CH 82

Maki and Chiharu sat in the back with the cargo. They dangled their feet down and watched the scenery.

“It’s been a while since we dressed like this.”

“It’s a lot easier to move if I wear pants underneath this one-piece dress. But it’s a little hot. It’s perfect for flying, though. Still…”

Chiharu felt a little gloomy.

“How long were we in the sky? To be honest, wasn’t it just as long as crossing the sea?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t say anything to Sauro, but I bet it would only take 3 hours to fly to the dwarf territory from here. Also…”

Maki seemed hesitant to speak.

“Maybe he feels more confident now.”

“Yeah.”

The wind felt comfortable.

“Well, now they know that there are small children in Lowland that want to play with them.”

“What a cute sacrifice.”

“Ki-kids are fine. They always enjoy it.”

Chiharu muttered as she looked to the side.

“Eventually, they’ll have a team of birdfolk in Lowland. People might train with them from childhood and be able to take messages to other places.”

“‘Changes in the dwarven dungeon. Questing help immediately.’ Like that?”

“Yes, yes. Because birdfolk messengers aren’t very reliable by themselves.”

“Ahh. Yeah, they are too free.”

Currently, it was probably Maki and Edwy who were able to fly with the birdfolk for the longest distance. Though, Chiharu wasn’t that bad either. The truth was that it was much more likely that Maki and Chiharu would be asked to work as messengers, rather than having some Lowland birfolk team set up.

The carriages started to go up a hill as they headed for the border town. A forest spread out at the bottom of the hill, and the carriage was moving down the road that winded through it. The dwarf lands had many ups and downs in the terrain, but the journey between Lowland and Highland was relatively gentle.

Flatlands stretched out on the other side of the forest, and beyond that, was a blue sea.

“Ahh, it feels so nice.”

“It almost makes me forget why we are here.”

“Hey, we’ll be arriving soon.”

They heard Edwy shout from up ahead.

“This town is our first stop.”

“I hope we can take a bath.”

“I doubt it.”

“But my muscles are so sore.”

“Mine too.”

But they wouldn’t expect such luxuries for a while. Maki and Chiharu continued to sit in the back and watch the town’s scenery as they traveled to the inn. The people here looked similar to the people who lived by the Lowland sea. But perhaps there were more people with dirty blonde hair. Just like Maki and Chiharu had now. Merchant carriages were not unusual. And so they just looked like a brother and sister who were enjoying themselves. And the people just smiled at them.

The carriages stopped slowly at the inn. Maki and Chiharu hopped out and walked to the driver’s seat.

“You two are really starting to look as if you are related.”

“That’s no good, Edwy.”

“What do you mean?”

“The way you talk. People will think it’s strange.”

“I-I see. Uh, no. You are right.”

Aaron chuckled as he saw Chiharu admonish Edwy.

“So, you’re the one who isn’t able to disguise himself at all.”

“It’s not my fault. Well, maybe it is. I am so used to being around people that are older than me.”

Edwy grumbled.

“We will stay at this inn tonight. As we will be leaving early in the morning, you should all get a good rest tonight.”

“Can we explore the town a little after getting our room?”

“Well, it should be safe here. What about you, Edwy?”

“I told you to call me Ed. I’ll go with you, Chouze.”

“Let’s go then! Ed!”

They took two rooms, as was expected.

This wasn’t the only town near Highland’s border. However, this was seen as a checkpoint for trading, and so it was quite prosperous. And many special products, such as dyed cloth, were sold here.

“Maybe I’ll buy something for Sera. Oh, wait. Nevermind.”

“Is it because our journey just started?”

“No. But these are special items from the border town in Lowland. She will wonder why we have them when we were supposed to go to the elf lands. ‘I would never have imagined that you two would put yourselves in danger. What is that useless elf?’”

“You sound just like her, Maki-chan.”

Chiharu was impressed. Even Edwy was holding his stomach and laughing next to them.

“So I can’t give anything that would be evidence.”

“Ho ho. Alright, Maki-chan.”

They looked at each other and laughed.

“Ah, that food over there looks interesting.”

“Wait a minute, Chihaaru.”

“Edwy, watch your mouth!”

“Ah, wait! Chouze!”

“Just a little!”

Chiharu and Edwy went running off. In the meantime…

“Mister! Please give me 4 of those small things.”

“Aye, coming right up. Are you old enough to drink, boy?”

“It’s for my older brother. See, over there.”

“Ah, that handsome man.”

Edwy stuck out after all. Oh, well. In her heart, Maki was shaking her head.

“Also, what’s this?”

“You don’t know? It’s a kind of dried meat that is made by stretching out the meat and seasoning it.”

“Alright, I’ll take these too.”

“Thank you.”

The man was quite happy that this merchant child was buying a lot.

“This is our first time traveling inland with our older brother. Have you ever been there?”

“Have I? Of course, it’s just right over there. In fact, they have much the same traditions as us. So don’t worry about that.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Now that I think of it, we haven’t gotten any fish from inland recently.”

“Fish? We’re going to the mirror lake in order to sell some Soluna oranges.”

“Soluna oranges? Would you sell some of them to me too? My wife just loves them.”

“I can bring a little bit if you like.”

“Thank you. Still, we’ve never been unable to get fish before. There must be some serious shortages. If there are no fish, you might have trouble selling your oranges as well.”

“If that happens, we’ll go to a different town.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Okay, I’ll bring you some oranges then.”

“Thank you!”

Maki hurriedly put the food into her bag and then ran to the others, who were walking towards her.

She delivered the oranges, and then they had dinner. Hot water was brought to their room so they were able to freshen up before bed.

“It’s too bad that these disguises mean we can’t drink out in the open.”

Chiharu muttered. She was not happy that only Aaron and Edwy were allowed to have ale with their dinner.

“We had to drink water. Water! Though, it was good water.”

It was cold water drawn from a well. It was the best thing to have in the summer.

“I knew you’d say that, Chiharu. So here!”

Maki said as she took out two small, pretty bottles from her bag.

“This…”

Chiharu gulped.

“Is it what I think it is?”

“Yes, it is.”

Chiharu’s eyes shone.

“You’re so cool, Maki-chan!”

“Yes, and?”

“You’re so pretty.”

“Hahaha!”

Maki looked over her should with a hand on her hip. And then she brushed her hair out of her face with her other hand.

“It comes with some dried meat as well.”

“Maki-chan! You’re the best!”

“Well, save the rest.”

And so they both sat down. Chiharu took out some sweet snacks from her bag and added them to the pile. Then they clinked their bottles together. Just then…

“Hey, you two…huh?”

“Eh?”

“No, Maki-chan, you’re supposed to scream.”

Chiharu joked. Apparently, they had forgotten to lock the door.

The person who had come in without knocking was Aaron.