Journey (2)
Journey (2)
The train made brief stops at several cities along the way.
At each one, Lee Ha-yul took Lee Seo-yul and the fairies out to explore.
- The air is so cold! When I breathe out like this... pffhoo!
- Woah! A breath!
The fairy Oru puffed out her cheeks and blew, scattering a white plume of breath. The other fairies burst into giggles.
[Don't wander too far, everyone. And be careful not to bump into anything, okay?]
- Okaaay!
The fairies answered in chorus, then went right back to pointing at their surroundings and gawking eagerly. Lee Ha-yul smiled softly at the sight and turned his head.
This city was the third stop along the route.
As Baek A-rin had said, the general layout was similar, but it was by no means small.
Given the modest length of the stop, it was too large to see everything.
That wasn't a problem. Lee Ha-yul, having organized the city's information through Observation, gently stroked the hand interlaced with Lee Seo-yul's.
[Seo-yul, shall we head that way this time? There's an ice sculpture exhibition, and I hear there's a good ice cream shop, too.]
"Yes! I want to go!"
The moment Lee Seo-yul agreed, a route was mapped out in his mind.
[Then let's get going before we're short on time~]
Smiling gently, Lee Ha-yul led Lee Seo-yul along. The fairies, who had been hovering and peeking around nearby, tagged along together, creating a rather dreamlike scene.
"......."
"......"
The expressions on the women stealing glances at him from behind turned thoroughly peculiar.
Watching Lee Ha-yul look after and guide Lee Seo-yul and the fairies—so starkly different from his usual demeanor—felt deeply strange.
"Come to think of it, it's not really strange. Last year, when Seo-yul came along, didn't he turn the dormitory into a daycare?"
"Ah, and he seriously asked whether she needed to get her vaccinations, too."
Ellia and Liana nodded along.
After all, this was the same Lee Ha-yul who had suddenly hatched her from an egg and then taken full responsibility for raising Lee Seo-yul, even back when she was a completely different species.
Lee Ha-yul's paternal instincts ran deep.
Perhaps because his own relationship with his parents had been so poor, the attachment and affection he held for his child was achingly tender.
That was already a known fact.
Even so, the sight of Lee Ha-yul—who normally craved maternal affection endlessly—now actively dispensing paternal care was excruciatingly awkward to behold.
"Honestly, looks-wise, he comes across more like a mom, but..."
"Careful. Say that to his face and he'll sulk."
"That's what makes it hot."
"?"
Atra blinked at Hong Yeon-hwa's perfectly nonchalant reply.
"Dad? What's wrong?"
[...It's nothing.]
Ahem. Lee Ha-yul cleared his throat and rubbed at his ear.
No matter how high his attribute resistance was, it didn't make the cold vanish—his ear had turned bright red.
* * *
Most of the Changhae territory has an ice-snow climate.
Among its vast lands, there are only a few cities where people actually live.
The greater part of the territory is practically empty, uninhabited land.
"Which means there isn't much infrastructure. Roads and railways aren't laid down extensively, so if you want to get around, having a personal mount is far more convenient."
The Changhae territory was staggeringly vast to begin with.
And with countless regions where snow piled up as high as buildings day in and day out, traveling on two legs would be a hassle.
[And that personal mount is a horse?]
"Indeed."
Baek A-rin giggled and emphasized the reins. Pfffrrt! The black horse she was riding loosed a puff of white breath.
From behind, Seo-yul hugged Lee Ha-yul tightly, and he wore an odd expression.
In an era filled with all manner of cutting-edge technology, the primary means of transport was a horse.
Nomads might have an excuse, but for a major power like Azure Sea to favor horses felt somehow bizarre.
Of course, they didn't use horses for no reason.
"The environment deep in the territory is so harsh that ordinary vehicles break down easily."
Most of the mana in the Changhae territory was cold energy. Dense, concentrated cold energy—enough to seep into engraved magic formulas and ruin them.
As a result, vehicles constantly suffered minor breakdowns and were difficult to keep running.
"You can use them if you perform regular repairs. Mass-transport vehicles are actually in service, but... for personal mounts, monsters are far more convenient and practical."
Baek A-rin stroked the Black Snow Horse's mane.
A Black Snow Horse.
True to its name, it was a horse with pitch-black fur.
Not just any horse—a monster.
As befitting a monster, its build was enormous. Muscles bulged beneath its hide, and its mana reserves were quite respectable.
"Black Snow Horses are standard 6th-Rank monsters. The family breeds and improves them in large numbers for riding... did I explain this to you once before?"
[Yes, when the baby unicorn came onto the grounds.]
"Ah, now that you mention it, I recall. Back then I simply mentioned that they exist and left it at that."
Of course, I'd known even before being told.
Because I'd experienced it in the original work, and it was already common knowledge in this world.
'That's definitely a lot faster than a vehicle.'
That wasn't the only advantage.
As a species specialized for cold energy, they didn't suffer minor breakdowns. They could move more freely and cover greater distances than vehicles, and in combat, they provided direct support.
Thus, the formula Horse (Monster) > Vehicle firmly held.
"Would you like to try riding one?"
Baek A-rin hopped down and pointed to another Black Snow Horse.
It was a Black Snow Horse she had just brought from the stables in the city.
A stable that handled Black Snow Horses would naturally be managed by the family's main house—and the heir had come in and brought out a few for the children to try.
"Yes, I want to ride."
Seo-yul nodded and stepped forward.
I hastily hurried after her.
[Seo-yul? You have to be careful riding!]
"I shall assist her, so worry not, overprotective mother."
Baek A-rin, holding the reins of the Black Snow Horse Seo-yul would ride, teased me mischievously.
Her easygoing demeanor did put me somewhat at ease... but it still couldn't quell all of my anxiety.
'Just in case...'
I subtly raised my mana. The plan was to freeze the Black Snow Horse down to every last muscle fiber the instant I detected the slightest hint of aggression.
- Trudge, trudge...
Leaving footprints in the snow, Seo-yul approached the Black Snow Horse. The beast turned its head toward her.
Their eyes met.
- Sit.
"Now, sit...?"
Baek A-rin, who had been about to guide the horse, blinked. Before her words could even finish, the Black Snow Horse plopped down.
- Good job.
Smiling brightly, Seo-yul stroked the Black Snow Horse's mane. Then she placed her foot in the stirrup and hopped up into the saddle.
At that, the seated Black Snow Horse rose back to its feet.
"Lady Baek A-rin, the reins, please."
"Ah... yes."
Baek A-rin blinked and handed over the reins. Seo-yul took them and gave them a light movement.
- Move slowly.
- Pfffrrt.
The Black Snow Horse pawed the ground gently and stretched out its legs.
The beast moved forward as if taking a stroll. When Seo-yul tapped its flank lightly with her leg, it even gradually picked up speed.
Seo-yul tugged the reins. The Black Snow Horse, which had gone on ahead, turned and came back.
Every movement was natural and smooth.
"How is it?"
Seo-yul spread her shoulders wide. Her Five-Colored Wings fluttered gently, as if in pride.
My mouth slightly ajar, I turned my head. Baek A-rin tilted her head as well, wearing a puzzled expression.
"When did you ever teach Seo-yul riding skills?"
[No...? I've never taught her...?]
I'd never ridden a horse myself to begin with.
Thanks to All-Rounder, I'd probably handle one decently even on a first attempt, but...
"Dad, did you forget my species?"
Seo-yul, who'd been listening to my conversation with Baek A-rin, spoke up, sounding baffled.
[A Fairy Knight? Why would a fairy knight...]
"How can a knight not ride a horse?"
Though that seemed like the last thing a fairy with wings who flies around should be saying.
My expression turned wry without me realizing it, and Rio, perched gently on my shoulder, checked my face and whispered.
- Your Majesty, I've heard that knights are born with innate knowledge, and that includes horsemanship.
[...Is that so?]
- I also heard that in the days of the Fairy Kingdom, knights fought mounted on divine beasts.
It was an added remark from Kali, perched on my other shoulder. I tilted my head the other way.
[Divine beasts? What kind?]
- Hmm... I remember there were several kinds, but the most famous were unicorns.
[Oh?]
Unicorn. In other words, a unicorn.
'Fairies and unicorns probably do have good compatibility.'
Both species are attuned to purity and nature, after all.
I made an odd expression when I thought that far.
Maybe it wasn't a coincidence that the unicorns at Siyoram were so friendly to me...
"Dad! Ride with me!"
[Yeah, since I'm here, I guess I should try riding too.]
At that, Seo-yul's wings fluttered happily and she tugged on the reins.
The Black Snow Horse Seo-yul was riding came to a stop in front of me and knelt down on its forelegs.
"Here, hold my hand."
[?]
Seo-yul patted the spot in front of her lightly and reached out a hand.
The sight was rather gallant.
Part of it was the black horse's appearance, and part of it was that Seo-yul herself was beautiful and lovely.
Was it because her race was literally Fairy Knight? She also had a subtly dependable look about her.
[No, it's fine. I can ride one of the other horses.]
I gave a soft shake of my head.
Her dependability aside, I really didn't want to be sitting in front of my daughter so soon...
"Nonono, it's because I want to ride with you, Dad."
[Th-that's...]
Seo-yul shook her head from side to side and grabbed my wrist, pulling me up.
Before I could protest, I was seated on the saddle.
Naturally, it was in front of Seo-yul.
Seo-yul, having seated me as if cradling me in her arms, grinned broadly.
"My, my, aren't you two the closest father and daughter?"
[Don't tease me.]
Baek A-rin, who had mounted her own Black Snow Horse at some point, poked fun at me mischievously. When I pouted, Baek A-rin let out a giggle and picked up her reins.
"There, there. Let's take a lap around the walking trail. We can just go straight ahead, right?"
"Yes, it's fine."
"Then let's go."
The two of them pulled their reins.
With a snort, the Black Snow Horses pawed at the earth a few times and began to trot slowly.
Gradually they picked up speed.
Maybe to enjoy the scenery, they didn't go too fast—but it was just enough to feel a sense of speed.
"Are you uncomfortable, Dad?"
[Nn... It's okay. I'm not uncomfortable.]
If anything, I was comfortable.
With a strange expression, I placed my hand over Seo-yul's arm, which was wrapped around my stomach.
Because she kept pulling me back, I had no choice but to lean against Seo-yul.
...Incredibly comfortable.
Which was why my heart felt uncomfortable.
Shouldn't it be the other way around by now...?
"Heehee, I'm happy!"
[Awkwardness]
[...Well, at least she's happy, so that's good...]
Even if I said I didn't like it, what could I do when Seo-yul was happy?
Swallowing a sigh, I spread my Observation around the area.
Even if I couldn't see the landscape with my eyes, I could still scan the place with Observation.
[...It's beautiful.]
"Is it?"
Thanks to that, I could form an impression.
Right beside me, Baek A-rin, who was guiding her horse, let out a soft laugh.
"I'm glad you praise my hometown. Though, to be honest, there's not much special to sightsee."
[That's not true. Every city had plenty to enjoy, didn't it?]
"You really don't have to defend it."
Thick clouds, a pale white sky, tall and long mountain ranges, and even the ground was coated white with piled-up snow.
Baek A-rin looked around and shrugged.
"They say the scenery is quite nice, so it's worth seeing... but if you keep looking at it, it's only natural to find it dull."
[Your hometown is pretty, Baek A-rin.]
"......"
[Of course, farther out there are lots of dungeons and monsters, and it's a hard place to live because of the cold, but since it's your hometown, I like it too.]
I hate the cold. I've hated it even more ever since I nearly froze to death in an alley as a kid. That hasn't changed.
But when it's connected to Baek A-rin, I can think differently.
It was the same with Yeon-hwa.
The flames that burned my house and my arm were terrifying, but the fire associated with Yeon-hwa... wasn't so frightening.
I smiled lightly and shook my head.
[And as for getting tired of the view... I can just come back later.]
"...Later?"
[Yeah.]
[Because if I come back and look again after I open my eyes, I'll feel something new.]
I cracked open my closed eyes just a little.
Unfortunately, it was still full of the same white fog.
'It's gotten a little thinner, though.'
It was still dark to take in the world, but later it would change.
"...Heh, you're right."
Baek A-rin, who had been staring intently at me from the side, showed a smile. The corners of her eyes curved into crescents.
"You can just come again after you've fixed your eyes."
The clicking of hooves mingled with laughter. I smiled back at her and nodd—
—Shff...
[?]
The wind buffeting my body stopped. In its place, a sense of warmth closed in around me.
Seo-yul had suddenly spread her wings to envelop me.
[Seo-yul?]
"Hmph."
When I tilted my head back in question, Seo-yul, cheeks puffed out, pressed her chin firmly against my shoulder.
* * *
—Kugugung...!
The ground shook.
Seubata, who was guarding the perimeter a short distance away, glanced back.
A mountain was collapsing.
To be precise, a crystal as massive as a mountain split in half, then crumbled apart, cascading to the ground in shards.
Lee Ha-yul, who had toppled the crystal mountain, waved his hand.
Large and small crystal fragments, enveloped in mana, rose into the air and were neatly piled away into a corner.
'Was that what I came all the way in here looking for?'
About halfway through clearing the crystal.
The work stopped.
From within the mound of crystal, a distinctly blue and shining Crystal Orb revealed itself.
Lee Ha-yul snatched it up and lifted it. Terramor, who had been guarding his side, tilted her head.
—Your Majesty, is that the object you were searching for?
—Just a moment.
Lee Ha-yul exhaled heavily and drew upon his Authority.
'Manifest, Observation.'
He closely observed the Crystal Orb.
He read the nature of the mana entwined with the orb and its Innate Talent.
Soon, the result came back.
Lee Ha-yul's hand trembled faintly.
—Yeah, this is it.
Its function is a Curse-Lifting Jewel. An artifact that unravels and dissolves curses.
It was the object he had desired so fervently.
—Indeed! It was such an item!
Terramor, upon hearing the brief explanation, was overjoyed.
So that the three slaves wouldn't hear, she sent a Will Thought to Lee Ha-yul alone.
—With a Curse-Lifting Jewel, Your Majesty should be able to resolve your curses! As expected, you have a plan for ever—
—No, I'm not using this.
—What...beg pardon?
Terramor blinked her eyes.
The sight was quite comical and endearing. Lee Ha-yul chuckled and patted Terramor's shoulder.
—Thanks for your help. But I have another use for this.
Lee Ha-yul smiled brightly and carefully placed the Crystal Orb into his Subspace.