Chapter 63 – The Bonito of Another World is Huge
More than a month had passed since our last long journey.
In other words, it had also been a month since Pochi last pulled the lizard carriage.
「I bet the lack of activity has been building up some stress.」
「That’s true.」
「If we wait around too long, the rainy season will start.」
「You’re right about that.」
「And, honestly, I’ve started craving some seafood again.」
「Bark!」
「Plus, Ji Liz sent us an invitation.」
「Bark bark!」
「Alright then, let’s go to the Dragon Village!」
「Kyururururu! Kyurururururu!」
——And so.
With Pochi’s growing restlessness over the past few days as additional motivation, we decided to take a trip to the Dragon Village.
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「Pochi never ceases to amaze me. The carriage’s fully loaded with cargo, and yet he’s pulling it along like it’s nothing.」
「Kyurururu!」
「Pochi, strong!」
「Hmm, since joining our family, his magic power capacity has grown significantly. I’d say he’s already far beyond the average Tarasque in terms of power.」
Taking advantage of the pleasant spring season, we had hunted plenty of game to bring as gifts for the dragons. The carriage was packed to the brim, including cooking ingredients and seasonings so I could prepare some homemade dishes for them. Even so, Pochi pulled it all with ease, looking as if he were thoroughly enjoying himself as he confidently marched through the forest.
I sat on the coachman’s seat holding the reins, with Karen by my side. Mint, in high spirits, rode atop Pochi’s back. Chocola kept pace with Pochi, trotting briskly, while Mother relaxed inside the carriage, absorbed in a book.
And then there was one more companion joining us on this trip.
「Wow, this is actually pretty fun.」
The cheerful voice came from Alice-san, who peeked out from the carriage behind me with a look of excitement.
「This takes me back. It reminds me of the journeys I went on a long time ago.」
「Did you use lizard carriage for travel two thousand years ago as well?」
「Yeah, though I don’t remember them having horns like Pochi’s. They were more like… Protoceratops, maybe?」
「Could that be due to the world’s transformation?」
「Possibly. But the horns are so cool.」
「Kyuru?」
Pochi let out a curious chirp, tilting his head as if he understood the compliment.
The harness connecting Pochi to the lizard carriage included a set of horn covers. By attaching the reins not only to the body but also to the horns, it allowed draft animals to exert more power and made it easier for the driver to communicate commands. Considering the size of Tarasque, which were significantly larger than horses, the design was highly practical and well-thought-out.
If the horns had emerged after the world-altering event two thousand years ago, then perhaps they reflected human needs for using Tarasque as working animals. Or maybe, just maybe, they were the realization of the Tarasque’s own desire to live alongside humans as draft beasts.
I didn’t know which it was, but I liked to think it was the latter.
「By the way, Alice-san, the trip will take about three days. What are your plans for the nights?」
「I’ll stay with you for at least one night. It’s been ages since I’ve gone camping, and I’d like to do that. Of course, if something comes up, I’ll have to pop over to Alfheim to take care of it.」
Alice-san chuckled, glancing around at the trees in the forest.
Despite her relaxed demeanor, she was incredibly busy. She managed the affairs of Alfheim, spent time with Color-san, met with Dolce-san, and played with the fairy children. Thanks to her frequent use of Tir na Nog, she had become a completely unpredictable elf who could appear and disappear anywhere.
——『They say the more I use Four Seasons’ ‘anywhere door’ to travel, the closer I become to a fairy myself. 』
She had mentioned this the other day.
『That’s why I’ve decided to use it as much as possible! 』——.
I didn’t believe eternal life was necessarily a good thing.
But at the same time, I understood the desire not to leave loved ones behind in loneliness. If I were in her position, I’d likely make the same decision.
So, we didn’t comment on her choices. We simply spent time with her as friends.
「Isn’t there a large bay to the north, carved deeply inland? I think that wasn’t there two thousand years ago.」
「…Do you think it was caused by the battles back then?」
「Hmm, not sure. I vaguely remember my husband using some massive spell in that area, though. Either way, I’m really looking forward to the seafood we’ll find there.」
Alice’s voice was casual, as if she were reminiscing about nothing more than a passing moment. The possibility that a spell from two thousand years ago could reshape the coastline was a stark reminder of the power she and her companions once wielded. And yet, in this moment, her thoughts were filled with nothing more than the joy of sharing a meal.
It felt like I had heard something quite significant, but it was brushed off so casually.
…Well, if they don’t remember it clearly, there’s no point in probing further now.
「How long has it been since we had seafood?」
「I haven’t had any since I revived in the present times, of course, and before that… I couldn’t even remember when. The dashi you made, Sui-kun, almost brought me to tears.」
I couldn’t help but smile at that.
「…I’ve always been half-skeptical, but I really didn’t think people ate that seaweed in Japan.」
Karen, furrowing her brows but with a slightly relieved expression, spoke up.
Wait, she was still half-skeptical? Did she think I was just acting quirky?
「I’ll be able to make sashimi for you.」
「Really!? Amazing, you’re awesome! Ah… but, does that mean you have soy sauce?」
「Yes, I packed some in the lizard carriage. It’s a shame I still haven’t found any wasabi.」
「This is the best! There are a lot of fish around here that are similar to the ones we get in Japan. I’d love to have some yellowtail, but I’m not sure if it’s in season.」
「Well, we’ll see once we get there. It’ll be a nice surprise.」
「Raw fish was really an everyday thing for you… What kind of country did Sui grow up in?」
Karen, still a bit distant and with her cheek twitching, muttered with a perplexed expression.
「But you said it was delicious, too! I’ve made kelp-cured fish a few times, haven’t I?」
「Well, yes, but I thought it was more of a delicacy… I didn’t realize it was an everyday food!」
Alice couldn’t help but giggle at our back-and-forth, clearly finding it amusing.
「I’m so excited! By the way, Karen-chan, do you know what squid and octopus are?」
「What are those?」
「Fufufu… I wonder if we’ll be able to catch some at the seaside of the village.」
「Please, don’t give me a heart attack. We’ll have to ease into it, one step at a time.」
I remembered seeing some strange creatures, like starfish-like beings with indescribable shapes.
As we continued chatting away about these topics, the lizard carriage trundled onward.
The journey in the spring was peaceful and leisurely, and most importantly, it was filled with joy.
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