Chapter 661 - Chapter 589: March of the Fairy King
Monday
"Nyaah~..."
"Un... you really shouldn't look outside."
Inside the dragon basket being carried by Emeraldia, I was holding Lupi on my lap, and Shar was clinging to my arm.
The dragon basket, which could comfortably fit four adults, was now packed with me, Lupi, Leda, Roy, Shar, and the Cait Sith fairies, totaling thirteen people.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Once we're in the sky, it'll be fine. As long as you don't look outside..."
The Cait Sith near the window were completely captivated by the view of the sky visible outside.
We seemed to be flying at quite a high speed.
"I suppose we could have taken the Fairy Path instead..."
"Well, this way gives us a bit of credit for having Emeraldia carry us, so to speak."
The plan was to make a bit of a splash before landing on the southern island.
"Arriving."
"Understood. Then, if you would, please make one full circle around the island."
"Aai."
Emeraldia made a noticeable circle around the island in the sky, announcing their arrival. Afterward, she landed on the riverbank deep within the Kijimunaa village.
"Wahf?"
"It's okay, Shar. Let's go outside."
After patting Lupi, who was looking at me with concern, I got out of the basket. Gaju and the others were there to greet us.
"Juju~"
"Thank you. We're counting on your help today."
"Jyu!"
"'Juju!!'"
Um, there are about ten of them lined up here... Are all of them going to participate in the battle?
We need to start by forming an alliance, but first...
"Gaju. This is from Mion."
"Jyu!?"
"This is just for you today, but she said she'll make more for everyone else later."
I wrapped the specially made scarf around Gaju.
It might not quite match his red hair, but the effects are what matter most.
The other Kijimunaa were looking at them with envy, so I'll have to count on Mion to make more.
"Wait here for a bit.
I promptly summoned Rigel, who was waiting on standby on my island.
The MP consumption was also sufficiently covered by my Magic Wolf Fang accessory.
"Blu-run♪"
[Your Summon Magic skill has leveled up!]
Oh, lucky.
I heard that Epic Skills have specific conditions for leveling up, but what would they be in this case? Cumulative distance traveled perhaps?
"Wahf~" "Blu-ru~"
"Nyahf?"
"Juju~"
It seemed like the Kijimunaa were ready, and I was about to go outside to meet up with Natto, but...
"Shou-kun. To Emeraldia..."
"Ah, right. Emeraldia. Would you wait here until we contact you?"
"Aai, aai."
Emeraldia would stay here while the Kijimunaa were away. Just in case, I wanted her to protect the remaining Kijimunaa.
Whether to have her carry us back in the basket or use the Transfer Magic Circle... we'll decide when the time comes.
...
...
...
When I pushed open the large door wedged between stone walls, the scenery that greeted me was no longer a bit familiar—it had completely changed from the wasteland it used to be into a bustling town in front of the gate.
"Wahf!"
"Alright, let's move out."
Encouraged by Lupi, I mounted Rigel.
Lupi led the way, followed by Leda and Roy, with Rigel carrying me and the Kijimunaa surrounding us. Shar and the Cait Sith brought up the rear.
We were supposed to meet up with Natto in front of the church, so to avoid getting in the way, we moved along the edge of the town in front of the gate...
"They really are noticing us, aren't they."
"Well, there's nothing to be done about it."
Our procession had taken on a military formation, and most notably, Rigel stood out. There probably isn't anyone else on this island who rides a horse...
However, perhaps because the Kijimunaa around us were in combat mode, people were watching from quite a distance.
Seth had told me, "It's better to carry yourself with confidence, or you'll just get bothered by people," so I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead.
"Wahf" "'Bow'"
Exiting the eastern side of the town in front of the gate, the road narrowed toward the church, so we advanced in a single file line.
The people we passed were extremely surprised, but...
"Hello."
"Ah, aah, hello..."
It's amazing that they properly returned our greetings.
Occasionally, the Cait Sith and Gnomes with us would look surprised too, but they were exchanging greetings with the Kijimunaa and Shar.
Continuing on, we arrived at the Armra Forest, and after traveling a bit further, we reached the entrance to the approach path.
"Wow, it's even more impressive in person."
"It's incredibly beautiful!"
While admiring the flower arches, I noticed people following us from behind, quite a distance away... should I call them followers?
"Nya?"
"Don't worry about it."
Shar approached me and asked, "What should we do?" but it seemed she didn't intend to do anything specific. Still, it was concerning.
As the entrance to the church came into view, at the same time, familiar faces came into sight.
To the right was Mog-kun, whom I saw yesterday. The tall man to his left was the sub-master of Natto's guild, "Fairy's Friend."
"Oi! You made it!"
I dismounted from Rigel and handed the reins to Shar, then walked over to Natto.
I should greet the sub-master first.
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Shou."
"Ah, aah, I'm Bordeaux. So you really knew each other."
"I told you, didn't I? We're best friends."
Saying that, Natto slung his arm around my shoulder.
It's incredible how his demeanor hasn't changed at all from normal.
"Sorry about this. Usually, I'm the one keeping an eye on him..."
"Are you my wife or what!"
Just as I was thinking I should punch him, the Cait Sith all came out from the church at once and lined up in front of Shar.
"Nya. Nyan nya!"
"'Nya~'"
""Huh?""
At Shar's command, the Cait Sith all knelt before me...
When I looked at Shar in confusion, she said...
"Nyan yan."
"What did you say?"
"Apparently, they were Shar's former subordinates."
That's reassuring in that it means there's no anxiety about them coming with us, but will they come to our island after this is over?
"Well then, let's go. The other members are waiting at the entrance to the forest."
"Ryo."
I thought we should hurry since we're making them wait, but...
"No no, there's no rush. We should look inside the church first. After all, the goddess statue you created is enshrined there."
"Aa."
...Right.
It would be strange to come all this way and not see it, and it would be proper to pay our respects first.