[Interlude] The少年's Journey – On the Ship 2

We somehow managed to successfully get Mr. Tarou back into the room.

I'd like to continue our conversation right away, but first there's something I must do—giving Anne a lecture.

From what I've heard, Anne's out-of-control behavior was the cause. Still, I'd like to request her help, so let's just let this incident slide for now.

"Then we'll be taking our leave."

Mr. Tarou suddenly starts to leave. Not so fast! I'm not letting you go!

"Wait a moment! We haven't finished talking yet!"

"What is it?"

The adventurer named Alex asks, sounding annoyed. I just can't stand this guy.

"I've heard you were involved with the strange illness caused by water magic stones. And also, about your magic master..."

"Sir, that's inappropriate. And what exactly do you mean by magic?"

Anne must have sensed the reference to her sister. But I can't let this chance slip away. My instincts are telling me so.

"It's alright. If we let her go now, my sister might not be saved."

Alex was looking at Taro. It seemed he was leaving the decision up to him.

"I don't know what you expect from me, but I can't do much. I'm not sure I can solve your troubles. Still, if that's acceptable, may I hear your story?"

Good. I truly felt that way. I didn't realize my cheeks had softened.

Then, I began explaining what I truly wanted to ask about—my sister's illness.

"Our hometown produced fire gemstones, and our economy relied on exporting them. However, the mine, which had been continuously mined even before my father became lord, has recently seen a steady decline in output."

"That's why my father, as lord, actively worked to establish new industries across the entire town. Fortunately, a large river flows around the town, and along its banks, water crystals have been discovered and mined."

Taro's face darkened upon hearing the term "water crystal."

"But that was our mistake. The water crystals weren't of high enough purity. Plus, we'd been mining fire crystals all along, so we didn't know how to extract water crystals. Still, we knew the town's economy would suffer if we didn't continue. So we kept trying, experimenting blindly, but so far, we haven't seen any promising results."

That's right, ever since then, my sister started acting strangely. It must have been caused by that mining operation for the water spirit stones.

"It began from there. My sister fell ill with a disease that caused pale blue crystals to form in her body. The crystals kept growing larger and larger, eventually leading to severe weakness and death within a few years. Mother also died from the same illness."

Even after that, I earnestly told Taro-san about how he had resolved an issue related to water spirit stones in a certain village, and how much I wanted to save my sister.

"I have one question—have there been any reports of an increase in Bestial creatures?"

Why was Taro-san asking such a thing? After I answered, Alex and I exchanged a brief hushed conversation.

"It's hard to say anything definite without seeing the situation firsthand. But we can certainly share the issues we've encountered. I'll prepare some documentation—I can pass that along. Considering you've opened up to us about personal matters, I feel we should return the favor in some way. What do you think?"

Taro-san seems to be offering valuable information. That's greatly appreciated. Taro-san is still hesitant.

But the person who helped resolve the Water Demon Stone incident is right here in front of me. Such a chance won't come again. So overwhelmed by my earnest plea that I found myself bowing without realizing it—something I'd never want anyone else to see.

Still unchanged, "I won't know until I see it for myself. But I'll do my best."

Though brief, the response was clear and sincere. Just hearing it was enough to ease the tension around my eyes.

Several days passed. During that time, I kept persistently urging her to teach me magic.

Though clearly bothered, she reluctantly agreed to help, working together with the maid Anne to teach me despite her reluctance. Thanks to her efforts, I received various pieces of advice.

Whereas I had previously struggled even to consistently cast magic, I now managed to do so reliably—and even learned to shape the flames as I wished.

Compared to before, this is incredible progress. It gives me great confidence. Now, I could take down anyone—should a monster show up, I wonder?

Today, I practiced magic again, and after a while, I went inside the ship to rest. Within minutes, the outside grew noisy.

What could have happened? I saw a massive water column rising from outside the ship's window glass. Curious and slightly afraid, I jumped out to see what was going on.

Anne, the maid, came rushing after me, furious.

"What was that just now!?"

"It's dangerous, young master! Please return inside!"

I was forcibly dragged back into the ship by the maids.

Most of the guard squad had gone outside, preparing to repel the threat. Fins were visible from within the ship as well.

It was clearly of considerable size.

A monster. I've never seen one up close before.

But soon it disappeared from sight. Where could it have gone? The security team outside also seems to be searching.

I look around, even though I shouldn't be able to see anything. What I see are the people still inside the ship.

Our usual maids meet my gaze.

In an instant, I felt myself lifted into the air.