「…A storm?」
「Yeah, probably in about two or three days.」
The next day, around dinnertime.
While serving curry to the fairy family (and Alice-san), who had been taking care of the garden during our absence, Four Seasons-san shared some news.
A storm might be heading this way soon—or so he said.
Apparently, Four Seasons-san regularly uses the 『Hole Doors』 set up across the continent to check on various regions. During one of these checks, he witnessed fierce winds and rain raging far to the southeast, well beyond Sidera.
「Of course, there’s a good chance it might miss us. But even if it doesn’t hit directly, we’ll likely be within the storm’s range.」
At his serious warning, I asked,
「Is it… a typhoon?」
「Sorry, I’m not sure if it can be called a typhoon or a hurricane. We only made it partway through middle school, so our knowledge in this area is weaker than yours, Sui-kun, since you graduated high school.」
「Well, honestly, I’m not too sure either… There aren’t any geology-related books in the study, after all.」
The Japanese books in our house were carefully selected by Father to be useful in this world. Earth science—applying geology in another world—was probably something Father hadn’t anticipated.
So, I’m completely clueless about the differences or definitions between typhoons and hurricanes. For starters, when viewing this world as a planet, I’m not even sure where the continent is located. If storms—or typhoons—move northward and it gets colder the further north you go, then we’re probably in the northern hemisphere. But that’s about all I know.
「Well, even without the knowledge, you can trust our years of experience. We’ve been living in the 『Void Forest』 for a long time, after all.」
「Of course. Thank you for letting us know. By the way, do storms come often? We didn’t have anything like that last year, did we?」
「For the heart of this forest to be in the storm’s range… it happens about once every three to five years.」
「It’s also strange that it’s coming during the rainy season. In Japan, typhoon season is from summer to autumn.」
「That’s true. Maybe magic or something else is involved.」
This world—or at least this continent—seems to operate differently from Earth or Japan.
In any case, this will be my first time experiencing a storm in this world.
I glanced at my family as I took a bite of curry rice.
「Sorry, but I’ve actually never encountered a storm either. The places I’ve lived in before usually had stable climates.」
「Hmm. I’m not sure either. But when I lived in the royal capital, I read damage reports. Buildings were destroyed, and there were casualties. It’s a bit worrying.」
「During my time working at the palace, I was sent on several rescue missions to villages devastated by storms. …It was heartbreaking.」
Mother looked uneasy, and Karen furrowed her brows.
Meanwhile, Grandma paused with her spoon in hand and closed her eyes as if in prayer.
「Well, even if it hits directly, Sui-kun’s barrier should protect us, right? This house will be fine.」
「That’s true. We didn’t have any issues during the heavy snowfall at New Year’s.」
In contrast, Alice-san and Four Seasons-san seemed completely unfazed.
Maybe it’s because they’re used to typhoons from their time in Japan, or perhaps they’ve experienced many storms in this world over their long lives. Probably both. …Or maybe they’re just naturally unshakable.
I decided to follow their lead and stay calm.
「Like Alice-san said, I think our house will probably be fine. Even if it’s a storm, it’s not likely to be worse than an attack from a variant. What I’m more concerned about is Sidera…」
「I’ll send a message to Cliche just in case. But I think it’ll be fine.」
「Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Grandma.」
If Sidera were a place frequently hit by storms, they would have prepared for it during the city’s planning stages.
「Mother, what a storm?」
「Well… it’s when really heavy rain and really strong wind happen at the same time. Sometimes trees can even get knocked down.」
「Rain and wind… same time…wonder what like…」
Mint tilted her head, her gaze drifting upward, as the fairy children chattered excitedly around her.
「Oh, Mint, have you never seen a storm before?」
「You know, it’s like when the rain goes zaa zaa and the wind goes byuu byuu! It’s kind of fun!」
「Well, at least when you’re watching it from the fairy realm…」
「I-I think it’s a little scary, though…」
「Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on the storm’s path with Dad.」
As the fairies chattered, Chocola let out a soft whine.
「Bark… Kyuun…」
「Why do you look so excited? …Oh, I remember. Back in Japan, you always wanted to go outside whenever a typhoon came.」
「Bark!」
Rain and wind might just be a fun event for a dog.
「We’re not going for a walk in the middle of the storm, okay?」
「Bark!? Kyuun…」
I ruffled Chocola’s fur as he looked at me with a mix of surprise and disappointment.
「Anyway, I think a little caution is enough. The storm doesn’t seem like some unprecedented disaster. It’s just the usual kind.」
「That’s true. But we’ll still prepare.」
While our house and grounds should be fine, it’s entirely possible we won’t be able to go outside for a few days. We’ll need to stock up on non-perishable food and supplies from Sidera.
——————————————————
The chapter title already gives it away, but the storm is coming.
(Don’t worry, it won’t turn into a major incident.)
Leave a Reply