hotmtlnovel Chapter 301
Chapter 301
Familiar Faces
After spending the night at an inn in the town in the Demon Kingdom, we woke up early in the morning and started preparing to leave. Gil-san had told me that we didn’t need to rush, that we’d be able to arrive on time at this pace, but... I woke up because I was too excited. Because, because, we’ll be able to see our Ortus comrades! It’s been so long!
“Those participating from Ortus have apparently arrived at the venue, even though they all travelled separately.”
“Eh, really?”
Gil-san, who’d been contacting someone through a shadow bird, said that as I was outside the town, setting up the cloth in the basket I’ll be riding in. I’m so excited! I could hear Gil-san chuckling behind me.
“Shall we hurry then?”
“Y-Yes, please......”
I’m secretly thinking that Gil-san, who’s grinning mischievously, has become a bit sadistic lately. Dad’s incredibly sadistic, but he always says that it’s because I’m fun to tease. The teaser’s the one at fault!
“Maybe I’ll try increasing our speed... make sure you don’t fall. I’ll definitely catch you if you do.”
“O-Okay.”
I don’t want to fall! It’s terrifying to think about being thrown out of the basket at that speed. But I also feel safe because Gil-san’s here, I know I won’t get hurt... no, no, I’m still scared, so I’ll hold on tight! I won’t even stick my head out, so it’ll definitely, definitely be okay!
...I was naive to think that.
“Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...”
I’m currently falling! What the heck! I was holding on tight to the edge of the basket, I even had my head inside, it was perfect! This body’s so light that I was flung out! I might not have been thrown out... if I had a bit more grip strength!
“F-Fuu-chaaan!”
『Leave it to me, Master!』
But I’m not just going to fall! I’ve graduated from just falling without knowing what to do! I just need to call Fuu-chan’s name, and Shou-chan instantly translates and relays it. We’d already discussed this, so there was no time loss. I was immediately enveloped by a gentle wind, floating in the sky. It felt like I was inside a wind bubble.
『Are you okay, Meg?』
Gil-san, in his Shadow Eagle form, appeared above me. He sounded incredibly calm. Why? That’s obvious! I puffed up my cheeks.@@@@
“Gil-san, you knew I was going to be thrown out, didn’t you.”
He knew, and he still increased our speed. And that’s all... for training. I know, I know, but I was scared! I’m sure he doesn’t mean anything by it. It’s like one of those unannounced emergency drills. Those were scary... one of my least favorite elementary school events.
『Sorry. But you should be fine with this much. And I wouldn’t let you get hurt, I’m right here.』
“I know, but! I know, but!”
I returned to the basket, pouting. It’s not like he’s actually smiling because he’s currently a Shadow Eagle, but I feel like he’s smiling wryly. Hmmm!
I launched myself at him! Dad easily caught me and lifted me up. Yay! I haven’t seen you in ages, Dad! He’s still wearing the light blue tie I gave him. Hehehe.
“You seem to be doing well. And you’ve gotten stronger.”
“You can tell?”
“I kind of can. You worked hard, huh? Good job.”
Dad, holding me, said that, observing me. Wow, he can actually tell? That’s incredible! I’m so happy, it’s been a while since he patted my head, saying, “Good job.”
“Good work, Gil. You’re doing okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Dad then said that to Gil-san, who’d been following behind us. He’s like a boss! It’s a bit... strange.
“Meg! Have you forgotten about meeee?”
“Asuka! I’d never forget you!”
I heard a voice calling out from below and saw a handsome boy, pouting. You’re still as cute as ever, Asuka! His silky, blonde hair seemed especially radiant!
Dad put me down, and I greeted Asuka. And then I went around, greeting the Ortus members one by one. Hmm, hmm, now I finally know who came to the tournament!
“Meg-chan, it’s been a while! I’m so happy we get to see you sooner than expected!”
“Meg, I’m glad you seem to be doing well.”
Saura-san hugged me, and Ronny spoke to me, smiling.
“Good work, Meg-chan. Make sure to rest today, okay?”
“Let’s use our extra time to rest. Are you hungry, Meg?”
Kei-san chuckled, talking to me, and Schlie-san gave me a soft smile.
“Hey Meg! We have some delicious food over here!”
“Oi, you glutton! Don’t eat it all!”
“This is bad, I have to eat it before it’s all gone!”
“Even you, Wyatt! You guys are all so greedy!”
Juma-kun was a bit further away, stuffing his face with a chunk of meat, and Wyatt-san was frantically trying to save some. And Reki was scolding them. Fufu, I’m happy that everyone’s the same as ever.
Don’t we have quite a strong force here? I wonder if it’s okay, leaving the Ortus headquarters in Lilthorley like this?