Chapter 264: Traveling Through the Plains

Chapter 264: Traveling Through the Plains

The journey towards the Shumie mountain range was surprisingly smooth. The pass issued by the royal family ensured that we faced no delays in acquiring supplies in the towns and villages we stopped at for resupplying. Additionally, the fact that everyone was accustomed to camping outdoors and that no one fell ill played a significant role.

However, there were two even more important reasons for the smooth journey. One was the geographical nature of the Harlasia Kingdom. The central part of the continent, including the kingdom, was almost entirely flat and devoid of any difficult terrain that could slow our pace. The weather also proved to be favorable, posing no issues whatsoever.

The other reason was the excellent public order within the kingdom. We were never attacked by bandits or the like. If an armed group approached us, it was likely the local lords guards in the area where we were staying. And upon seeing the royal pass, these guards would leave with one exception.

That exception was a guard captain who was suspicious by nature. He insisted on inspecting the cargo on our carriages forcefully. Even though we explained the situation, he resorted to calling us monsters and attacked us.

I had no choice but to fight back, but since I couldnt just kill him, I stopped at just making him incapacitated. Then, thanks to Rinnes illusion spiritual arts, we implanted false memories in his mind and thus managed to avoid further complications. Dealing with the overly suspicious and diligent garrison was extremely troublesome.

I knew it from afar, but now that we are up close, its very overwhelming.

Muu The trees are too tall; I cant see clearly.

Lappy who was sitting next to me expressed these thoughts as she stood in front of the dense sea of trees at the foot of the Shumie mountain range. The mountains, stretching across the continent from east to west and completely dividing it from north to south, were so tall that the peaks would vanish into the clouds on cloudy days.

However, before one could even think of challenging the mountains, the vast forest at their base posed a great barrier. For the residents living nearby, it was a place that brought blessings from the mountains, but at the same time, it was also a dangerous area that was passed down from generation to generation and people should never venture into its depths.

The trees growing in the forest were all massive enough to be considered giants, obstructing any view and making it impossible to grasp the full extent of the mountains from here. Not just the mountain range itself, but even the forest at its base and the trees within it were huge. Without the promise made with Aiwass, I would have never even considered attempting to cross such a place.

. Shall we go then?

Spiritual arts are really convenient.

We decided to step into the sea of trees. Although there were no roads in this sea of trees, I activated my sand spiritual arts to make up for that. In an instant, the sand transformed into a path, and our carriage began to move slowly over it.

Chris, who was riding in my carriage, seemed impressed by my creation of a sand road, but it wasnt something that warranted praise. This type of spiritual arts required more spiritual power than skill, and I had planned to have Chirik practice it as well to increase his overall spiritual power.

I initially intended for Chirik to take on this task from the start, but that proved difficult at the moment. The reason was Chirik had become Lappys plaything.

Dodont cling to me so much, Miss Lappy.

Muu. Lappy is older.

Alright, alright, big sister Lappy!

Lappy had been downcast since the day of our departure, but she quickly recovered her spirits thanks to the comfort provided by all of us especially me, Chirik, and Chris. Since then, for some reason, Lappy has begun to be as physically affectionate with Chris and Chirik as she was with me.

Considering she looked up to me as a father figure, it seemed she recognized Chris as an older sister and Chirik as a younger brother. Indeed, she called Chris Big sister Chris and instructed Chirik to call her Big sister Lappy.

Right, I forgot Antares; youre more resistant to changes in temperature, arent you?

The dropping temperatures hardly affected me, but Chris might have felt a bit cold. I took off the coat I always wore and silently offered it to her.

Chriss eyes widened in slight surprise, but she smiled warmly, thanked me, and draped the coat over her shoulders. The added warmth seemed to comfort her as she happily sipped her soup.

Are Lappy and Chirik doing the usual?

Yes, Chirik is quietly attending Mr. Lorenzs lessons. Well, Lappy might be dozing off, though.

The time after dinner was reserved for lessons for the children and any interested adults. Mika, Marcellus, Decius, and Asumi, who had previously received education, had taken on the roles of teachers but now Lorenz has also joined their ranks.

Having been a wealthy merchant, Lorenz possessed a wealth of knowledge that surpassed the other four. His eloquence made his lessons particularly popular among both adults and children. Lorenz had carved out a place for himself among us through what he had accumulated over the years. The initial awkwardness was gone, and now there were children who affectionately called him teacher.

He fit in quite smoothly, didnt he?

What are you talking about? I know you had a hand in making it happen, Antares.

I might have helped a bit, but it was mostly Lorenzs doing.

As Chris had mentioned, I did make an effort to ensure Lorenz could settle in quickly. On the first day, I asked Tigar to talk to him, and it was I who suggested he take on the role of a teacher.

However, I have no intention of boasting about this as my own achievement. After all, I merely created an opportunity. She simply chuckled and agreed, so I wasnt sure if she understood what I meant.

Ah, finished eating? Then pass me your bowl, please.

I appreciate it. Water spiritual arts is really convenient.

Chris proceeded to clean the bowls and spoons we had used with her water spiritual arts. Water spiritual arts was not only perfect for cleaning objects and the body but also good for securing drinking water. It was clear that water was far more versatile and convenient to use than sand.

Chris snorted proudly and showed off the dishes and spoons, now as clean as if they were brand new. She had meticulously dried the water used for washing, demonstrating her impressive skill in manipulating water.

Can I come back after Ive put these away? Its not my turn for watch duty tonight, but Id love to chat until I get sleepy.

Thats fine by me.

Yay!

With a joyful expression on her face, Chris eagerly took the dishes and spoons and ran off to put them away. She soon returned, and we spent the time engaging in light conversation until she felt sleepy.