Preparation for Departure to the Barony

Funds were secured.

This meant that the preparations to negotiate with Baron Moy had progressed.

Air's mood suddenly improved, and his trust and fondness towards Wataru increased significantly. He hummed a tune, his cute face beaming with a smile.

His large eyes sparkled, his cheeks blushed like a young girl, despite his mature physique.

"Departure, departure, it's time to leave! Retrieve my sword!"

"Hey Air, make sure you prepare too!"

"You seem cheerful."

"Yes, Master! My sword will be back soon, right? I can't wait!"

"Hey, don't hug me suddenly! Your assets will distract me and I won't be able to focus on my work!"

"Listen, Air, you can't just go without food or a change of clothes!"

"I refuse! Fine, I'll prepare too. My Master likes assets! Always peeking at them!"

"Hey, stop that song. It's too true to correct, isn't it?"

The room was lively. Wataru sat at the dining table with his laptop, juggling email replies and writing articles as a web writer. Although he had taken on a small project from a company, the sudden interdimensional crisis had caused delays in progress.

While the earnings from this job weren't substantial compared to potions, he didn't want to leave it unfinished.

Air's singing and affectionate gestures were distracting, though his vital task required focus.

Despite being cooped up indoors, there was no need for guards. While Air could do household chores, Mariel was better at tasks like cooking and laundry.

Mariel began preparing for the upcoming journey, packing clothes, undergarments, and Japanese food provisions in her bag.

The Barony of Moy was a three-day journey by carriage or four days on foot for the able-bodied. Given Wataru's sedentary habits, he estimated needing five days to be safe.

Preparations depended on whether carriage arrangements could be made, reflecting the necessity for thorough readiness.

Selecting trade goods to negotiate advantageously with Baron Moy was a key part of the preparations, with Mariel and Air providing input.

Wataru's focus on his work was hampered by Air's affections, leading to a comic mix-up in his writing. With effort, he aimed to concentrate and finish his writing.

After ten days of Mariel and Air living with him, and mid-July approaching, Mariel was adapting to modern Japanese kitchen tools, impressing others with her coffee-making skills.

Finishing his manuscript and packing the negotiation items, Wataru hoped for positive outcomes from this journey into the unknown.

As the trio arrived at the shrine in this new world, Wataru's companions' initial caution waned. They began cleaning up some litter at the shrine, showing gratitude for the interdimensional connection that had aided them.

Wataru silently prayed, expressing gratitude for the assistance they had received.

Discussion about the gods they worshipped highlighted diverse beliefs among them, prompting a curiosity about religious studies.

As they proceeded to deliver additional sugar to the Welcome Merchant Company, the three moved swiftly on their journey.