Chapter 109 What'S Happening In Ensgard
Watterhill is a city created by Privia-san. It was the result of her actions 50 years ago. However, when Ensgard fell apart... the situation must have been terrible beyond expectation. So terrible that even I couldn't anticipate it. It's really challenging...
"What do you mean?"
"In front of Ensgard, there is an incredibly vast lake."
"I see."
"In that lake, there is a place where Oso (Dreadful element) springs forth."
"Could it be one of the sources of Oso?"
"That's right. The depth of the lake is quite deep, and it seems there is a cave at the bottom."
"Seems?"
"It's just that... we can't continue breathing. Even those who have made use of magic to reach the depths where we can't easily dive, have been attacked by Oso and never returned..."
So for a long time, there seemed to be no way other than enduring. It's a fact that even those like Privia-san and the Tigerman (Kojinzoku) who are considered physically and racially strong have not been able to find a solution.
Oso is easily decomposed by water, but it doesn't completely mix. That's why I think the antidote works. It's my limit, though.
If I were knowledgeable in science, I might have been able to explain what Oso is, but that was an impossible task. After all, I can't even explain the fact that I can cure Oso poison.
* * *
After taking a break twice since then, the current time displayed on the 'Display Self-Status' mystery system is 3 o'clock. The sky somehow feels brighter than before. Rosalier-san and Maya-chan are still sleeping. I think it's a good thing that both of them can sleep when they can.
I'm used to not sleeping, so it's fine for me, but Privia-san seems to be in a state of rowing a boat. You could almost say they're sleeping. It's impressive how they don't fall. Maybe this is how it feels when you go here and there.
Well, Alesion and Centrena know the destination, so it should be fine. I don't think I'm tired. After all, I regularly cast the "Recover (Healing Spell)" spell.
'Guuu'
Alesion speaks up a little loudly.
'Kuu'
"Oh, I see."
Alesion casually notices that Privia-san has fallen asleep.
It's around 4 a.m. in the mysterious system time. The surroundings are still dark, but the city lights are visible and quite bright.
"Uh, oh, sorry, sorry. It seems I dozed off a bit."
"Privia-san, were you sleeping?"
"Well, in general terms, you could say that, I guess."
Maybe she's trying to hide my shyness, but I don't try to fool her. I like this kind of Privia-san. As expected, she's become my mother.
"Rather than that, take a look. That over there is Ensgard."
What is that? It's huge. I mean, really huge. I can see a massive city, or rather, a country. But you know what? From what I can see, there doesn't seem to be a lake or anything around it. Well, I can ask about that later.
"It's big. How many people live there?"
"Well, I guess it's about the same as Watterhill's population."
"Is that so?"
It looks like it's at least twice, no, three times as big as Watterhill's.
Oh, what's that?
"What is it? Um, that forest in the middle, I mean."
"Oh, that's called the 'Forest of Borders.' It's like, well, a border of sorts."
"A border? Really?"
"Yes, exactly. The other side of that forest is a different country."
In that huge dumb place, are there two countries lined up across the forest? Yeah, I really don't know.
But it's strange, isn't it? Privia-san seems hesitant to say something. There must be a reason, but I'm not thinking about that right now. I'll ask when things calm down, for sure.
"Look, it's coming into view. We'll land on top of that building."
'Guu'
'Kuu'
We went to a larger area than the surrounding buildings. There was a relatively tall building in that area. It looked like a heliport on top of a building. Alesion and Centrena smoothly slid down, as if they were used to it. They must have landed here many times.
Rosalier-san leans on Centrena, lying face down. Maya-chan clings to Privia-san. Neither of them shows any sign of waking up. Seriously, they must be in a deep sleep, not even waking up from an earthquake.
Anyway, from here, I could see wide buildings spreading out as if to block the forest, which could be considered a border.
"There's the royal castle where my sister, Mylavirna, lives."
Huh? Is the middle of the rooftop sloped, so it feels like you can enter the building from there? When the inward-opening door opens, there's a woman wearing the uniform of the guild staff, who deeply bows.
"Welcome back, Privia-sama."
"I missed you. I'm back."
It's the usual Privia-san. Is she a butler? Or perhaps a secretary? She's definitely Tigerman-san, but unlike Privia-san, she's slender and tall.
She's hugging this woman who looks very intelligent, wearing glasses. She treats me the same way.
"How's Mylavirna?"
"Yes. She collapsed early this morning... I'm sorry, it's hard."
"Oh, I'm sorry. It's been a while, so I just..."
"It seems that Her Majesty's condition has stabilized."
"I see. Looks like there will be some time."
"It was a long journey, wasn't it? Please come inside anyway."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Privia-san looked at me and smiled warmly.
"Alesion and the others will come in too. So don't worry, just come on in."
Privia-san and the woman went inside. Alesion followed behind them, with Maya-chan on his back. He was really skilled, making sure not to drop her or wake her up.
I took Centrena with me and tried not to wake Rosalier-san as we entered the building. Once we were inside, the door to the rooftop closed automatically. Maybe it was some kind of magic tool?
We walked through a wide corridor that was even bigger than where Alesion and the others passed by. They opened a door for us in a certain room. Inside, there were two beds.
Privia-san effortlessly lifted Maya-chan and the butler (?) helped take off her shoes. Then, she gently laid her on the bed and covered her with a soft blanket.
I also follow Privia-san's lead and lift Rosalier-san. Huh? She's so light.... I didn't know that. Oh, sorry about the shoes. I gently lay her down, still in her clothes, and cover her with a blanket.
Privia-san gestures for me to go next to her. I nod and follow them.
As expected, is this the living room? Or maybe a study? There's no bed, just bookshelves, a desk, and a table.
After getting some tea, I finally felt relaxed, you know?
"Huh? Isn't your husband at home?"
I started to feel a little nervous. Well, I've never met or talked to Privia-san's husband before.
But I thought that since I became her son based on Privia-san's decision, I would eventually have to introduce myself. So it's natural to feel nervous, right?
"Wait, isn't my husband here?"
"Huh? No, we haven't met yet?"
What are you talking about? What about Privia-san?
"They're here, right? Hey, Danna."
"Yeah. Nice to meet you, I'm Danna Vina. Please call me 'Danna'."
"Huh? Danna-san means 'husband'?"
"What are you talking about? You've known about Danna for a while, even though I don't know why, she has been caring you a lot, you know?"
When I see Danna-san, no, Danna Vina-san, she smiles happily.
"I received notifications many times in Fumihicho, so I was looking forward to the day I could meet you. I'm happy that you have become our son."
"Huhhh?"
I'm so confused, I don't understand anything, you know?
"Let me introduce her again. This is Danna Vina. She's my cousin, a butler and secretary, and also my lifelong partner. It would be great if you could get along with her. Oh, I think she would be happy if you called her 'Mom'. I'm counting on you, Tatsuma-kun."
"Nice to meet you, Tatsuma-chan."
"No way, seriously?"
Wow, it was such a big surprise, like going way beyond what I expected, almost like breaking through the atmosphere. By the way, "Itoko" means cousin, right? And yeah, she's older than Privia-san. You really can't tell just by looking, huh?
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