I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [330]

The day of departure had arrived, and they couldn't have chosen a better time. The sky was a brilliant blue, not a single cloud in sight, and the air held just the right amount of moisture. It seemed like the weather would stay perfect for several days.

While teleportation magic would have been the fastest option, unfortunately, they had to rely on a carriage this time.

Teleportation magic required a pre-placed marker at the destination. Such markers were rare and precious, and no mage had thought it worthwhile to place one in Erodia's capital—a kingdom known solely for its casinos and little else.

Even Wiz, with her three teleportation markers, had prioritized Axel, the Crimson Demon Village, and the largest dungeon in the world over Erodia.

That said, the "carriage" they were using wasn't pulled by horses. Instead, the task was entrusted to—

"Running Lizards! Kazuma, look! Actual Running Lizards!"

Megumin tugged at Kazuma's sleeve, her crimson eyes sparkling with excitement as she gazed at the creatures harnessed to the carriage.

The Running Lizards, standing upright on two legs like umbrella lizards, were about the size of adult humans. They let out sharp, playful hisses as if greeting the onlookers.

These creatures were popular mounts, as they were faster than horses and less likely to spook in dangerous situations.

"Umu… Running Lizards, huh?" Nero placed her hands on her hips, muttering to herself. "For royal transportation, I expected something stronger and rarer—like griffins, for instance."

She had encountered griffins before in Axel, having once accepted a quest to subdue one along with a Tigerscorpion. For a starter town, Axel had an absurd concentration of high-level monsters. Legendary beasts like Genbu and Byakko aside, she'd encountered hydras, griffins, Tigerscorpions, Winter Shoguns, and even monsters that Demon King generals avoided.

"This isn't Sword Art Online!" Nero grumbled. "Who puts a hidden-level boss on the first floor?"

"Actually, Sister Nero," Alice interjected, standing beside her in elegant yet functional armor, holding her holy sword. "Griffins in this world are also a type of chimeric beast and are extremely powerful. The only verified griffin sighting was the one near Axel, which you already dealt with. They're not viable as mounts."

Alice explained that even the Running Lizards required specialized trainers to prepare them for riding. No one had yet figured out how to train a griffin.

"Umu! If it's just training a griffin, that's child's play for me," Nero said confidently, crossing her arms behind her head. "But since there's no griffin available, there's nothing to be done."

Thanks to her [Imperial Privilege EX], Nero could acquire an A-rank [Riding] skill, allowing her to ride even most Phantasmal Species—except dragons. Griffins fell into that category.

Meanwhile, Darkness was chatting with Claire about the journey.

"Wait, we're using a royal dragon carriage? I thought this trip was supposed to be discreet."

"Ordinary carriages would take too long," Claire replied. "This journey would take at least ten days by conventional means. But with this royal dragon carriage, we can cut that time significantly."

Though Nero hadn't overheard their conversation, her sharp eyes noticed the unique features of the carriage.

Unlike a standard vehicle, this one lacked wheels. Instead, it floated, supported by enchantments etched into its surface.

Peeking inside the carriage, Kazuma suddenly raised a concern.

"Uh… this carriage looks like it can only seat six people," he said, counting heads. "But… there are eight of us?"

Kazuma referred to himself, Megumin, Aqua, Darkness, Nero, Yunyun, Alice, and Claire.

Claire quickly clarified, "I won't be joining you. Since this is a discreet mission, bringing too many people would draw unnecessary attention. The carriage has also been designed to look modest for the same reason."

She added with a sigh, "Besides, I have important responsibilities here in the kingdom. I can't afford to leave for that long."

Kazuma nodded in understanding before pointing out another issue.

"Okay, but even without her, there's still seven of us. That's one too many."

"'White-clad woman'? What kind of nickname is that, you insolent fool!" Claire bristled, glaring at Kazuma.

Fortunately for Kazuma, Nero had explained his importance beforehand. Otherwise, Claire might have drawn her sword on him then and there.

"Ahaha! Oh, Kazuma, you really are a simpleton!" Aqua taunted, puffing out her chest in triumph.

With an infuriatingly smug laugh, she added, "The carriage seats six, and one person has to drive the Running Lizards up front. It's such a basic concept—only a total moron wouldn't get it! Hahahaha!"

Realizing his oversight, Kazuma flushed with embarrassment. "W-well… I just didn't think of it at the moment, that's all…"

"Excuses, excuses! Maybe I should cook you some fish to boost your brainpower!" Aqua teased, laughing louder.

"No thanks! After what happened with the pufferfish, I don't want you anywhere near the kitchen. We've all agreed you're banned from cooking!"

Darkness climbed into the driver's seat and grabbed the reins.

"Ahem, the driver is… Lalatina?" Aqua asked with mock surprise.

"Wow, I didn't think Lalatina could ride too!" Megumin added.

"Not surprising. Nobles probably learn equestrian skills as part of their training, right, Lalatina?" Kazuma said, smirking.

"Don't call me Lalatina!" Darkness shouted, visibly flustered.

Using her noble name to tease her had become a favorite pastime for Kazuma's party. Despite a recent incident where Darkness had nearly broken Kazuma's arm out of embarrassment, he hadn't learned his lesson.

Inside the carriage, Alice took the window seat, patting the spot next to her with a warm smile.

"Nero Sister, sit here with me! We can play games or continue our stories during the trip."

"Umu! Alice, you're quite clingy with me. But alright, I won't refuse," Nero said, settling in.

The six seats were split into two rows, with Nero's team taking one and Kazuma's group filling the other.

Claire, meanwhile, fussed over Alice outside.

"Do you have everything you need, Your Highness? Did you pack a handkerchief? Enough emergency money? Remember to use the magic scrolls and tools I prepared for you if there's trouble. And don't cry if you feel lonely—"

"Claire, I'm not a child anymore. I'll be fine," Alice assured her. "And with Nero Sister here, I'll be safe. Now please let go, or we'll never leave…"

Reluctantly, Claire released Alice's hands.

"Your Highness, please take care and have a safe journey!" she called after them.

"Lady Nero! Please take care of Her Highness! Execute any ruffians who dare to offend her on the spot! Your Highness—!"

Claire's tearful shouting faded into the distance as Darkness steered the dragon carriage toward the Kingdom of Erodia.