第１５７５堀：山登り (Part2)
Traversing a path so treacherous that even a single person would struggle, let alone a massive army, is a recipe for an endless journey. It’s the sort of route only special forces would use to flank an enemy.
"Give it up, Agil. We aren't an army right now; we’re just a treasure-hunting expedition. Didn't you used to like this sort of thing?"
Dressa’s words cut through Agil’s grumbling. It was true—she used to get so excited whenever we explored dungeons. She had even climbed the great mountain range separating the Haiden and Zrable regions with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Ah, well, you aren't wrong. It’s just... with all this overgrown brush, my height is a real issue. Dressa, you’re taller, so you don't have to deal with it."
"Ah..." "Ah..." "Ah..."
"Yeah, being 'understood' like that is just as annoying as the brush itself."
Agil pouted, her smile strained with irritation. I suppose at her height, she couldn't see what lay ahead, and having grass whip directly into her face must have been incredibly unpleasant. Since we’d committed to traveling on foot, using strange magic to clear the path wasn't the best idea. That left only one option.
"Agil."
"Hm? Are you going to say something about my height, too, Yuki?"
"No, well... maybe? Anyway, here."
"Whoa!?"
I scooped up the petite Agil and hoisted her onto my shoulders. As expected of my wife, she was startled at first, but she quickly settled into place, merging with me in a piggyback ride.
"There. Now the grass won't hit your face."
"...Yeah, I suppose so."
She sounded somewhat dissatisfied.
"Was that not what you wanted?"
"Ah, well, I understand perfectly well that you fulfilled my wish with pinpoint accuracy. And I also understand why Labyris, Aslin, Firia, Hiiro, and Vilia love having you do this for them."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Occupying the space above Yuki... it’s a truly wonderful feeling."
It seemed her mood had improved, which was a relief. Just as I thought that, I felt a light tap on my head.
"What’s wrong? Did you get caught in a spiderweb?"
"No, just a little bit of retaliation. A return gift for toying with a maiden’s heart."
"Come on, even without the piggyback, holding you is like holding a child."
She might have been hoping for something romantic, but given Agil’s size, that was a tall order. More importantly, we were in the middle of a forest, and my other wives were watching. I didn't have the nerve for anything more. Or rather...
"Alright, then I’m next."
"Oh, no you don't. I’m the one who gets to go next."
"Wait a moment. Those with height should be excluded. Therefore, I am next."
The other wives began clamoring for their turn. Well, I suppose that was inevitable. Until now, it had only been the little ones, but since Agil had joined in, the dynamic had shifted. Agil was small, but she was treated as an adult; seeing that barrier vanish made everyone want a turn. I understood. Many of my wives carried painful pasts. While the excuse was just wanting to be close to me, I knew there were memories hidden behind those requests. I, too, remembered being carried on my father’s shoulders.
But...
"Yes, yes. We’re here to find a treasure, so that comes first. I’ll do it when we get back."
"I heard you. Don't you dare lie to me."
"Yeah, yeah, I’ll do it."
I didn't say it was "just" a piggyback, but Kagura—why was your gaze so serious? I began the mountain climb with Agil on my shoulders, dreading the days of endless piggybacks that awaited me upon our return.
"...This doesn't really feel like a treasure hunt, does it?"
"What are you saying at this late hour?"
"Indeed. Aside from the soldiers, there is only one man here. Even if you include the guards, this is hardly the group one would expect to go hunting for legendary treasures."
Light’s sharp comment hit home. It was a shame the Church wasn't providing any support, but Light had come along because there was a chance of interference from Litea. Well, she was a general with plenty of combat experience—though the fact that she’d lost to us in the past was a story for another time. Agil claimed she’d been training and had grown stronger.
"Anyway, more importantly, it’s about time Steve and the others make their move."
I looked toward the middle of the mountain, but the dense forest obscured everything. I just hoped things would go according to plan.
As for mountain climbing, it’s best to assume that beginners will always exceed their estimated time. Unfamiliar paths take time. And rest is essential. When you’re tired, you must rest.