Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 84

After having gathered all the small items necessary for the journey, and receiving the sunglasses and accessories made by Drogan, the promised departure day with Klaus came in no time.

I gathered my belongings in the room, went downstairs, and called out to Mia.

“Alright then, I’m off to Lindblum.”

“Got it. Since I’ve received two months’ worth of accommodation fees, I won’t accept any guests during your absence, okay?”

“Thank you.”

There’s a possibility that I’ll be away for more than a month on this trip.

Normally, one would leave the room vacant, but there’s a chance of someone taking the room I like or the inn being fully booked with long-term guests. Indeed, Cat’s Tail Pavilion has many long-term guests. It would be sad if I couldn’t stay there when I return, so I’ve prepaid the accommodation fee to secure it.

Of course, I won’t be dining, so there’s no meal cost.

“Nyan~, it’s a cheap deal to secure a room for Shuu~nya!”

“I wish you had said that before I paid.”

“In that case, you won’t hear my sweet lines nya!”

It seems like you can hear her unique way of speaking only by spending money.

It’s quite an expensive service.

Although she’s audacious, she’s cute, so it’s fine.

“Well then, I’m off.”

“Nya~! Have a safe trip nya!”

Having taken care of what was necessary, I left the Cat’s Tail Pavilion.

Mia spread her cheerful voice and smile, while Bandel-san in the kitchen waved goodbye to me. I lightly waved back and proceeded confidently.

I’d like to head straight to the Southern Gate Plaza, which is Klaus’s meeting place, but I make a detour to check if Lumia and the others have returned yet.

“…Looks like they haven’t come back.”

I went to the shop front, but just like four days ago, the closed sign was hanging there.

There were no signs of movement.

There’s no helping it, so I’ll leave a letter in the mailbox saying I’m going to Lindblum.

With this, when Lumia and the others return, they’ll know that I went to Lindblum.

It’s regrettable to be absent for a long time without permission while entrusted with the responsibility of collecting, but I hope they’ll forgive me.

After confirming that the letter was properly placed, I head straight to the Southern Gate Plaza.

As I head to the Southern Gate Plaza, despite the early morning, many people were bustling around.

There are adventurers setting out early in the morning, merchants heading to other towns for business, travelers who have just arrived in Grantel… everyone must have their own reasons.

Now, Klaus, who I had a meeting with, hasn’t arrived yet.

Knowing Klaus’ impatient nature, I arrived early, but it seems I arrived too early.

Well, since I’m the one being invited, it’s much better to be early than late.

As I space out, I feel hungry, so I quietly take out the sandwich from my magic bag and eat it.

I actually wanted to have breakfast at the Cat’s Tail Pavilion, but I felt like that would definitely delay our departure.

While eating the sandwich as a substitute for breakfast, Klaus, carrying a black trunk, approaches.

Klaus approached me with steady steps and widened his eyes when he found me.

“…You’re already here?”

“Yes, since I was invited, I thought it wouldn’t be right to be late.”

“Hmph, quite commendable.”

Klaus snorted, seeming somewhat dissatisfied.

He probably thought he’d be the first. Sorry about that.

As I thought that, Klaus glanced briefly at me.

“However, are you going with just that luggage?”

“Yes, everything I need is in here.”

“Even as a traveler, having too little luggage raises suspicions, you know?”

“Ah…”

We’re about to take a shared carriage to Lindblum.

There will naturally be other travelers besides us, so having too little luggage might seem suspicious.

“How about getting a large bag for dummy use?”

Klaus pointed to a nearby tool shop.

Since adventurers often realize or remember missing items just before departure, there are surprisingly many tool shops near the gate.

I could see several adventurers, like me, rushing in to buy what they lack.

“Sorry, I’ll go buy something real quick.”

Unfortunately, I hadn’t bought a travel bag, so after informing Klaus and entered the tool shop.

In the tool shop, there were large backpacks and drum-shaped containers, but they seemed a bit uncertain for traveling.

Looking for something better, I found something similar to Klaus’ trunk. It was just the right size and looked sturdy.

But Klaus would probably dislike it if I bought this.

Despite anticipating that, since there wasn’t anything else suitable, I decided to purchase the trunk.

♦ ♦ ♦

“I’m sorry, I’m back now.”

Returning to the plaza with the trunk, Klaus made the expected displeased expression.

“…Why did you choose the same thing as me of all things?”

“There wasn’t anything else that was just the right size.”

At this point, there was no other excuse to make.

As grown men, it was embarrassing for both of us to have matching trunks, but if there was no other option, then so be it.

“Well, it’s just for show anyway, and since the carriage is about to depart—”

“No, it’s not okay. I have an old backpack at my house. I’ll let you use it, so I’ll go get it.”

“No, you don’t have to go through all that trouble…”

“I can’t stand it! If we both show up at my house with matching trunks, my family will get strange ideas!”

Strange ideas just because we have matching trunks? Can’t we just brush it off as a coincidence, like when people accidentally wear the same clothes?

But for Klaus, it seems to be beyond what he can tolerate.

Without showing any signs of reluctance, Klaus walked decisively towards his house.

Since I couldn’t just stay behind, I followed after Klaus.

When we arrived at the house, Klaus immediately brought out a large gray backpack from inside.

“Store the trunk and use this.”

It feels a bit unpleasant to be told to store the trunk I just bought for the trip right away.

Since I bought it with effort, I wanted to use it for a little while.

“You have to use this or else you’re not coming with me.”

Perhaps sensing my dissatisfaction, Klaus emphasized his point.

“…I understand.”

Since it seemed like Klaus really wouldn’t take me along if I didn’t comply, I stored the trunk in my magic bag.

Then, I packed clothes, emergency rations, a water bottle, and other items into the backpack to make it look inconspicuous.

I usually only had my magic bag, so having so much luggage felt strange, but it also felt like a proper trip, which wasn’t a bad feeling at all.

“Alright, let’s head back to the plaza and go to the carriage sharing spot.”

As I put on the backpack, Klaus nodded satisfactorily and started walking back towards the plaza.

We walked briskly back to the Southern Gate Plaza and moved to the carriage stop at the edge.

It seemed Klaus had made a reservation as we were promptly guided to the stop after paying.

After waiting for a while at the stop, a covered wagon approached and stopped nearby.

However, Klaus didn’t budge.

“Aren’t we going to ride that carriage?”

“We’re not riding that kind of carriage.”

If it’s not a covered wagon, then what kind of carriage are we going to ride?

While pondering this question, a carriage that exuded elegance approached next.

The horses trotted with grace, boasting magnificent stature and coats, resembling warhorses.

The carriage itself seemed sturdy and spacious.

It was the kind of carriage used by merchants of the Great Guild or by lords.

“Wow, what a carriage.”

“We’re riding this carriage.”

As I gazed absentmindedly, Klaus next to me said calmly, “Huh, really!? Such a nice carriage!?”

“Even though we’ll make stops at villages and towns along the way, we’ll spend most of the journey in the carriage, right? It’s only natural to ride in a comfortable carriage.”

“I see.”

Hmm, if I were to compare it to my past life, it’s like comparing a night bus to a bullet train. Or perhaps like riding in the Green Car (first class).

Spending money to ensure a comfortable time during the journey.

Thinking like that, it wasn’t a bad decision at all.

I didn’t realize there could be such differences even in shared carriages.

“Please watch your step.”

The coachman opened the door and gestured for us to enter.

It felt like riding in a lord’s carriage. It must be a service provided because of the high price paid.

Entering with Klaus, it was spacious and clean inside.

There were long sofa seats and space above to store luggage.

The interior design somehow reminded me of trains from my past life.

Comparatively, it was a world of difference from the carriage I rode in when coming to Grantel.

Klaus and I placed our luggage in the overhead space and took a seat on a comfortable sofa.

Then, Klaus immediately started reading.

‘I’m reading, so don’t talk to me.’ It was a clear indication of his intentions.

Normally, in situations like this, I would expect us to discuss what we’ll do when we arrive in Lindblum, what we’re looking forward to, and so on. But I didn’t feel that kind of atmosphere coming from Klaus.

Well, for him, it might be like returning home, so there might not be much excitement. But I thought he could at least pay a little more attention to me.

But, this is typical of Klaus.

Since my only conversation partner had immersed himself in the world of books, I decided to take out my notebook and organize the collected items. I hadn’t had the chance to do this lately, so I should write it down properly during this journey.

Afterward, elegant guests sporadically arrived, and what seemed to be hired adventurers boarded as guards, and then we departed.

Our carriage moved slowly. As we passed through the gates of Grantel, our speed gradually increased.

Perhaps because of the quality of the carriage, I didn’t feel much shaking.

The distance from the passengers was not too close, so it was very relaxing.

I couldn’t help but wonder if a carriage like this would be quite expensive. Suddenly, I became curious about the price, so I cautiously asked.

“By the way, how much did the carriage cost?”

“You don’t have to worry about the price; I invited you.”

Although I was curious about the specific price, if Klaus said so, I’ll just obediently accept it.

However, later on, I couldn’t help but wonder why I didn’t doubt Klaus’ kindness at that moment.