Chapter 243 – Travel Preparations

The hot spring facility’s grand opening was truly a success. I’ve heard talks about opening shops in the hot spring town have already begun, so development will likely progress rapidly from here.

King Melvin will be responsible for the management during our absence, keeping in mind the founding principles of establishments like the Boundary Theater and others.

As befits a public bathhouse, the admission fee is planned to be reasonably priced. Well, it’s part of civic entertainment and welfare benefits. My goals, Claudia’s wishes, and the safety of the Labyrinth Village residents—if all these align in direction, there’s nothing more to say.

With the hot spring town matters settled for now, we’re preparing for our journey to Silvatoria.

“Don’t we need drinking water?”

“We can create it with Life Magic when needed, so we should be fine. Just pack empty canteens.”

“Understood.”

Grace nodded, sorting necessary from unnecessary items, and loaded luggage into the dragon palanquin for our group—me, Claudia, and Seraphina. Seeing Lavigne supporting Seraphina from below as she struggled with a heavy bag was quite a heartwarming scene. Additionally, Tephra, who’s staying over at our house, is also helping with carrying the luggage.

Irmhild and Rosemary are organizing the loaded cargo, while Marlene and Sheila check against the list to ensure nothing is missing.

“What about the Potions?”

“They’re bulky, so let’s take a moderate amount. We plan to return via teleportation once we reach Mt. Tephra anyway.”

“Understood.”

Ashley transfers the Potions from small bottles into silver containers suitable for transport in the dragon palanquin.

The drawback of Potions is that overusing them in a short time can cause poisoning symptoms. Considering that both Ashley and I can use Healing Magic, in our Party they’re strictly supplementary.

While Magic Potions for magical power recovery are convenient, the replenished magical power takes a little time to settle in the body. The others can replenish consumed magical power through Circulating Ki, so we don’t need to carry too many.

“I see. So we can manage with minimal changes of clothes too.”

Rosemary remarked, noting the scarcity of clothing among the loaded luggage.

“Yeah. We might need dresses once we reach the royal capital, but we can collect those when we return once.”

“Ah. That combat dress suitable for that labyrinth?”

“Yes, that one.”

At my words, Rosemary grinned.

It’s a dress made from Lunaworm material, adorned with Magic Stone decorations, allowing multiple Enchantments like Protection. The last time I brought it out was probably when the previous Marquis Broderick invited us to a dinner.

It incorporates Aerial Combat Gear, includes anti-poison Magic Tools and an Amulet of Evil Repulsion, fully prepared against poisoning and Curse Magic… It’s no wonder Rosemary calls it a combat dress. Probably, Rosemary prefers that kind of Equipment.

“Mmm. All set.”

Sheila said, comparing the list I prepared with the luggage loaded into the dragon palanquin. Marlene also nodded seriously with a grave expression.

“Good. I’ll do a final check myself.”

Clothing, food, cooking utensils, tableware, seasonings, and other daily necessities. Blankets and Lanterns. Compass and map. Hobby items like cards, books, and musical instruments. Potions, anti-poison Magic Tools, etc.

Soap and shampoo made from Savona Tree sap. We plan to take a generous amount of these. Many of our female members have long hair, and hygiene management contributes to maintaining health.

Even so, I think the luggage is relatively light for our numbers. Besides Mt. Tephra, we can resupply in either the Marquisate of Fobrester or the Marquisate of Zilbolt.

“May I ride along as well?”

Tephra inquired. She probably means that teleporting ahead would free up space in the dragon palanquin, but… Claudia smiled and said,

“Traveling together doesn’t sound bad, does it? Even otherwise, we tend to be bound to our land, don’t we?”

“Hmm. Indeed.”

Tephra nodded with a solemn expression.

“That’s why preparing for the journey like this, all together, is very enjoyable.”

Saying that, Claudia showed a gentle smile.

Yeah, for Claudia, until now, she couldn’t even travel casually.

So surely, from her tone, this time is more precious than we might imagine. It was probably the same when we went cherry blossom viewing or visited the Count’s territory.

Perhaps Tephra also has thoughts about being bound to land, as she nodded quietly.

“Indeed. I always thought staying in the mountain I was born on was natural, but… I too am somewhat excited. That must be what it means.”

Tephra turned to me and spoke.

“So, I’ll be counting on you from now on as well. My friend.”

“Easy enough. You’re always welcome to visit us anytime.”

“Mmm.”

Tephra smiled happily. Then she turned to Claudia and said,

“Shall we increase small trips, not like this long journey? Like spring flower viewings.”

“Yes. That kind. Having a purpose makes it hectic; let’s make it pure recreation.”

“Lovely.”

Saying that, Claudia smiled joyfully.

Once the departure preparations are complete—all that’s left is to properly prepare for our absence.

I decided to gather Cecilia, Mihaela, and the main residents of the Labyrinth Village in the courtyard to discuss precautions.

“The Knight Order will increase patrols, but during our absence, ensure you can evacuate to the Labyrinth Village if problems arise.”

“Understood.”

At my words, Cecilia nodded with a serious expression.

Even when entrusting the house to others, having those with martial arts training like Cecilia and Mihaela in command puts me at ease. We know from the Thief gang attack that they have the courage to act in emergencies.

“Regular contact via Communication Devices, operation of Alarm Devices at night, and roll calls for Labyrinth Village residents. Just handle these areas thoroughly.”

Both Cecilia and Mihaela have been given Communication Devices, and Bracelets have been issued by Claudia to enable evacuation to the Labyrinth Village. If necessary, everyone can retreat to the Labyrinth Village.

Alarm Devices and a security system using simple Dolls made by Rosemary. Furthermore, the training of Labyrinth Village residents is progressing, and almost everyone in the house has acquired self-defense means.

Originally, Labyrinth Village residents exceed human average in physical strength or possess special abilities. With training, they’re becoming considerable combat forces. For example, Centaurs… are naturally skilled in mounted archery and lance combat.

Thus, our household’s combat strength and Defense are substantial. With the contact system via Communication Devices and Claudia’s teleportation, we can rush back if needed, so there should be no worries about what’s left behind.

“I try to stay with Cecilia in the mansion as much as possible. If visitors come, Cecilia and I can assess their character together, wouldn’t that work?”

Said Fortok, the Carbuncle leader. Carbuncles seem to understand people’s heart movements. They can hide even in pockets and have a track record.

“If you can avoid being seen, that should be fine.”

“Mmm. We’ll be careful enough about that.”

“Yeah. Also, I’ll teach everyone the Magic Shield spell. Those who can use Magic should practice aiming to use it without incantation, along with basic magical power control exercises.”

The relevant Labyrinth Village residents nodded. Claire the Arachne is one of them.

Whether one can use Magic depends on individual differences in magical aptitude. That’s the same for humans and monsters… but monsters often have more peculiar magical aptitudes than humans, even if they possess magical power. So even if I want to teach Magic, there are parts that can’t proceed uniformly.

Therefore, I identify those with magical aptitude likely to use Magic through Circulating Ki and have them start with Life Magic and basic magical power control exercises.

Anyway, Magic Shield has wide applications. Above all, it’s a defensive spell. Whether mastered or not greatly changes survival rates. If usable by a group, it’s immensely reassuring, and there’s no loss in learning it.

“I will advance self-defense training.”

“Please do.”

Mihaela bowed quietly.

That covers the precautions during our absence. From me, I’ll immediately convey the Magic Shield incantation. Having them repeat it, then it’s up to individual practice.

Departure is early tomorrow morning. Party Members plus Princess Stephania, Alfred and Viola, Ophelia, and from Marquis Zilbolt’s house, Tephra.

In a large dragon palanquin, first to Marquis Fobrester’s place. Though it’s a journey with a purpose, I want the travel itself to be enjoyable.