第１０３６堀：地元の人に聞きましょう (Part2)
"That's a last resort. We're also here to investigate the Gaeen, so I don't want to do anything that might provoke the wyverns. If things go south, the combat could end up tearing the whole mountainside apart."
"Hmm. You're certainly right. Ah, is that why we flew through the gaps in the treetops in the mid-slope forest and landed where we did—to avoid agitating the wyverns?"
"Exactly. Wyverns don't tolerate anything flying through their territory. I’m sure we could win if it came to a fight, but I want to avoid losing any clues to our investigation. The mid-slope was unavoidable, though; it’s impossible to walk through that forest on the ground without tearing it to pieces."
It was true; moving through that forest without clearing a path was impossible. Even if we could, it would take far too long.
"So, it might be a bit of a hassle, but we're going on foot."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Everyone agreed with Milly-aneesama, and we energetically resumed our climb up the snowy mountain. We crunched along the snowy path, step by step. Occasionally, someone would get stuck in a deep drift and have to be pulled out by Aslin and the others. Even without a blizzard, a snowy mountain is tough, but I have to admit—it really felt like a true adventure.
As we continued toward the summit, the sun finally reached its zenith.
"It's noon."
"That it is. Let's stop and have some lunch."
With that, Firia and the others sat down on a nearby exposed rock and spread out the packed lunches we’d brought. Today’s lunch was handmade by Onii-sama. There were four rice balls, each with a different seasoning, making them look quite colorful.
"Yay, octopus-shaped sausages!"
"They look delicious!"
"Yuki is really meticulous about these kinds of things, isn't he?"
"Mmm. The rolled omelet is delicious."
"It really is. The sweetness is just perfect. Oh, how about you, Show-dono?"
"Ah, yes. It is delicious. I am surprised that Yuki-sama cooks for himself."
"Onii-chan is a great cook."
"It's delicious!"
"Haha... to think a consort of a nation would be cooking..."
"That's just a hobby of his, so don't worry about it."
"True. It’s just Yuki-san’s pastime. Besides, it tastes good, so who cares?"
As we were enjoying our lively lunch, a rock a little ways off suddenly began to move...
*Rumble, rumble...*
Oh, a Rock Ice Golem had appeared.
*Nom, nom, nom.*
"Wait, what!? Is eating lunch your priority right now!?"
Of course it is. A monster of that caliber isn't enough to stop Firia and the others from eating. You eat when you can—that’s the rule of the battlefield.
*Thud. Thud...*
The Rock Ice Golem seemed to have spotted us and was slowly walking our way. However, its feet kept sinking into the snow, making it difficult to move forward.
"I see. It seems the snow is just as difficult for monsters as it is for us."
"Maybe that's why monsters rarely come down from the Great Mountain Range."
"That's a distinct possibility."
"Everyone, why are you observing this so calmly!? You can't use high-impact magic or attacks on unstable ground like this! What are you going to do!?"
"Hmm, hold on a second."
Aslin finished her meal and began to walk toward the Rock Ice Golem.
"Aslin-dono!? Everyone, you must stop her!"
"Eh? It's fine, you know?"
"Yeah. If it's Aslin, it'll be fine."
"Let's leave it to her. We might even get some information out of it."
"That's true."
While we were chatting, Aslin reached the Rock Ice Golem, which had become stuck in the snow, and pulled it out, helping it get free.
"Huh!?"
Show-aneesama looked completely stunned. Ah, that’s right—this was probably the first time she’d seen Aslin do something like that. But anyway, food, food!
"Are you okay?"
"Go-go..."
"I see. You're used to this, then? I'm glad you aren't hurt. By the way, I have a question—is there a clearing nearby where we could set up a tent?"
"Go."
"Oh, that way? Thank you."
Aslin, who had been having such a friendly conversation with the Rock Ice Golem, returned to us.
"It said there's a clearing a little further up."
"I see. Then let's head that way. Everyone, finish your lunch first."
"Right. And, that Rock Ice Golem was surprisingly docile—what happened?"
"Well, when I pulled it out, it said thank you for helping, and then it offered to help us in return."
"Oh, a new friend already!"
"...I suppose it realized the difference in our strength."
In times like these, getting help from the locals is the best way to go. Onii-sama said so, too. Now that our bellies are full, it's time to resume our adventure! Information gathering is key. And asking the locals—or the local monsters—is just common sense.