13. Strange Mother and Daughter

Strange Mother and Daughter

"I have a feeling I witnessed something incredible today. So that mansion, which always forbids anyone from entering, is actually the residence of Rein-chan's mother, Louanna. But why have I never seen her before?"

"Also, Otto's birthday is the day after tomorrow. Speaking of that birthday gift, although Rein-chan said it wasn't for Otto, judging by that expression, it was probably just to comfort him after all..."

At night, Subaru lay in his own bed recalling the events of the afternoon.

The near-conflict was defused with the arrival of Rein-chan, and then the butler told him that tonight's lessons would be canceled.

The butler then took on the job of accompanying Heinkel to the manor's entrance, while Otto stayed behind discussing territory matters, unable to attend to Subaru, the others, or to separate that father and daughter. Realizing this, Subaru became very concerned about Reinhild's family affairs.

"What exactly is going on with that Heinkel? I just can't believe he's really Rein-chan's father. Still... I can't stop wondering about it. I'll ask Winston about it tomorrow when we go shopping. Sleep now, sleep."

Perhaps because Felt's study progress was too slow today, or maybe because of the tension between Heinkel and Subaru, in any case Subaru had temporarily returned to his former work duties.

He was informed that tomorrow he would go out with Winston to buy things for Otto's birthday party.

Thinking about finally leaving the mansion after so long, Subaru pushed all these worries out of his mind.

He turned off the light, rolled over, and closed his eyes.

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The next morning, Subaru shouted out in amazement at the mansion's gate.

"Wow — are we really going to ride this thing?!"

His trembling voice was full of joy.

In front of him stood a large dragon carriage.

Pulling the carriage was, of course, an earth dragon, its huge body towering above Subaru and showing off its strength—far larger than any earth dragon Subaru had ever seen.

"It's so big, its skin is so tough, its face is so scary! Wow, I'm overwhelmed with emotion! I feel so fantastical right now, bla bla!"

"Subaru, earth dragons are very intelligent creatures. Even if you can't speak their language, they can roughly understand your meaning. So you must treat them gently."

Winston spoke as he stepped outside, but clearly he was too late.

Subaru was already patting the earth dragon beyond what it could tolerate.

The earth dragon's tail curved and swept, and Subaru was thrown off with a sideways roll.

A few seconds later, Subaru climbed out from a bush, spitting out leaves.

"You should have told me this sooner!"

Brushing off the leaves stuck to him, Subaru looked up at the terrifyingly large earth dragon. Its yellow pupils narrowed and it exhaled a long breath as if to say, "If you touch me like that, this is what happens."

"Subaru, get on quickly. We're running late today."

Winston tugged the reins of the earth dragon.

Subaru grabbed his hand and sat beside him.

Winston gently moved the reins, and the earth dragon slowly stepped forward.

The carriage began moving, quickly accelerating until it was far from the mansion.

Subaru started to take stock of his first ride on a dragon carriage. The streets hadn't been fully improved, so the scenery blurred past quickly.

Compared to riding in his original world, the speed was close to 100 km/h.

However, the seat was surprisingly comfortable.

The vibrations transmitted to his body were minimal, making it as comfortable as sitting in a sedan.

"By the way, I don't feel any wind at all?"

"The dragon carriage is protected by the earth dragon's innate 'Wind Exclusion' Divine Protection. That means it won't be affected by or resist the wind.

But the Divine Protection isn't perfect. Once the earth dragon's 'Wind Exclusion' is interrupted, it takes some time to reapply. Each stop usually takes about as long as breakfast."

"Oh, right about..."

"If it's about Heinkel, as a servant I'm not allowed to discuss it.

You'll have to find out for yourself or ask Reinhild.

The only thing I can say is that hateful people always have some pitiful aspect, but that doesn't erase the fact they're hateful."

Looking into Winston's eyes, Subaru realized his first goal had failed.

"Well then, why did the butler come personally? If it's just preparing for Otto's birthday, you shouldn't have to shop yourself.

Plus, you brought me along. It must really be because of that Heinkel guy."

"We also need to buy magic crystals today. Ordinary servants can't pick those out.

After buying the magic crystals, we'll confirm the rest of Otto-sama's birthday party items."

Winston neither confirmed nor denied Subaru's guess.

"Magic crystals are stones that store and emit magical power. They come from a specialized supplier, about a 10-minute drive away. Subaru, just relax for now; you'll help carry them later."

"Oh, leave it to me."

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From the bodies and spirits of the residents, you could tell the quality of the lord.

Judging by Subaru's observations on the way, Rein-chan must be a perfect lord.

The residents all looked strong and healthy, their spirits and energy flawless, with faint smiles on their faces.

Along the way, many residents bowed proactively to the dragon carriage bearing the Astrea family crest.

By the way, Subaru, who had planned to work hard, was instead tasked with watching the dragon carriage, playing with a group of kids and a small dog that followed him around.

Winston, meanwhile, was engaged in a heated discussion with a merchant nearby.

"You seem very happy. Ah, I'm this child's mother. Thank you for taking care of my child."

It was a woman with an honest, village-girl face.

The little girl she was holding onto had blue braids but was trembling slightly all over.

"Are you really this child's mother?"

Subaru asked cautiously.

"Of course. Isn't that right, Meili?"

Looking at the little girl, she nodded.

Subaru was silent but ultimately returned the little girl's favorite dog to her.

Watching the girl taken away by her mother, Subaru quietly decided to investigate the girl's situation in a few days.

If it was a case of domestic abuse, he would ask the people at the mansion for help.

After a while, the butler returned with a dark expression carrying a box of magic crystals.

His face looked even heavier than before.

"Subaru, did anyone unusual come by just now?"

"The only unusual person was an honest-looking village woman who seemed to be abusing the child. Why?"

"The earth dragon was sweating nervously all over, which means something dangerous approached just now.

But since you're fine, it must have just passed by. Still, we need to waste a little more time."

Winston patted the earth dragon's head, then said to Subaru.