第８１９堀：海の都に到着 (Part2)
"Understood."
With that, I drove the car down the high hill and headed for the royal capital of Sea Syphos.
As we approached the capital, it seemed they had noticed our arrival. By the time we reached the gate, a large number of soldiers had gathered.
This pattern never changes.
Well, it is a vehicle they've never seen before, so I suppose they don't need to be *that* wary.
Ah, by the way, we're traveling with four Marauders this time, so in that sense, it might look like a threat.
However, to the soldiers who had gathered like that...
"Report to the King that Lake has returned from Haiden!"
When General Lake shouted this, the soldiers immediately snapped to attention and saluted. It's clear their training is thorough.
Perhaps it's General Lake's reputation, but I'm grateful that things are proceeding without a hitch.
"Please wait a moment. I will go and arrange things immediately."
With that, General Lake got out of the car and disappeared beyond the gate.
He must have gone to speak with the King.
We returned without any prior notice, after all.
"Man, this method of transportation, cars, is just too much, no matter how many times I see it."
I had overtaken the messenger soldiers on the way, as usual.
"Wow, there are so many people with sunburn."
"It's because we're close to the sea."
"Is it the reflection from the sea?"
"That's right. Just as Labyris said, the reason so many people are sunburned is partly due to the reflection from the sea. Normally, it's just direct sunlight, but with the reflection from the sea, skin tends to get darker easily."
This is why people who live by the sea often have tanned skin.
"But from the perspective of the people of the Sea Syphos Kingdom, we seem to be the more unusual ones."
"Well, it is a car, after all."
Deryu, who had been lying down in the passenger seat, finally spoke.
"Are you feeling better?"
"...I suppose I am. But the coastline is so winding, it's rough."
For some reason, she got carsick on the winding coastal road.
She's never been like this before.
"Should we get you some motion sickness medicine next time?"
"Mmm. Let's do that. Or rather, for now, I'll get out of the car and get some fresh air."
"Okay. Don't wander too far from the car. Even though General Lake said something, they're still wary of us."
"I know. I'm just stepping outside the car for a bit."
Saying that, Deryu got out of the car and leaned against the door, relaxing.
"Speaking of which, I wonder if everyone following behind us is okay?"
Asurin said, looking at the cars stopped behind them.
"Maybe I should try contacting them. To check if anyone is forcing themselves to endure it."
So, I made contact via call.
"Car two, car three, car four. Are there any passengers feeling unwell, you know, carsick?"
"This is car two, Kirue speaking. Dressa and the others don't seem to be feeling particularly ill."
"Car three, Taiki here. Ruth and the others are fine, Mikos and the others... ah, they're fine."
"Car four, Sasari here. General Lake's escorts in this car are fine."
"Understood. If anyone is feeling unwell, please tell them to say so without hesitation."
"Understood."
For now, it seems there are no passengers feeling unwell in the other cars.
While I was doing that, the car door was suddenly knocked on, and Deryu spoke to me.
"Hm? What is it, Deryu?"
"It seems General Lake has returned."
At Deryu's words, I turned my gaze towards the gate. The soldiers surrounding the car parted, and I could see General Lake approaching from beyond, leading someone.
"Who do you think he's bringing?"
"Who knows. But they must be someone involved."
"That's true."
While we were talking, General Lake and the others had reached the front of the car, so I got out and went to meet General Lake.
"My apologies for keeping you all waiting. We will lead the way by horse, so please follow us slowly."
"Understood. And who is this person with you?"
"Ah. She is our kingdom's Prime Minister..."
"My name is Aquamarine. Thank you for coming all this way from the distant Haiden."
Saying that, a young woman appeared and gave a graceful bow.
Is this the Prime Minister of the Sea Syphos Kingdom?
She seems too young, doesn't she?
Still, this is probably not the place to ask such a question.
"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Prime Minister Aquamarine. Then, if you could guide us..."
As I was about to say that, Prime Minister Aquamarine suddenly approached.
"Can I ride in this vehicle?!"
She said, her eyes sparkling.
And so, we finally arrived at the Sea Syphos Kingdom!
The one who came out to greet us was the young Prime Minister Aquamarine.
Who exactly is this person?