Chapter 10: Visiting the Capital

The case involving the new equipment was put on hold. Everyone gathered there decided to return and rest for the day. In the end, I didn't even managed to guess why the merchant was there.

After returning, the first thing I did was to study the construct of the magic circle that Mary made.

I got absorbed in my work and didn't stop until it was already time for dinner. After eating, I resumed my work.

Before the clock struck midnight, I managed to make two more prototypes using the same architecture as what Mary made.

With this, I confirmed that strong magic circles "whispers" their chants to the practitioner himself. No matter how I tried, the protective magic on the left hand glove didn't give me a chant.

I woke up right as morning came and noticed that I was sleeping against the table.

"Good Morning…"

Nina greeted me despite looking a bit sleepy. Without waiting for a reply, she got out of the house while carrying a bucket. Since I can't see Mary around, it seems that she too was out to fetch water.

I stood up and stretched for a bit. Then, I noticed that someone was still sleeping on the bed. I felt shivers all over my body. Blaire was sleeping soundly in the middle of the bed.

"..."

No matter how I look at it, she looks like an angel especially when she's sleeping. Her peaceful expression brings a smile to any onlooker's face. I don't think if I'm just being biased because I actually have a thing for older women. I didn't tell Mary and Nina about that, did I?

Basically, my strike zone stretches from 25 to 30. It's not broad but I don't have plans to change my preferences any time soon. I think that she is within my strike zone despite having no proof.

"U-Uuuunnn… Mhhhm…"

She twisted and turned around the bed. I can't help but stare. She really isn't lacking of curves. Rather, I should say the she was quite blessed.

"Nazo… Where are you staring at?"

I suddenly heard Mary's low voice from my side. I didn't notice that she entered.

"N-Nothing. I was just wondering what to do when she wakes up."

I muttered an excuse, which is the truth, but is actually just a passing thought in reality. Hearing my words, Mary sighed.

"… Actually, she woke up around sometime before midnight... However, after seeing your figure, she fainted again… I'm afraid that she may be unable to properly wake up as long as you're present."

Trauma?! Is it some sort of trauma?! Or maybe phobia? Don't tell me it is!

"Nnnn…"

As I was having some random thoughts, Blaire got up from bed and rubbed her eyes sleepily. I was focusing on something entirely different. Ho-Ho-Ho.

"Hmm? Uh? Ah?!"

After her vision cleared, she stared at my face and looks like she was surprised. She started shaking terribly and her face turned deep red.

"… Good morning."

I greeted half reflexively. Shortly after, the round two of our skirmish occurred. But this time, no magic was involved as all her belongings were set aside.

I don't really know why but when I told her that if she don't stop, I'll be forced to pin her down again, she obediently stopped. During the whole duration of breakfast, Mary ignored me though. Why?

After eating, we headed towards the village chief's house once more to hear their judgement. Blaire also tagged along but was walking far away behind us. She still got a displeased look on her face.

After arriving, we were almost immediately led inside. The same members yesterday were already present despite the time being early in the morning. Are they not busy?

"… After discussing the matter amongst us elders, we decided to let the three of you go to the capital as punishment."

Doctor Tessa was the one to announce that. Partly because all the men in the room looked tensed after Blaire entered. She was literally standing at the only exit. There's no saving them if Blaire decided to go on a rampage.

Wait. Capital? … Is that why the merchant is here?

I finally caught a glimpse of the reason why the merchant was here. I think that no matter how this mess ended up, they already decided to send us to the Capital. I don't know the reason to go there but…

"… We understand. We would gladly accept this punishment. When will the departure be?"

Before I could ask, Mary answered in affirmation. I know that our crimes were a bit light but isn't this punishment too light? I even doubt if it can actually be called a punishment.

"That's great. The departure would be anytime today or tomorrow. You may decide."

"Then how about this afternoon? If we move early, we can reach the border checkpoint before it gets dark. Also, the earlier we move out, the earlier we can return."

Mary continued the conversation and sealed the deal. After talking about finer details, we finally got out of the village chief's house. The moment that Blaire left the room, all men heaved a sigh. How pathetic.

After reaching the area near their house, we separated ways. The two seems to have decided what to bring. I don't have much problem as I don't have any belongings other than what I was currently wearing.

All I did was collect the magic circles which I made into something that looks like talismans.

As for others, I have the self-made talisman's belt holder, the pair of leather gloves that I made yesterday and my own shoes that I engraved with special magic circles.

I also made a pair of gloves for Nina which I plan to pass to her later. Since I took advantage of the luxury of having a book as reference, and the fact that it has a chant, I was pretty sure that it was of high quality.

With that, I was all set. However, there's still a couple of hours before noon which is our gathering time. I decided to pay Orga a visit.

"Ohh! Feels like it's been a long time after your last visit! Hahaha!"

He greeted heartily as always.

"Well, I've been a bit busy lately. How's your business going?"

"Hahaha! Thanks to your designs, I managed to rake a large profit! The merchant even got amazed by your 'mechanical pencil' and plans on buying the rights for manufacturing it. With the earnings I made, I can probably relax for the rest of this year!"

"Well, I'm glad to be of help… By the way, I got some additional requests… Is now a good time?"

"Of course! Leave it to me! Hahaha!"

I wasted time with him talking about several things that I want to have manufactured. As I already made some rough designs, he can just adjust it later.

Most of the conversation was spent on explaining the parts and functions. There were few random chatters mixed in between. Time flew and it was now almost noon.

I left Orga after hearing that my orders would be done after a week. As expected, it will take some time. The payment was just like last time, the rights to the designs. I accepted it heartily.

Since I would be travelling to the Capital, maybe a week was a short wait in comparison.

I arrived back to the trio's home and saw them standing at the end of the stairs. Some bags were packed on one side. Looks like they too finished packing.

"Let's go."

Mary said and boarded a carriage parked in front of their house. Like any carriages, it looks like it was powered with magic too. Was horse pulled carriage not known here? Or maybe they just replaced it after knowing of this convenient application of magic?

No matter which of it was the truth, I don't care much. One reason is that I got permission to see the magic circles powering the carriage later that day. The other is that I can't calm down as Blaire also came with us.

"(… Do we really need to let her come along?)"

I asked Mary in a whisper. She acted a bit ticklish but I ignored it for now.

"(Y-Yes. I can't disobey master's orders easily so…)"

"(You mean she forced you to make her come along… Right?)"

Mary turned her head away in response. Her silence answered everything.

The actual problem was that in this carriage, there's only 2 sets of chairs that could fit 2 persons comfortably. Albeit reluctantly, I was made to sit beside Blaire. Mary was sitting across me with Nina beside her. Our knees were almost touching as the space was a little small.

I was starting to get bothered with her occasional peek towards my direction. I couldn't do anything but focus my attention outside the window and watch the scenery pass by. The occasional worried stare of Mary was the only comfort that I got during the whole trip.

Hours passed with the conversations inside being mostly with only Nina and Mary. Just before the sun had set, we reached the destination.

I quickly got off and looked around. I was immediately convinced that this was a checkpoint as there's a camping ground just before reaching the gates of the border.

A lot of carriages were stopped and tents were set up in regular intervals. Some even had a bonfire up already despite it not yet being too dark.

"Let's set up our camp here."

Upon Mary's words, we decided to start preparing out tent. We only made a single tent but it was large enough to fit four people with space to spare.

Everything went smoothly.

By that time, I didn't have the slightest thought about how the view I have of this world would change greatly in just one eventful night.