第８８８堀：いざ出発！の前の検査 (Part2)
"Next customer, please."
"Oh, it's my turn! See you later! Bye, Riel-sama, Tori-sama, everyone!"
With that, the little girl waved her hands vigorously as she was led through the gate by her mother, disappearing from sight.
"She's so cute."
"Yeah. Truly cute."
"……So cute."
The three of us were in complete agreement. Anyone who could look at a child with a smile like that and not find them adorable must surely be suffering from some sort of ailment.
"Seeing that child reminds me—are the children of you and Riel-jouchan doing well?"
"Oh, yes. Of course, Yuki-san and the others are taking excellent care of them."
"Yes. So, there is nothing to worry about."
"……Still, being away from the children for too long is painful, so I intend to finish this job quickly. I want to make sure that child—and all the others—have nothing to worry about."
We couldn't allow a scenario where a dragon rampaged and made the children cry. As I renewed my resolve, the goblin who had gone to make inquiries came running back toward us.
"Confirmation received. They said it is fine to let you through."
"Understood. Sorry to keep you waiting, Tori-sama and everyone. Confirmation is complete, so please proceed."
"Sorry for the sudden request."
"Not at all. Please, stay safe, everyone."
The orc and the goblin gave us a salute.
" "Have a safe trip." "
" " "We're off." " "
And so, seen off by them, we stepped through the gate leading to Gartz. What we saw on the other side was...
"Welcome! Welcome! You can't start your visit to Gartz without trying this first!"
"This is the cream puff that Gartz is so proud of!!"
For some reason, we were greeted by a massive number of cream puff shops. The air was thick with the scent of sweet custard cream...
*Whoosh.*
Suddenly, a breeze blew toward us, and...
" " "Ugh!?" " "
The wind carried a concentrated wave of that sweet aroma, hitting us head-on. The unexpected intensity of the scent made me feel nauseous.
"Wow!! It's cream puffs!! Mom, Dad!! Look, it's cream puffs!!"
"Oh, oh my. Yes, it is."
"Ugh..."
The little girl from earlier seemed delighted, but her parents looked just as overwhelmed by the sweet scent as we were. I had learned from Alfin's confectionery onslaught that even sweets can become a weapon when there are enough of them. As I was realizing this once again...
"Oh! There you are! Hey!"
Hearing a familiar voice, I looked over to see the majestic princess of Gartz—who looked nothing like Shera—waving at us as hard as a child.
"It's Lowell."
"Hey, Riel, you look well. How are the kids? Have they grown since last time?"
"They have, they have. You should come visit sometime."
"Oh, I will. Shall we go now, Charl? I want to see Shael, too!"
Lowell turned to her younger sister, Charl, with a grin, but...
"You idiot sister!!"
*Whack!*
She was struck on the head with a paper fan. My, that was a very satisfying sound.
"Ouch!? What was that for! Are you not interested in Riel's children!? Or do you not want to see Kirue's daughter, Shael!?"
"Do not make it sound as if I am devoid of blood or tears!!"
With that, Charl delivered another swing, putting her whole waist into it.
*Thwack!!*
It landed squarely on her face... Under normal circumstances, one might worry about an injury, but...
"Heh, my frail little sister. A blow like that won't even make me flinch!"
"Why are you acting so proud? Honestly. You're getting off-track. We are accompanying them on this investigation of Dragon Mountain."
" " "Huh?" " "
I heard something incredible. For a moment, I thought I had misheard...
"Oh, that's right. We can't provide large-scale support this time, but since it was decided that witnesses would be necessary, we are coming along."
"……I see. I understand the intent, but what about Yuki and the others?"
"We have already informed them, of course. Well, it was just a moment ago, so perhaps..."
Just as Charl was saying that, Mauve seemed to receive a message...
"Oh. Yuki. It seems the princesses, Lowell and Charl..."
『Yeah. I spoke with the King of Gartz, and he asked me to bring them along as witnesses. He said it would be helpful for the journey to Dragon Mountain.』
And so, Lowell and Charl joined our adventure.
……I wonder if this will be alright?
We manage the entry and exit of Weed very strictly. And in Gartz, cream puffs have become the national sweet. When a sweet scent gathers in such quantities, it becomes suffocating. It’s just like they say: it’s all about the numbers, brother!!