Episode 143 Sightseeing trip
Under the rule of the Sacred Grineer, the continent of Surada became more advanced in non-magical technology. In other words, it is the development of natural science.
Since the church does not recognize magicians other than holy knights and soldiers, the common people sought power from other sources. It is a new weapon called science and technology. With the rapid development of mathematics, methods of describing natural phenomena using mathematical formulas were becoming commonplace. The idea is the complete opposite of magic that skips the process and activates it, but people have begun to learn about the process.
"Iris, you're going to be late."
“Please wait!”
Then, Shu and Iris board the train...
A large-scale transportation system that runs on two parallel rails. In other words, trains were developed and spread throughout the continent.
Around the 60th year of the Holy Calendar, the steam engine was invented and all industries were automated. The so-called industrial revolution occurred. From then on, development was rapid, and steam locomotives were commonplace in modern times, the 104th year of the sacred calendar.
“I somehow made it in time.”
"Don't get lost so easily. It's mostly your fault, right?"
“Isn’t it good that I made it in time for the last train to Melgate?”
"If I couldn't make it in time, I would have had to buy a new ticket. Please be careful."
After taking a breather, Shu and Iris enter the private room and have this conversation.
This is the Kingdom of Armand, a free country on the western side of the continent. Melgate, the capital of this kingdom that developed through industry and tourism, is a water city that has developed around a huge lake. It was blessed with abundant water resources and was famous as a resort area. This time, Shu and Iris came to Melgate to play.
And the train the two of them were on was a luxury train bound for Melgate.
"Well, it's suffocating to be holed up in a fairyland. The best part is that you're relaxing."
Even as he let out a sigh, Shu forgave Iris. Her sense of direction is new. We've known each other for over a hundred years, so she's gotten used to it.
(If you think about it, the world has changed in 100 years...)
The flowing scenery reminds me of my previous life. Although the design is different from previous steam locomotives, the mechanism is the same. If we continue to develop at this rate, we should be able to catch up to the civilization level of our previous life in a few hundred years. In fact, because of his magic, he may far surpass his previous life's technical ability.
Everything may have been new to Iris, but to Shu, it was all nostalgic.
“No matter how many times I ride it, it still goes fast.”
"Thanks to this, it seems that trading has become easier. Nowadays, you can buy anything anywhere. It's become a convenient world."
“Procurement has become easier, too.”
Life in Fairyland has become easier over the past hundred years. The former Eris Empire territory on the coast closest to Fairyland is still in the process of being restored. Due to the fact that it was destroyed by Hades, there are few immigrants, so it is inconvenient for Shuu and others to purchase it. Therefore, we were very grateful for the train system that could transport large quantities of reconstruction supplies.
It is becoming easier to purchase from the urban areas around Fairyland.
In a sense, this trip gave me more leeway.
Also, I had some work to do as a ``Reaper'' in the Kingdom of Armando, so I planned this trip just as an afterthought.
"Besides, we will arrive at Melgate tomorrow morning. Iris should go to sleep already."
"Yes"
It's dark outside the window. As you can tell from the fact that it's the last train, it's already night.
However, the ticket Shu got was for a luxury sleeper train. In other words, this private room also has a large bed.
Yawning, Iris climbed onto the bed and laid down.
“Shu-san doesn’t sleep?”
"As usual, I'm awake."
"Yes"
◆◆◆
Melgate, the capital of Armand Kingdom.
This city, which has flourished around the lake, is protected by a powerful army. Ari Karutacus, a general in charge of a part of the National Defense Force, was staring at documents in his office.
(……again)
He sighs.
Then I asked his subordinate who brought this document for more details.
“So, it’s confirmed that it’s the work of the Gekkokai?”
"Yes. Because of that, the cathedral insists on investigating, and doesn't give us much information."
"You idiot... you only care about face."
"I argued that I had the right to request information because this was an incident in our country. But they refused to take action, saying it was our problem."
"That's no secret. There's probably a connection between the Gekkokai and the upper echelons of our military. They must be giving them some kind of preferential treatment by donating a large amount of money to the cathedral."
Although it is not obvious, there are many people who commit fraud in the church. Being a capitalist country, money is what matters.
"Huh...stop relying on the church. Use the budget for research. Please do something about it."
"Understood, General. The Gekkokai's kidnapping of magicians...I'll do whatever it takes to find out."
"ask"
A disturbing stir had already begun in Melgate.
◆◆◆
Sleeper express train bound for Melgate.
The train that Shuu and his friends were boarding finally arrived at Melgate Station. As the city is full of water, there are beautiful waterways and fountains around the station. Small boats were used for city transportation, and Shu felt that they were similar to taxis.
"You're sleepy."
"Didn't get much sleep?"
"There's noise and shaking."
"Well, I guess it can't be helped. I'll go to the hotel for now."
Shu has just finished his assassination career and has a lot of money. He also always carries jewelry and gold with him, so he rarely has trouble with money.
Our goal is the most luxurious hotel.
Since it was a long-awaited trip, I was planning on making the most of it.
“But Mr. Shu, do you know where the hotel is?”
“Let me take you there.”
Saying that, he points to a small boat on the waterway. Since tourism is the main source of income, waterways are managed as national projects. Of course, the use of small boats instead of taxis is also a project managed by the government. If you ask where the hotel is, they will take you there without any problem.
Shu went down the stairs from the paved road and descended into the waterway.
As it is the closest waterway station to the train station, it is quite crowded. However, a small boat is also waiting for that amount. One by one, people lined up to board small boats, announce their destination, and proceed down the waterway.
"That's an unusual move."
"It's a signboard for this town. But it's easier to sightsee than just walking around aimlessly. They'll take you to interesting places if you ask."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"For now, it's a hotel."
The boat is also row-powered, not an engine, so it is very quiet. The sound of water sounds cool. In this country, you need a license to drive a small boat, so Shu felt like it was like a car from a previous life.
"Next person. Hey, are you a couple?"
"That's right!"
"……ah"
"Hahaha. That's good. Yes, please ride carefully."
Shu and Iris aren't really a couple, but they decided to call them a couple to avoid getting suspicious. Lately, that's what we've been doing when we go out on the town together.
(It looks like they'll actually become a couple soon.)
We have known each other for over 100 years.
Shu had no intention of doing so, and they don't have a physical relationship yet. However, in reality, they are no different from a married couple.
For the time being, follow the boatman and get on the boat and take a seat.
"So, customer. Where are you going?"
"Go to the best hotel around here. I'm new to town."
"Hmm. Does that mean it's the train this morning? No, you're rich."
As expected from being a boatman, he seems to be aware of the luxury train that arrived this morning. Since he is used to tourists, he also figured out that Shu and Iris were rich.
``When it comes to the best hotel... it's the Moorite Hotel. It's close to the lake and has many rooms with nice views. Above all, the food is delicious. I definitely recommend trying the fish dishes there. Please!”
"Then you can go there. Would you like to do it with Iris?"
"It's fine. I'm looking forward to it."
"Aiyo! Please stay still. If you act violently, the ship will overturn."
The small boat left the shore and rode the current of the waterway.
"It takes a while to get to the Mullite Hotel from here. Let's talk a little bit. Most places in Melgate can be reached by water, but the old town can only be reached by land."
“Is it in the old town?”
"Yes, ma'am."
"Oh, ma'am...hehehe"
"The old city area is turning into a slum. Tourists should stay away from it."
"I'll make sure you don't come near me!"
Iris is now an awakened magician. If it were a thug like that, he would probably get revenge. But I won't say that, but it's a flower. The boatman also said this out of kindness.
“Also, there have been some bad rumors lately. Please try not to go out at night.”
“Is it dangerous at night?”
"Yes. Kidnapping incidents are occurring frequently. A beautiful woman like your wife is in danger. Please protect your husband as well."
"Ah. But kidnapping...is that why the soldiers are patrolling?"
"That's right"
When Shu turned his attention, there were three soldiers walking overland. However, even though they are called soldiers, they have changed greatly from what they were a hundred years ago. They had pistols strapped to their waists. However, since it is a single-shot pistol, he also carries a saber at his waist as a backup weapon.
Shu had been seeing a number of soldiers on patrol for a while, so he was a little concerned.
``Soldiers are guarding the area during the day, but it's dangerous at night.''
“Thank you for the advice.”
“Thank you!”
The small boat moving along the waterway approached the shore as the boatman steered it.
"We're almost there. Please don't stand up until the ship stops."
The boatman skillfully slows down the boat and approaches the shore. Only one stick is used to steer the boat. The rod is used to hit the bottom of the waterway, and the reaction force is used to steer the ship. It's a surprisingly difficult craftsmanship.
"Sounds interesting. Isn't there a place to go on a boat?"
"Oh, are you interested, ma'am? Actually, if you go to the lake, you can ride."
“Shu-san!”
"Ah. Should I try going there tomorrow?"
The small boat slowly comes to a stop.
Shu moved to the shore with light steps and held out his hand to Iris. Iris took his hand and led him to shore.
"The Moorite Hotel is at the back up there. Have a nice day."
"ah"
“Thank you!”
The two bid farewell to the boatman and went up the stairs. As the shore is connected to a top-class hotel, it is beautifully decorated. This is the view even though it is not yet on the hotel grounds. The inside of the hotel is even more fun.
Climb the stairs surrounded by flowers and water to reach the land route, and look deeper.
As the boatman said, there was a high-rise building that looked like a hotel.
"That's amazing."
“That side seems to be the lake and the royal castle.”
"First, let's get a room! What kind of room is it?"
"You can expect something from this. Besides, it's the best room to stay in."
“I’m looking forward to it!”
Iris rubbed her body against Shu's left arm, keeping her smile on her face. She is surprised because she is now a grandmother who is over 100 years old. Her time manipulation magic may not only stop her physical age, but also her mental age.
In any case, the two entered the Moonlight Hotel with high expectations.
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