第２８６堀：空の旅 (Part1)
### Chapter 286: Journey Through the Skies
**Side: Deryu**
Well now, a journey through the skies isn't half bad.
Currently, I, Deryu, was thinking exactly that from the bottom of my heart.
Admittedly, the wind whipping against me is quite cold. Without winter gear, it would be unbearable. But the cold is nothing compared to the world unfolding before my eyes—it is truly magnificent.
The sky and the earth stretch on forever. We are racing through the space between them, riding on the back of Wai-chan.
"How long are you going to stay out there? You’ll catch a cold, Deryu."
While I was busy savoring the journey, that voice came from my husband, Yuki.
When I looked back, Yuki was relaxing inside a *kotatsu* with the other wives, eating mandarin oranges.
The way we are traveling on Wai-chan—this Wyvern—is by having a massive cage suspended from her neck, with another one held in her talons.
Naturally, this was a collaborative idea between Yuki, Narjia, and Firia. The area where the *kotatsu* is set up is a completely windless zone thanks to enchantments.
My current spot is in the "sightseeing section," where I intentionally let the wind hit me, and the temperature shifts according to the outside air.
The cage is a four-meter square, large enough for six people to lie down in with room to spare.
Wai-chan herself is five meters long, with a wingspan of ten meters. You can see why I say she’s huge.
Visually, it looks like a small cage placed inside a larger one, but each cage is equipped with multiple layers of defensive barriers.
As you might expect, even if we were ambushed by those Holy Sword users from before, no damage would reach inside this cage.
Of course, there’s no fall damage, and regarding magic-nullifying skills, Yuki and the others mentioned they’ve incorporated something like an "airbag" that can protect the passengers in a one-time release.
If someone were to target us, their best bet would be to try and knock Wai-chan out of the sky, but she was trained by Steve himself. She’s not just an average Wyvern; she could easily overwhelm even a high-ranking Fire Dragon.
Furthermore, Wai-chan herself is wearing enchanted gear, further boosting her capabilities.
Honestly, if Wai-chan flew at full speed, we could reach the capital of August in half a day, let alone a single day.
So why are we taking three days?
It’s to keep Wai-chan’s true specs a secret.
If her performance were to be leaked, there’s a possibility that some fools might ignore our backing and plot to steal the Dragon Knight, Amanda.
So, to camouflage that, we’ve been spreading misinformation: that while she has high combat ability, her flight range is short and she requires frequent rest.
Also, if some idiot decides to pick a fight with us, it’s helpful if they underestimate Wai-chan’s strength.
...Though, even Amanda, the Dragon Knight herself, doesn't know Wai-chan’s true specs.
"Can you hear me?"
Yuki called out again, assuming I hadn't heard him because I just looked back without replying.
Oops, I forgot to answer.
"I hear you. Don't worry. A cold like this..."
Just as I was about to answer, Yuki cut me off.
"If you do happen to catch a cold, you’re forbidden from contact with the children for at least a week."
"What!?"
What kind of execution order is that for a mother!?
I don't think I’ll catch a cold, but the mere possibility of being barred from seeing my children for a week is something I must avoid at all costs.
I immediately retreated to the cage with the *kotatsu*.
Once inside, the wind vanished, and I could feel the temperature being maintained at a pleasantly cozy level.
The *kotatsu* is large, designed to seat about twelve people at once.
However, the space next to Yuki is, naturally, occupied. Rurua and Eris are firmly securing both sides, and Aslin is sitting on his lap.
With no other choice, I settled into the *kotatsu* across from Yuki, next to Samantha.
I felt relieved as the warmth seeped from my toes up to my waist.
I experienced this for the first time last winter, and yes, it’s a wonderful thing. I’ll definitely have one installed in my room this year, too.
"Here you go, Master Deryu. Some tea."
"Oh, thank you, Amanda."
"Not at all. I’m free anyway."
"Would you like to do some training, then?"
"No, I couldn't possibly... considering Wai-chan and all."
"I suppose you're right. We’ll train properly before we rest today."
"Yes."
Indeed. Ever since Amanda got together with Eoid, she’s been putting her heart into her training.
It’s only been a day or two, but her motivation is visibly higher. If this leads to results, that would be the best-case scenario.
"Oh, that reminds me. Why can't I see the children if I catch a cold?"
Yes, that’s the most important part.
"Well, do you intend to pass the cold to them? They aren't even a year old yet. If they get sick, we have to rely on our own experience to judge if they’re in pain or even if they have a fever. I can't take that kind of risk."
"...You are absolutely right."
If my children were to suffer because of me, I think I might just perish from the guilt. I was a terrible mother. Yuyu, please forgive Mama.
"Um, excuse me. Master Deryu, what children?"
Amanda, who had been listening to our conversation, asked out of curiosity.
"Hm? Ah, I hadn't told you, Amanda. I have children. Naturally, they are Yuki’s."
"Ehh—!? C-children!? You gave birth!? Is that actually true!?"
"What, you didn't believe me? They are my precious, adorable daughters. Eris, Rurua, and Ratz over there have given birth as well."
"Ehh—!? R-really!?"
For this journey, since there will likely be various negotiations with high-ranking officials in the capital, I’ve brought along Ratz, who has been doing research in Enaria, to act as our goods negotiator.
Well, for us, taking care of the children takes priority over the situation in the New Continent, so we’re constantly popping our Doppelgangers in and out throughout the day.
"Master Eris, too? And Rurua-san and Ratz-san as well?"
"Yes, it’s the truth. They are Yuki-san’s children, of course."
"Yes. They are the fruits of love with my husband. Ah, Yuki-sama is the father, of course."
"Haha, same here. It couldn't be anyone but my dear."
The three of them answered Amanda’s question easily. It’s nothing to be ashamed of; rather, it’s something to be proud of.
"Ah, but judging by what Yuki-san said, are you bringing the children to the Academy?"
"Ah, no, that’s not—"
"Deryu-san, this mandarin orange is delicious."
Just as I was about to answer, Samantha shoved a mandarin orange into my mouth to shut me up, and Yuki answered immediately.
"As you heard, Amanda, we have many children, so at our base, I, as the husband, help take care of them as well. Well, we have nannies, but when we’re back, we take care of them ourselves."
"I see. That’s nice. Right, Eoid?"
"Yeah. Though I don't think I could go on a journey leaving my children behind."
"Ah, I don't think I could either."