Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 100 — The Carriage
Three days had passed since my meeting with Sheila.
It seemed the final adjustments on the carriage were finished, and Rozzo and Sid came to show it to us.
“Oh, wow! This is an incredibly impressive carriage. The cargo section is amazing too!”
“The tires and the cargo bed are the parts we put the most effort into! We made sure there’s plenty of storage space, and… it’s modular, so you can detach it! Well, the idea was actually Sato-san’s though!”
“It wasn’t really my idea — just knowledge from the vehicles in my world. Still, the fact that you two managed to actually bring it to life is what’s truly impressive.”
I had casually suggested using the concept of detachable units, like trains or trucks from my world, for the carriage.
That way, it could handle the large cargo loads Sid wanted, and still meet Rozzo’s demand for speed-focused travel by detaching the extra weight when needed.
I didn’t understand the mechanics well, and in this world, it was really just an idealistic suggestion — but Rozzo and Sid actually managed to make it real.
“This carriage is my proudest work. Rozzo and I usually clash over everything, but I never imagined we could make something that incorporates both of our ideas.”
“Same here! Honestly, when I closed up my shop and moved here, I was pretty anxious… but after building this carriage, I’ve got zero regrets.”
Rozzo and Sid stood there, gazing at the carriage with dreamy, satisfied expressions, showering it with praise.
“Oh, by the way… when do you think you’ll be able to prepare the monster to pull the carriage? If it’s going to be difficult for you, Sato-san, I was thinking of contacting someone I know back in the capital.”
“It’s all ready, actually. Sheila and I discussed it and decided which monster would be best.”
“You already decided? I’m not sure I follow, but if you can get it ready soon, that’d be great! I can’t wait to try out this masterpiece of a carriage!”
“Got it. Please wait just a moment.”
I pulled out my tablet and made the purchase for the monster we had agreed on.
Following Sheila’s advice, I usually avoided using the tablet openly around others — but with Rozzo and Sid, it felt safe enough now.
And so, I spent some NP to purchase the creature.
For reference, I currently had 38,421 NP.
I had almost drained my NP during the mock battle tournament, but thanks to expanding the fields with Moji, it had climbed back up to just under 40,000.
…Though with this new companion, I was about to spend a big chunk of it again.
I knew it was better to use NP rather than hoard it, but watching the balance drop still gave me that same sinking feeling as spending real savings.
“—All done. The monster should be nearby now.”
“What!? You already got it!? I knew you were amazing, but damn, Sato-san, you really are something else!”
“Weak but the strongest — that phrase fits you perfectly. You’re not even a beauty, yet you’re still fascinating to watch.”
“I know, right! Watching Sato-san is always entertaining!”
“I’d have to agree—”
“Alright, enough weird comments. Let’s go check out the monster I got for the carriage.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Sheila had raised her hand, about to say something — but when I turned, she looked so shy and flustered that I decided not to press her.
“Ah, there it is, isn’t it? …That’s one huge monster!”
“More than just big, it’s got a really cool look. I’ve never seen a monster like that before — what’s it called?”
“It’s called a Lizard Runner. According to Sheila, they don’t make permanent nests and live while constantly on the move, which makes them a perfect fit for pulling a carriage.”
The monster I had chosen as my new companion was called a Lizard Runner.
It looked like something between a lizard and a dragon, about four meters long, with a sleek, glossy gray body that was just ridiculously cool.
According to Sheila, it had plenty of power but could also move quickly, making it potentially even better than a Snowdeer for carriage-pulling.
And honestly, the moment I heard the name “Lizard Runner,” I was completely sold.
Even as a grown man, the allure of dragon-like creatures hadn’t faded. It cost me a hefty 30,000 NP, but once I laid eyes on it, nothing else even crossed my mind.
Technically it wasn’t a true dragon species, but standing there face-to-face with it, I felt genuinely glad I’d chosen it.
“That thing looks terrifying! It’s not going to attack us, right!?”
“I think it’ll be fine. I’ll approach it first, just in case.”
Trying to calm Rozzo, who looked pretty rattled, I slowly walked toward the Lizard Runner.
Aside from lacking wings, it really did look just like a dragon.
Mesmerized by its stunning form, I softly greeted the monster.
“Nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to working with you starting today.”
As I gently stroked its side while greeting it, the Lizard Runner narrowed its eyes and rubbed its body against me.
Its cute, affectionate behavior didn’t match its fearsome appearance at all, and the contrast made my heart skip a beat.
Is this what people call “gap moe”?
“Just like Crow, it’s surprisingly friendly despite its looks.”
“Maybe that’s a common trait for tamed monsters. I’m relieved it’s not one of the aggressive types.”
“Agreed. By the way, have you decided on a name?”
“Yes, I picked one the moment I saw it. From today onward, this Lizard Runner will be called Ash. Nice to meet you, Ash.”
It seemed to immediately recognize its name. Every time I called “Ash,” it would nod in response.
So smart — I could tell this one was going to be a huge help.
As for the name, I chose it based on the monster’s glossy gray color.
And honestly, “Ash” just had a really cool ring to it.
“Whoa…! You’ve really tamed it!”
“Sato-san, you’re amazing. I’ve never been able to stand this close to a monster before. Ever since I met you, it feels like my whole concept of monsters being scary and dangerous has started to change.”
“Same here! Lime, Mush, and Moji are all cute, and even the intimidating-looking Crow protected us from pests the other day! Now I’ve seen Ash warm up to you with my own eyes — at this point, all I feel is affection!”
“Please be kind to him. I’m pretty sure Ash likes magic cores too, so if you get any while testing your weapons, make sure to give them to him.”
“Huh, so monsters like magic cores, huh. I’ll give him some next time I find one.”
“Me too! I’ll make sure to reward him with one every time he pulls the carriage!”
Rozzo and Sid were still a bit cautious, but they were both petting Ash, who looked genuinely happy to be getting attention.
There was still the question of whether or not he’d actually pull the carriage — but even if he didn’t, he was so cool and adorable that I didn’t mind at all.
And judging by his looks, it seemed like he’d be more than capable of fighting too.