Chapter 552 - Chapter 492 Thorough Preparations for Stay
"How is it? Does anything feel tight or uncomfortable?"
"Bururun♪."
I was checking if Rigel felt any discomfort after fitting him with a full set of horse tack.
I was worried about the bit, as it involves metal in the mouth, but it seemed to be fine.
I had splurged on Mithril for the bit and stirrups I made during the day, so each of them came with a +1 bonus to [Riding Skill].
The saddle was made from Armor Bear leather, but this one only boasted high quality and no stat corrections. Maybe it needs to be from a Red Armor Bear for that.
Spending all that time overthinking it and focusing on details was a bit of a mistake…
"Alright, I'm going to ride."
"Yes."
I put my foot in the stirrup and pulled myself up.
Perched on the saddle, I placed my toes in the opposite stirrup, and,
"Yeah, looks good."
"Wafun."
"Nyan."
Lupi gave a signal, and Shal prompted the surrounding Cait Sith to keep their distance.
I wanted them to take it easy on me at first.
"I'm going for a light run."
"Y-yes."
Leaving the front of the church, Lupi happily trotted alongside me as I went down the slope at a brisk walk.
After reaching the bottom of the slope, I gradually increased speed, but… it was quite scary.
"Rigel, that's enough."
I handled the reins lightly, as I didn't want to use too much force. Still, it felt faster than riding a bicycle.
I slowed down after passing in front of the mansion. Turning around, I headed back to the church. This time, I asked to go slowly.
[Your [Riding Skill] level has increased!]
My [Riding Skill] was now Level 3. With the equipment bonuses, that's Level 5.
I want to ride him during Lupi's walks and get it to Level 5 first.
"I'm back."
"Shou-kun. You look cool!"
"Is that so? Have I gotten a little better? Thanks to Rigel too, I guess.
I stroked his slightly darker mane, then dismounted, and Shal's group removed the horse tack.
"Thank you. That helps."
"Nyan."
Somehow, I seem to have good compatibility with Shal's group of Cait Sith.
They are usually docile, and they don't touch the vegetables in the fields, so I let them roam freely.
Pan's group feeds them vegetables, and they sometimes snack on Grapeful, but that's perfectly fine.
"Shou-kun, are you free right now? I think I'll be arriving there soon."
"Yes. I'm free. I'll come to meet you now."
"Oh, today I'm flying, not going underground."
I thought they might transport it using the Large Transfer Room, but it seems Azure-san himself was airlifting it.
Since she said she'd land directly in front of the mansion,
"Shal, sorry. I'll leave the rest to you."
"Nyan."
Leaving Rigel to Shal's group, I headed to the mansion.
The direction they would be flying from was northeast? Or east-northeast? I think that's what it was.
"Ah."
"Oh, is that it?… And Argenta-san is there too."
What's more, she seemed to be carrying a Dragon Basket. That's the one they used to transport Shal's group, right? Riding it must be the White Dragon Princess and El-san?
First, Azure-san smoothly descended, then slowly and carefully landed, gently placing a large wooden box, likely containing the piano.
Next, Argenta-san descended in the same manner and gently placed the Dragon Basket, from which El-san immediately emerged. That means,
"Snacks!"
The White Dragon Princess dismounted and hugged Mion.
While watching that, Argenta-san and Azure-san had also transformed into their human forms.
"Hii-sama."
"Ah, hello!"
"Yes, hello."
I suppose I can leave the White Dragon Princess and El-san to Mion.
In the meantime, I turned to the others,
"Sorry for having you transport such a large item."
"Not at all. Today, Hii-sama insisted on coming herself…"
"Well, you can eat delicious things if you come here, after all~."
Argenta-san could only give a wry smile at Azure-san's typically casual remark.
I can prepare as much food and snacks as they want; in fact, I feel more apologetic that they do so much to help me for just that much.
"First, let's move the piano."
"Ah, yes. Um, do we have to open the box?"
"Yeah. Just a moment~."
This large wooden box was apparently made by the piano repairer to prevent damage during transport.
Azure-san opened the side of the box, revealing a sturdy frame inside, and within it, a piano wrapped in beautiful cloth.
"I've been taught how to move it, Shou-kun, please handle the doors."
"Yes."
Azure-san and Argenta-san were apparently taught how to transport it, and offered to do so… All I could do was hold the doors open, right?
………
……
…
The piano was safely back in the living room.
And, as expected, I had Mion inspect it.
"How is it? Does it seem okay?"
"Yes. I think it's perfect."
She played various notes, and it seemed fine.
Mion immediately played a simple tune, but… I feel like I've heard it somewhere, but I have no idea what the title is.
"Amazing, amazing~!" "~ ~ ~♪."
The White Dragon Princess and Sweee were absolutely delighted, so I'll ask them to play it again later.
That aside,
"Um, regarding the White Dragon Princess's stay, is it alright if we simply tidy up the mansion's dining hall for now?"
"Yes, thank you very much."
I told them it should be ready within the next week, and then,
"It wouldn't be right to just give her one room, so I'll also prepare the other rooms for when you two visit."
"Huh? Really?"
"Since you're here."
I made sure to tell them that I couldn't provide luxurious furnishings, so they would be simple.
"If you have any requests for necessary furniture, please let me know early. There might be some things we can't do."
"I'll handle that aspect."
Said El-san.
Indeed, El-san would be the one to handle various things when we're not present.
I'll have her consult with Mion about what's needed.
"Speaking of which, El-san, you can cook, right?"
"No, to be honest, I'm not very good at it…"
Ah, she's definitely similar to Tsubaki-san.
In that case, I guess she and Mion will have to do their best together.
Also, I should have a larger magic preservation box prepared. The White Dragon Princess probably eats a lot…