Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 207

 "Whoa..."

The voice of the workers loading the cargo echoed through the port, and my high-pitched voice echoed in response.

"Is this your first time seeing it? It's amazing, isn't it?"

Seriana, standing next to me, looked satisfied as she watched my amazement.

What lay ahead was a ship. But it wasn't just any ship. It was the pride of the Salion family, a warship.

It was the second day since we left the territorial capital.

When we left the city early in the morning through the west gate, I thought we would be crossing the mountains. The city was a branching point for detours and direct routes, and the last time I headed to the royal capital, we went north from there.

However, by noon that day, we arrived at a village at the foot of the mountains, but instead of staying overnight, we took a short break and then departed again. For some reason, we headed south instead of towards the mountains.

Without stopping anywhere, by the time dusk began to fall, we finally saw the town of Oz, a name I only knew.

The town of Oz is situated by the large Lux River, which flows from a vast forest. It thrived on trade with the south using this river.

Without entering the town, we headed straight to the port, where we met up with the local governor, and that's where we are now.

Not just us, but the entire count's family was present, adding three more carriages. It would slow us down, so I wondered what we would do... A ship, huh? I don't really want to get close to the sea in this world with all the dangerous monsters...

"So, we're heading to the royal capital from here via the sea? With a ship, it doesn't matter if it's day or night..."

In a story, there was a scene where a small boat was pushed back when heading east. It was probably due to the ocean currents. Conversely, if you head west, you would gain speed.

"It's not just that."

"Huh? There's more?"

I wondered if I had missed something, but before I could ask, a man who seemed to be the captain, having finished loading, came down and urged the others to board.

"Let's continue after we board. Let's go."

"Okay."

◇

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Have you been behaving?"

"Oh? Welcome back."

Seriana entered the room without knocking. Well, this is her room, so it doesn't matter, but neither Alex nor Elena were here.

This ship wasn't exactly a passenger ship, but since it sometimes traveled to other countries, it had facilities for small parties. As soon as we boarded, one such party was held, and Seriana and the others attended, but...

"Is it still going on? Are you done already?"

I could faintly hear music from the hall. It didn't seem like it was over yet...

"Yes. I left the rest to Liesel. Have you eaten?"

I pity her... It was full of rough-looking sea men.

"Yeah, they brought the food here, so I'm done."

"Good. Let's activate the Hideout. I need to explain the upcoming plans to you."

"Sure."

This room was located at the very end of a corridor lined with cabins. The room before this one belonged to Elena, so no one would likely come here.

"Phew... Come on in."

For caution's sake, I activated the Hideout on the far wall of the room and entered with Seriana.

◇

"...No problems."

Seriana lightly checked the surroundings with the monitor. This must be a habit by now.

"So, will you tell me about the plans now?"

I sat across from Seriana, who was in her usual seat, and prompted her to continue.

"Yes. First, this ship will reach the sea by tomorrow afternoon, and the day after that, we'll arrive at the capital of the Mersenar territory."

"Yeah. It's a coastal city with a large port, right?"

"That's right. There, Lord and Lady Elisha will board. After replenishing supplies, we'll depart again. In three days, we'll reach the Tamira River, then head north, and in four days, we'll arrive at the city of Alza in the royal capital area. We'll switch to a carriage and arrive in the city of Graad the next day, and then reach the royal capital the following day."

"That's incredibly fast... It's impressive, but is it really something that needs to be kept secret?"

It's certainly surprising to reach the royal capital from Rutoru in about twenty days. Though it's a somewhat unusual route, it doesn't seem like something that needs to be kept secret.

"This route is possible because of the marriages of Lady Elisha and Lord Edgar, and between Liesel and me. The Salion family used to always travel by land, and we're the first to use this route."

"I see..."

So, it's a new route created due to the connections formed between the Mersenar and Zelkis territories in the royal capital area. I don't know how many people will use it, but if it shortens the distance from the country's center to its edge, it's certainly significant... I guess?

"Of course, that's not all."

Seeing my puzzled expression, Seriana smiled and said there was more to the story.

That smile means she's up to something...!