Chapter 116: Parent with child is not necessarily a wolf

Chapter 116: Parent with child is not necessarily a wolf

Since there are no magic train station near the ruins, we travel by horse-drawn carriage.

We are using three carriages. One is a carriage for nobles which are boarded by Faima and her escorts. It’s sandwiched by the other two from the front and back. Naturally, these two are the type of carriage used by adventurers and military personnel, ones covered with cloth.

Unlike the horse-drawn carriage previously used by Faima’s group, these are used by the military and comes with their quality guaranteed. Furthermore, it’s pulled by trained warhorses that are used to towing loads of heavy equipment and supplies.

The guard details doesn’t board all at once but alternate between going on standby inside the carriages and being alert of the surroundings outside of it. Although adventurers are accustomed to fieldwork and military personnel are tempered from their daily training, it’s better to have some leeway in terms of stamina for an emergency.

What surprised me a little was that the Tenryuu Knights also employs a horse-drawn carriage. I was wondering if they were going to ride authentic flying dragons but then I remembered the cute, round eyes of Real’s healing-type flying dragon.

If I’m not mistaken, flying dragons has overwhelming force{power} and flight velocity{speed} over other flying magic beasts. However, their stamina is poor, especially when a person is on its back. The dragon’s exhaustion becomes more intense. It was for that reason that Real summoned her dragon through a summoning spell only when the situation urgently called for it.

When I had a word with Skelia to ascertain if it’s the same with the Tenryuu Knights, he affirmed the general idea. He was instead surprised at me for having background knowledge of the flying dragons but I was able to give him the slip.

As a consideration, or something along that line, us adventurers (+ Kakurd, Skelia etc) are placed in the front row carriage and the Tenryuu Knights are placed in the last carriage. Though it’s a mission, I suppose it wouldn’t be pleasant for the Tenryuu bunch to share a cramped space with the likes of us adventurers. Same goes for me. I’d be happier to be in the company of those I’m familiar with. At least, I don’t have to be on guard with them.

After leaving the Imperial Capital, the first rotation would be left to the knights. Our turn comes after that.

「Come to think of it, this is the first time Kanna-shi and this one are together on a mission after we have settled down de gozatta na.」

「Well, our ranks are different to begin with and in the commotion of the mine incident, I only entered the scene midway through. Even that ended with me passing out.」

「This one is a little excited de gozaru yo.」

「We’re not out to play y’know.」

「Is Kanna-shi the one who should be saying that de gozaru ka?」

「Hey, what do you mean by that?」

It shouldn’t be just my imagination that Chloe’s speech and conduct is getting less and less reserved.

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While we’re bantering carefreely, the carriage stops.

Looking out the window, it’s nowhere near the gate of the Imperial Capital. That said, I can’t spot anything obstructing the carriage’s path.

Weird?

When I tilt my head to the side, a man and a boy with backpacks got closer to our carriage.

「Oh, they are the guides to the ruins that we talked about yesterday.」

One of the two Genryuu Knights who rode together with us got off the carriage when he saw the approaching pair. I’m curious too, so I went after him.

「You are Papeto-san, who agreed to be our guide, correct? Our gratitude for accepting the sudden request.」

「Not at all, I am the one who should be grateful for the offer. It came precisely when the number of foreign customers was decreasing. This request is much appreciated.」(papeto)

The guide called Papeto responded to the knight’s handshake while smiling politely. It may be a little rude but if we’re going by his presence, I can agree to it if he were named [townsfolk A]. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

I get that he’s our guide to sightsee the ruins but then, what’s with the boy next to him?

His age is probably around ten years old. Don’t tell me he’s a guide too? Or is he a kid only on the outside but an older guy inside? Is an amazing great detective deduction going to start?

I guessed he noticed my gaze as Papeto pushes the boy to the front.

「He is my son. Come now, say your greetings.」

「I’m M-Marito! Pleased to meet you!」

Despite his stiff expression, the boy voices an energetic introduction.

「My intention is for him to take over my job as a guide in the future. It is about time for him to learn the situation on site, not just from taught lessons. If it poses no problem, could he be permitted to accompany me for this request? Of course, I will not force the request if it is impossible.」(papeto)

「……Please wait a moment.」

The knight exchange a look with me. Agreeing with a nod, I run to the middle carriage to seek out Faima. When I knock on the door, Rand peeks through the window.

「Is something wrong?」

「The guide came. However, he wants to bring along his son to nurture his successor? What now?」

「……One moment.」

As Rand pulls away from the window, a soft discussion with Faima can be heard from the inside. And then, Rand once again pokes his head out the window.

「Milady finds no issue with it. Also, while on the occasion, milady wishes to greet them. Bring the pair here.」

「Got it.」

When I lead the father and son to the carriage, Faima steps down from it. Rand also follows after her.

「A pleasure to meet you. I am Falmarias Alnabeth.」

「My name is Papeto, a humble tourist guide working in the vicinity of Draknil. For designating myself on this occasion, I am truly grateful. Go on, say your greetings too. Greeting customers is one of the most important things to do in our job.」(papeto)

「Y-Yes! M-My name is Marito! I look forward to working with you.」

The boy Marito vigorously bows his head after saying that. I can’t see his expression but it’s reasonable to think that he’s blushing because of the emergence of a beautiful ojou-sama.

「Okay, now that the meet and greet’s over, let’s head on out.」(kanna)

While pointing to the carriage, I say to them…

「The two guides will take the front carriage. Faima’s VIP carriage are full and riding the last one is likely to cause a lot of troubles. That okay with you, ossan?」

I directed the last words to Rand, and he nods in assent after a few seconds. Faima and Rand board their carriage while me and another knight lead the father and son guide to board the front row carriage.

In the meantime, I think to myself…

ーーI gotta talk with Rand about Agatt’s adult education, among other things.

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《tln: start of tour guide. filtered by kanna’s pov》

There are more visitors to Diagal and by extension, its capital Draknil, compared to other countries.

This is largely due to the long distance method of transportation in its territory, the [magic train]. Train stations are mostly located in towns near the border, and this allows for a comfortable trip once travelers reach the border.

However, there are no such things at the place where we are headed for sightseeing, the [Historical Ruins of the Dragon Emperor]. Those are its official designation and it’s about a day ride from the capital by horse-drawn carriage. There are no relay station along the way. Therefore, camping for one night is unavoidable.

The ruins has existed since the early days of Diagal’s founding and because it’s well preserved, it’s highly popular with foreign visitors who are interested in history. On the other hand, for those who aren’t as interested, sightseeing the ruins wouldn’t hold much meaning.

As for Papeto, he’s usually making a living as tourist guide around Draknil. It is said that sightseeing the [Historical Ruins of the Dragon Emperor] was introduced as part of the Imperial Capital tourist attraction. Those who want to sightsee the ruins aren’t few in numbers but there aren’t enough to make a living solely through it.

ーーIt wasn’t Papeto who gave these explanations but his son, Marito.

Papeto once again formally introduces himself after Faima decided to settle down and make camp. For the sake of gaining experience, Marito was the one who gave us the explanation.

「How was my son’s explanation?」(papeto)

「Except for a bit of stiffness in his expression and words, there were no problems in particular de gozaru yo.」

The other knights also nod to Chloe’s positive response.

「Kanna-shi, what is your opinion de gozaru ka?」

「ーーOh, sorry. I wasn’t listening.」

…………………………。

……………

「……Kanna-shi. Even this one would find it distasteful to be inconsiderate of a young boy’s best effort de gozaru.」

As the air froze over, Chloe turns her reproachful eyes at me.

「Um, my bad. I was just thinking about something. Marito-kun, can you forgive me?」

「Y-Yes…」

As one would expect, Marito couldn’t voice out his complain upfront. Only vague words came out from the boy as he wears a troubled smile. Though he’s still a child, being brought to work is likely done after a certain extent of preparations on manners towards customers.

I wonder how I was like when I was the same age as Marito.

……I can only recall the experience of being dragged into Yuuzuki’s trouble-magnet constitution.

Note to self, Imma rip him a new one after I get back to Earth.