Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 186

After lunch, we spent the rest of the day leisurely at the Reilert family’s mansion to recover from the fatigue of the journey.

Then, the next day. After finishing breakfast in my room, I began preparing for the gathering task entrusted to me by Artorius.

That said, most of my belongings were in my magic bag, so it was just a matter of checking the tools I would likely use.

While I was tending to my gathering knife, there was a knock on the door.

When I responded, Franryule opened the door and came in.

“Good morning, Shuu-sama.”

“Good morning, Franryule-san. You’re in the academy style today.”

Franryule’s appearance was different from yesterday; she was wearing the magic academy uniform, the same one she wore when we met at the Ladeo Volcano, and her hair was in twin tails.

“Long hair gets in the way when moving around outside.”

Even so, the fact that she didn’t cut her hair short shows that she’s still a girl.

“By the way, Shuu-san, which do you prefer?”

Franryule asked with a slightly mischievous smile.

This question was undoubtedly testing me.

Even if I gave a poor answer, Franryule wouldn’t get angry, but she would definitely tease me about it later.

“Both styles are charming and it’s hard to choose. With your hair down, you looked mature and beautiful, and this style is lively and very cute.”

“Oh, I’m glad to hear that. But, Shuu-san, you seem surprisingly used to dealing with women.”

“No, no, I’m definitely not used to it.”

Unfortunately, I’m not good at handling women.

In my previous life, I did have a girlfriend, but she got fed up with my collecting hobby and dumped me. That was the end of my experience with girlfriends, and I haven’t had any proper experiences since.

This time, too, I managed to come up with an answer thanks to my social skills as a working adult.

If I were asked a similar question again, I’d undoubtedly mess up.

“Shuu-san, is everything ready? The reserve is vast, and once you step in, it won’t be easy to turn back.”

“No problem at all. But Franryule-sama, you seem to have little luggage. Are you alright?”

Franryule’s luggage consisted only of a staff for magical assistance and a large backpack.

Although I’m in no position to talk, being lightly equipped myself, she seems too lightly packed, which worries me.

“Don’t worry! My father lent me a magic bag for today!”

When I asked, she proudly showed off the backpack she was carrying.

Wow, since coming to this world, it’s the first time I’ve seen someone else with a magic bag.

I heard they are extremely valuable and can only be obtained by royalty or high nobles, but the Reilert family is undoubtedly a high noble family. It’s no surprise they have a magic bag.

“I see! That’s convenient!”

“So, if you have trouble with your luggage, I can take some of it for you. It’s not unlimited, but there’s still a little room left—”

“No problem. I have a magic bag too.”

“What!? Shuu-san, you have a magic bag as well!?”

“Yes. So, my luggage is all set. I have also stored plenty of emergency food and water, so even if we get stranded, we’ll be fine for a year. You can rest assured.”

“A-a year!? I didn’t realize you had such a substantial magic bag…”

Franryule who had been proudly puffing out her chest, gradually became deflated.

It seems that Franryule’s magic bag doesn’t have much capacity. I feel a bit sorry for her.

Come to think of it, how much can the magic bag I received from the god hold? I’ve been stuffing it with materials and tools without much thought, but it still doesn’t seem to have a bottom.

“Are you alright?”

“No problem at all! Well then, let’s head to the gourmet reserve managed by our family!”

Franryule cleared her throat and started walking, trying to regain her composure.

♦ ♦ ♦

After leaving the mansion, we traveled in a carriage prepared by the Reilert family.

Once outside the estate, we were surrounded by beautiful nature for a while, but after about three hours, a huge wall came into view. It stretched endlessly to the edges of our vision.

“What a big wall.”

“Beyond that wall is the gourmet reserve.”

Franryule informed me as I looked at the wall from the window.

The wall was likely built not only to prevent intruders but also to keep the creatures inside from coming out.

Eventually, our carriage came to a stop near the wall.

The butler who was serving as our driver got out and opened the carriage door for us, so we disembarked.

It seemed we had arrived at the entrance to the gourmet reserve.

There was a small entrance in part of the wall, guarded by two men who appeared to be security personnel.

Each exit was properly guarded, ensuring that all contingencies were prepared for.

Up close, the wall enclosing the reserve looked even larger.

The thick wall completely obscured the view of the reserve, but there was a mysterious atmosphere about it.

As we walked towards the entrance while looking at the wall, we finally arrived.

“We’re entering the reserve.”

“Artorius-sama has informed us. As you may know, the reserve is vast, and we haven’t fully grasped all the ecosystems within. Please be careful.”

“If anything happens, please set off a signal flare. We will come to your aid.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Franryule nodded firmly at the words of the guard, who warned us with a serious expression.

There was no arrogance or underestimation in her demeanor.

As the eldest daughter of the Reilert family, she seemed to fully understand the dangers of the reserve.

Knowing this, I genuinely respected Franryule’s courage for requesting to accompany me.

When the guard raised his arm, the tightly closed door slowly opened.

It seemed someone in the nearby guard station was operating the door.

“Well, I’m off.”

“Take care!”

As the door opened, Franryule gracefully walked forward, her hair flowing elegantly.

The guards placed their hands on their chests and saluted her like knights.

It seemed she was highly regarded by the guards.

And it’s no wonder. She studied magic at the academy and aimed to apply it in managing the reserve.

It’s impossible not to admire someone as earnest and straightforward as Franryule.

“Hey, make sure you protect the lady with your life.”

“We won’t forgive you if she gets even a scratch.”

As I walked following Franryule, the guards muttered in a low voice, just loud enough for me to hear.

“Y-yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Feeling the menace in their words, I broke into a cold sweat but somehow managed to respond.

When leaving the reserve, we would have to pass through here again, so I couldn’t let Franryule get a single scratch.

Feeling the pressure, I walked through, and soon after, I heard the door closing behind us.

It’s probably to prevent the creatures inside from getting out. It’s quite secure.

“Now, Shuu-san, let’s gather the ingredients my father requested—”

“Freeze.”

As Franryule spoke enthusiastically, I cast an ice spell.

Instantly, the monster that was about to strike Franryule with its claws froze solid.

The creature’s outstretched claws stopped just at Franryule’s throat.

Realizing she had narrowly escaped death, Franryule’s face turned pale.

“…Shuu-san.”

“From here on out, it’s monster territory.”

I was able to notice the monster’s ambush because I had activated my investigation skill before passing through the door.

In my view, I could see the silhouette of the monster lying in wait, ready to pounce on us.

I had anticipated that it would attack the moment the door opened.

“I’m sorry. I got carried away with excitement about entering the reserve. I thought I understood the dangers…”

“Is this your first time entering the reserve, Franryule?”

“Only within a 500-meter radius, and always heavily guarded by the security personnel.”

I see. In that case, it’s understandable that Franryule got a bit overexcited.

“However, I believe I have more knowledge than anyone else! I will be of help to you, Shuu-san!”

“Don’t worry, I won’t send you back. Accompanying you is also part of the task.”

Upon hearing that, Franryule looked relieved.

In the past, she had helped with the diversion at the Volcano, so I can’t retreat just because of a single close call.

“Thank you. I know it’s a burden, but please allow me to rely on you for the sake of my future.”

Despite having had a near-death experience, her courage showed no sign of faltering.

It’s easier for me if she leans on me straightforwardly rather than feeling unnecessarily self-conscious.

Now that Franryule’s resolve is probably firm, she won’t be careless like before.

“By the way, what kind of monster is this?”

Its overall body structure is that of a mantis, but its arms have crab-like claws, and its legs are bright red.

I could use appraisal to get the information, but I asked to test Franryule’s knowledge.

“This is a Crab Mantis. It’s very fast, and its developed claws can crush rocks. The claws and legs are delicious when boiled and taste like crab. The danger level set by the Adventurers’ Guild is C.”

From the way she effortlessly named its characteristics, it was clear she had studied the monsters within the reserve.

“Is it alright that I froze it?”

“In the reserve, they’re not that rare, so there’s no problem culling them. Let’s dismantle it and take the claws and legs back.”

“Understood.”

Good. It seems it’s okay to have taken down this one.

Since I can’t judge what creatures can be killed yet, having Franryule here is a great help.