Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 288

 After completing a week-long stay, I departed from Zelkis's capital early this morning.

This stay went largely as planned, but the matter with Eizen was an unexpectedly good event. As thanks, Teresa received the same permit for moving within the Zelkis territory that I hold.

Generally, we’ll be traveling using the [Floating Orbs], so there will hardly be any stops in towns along the way, but it’s still better to have it.

Though we can bypass checkpoints due to our noble status, it’s not ideal to flaunt these privileges every time we travel in these remote areas. However, if it’s backed by the lord’s approval, that’s a different story.

My father also asked me to come back after winter, so Teresa’s debut in the Zelkis territory went very well.

I was able to properly test [Danlem’s Thread] in actual combat and had a meaningful time.

I wonder if I’ll come again next spring? We only reached the mid-level this time… I’d like to aim for further ahead!

◇

Since it was daytime, we reduced our speed near the town, but once we left the town, our speed increased significantly.

Instead of following the highway, we took shortcuts by traveling over the forest and continued at a brisk pace.

However, increasing speed means stronger wind resistance…

“Gaaaah… It’s only been a week, but it’s gotten quite cold.”

I’m well-protected with a coat, hat, and scarf, but the cold wind still seeps through the gaps in my clothing.

Since I’m leaning forward to reduce wind resistance, that might be part of the problem.

I hadn’t planned to leave the capital during winter, but… I feel it might be better to avoid autumn travel as well.

Using [Prayer] should prevent me from falling ill, but this cold is simply harsh.

“We’ll be arriving soon. Shall we take a break for a bit?”

“Ugh… How long will it take?”

It’s been almost three hours since we left Zelkis's capital, and we’ve just entered the Riana territory after leaving Zelkis's territory.

We should have covered about half the distance by now.

“Once we cross that forest, we’ll soon reach the city of Saol.”

Raising my body and looking ahead, I saw the forest stretching out, with the highway curving significantly along it.

It would be quite a detour by land, but that doesn’t concern us.

The forest is obstructing our view of the city, but… it should be less than 30 minutes away. If that’s the case, it might be better to aim straight for the city instead of taking a break.

“No break, let’s keep going. Be mindful of the visibility!”

“Understood. I’ll increase the speed over the forest, so hold on tight!”

Hearing this, I tightened my grip on her, and Teresa did the same with her arms around my waist, further increasing the speed of the [Floating Orbs].

“Princess! Over there. We can see it coming into view!”

As we reached the middle of the forest, Teresa pointed ahead and, raising her voice to be heard over the wind, informed me that the city was approaching.

Upon hearing this, I looked forward and saw the somewhat shabby city walls beyond the forest.

◇

The city of Saol belongs to the Riana territory and is located on the border with the Zelkis territory. To the southwest of the city is the forest we crossed, and to the north is an agricultural area. Though the population is slightly under 3,000 and somewhat small-scale, most residents are engaged in agriculture and serve as Riana territory’s food reserve.

Most people coming in and out are either merchants buying crops or transporting goods from the royal or territorial capitals, so there are hardly any disputes.

To keep an eye on the nearby forest, a clan of adventurers from the city is in charge of the security, but… it’s a peaceful town.

We’re leisurely making our way following the mounted knight guiding us to the governor’s mansion.

“Have you visited this city before, Princess?”

“Only twice. But, it was when our lady visited the capital or went to the royal capital for marriage, so I don’t know much about it.”

I answered Teresa, who had asked while observing the city’s appearance.

Though there are many large buildings, there’s not much sign of people.

It might have a similar atmosphere to the warehouse district near the port…

“This city devotes a large part of its space to storing harvested goods, so there’s not much to enjoy for outsiders. Merchants sometimes visit before harvest to check the crop yields…”

Hearing our conversation, the knight leading us explained this, but it does sound like a warehouse district.

“…I see.”

Teresa seemed satisfied with the explanation and nodded.

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Seria - [Hidden Shelter] +1 [Prayer] [Blessing of Mira] - [Floating Orbs] [Shadow Sword] [Scarlet Bee Needle] [Fairy’s Eye] [Dragon’s Lung] [Amber Sword] [Danlem’s Thread] - 1 card (11)

Seriana - [Range Detection] - [ ] - 35 cards

Elena - [ ] - [Green Fang] - 5 cards

Alec - [ ] - [Red Shield] [Fierce Horn] - 12 cards