第３４０堀：白の森へ (Part2)
"No, no. Thank you for your concern. If it looks like we can't make it, we'll turn back. It would be embarrassing, but I'd ask for your assistance then."
"Yes. Leave it to us. On the surface, His Majesty has declared this matter resolved, but it is clear to everyone that it was thanks to you. This level of compensation is hardly enough. In fact, this is a task we would have requested of you regardless. When you return, we will provide proper compensation. Please, take care."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
With that, we climbed into the vehicle and departed from the Royal Castle.
"Let's have another match sometime!!"
"My son, I leave the girls in your care!!"
"Take care on the road to White Forest!!"
It was quite the extravagant send-off.
After receiving those farewells, we left the Royal Capital of Roday and drove the car leisurely toward White Forest. I knew the route well enough, but I figured this was a good opportunity to talk to Runo.
I kept my eyes on the road and spoke to Runo, who was sitting in the passenger seat acting as our guide.
"So, Runo-san. Is this the right way?"
"……Yes."
"Is something the matter?"
Her expression seemed stiff.
"……It’s nothing."
Hmm? It definitely felt like there was something on her mind. I had expected her to pick a fight with me over something, but she was being surprisingly quiet.
"Um—"
"Listen, you need to control this thing properly!! If we roll over at this speed, we’ll die!!"
Ah, so that was it. I suppose if you're used to riding horses, the fear of death from falling is common, and she understands the dangers of a high-speed vehicle.
"Sister, it’s fine. As you can see, it’s made of iron and is much more stable than a carriage. Besides, Yuki-sama is the one driving. There is nothing safer than this."
Samantha popped her head out from the back seat. Naturally, I had brought her along to keep her sister, Runo, in check. Ria and Jessica were with us as well, while the rest of the members were in the second vehicle. We had divided the supplies between the two to make it look authentic.
"……Is that so? Well, if Samantha says so, I suppose it’s fine. But you must drive carefully. If there are other carriages, keep your distance, slow down, and don't frighten the horses."
"Yes, I understand."
What she said was perfectly reasonable, so I gave a proper reply. Since there was no sarcasm in her tone, it seemed she had been well-educated by her father on how a noble should behave. Since she had given me that warning, I couldn't very well strike up a casual conversation, so I fell silent and focused on driving.
"……Phew. Still, these past three days have been brutal."
"Have you not been sleeping, Sister?"
"I’ve slept a little. But I’m still better off than the other high-ranking officials; they’ve been in meetings without sleep. His Majesty, the Chancellor, and Father included. This matter is that significant."
I suppose that makes sense.
"……But, that’s enough of that. I want to ask Samantha something."
"What is it?"
"It’s about Yuki-dono. It feels different from the contents of the letter I received, doesn't it?"
"Yes?"
A letter? Did she have time for that?
"You know. It said that in the Academy, even though you have a childhood friend in the same class, he’s always taking off your clothes and touching your chest."
"Eh?"
No, that’s wrong.
"And because of that, the letter said you had to marry Yuki-dono, right?"
……I see. She must have mistaken Eoid’s "lucky lecher" antics for something I had done.
"N-no, that’s wrong, Sister. That’s a story about a different classmate."
"Oh, is that so? My mistake. Yuki-dono, I apologize. I don't know the name of the girl in Samantha's letter, but it said he would take off clothes and touch her without her noticing, so I became overly sensitive."
"I'm glad the misunderstanding is cleared up."
"I honestly thought that man had already established a 'fait accompli' with you."
"My guard isn't that low."
"Then I'm relieved."
If she had heard that story, Runo's reaction was only natural. No matter how you look at it, that's just a molester.
"Then, what is Yuki-dono's position? I haven't heard the details."
"Ah, yes. Well, you see..."
Samantha then explained her position in this New Continent, which led to the story of how we first met...
"I am terribly sorry!! Samantha!! You never told me you turned away an envoy from another country at the gates!!"
"I-I'm sorry!!"
For the next hour, we ended up discussing the failures of our first meeting, and Runo proceeded to lecture Samantha inside the car.
Yeah. She’s a good older sister, isn't she?
Now then, it’s starting to blizzard.
……Is this really a snowy country? I’ve never really had to put chains on tires before. I wonder if I can figure it out by reading the manual?