The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~ - Chapter 97

As we swayed in the carriage, the day passed, and eventually, the surroundings were dyed crimson.

Then, the carriage stopped.

As before, when evening came, the horse would stop on its own.

“That’s it for today. Let’s set up camp.”

When Annie said that, everyone got off the carriage, so AI-chan and I followed suit.

Then, we just watched as the four of them quickly prepared the camp.

“Don’t you think we should help?”

“I do think so, but I believe no one wants us to help.”

Well, I get that feeling too.

“Natalia, should we help?”

I called out to Natalia, who was setting up the tent.

“It’s okay. Just wait a little.”

Natalia politely declined with a smile.

“I see… Lily?”

When I called out to Lily, who was setting up another tent, she turned me down before I could say anything.

“Yuuma, just sit and wait.”

“I thought you were on my side.”

“What do you mean by that? For your information, I’m the most experienced traveler here!”

That’s true.

“Master, let’s wait quietly. Also, please release Koma-chan. Crow-chan isn’t suitable for the night, and we need a lookout.”

AI-chan said while looking up at crow-chan flying in the sky.

“Crow-chan doesn’t have night vision, after all.”

Following AI-chan’s instructions, I took out the talisman and threw it on the ground.

Then, the talisman transformed into Koma-chan.

“Koma-chan, please keep watch.”

As I said this, Koma-chan nodded and sat down.

Seeing this, we went to Alice, who was making a bonfire, and sat down.

“I do want to help, you know…”

“…We’ll handle it. This is your first time, Yuuma, so just watching is fine.”

“Rather, we don’t want you to do anything.”

Alice tried to support me, but Annie, who was preparing dinner, said firmly.

“Why?”

“No matter how you look at it, you’re an aristocrat who’s never taken care of yourself.”

“But I want to help.”

“Who do you think usually washes your clothes?”

Washing… washing?

“Huh? Who?”

“Us.”

Hmm?

I never thought about it because AI-chan always takes care of it for me.

“Master, you don’t need to worry about such trivial matters.”

Hmm, I never considered it…

“Even so, I should do something too.”

I was refused from cooking, but I can at least do the laundry and cleaning.

“Master, it’s okay. These kinds of things are women’s work.”

“I’m living alone now, so I can’t leave everything to you.”

“Let’s not. I don’t think someone who has lived at home for 99 years without doing anything can suddenly do these things.”

Saying I did nothing is harsh.

Well, I am the head of the family, so I guess I haven’t done anything.

“You really don’t have to do it. I’ll handle all the laundry and cleaning.”

Annie firmly declared while tasting the soup.

“But I want to try…”

“It would be a disaster if you messed everything up just because you want to try.”

Sheesh…

“Sigh… I’m bored. And I feel guilty just watching while everyone else works.”

“You’re so troublesome. Just relax and take it easy. You’re the leader, aren’t you? Anyway, the food’s ready, so let’s eat.”

Annie said this as she handed me a plate with bread, soup, and meat.

Then, seeing that the other three had also finished their preparations, we all sat down to eat dinner.

“What will we do after dinner?”

“Sleep. There’s nothing else to do, and we’re leaving at dawn tomorrow.”

Seriously…?

“Will I be able to sleep…?”

“Master, I brought some alcohol, so you can use that to sleep.”

Well, I guess that’ll do.

“Normally, you’re not supposed to drink because we need to take turns keeping watch. But since Koma-chan is here…”

Annie glanced at Koma-chan, who was gobbling down her food.

“Does Koma-chan not need to sleep? I get the impression that it’s almost always sleeping in the shared space.”

Lily asked.

“Shikigami don’t need to sleep. Well, Koma-chan and Pamela’s kitten only sleep because they have nothing else to do.”

They wake up immediately if there’s a problem.

“…It’s really a relief not to have to keep watch. I’m not good at it.”

That might be true for Alice… she always looks half-asleep.

“AI-chan and Koma-chan are both your shikigami, right, Yuuma? We’re really grateful for them, so don’t feel the need to do unnecessary things.”

Natalia chose her words carefully to comfort me. But it’s clear she thinks I shouldn’t meddle.

“I see… by the way, do we sleep in those?”

I looked at the two tents set up side by side. They didn’t seem very spacious.

“You, AI-chan, and us.”

Annie answered while drinking soup.

“Well, yeah, but… won’t it be cramped for you guys?”

I was with the small AI-chan, but it seemed tight for four girls, no matter how small they were.

“It’s just for sleeping, so it’s fine. If you want, we can give you Natalia.”

Don’t just give her away.

“If you guys don’t find it cramped, then it’s fine.”

“It’s just for a day or two. There are rest huts for travelers scattered around, but they’re actually dangerous.”

They’re like an invitation for bandits to target you. And our group is particularly vulnerable.

Everyone except me is a woman or a child.

“That’s tough.”

“The capital is still relatively close, so it’s not too bad. Plus, adventurers who travel are in even more difficult situations.”

I’ve always wanted to explore this world, but I need to think things through.

After we finished dinner, we went to the tent to rest our bodies.

Even though I hadn’t done anything, I didn’t think I was that tired, but it turned out I was more exhausted than I realized from being in the carriage all day, and I fell asleep quickly.

TL Note: “Master, it’s okay. These kinds of things are women’s work.” Yuuma over here trying to be progressive, and AI-chan’s having none of it. xD