”
“If it takes too long, I will come to you.”
Cherina giggled as if something had been cleared up.
“That’s like you.”
I put my hand on my waist and gave a wry smile.
“Perhaps…”
Cherina signaled Melvin and handed me a small leather bag and a square leather pouch.
“Though it’s late, here’s your advisor fee. We didn’t set a price, but this should be enough for your journey. And this is the requested cardholder.”
I accepted only the cardholder and pushed back the bag of gold coins.
Cherina looked up at me quizzically.
“I don’t need it.”
“Why?”
Her eyes widened, looking more sad than surprised.
“I’ve already received enough from you.”
“But…”
“Don’t make me spell it out.”
“Okay…”
Cherina blushed and looked down.
I stretched widely and declared.
“Alright, time to go.”
Cherina started to say something but swallowed her words.
“Take care.”
…Not goodbye, but take care…
I turned away so she couldn’t see me smile.
I swung open the large warehouse doors. The people of the guild cheered.
“Actually, I saw it earlier, but what an amazing carriage.”
Cherina’s father crossed his arms, looking at the steel carriage.
“Does it really run without horses?”
“Yes, it runs by burning oil.”
As I was explaining to her father, Hag clung to the camper.
“Wooo! What is this?! What is this?! It’s incredible! Akira! Show me around!”
I had informed them earlier that we’d head to Lake Rell in a special carriage, so Hag knew it was a vehicle.
“Hey, don’t scratch it. It’s damn expensive.”
“I know. Hmm. This part is iron, but this is made of that plastic bottle material?”
Seeing him examining the lights reminded me of cars arriving in a Middle Eastern village for the first time. It’s a treasure for an inventor like Hag.
“Is this… a vehicle?”
Yaralai stood beside the camper, her long ears twitching. Not as eager as Hag, but clearly interested, she circled it slowly.
“Yes, I’ll explain more during the trip. Just get in for now.”
I guided them to the cabin, where the dwarf and elf were stunned.
“Wh-what is this?! Inside the carriage is a lodge?! And so luxurious!”
Hag sat on the sofa. The overseas-spec camper wasn’t cramped even for the stout Hag.
“This is… a kitchen?”
Yaralai examined the small sink.
“Oh! That’s stainless steel! Such luxury!”
“I told you before, in my world, stainless steel is common.”
“Hmm. Seeing this, I must believe it…”
“So, I’ll drive, but what will you do?”
I asked, and they tilted their heads.
“What do you mean?”
“You can relax here in the cabin or sit in the front seat… the one with the view. This car is big, so three can sit in front.”
The camper, the size of a small truck, had a three-seater front.
“Then I’ll sit in front.”
“If he goes, I’ll stay in the cabin.”
I laughed, “Got it.”
Hag and I got out and walked to the driver’s side.
“A carriage with full glass, such luxury.”
“Wood or metal boards would block the view.”
“Fool, usually, the driver sits outside.”
True, Melvin always sat on the driver’s bench.
“Good point. This way, we won’t get wet in the rain.”
“It rarely rains here.”
“Hmph. I’ll surprise you later.”
Enjoy the marvel of air conditioning, humanity’s treasure. For now, the windows are open, so it’s off. The cabin is on, so Yaralai should notice soon.
The camper’s cabin and driver’s seat are connected by a small glass window, only open for conversation. They’ll probably talk to us eventually. Meanwhile, they should see our backs.
I stuck my head out the open door window. The Veliero people gawked at us. Friena stepped forward.
“Akira-san, come back anytime.”
She snapped her fan open.
“Yes. Once I finish my business.”
“Decide whether to take them or join us next time.”
She laughed theatrically.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
I feigned ignorance.
“…Well, it’s not your effort needed.”
I looked down at Friena. I expected more from her.
“Then, it’s time.”
“Take care.”
I turned the key, and the camper growled. The Veliero people momentarily panicked but didn’t flee, having been informed.
The engine growled like a dog, and the steel carriage began to move, kicking up sand. As it reflected the sun, cheers erupted.
Narnia waved both hands, tears in her eyes, shouting, “Come back again!”
She was beaming, so I waved back.
After waving for a while, I noticed a familiar red-haired girl beside the driver’s seat. The others moved aside.
“Akira-sama.”
“…Hey.”
“Take care.”
“Yeah. Take care of your health.”
“Yes. You too, Akira-sama.”
We fell silent.
We wouldn’t leave at this rate. I steeled myself and said.
“I’m off.”
Her expression froze, then slowly bloomed into a smile.
“Yes. Have a safe trip.”
I stepped on the accelerator. The camper towing the cargo trailer increased speed.
On the main road, people hurriedly cleared the way for the steel carriage. I glanced at the receding guild in the side mirror.
She ran towards us, waving, in her disheveled dress.
I stuck my arm out and waved back, continuously.
Without stopping at the now-unregulated east gate, the camper hit the highway, speeding up.
I waved until the economic free city-state Tessa disappeared from the side mirror. Even if no one saw.
And so.
We embarked on a new adventure.
―― End of Chapter One ――