Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 162

 10 days since leaving the capital.

Blessed with good weather and no mishaps, it seems we'll arrive as planned.

However, though there might be some discrepancies, we must have been progressing at an average of over 50 kilometers per day, roughly speaking, right?

Of course, it wasn't a straight path, but it's astounding how vast this eastern region is.

I thought the same when returning from the royal capital, but anyway, the east is just too expansive.

If only our means of travel and communication were more advanced... I've heard there are familiar spirits and even ordinary bird-based communication methods, but those flying creatures made it impossible.

Though it might render all the effort put into pioneering wasted, if it can be disposed of amicably, then so be it.

"Just crossed this stream... we should arrive in about another hour."

Elena, looking at the map, spoke cheerfully.

"Yes... honestly... I'm so fed up with the state of this road. Perhaps the poor condition of the roads is why the pioneering efforts are stagnating."

While we've experienced longer journeys in terms of days and distances, the roads are just dreadful. Even when there's a main road, it's barely passable; there are natural obstacles, and some places are deeply rutted, perhaps from battles.

We didn't complain aloud during the journey, but Seriana must have been feeling the stress. She made an unusually lighthearted joke.

And then, one of the knights escorting the carriage approached.

Noticing him, Elena opened the window and inquired if something was amiss.

"What's the matter?"

"We're a bit delayed, but may we continue towards Rultor? Lunch is arranged there."

It was indeed past noon.

"Yes, that's fine. Please proceed as planned."

"Understood! Thank you very much."

With a brief apology, he returned to his position in the column.

We'll soon part ways with them.

Just a little more effort!

◇

The town of Rultor.

I don't know where I was born, but this is the town where I grew up.

That being said, I didn't even know the name of the town, and I'd only been to a few areas: the district with the church and orphanage and part of the downtown area. The important people lived on one side, the merchants on another, and the adventurers' shops were on yet another side, with forests stretching beyond the town.

That's about all the information I have about this town.

The initial purpose of this town was to serve as a relay point since the forefront of colonization had moved far east from the capital. Hence, it was built much larger than others, with sturdy walls surrounding it.

However, due to Grandpa being too eager, although it serves its purpose as a base, development hasn't caught up yet.

That's Rultor's evaluation in the capital.

When I escaped, I was hiding in a hiding spot within the carriage's cargo bed, but now we're boldly progressing in the carriage.

Honestly, even disregarding Rultor's evaluation in the capital, both emotionally and in terms of safety, my impression of Rultor wasn't that great...

I could hear the bell from the orphanage, but now I see a clock tower about three stories high, and there's even a fountain in the square for no apparent reason.

Come to think of it, water was never a problem.

You might often see carts and such, but it seems rare to see a noble's carriage like the one we're in, judging by the gathering crowd. Though their attire isn't extravagant, it's not shabby either.

Quite a decent town, isn't it?

Huh?

Even if I, who has lived in the capital, were to say, it's just a countryside town!

"This is my first time here, but development seems more advanced than what was described in the documents from the capital."

"Indeed. Is it due to His Highness's influence?"

Seeing the cobblestone streets and relatively orderly layout, Seriana and Elena seemed to have a different impression of this town from the one they had from documents and stories.

Of course, it might also be because we're passing through relatively refined areas like the main street and central square...

As they looked around the town with curiosity, the carriage began to ascend a hill.

Ahead lies the large estate surrounded by low walls.

I've never been there, but I've heard about it—the magistrate's residence of this town.

This will be our home for the foreseeable future.