Chapter 189 Ghost Troup

Part 1

　And then, we made it to Vettant, one of the five largest cities in Zebrudia, without any major deviation from our schedule.
　It is a city that won’t lose against the Imperial Capital.
The outer walls were thick and the inside of the city was hygienic, and the people who passed by looked somewhat sophisticated. 

　I didn’t know this, but apparently, Vettant is the home of the state-of-the-art airship depot where only the most important people of the Empire are allowed to board.

　Airship.
As the name implies it is a ship that flies in the sky.
I don’t know how it can fly when it isn’t even a Relic, but it seems it was created thanks to the fusion of science and magic technology.
Its shape seems to be based on a flying ship Relic that was once discovered, and I am personally very interested in it.

　But first I have to take all the precautions possible.

　I *pekopeko* bowed to Franz-san, who was relieved that we had arrived in Vettant on time, and told him that I needed some time.

　I understand that it isn’t exactly the norm for the escort to ask the client for something like that, but this is for the Emperor’s protection.

　If the airship falls, I will only be able to somehow pick up the Emperor and fly away.
Kruz and the others will probably fly on their own anyway.
Because they are Magi.
And I am sure Franz-san and the others will do their best somehow.
Because they are the Imperial Guards.

　The change in Franz-san’s expression was obvious as I spoke about this in a rather vague manner.
　For a moment he was stunned, then turned red, and then raised his voice to yell at me.
I just kept lowering my head in response to the screaming, which made my head hurt.
I am not proud of it, but I am very used to being angry at.

’

　When I insisted that I needed some time to prepare without giving any particular reason, Franz-san showed no signs of relenting.
In the meantime, the one who interjected was His Majesty the Emperor.

“Franz, it is alright.
We have plenty of time.
Murina is also a little tired from the long journey.” (Radrick)

“But, Your Majesty.
It is dangerous to stay in one place.
The “Fox (Kitsune)” could attack at any momen――” (Franz)

　I inadvertently interrupted him.

“…… It is better than being attacked in the sky.” (Cry)

“From where and by whom! How can anyone attack an airship flying in the sky! In the first place, why don’t you prepare for it!?” (Franz)

　No, you can be attacked quite a lot, you know? In the first place, although I don’t think it is possible if the enemy really can control Dragons, a flying ship is the same as a moving coffin.
　Even if I don’t go that far, there is always the possibility that a Magi who can use flying magic will attack you, or a flying Phantoms might appear.
An attack in the city is still better as your feet are still on the ground.
That was my opinion, but I was about to pour oil on the fire, so I kept quiet.

　The Emperor gave a small snort and said as if to rebuke Franz-san.

“We have already repelled them many times, if we know that they are coming, we will have to be even more careful.
That man must have an idea.
It is worse to depart while being unprepared.” (Radrick)

’

　Apparently, for unknown reasons, the Emperor is on my side.
Long live my certification level.
　Franz-san glared at me as if he was looking at his parents’ killer.
It seems that Franz-san is also a member of a prestigious noble family, but it seems like being a noble is not so easy.

“Tsk………… Be grateful for his Majesty’s kindness.
Three days.
You will have three days.
I am not going to give you any more days.
Make sure everything is ready! Go!” (Franz)

 

§

 

　I *pekopeko* bowed my head to Kruz and secured the person who will be responsible for the recharging.
　Let’s not talk about the off-topic that she was angry that I was bowing too much.
Apparently, she doesn’t like that I appear too weak, even though she calls me Yowaningen.

　It was the first time that I came to Vettant.
If I had the time, I would love to find a nice coffee shop or something like that, but unfortunately, I don’t have the time to do that.
　Leaving His Majesty’s escort to Term, I rented the largest of the multiple training grounds for Hunters.

　The reason I rented one is because a flying carpet is very dangerous.
　I am weak, but I still weigh something.
If I am tossed around by the rebellious carpet that I can’t control and crash into someone, I may be safe thanks to my Barrier Rings, but the other person who gets hit might not be able to come out unscathed.
In fact, the 『Dark Wings of the Night Sky』, which have a similar speed, have already killed Hunters before.

’

　Even though it was not daytime, there was a somber atmosphere in the deserted training area.
I braced myself because of the cold and dusty smell in the air.
　If I fell headfirst on the bare ground, I would undoubtedly die.
The walls were made of metal and seemed sturdy, but if I were to collide on them, my body would probably not be safe.

“”

　With the feeling of a Hunter challenging for a duel, I stared at the carpet that was walking carefreely.
And that was when Kruz, who was following behind me, shouted.

“Yowaningen, wouldn’t it be better if I go outside, desu?” (Kruz)

“Eh? Why?” (Cry)

“Why you say…… Yowaningen, I am sure there are at least a few tricks that you don’t want to be seen, desu.
Because practice sessions also give a massive amount of information, desu.” (Kruz)

　Kruz is really a good girl…… But it’s alright.
There is nothing that will pose a problem even if it was seen! And in the first place, who would put Magic into the carpet, shirt, and Barrier Rings if not Kruz?
　I might show some of my pathetic sides but that is what practice is all about.
With just her neck, Kruz pointed behind her.
Over there was a man wearing all black and “Kekeke” smiling suspiciously.

“I don’t know why he followed you, but I think it would be better if Kecha leaves too, desu.” (Kruz)

’

“No, I don’t mind if both of you are here.
Well, I am sure it is not the most interesting thing to watch, but…… It is going to be dangerous, so you should stay back a little bit.
Today, I will be――A little bit more serious!” (Cry)

“!?” (Kruz)

　Even I can do it when I want to.
I adjust my breathing and stretch my arms and legs.
(Although it didn’t have a face) The rebellious carpet looks like he had leeway.
　Just know that you will only be able to afford to be like that now.
Just know that I managed to ride the 『Dark Wings of the Night Sky』 that was able to kill Hunters.
I would have died if I didn’t have my Barrier Rings though.

　The 『Rebellious Carpet』 provoked me by moving his right hand a little bit as if it was telling me “Come and get me”.
I strongly clenched my fist.

　Could it be that this carpet…… Is more valuable than a mere 『Flying Carpet』 because of its violence?

 

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!” (Cry)

 

　I let out a roar that even I thought was quite weak and jumped on the carpet.
　The moment my right hand grabbed the right corner of the carpet, the carpet flew up into the air with great force, and I hit my head on the ceiling with great force and died.