Chapter 150

Volume 7: The Gran Federation

Chapter 150: The Magic Carriage

Ryu had completed his mission in the Kingdom of Garcia and returned safely to the Empire.

He presented himself before the Empress and delivered his full report—every detail, from the political aftermath to the movements of hostile forces. He also offered up the Mana Concealment Cloak he had taken from the demon. The garment, capable of suppressing even overwhelming magical presence, was immediately taken into imperial custody for analysis.

The design blueprints for the flying vessel had been sent ahead of his return, and research into its construction had already begun within the Empire’s arcane engineering division. However, despite their finest minds laboring day and night, they ultimately abandoned the project.

The reason?

They lacked the core component.

The missing heart of the vessel—the flying stone—currently rested inside Ryu’s item bag.

For now, he had no particular plans to use it.

───And then.

Time, relentless as ever, flowed onward. Nearly half a year passed since his return.

Territory management was proceeding remarkably well. The economic scale of Arden had grown to surpass that of many count households. As expected, the effects of governing a port town were extraordinary. The flow of goods was, in essence, the flow of people and money. When commodities from across the continent converged upon Arden, so too did merchants, adventurers, investors, and opportunists. Wealth bred wealth. Trade routes expanded. Markets thrived.

Further explanation was unnecessary.

During the upcoming long vacation, Ryu planned to conquer a dungeon in the Gran Federation.

A brief update on the party members:

Ryu, as ever, continued clinging persistently to Lena while serving as the Magic Studies lecturer for Class 1-A. Rumor had it he was supposed to resign this year, but after persuasion from the Academy Headmaster—who happened to be the Empress’s younger brother—he agreed to remain as a part-time lecturer.

Lena had grown considerably accustomed to academy life. For the final term examinations of the year, she was fiercely competing with her best friend Alice for the coveted position of top student.

Esther had decided to continue serving as Professor of Alchemy until Lena’s graduation. Recently, she had been holed up in her laboratory, tinkering endlessly with materials seized from the Thunder Emperor and the demon’s horn. For some inexplicable reason, both she and Lena had begun wearing full-body silver accessories—magical tools, in truth. The origin of the materials remained a mystery.

Axel and Homura continued dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the art of leisurely sunbathing.

As for Ryoma, Ryu had sent him a letter some time ago. Apparently, new responsibilities had arisen in Tosa, but he intended to fly to the Empire during the long vacation.

Next was the problematic Stingray. With the expansion of the Arden Viscount House’s knight order, the Stingray Battalion had officially been assigned to the Second Residence in the capital of Will and had arrived only days ago. According to subordinates, as they approached the capital, Stingray’s expression gradually brightened for reasons unknown.

Lastly, Alice—still only a potential party candidate. Ryu himself had taken no action, but Lena had apparently let something slip, and now Alice was passionately declaring that she, too, would join the expedition. What would come of that remained uncertain.

◇◇◇

Imperial Capital — Underground Auction Hall (Legal).

“The next item is a magical carriage! Its interior has undergone spatial expansion enchantment, boasting enough room for more than twenty people to reside comfortably at once! Complete with shower facilities, climate control, and all necessary living infrastructure—a true mobile suite!”

A roar of admiration swept through the hall.

“While we shall refrain from naming the consignor, suffice it to say the item comes from a certain count household. Its credibility is exceptionally high!”

Ryu muttered under his breath.

“Sounds like some count house that failed at territory management and had to part with it in tears for funding.”

Beside him, Stingray replied dryly, “Almost like a reverse-Arden.”

“Tragically accurate.”

“The starting bid is three platinum coins! Let the bidding begin!”

Platinum coins—each worth ten thousand gold coins. Most commoners would never lay eyes upon such currency in their lifetime.

Ryu had attended after hearing rumors of this carriage. It would be costly—but he had already decided to enter the fray.

“Alright, Stingray. Raise the paddle.”

“Understood!”

Three platinum coins and one hundred gold… three platinum and two hundred…

The bidding escalated steadily. The contest dragged longer than expected. Finally, an upper noble smugly raised his paddle.

“Four platinum coins.”

Cheers erupted.

The noble stroked his beard. “Hmph… Have I once again swept aside the poor?”

“…Five platinum.”

The hall fell silent.

“F-Five platinum?!”

The noble nearly toppled from his seat.

No further challengers emerged.

The carriage was sold for five platinum coins.

The buyer, of course—

“That was a fine purchase.”

“Yes! Our journey to the Gran Federation will be comfortable indeed!”

—was Ryu.

One might question spending such an absurd sum. But truth be told, since purchasing the elixir for his mother, Ryu had made no major expenditures. And that payment had effectively gone to his now-legal wife, Esther, so it barely counted. Moreover, trade profits had recently been astronomical.

The carriage would be delivered to the Second Residence in due time.

◇◇◇

Several days later, long vacation finally began.

“What in the world are you doing…?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I am currently Lena’s little brother, receiving lap-pillow head pats.”

“Ryu-kun, you’ve grown so much~” pat pat

After the final exams, Lena had triumphantly secured first place—and with it, a one-day exclusive Ryu voucher.

Apparently, she had long harbored a secret desire to dote on Ryu as if he were her younger brother. Now she was fulfilling that dream.

“I’ll bathe you later too, okay~?”

“Th-thanks… Uuunn… thank you, Lena-onee-chan.”

“Good boy~ You said thank you properly~” pat pat

“NUAAAAAA!!! STOP THIS AT ONCE!!!”

In a word—hell.

From the perspective of his lawful wife Esther, it was likely an unbearable form of torture.

At that moment, Stingray approached.

“Ryu-sama, the carriage you purchased has arrived. …What exactly are you doing?”

“There are circumstances. Let’s not keep the merchants waiting.”

Outside, Ryu signed the final documents. The magical carriage officially became Arden property.

With no crest affixed yet, it was perfect for travel to the Federation.

The interior exceeded expectations.

“Wow… it’s incredible, Ryu-sama.”

“They said twenty people, but thirty could stay easily. Plenty of space. Proper private rooms, too. Excellent design. Though when camping, I’ll sleep outside.”

“Why?”

“I can’t very well make Axel sleep alone outdoors.”

“You’re truly kind, Ryu-sama.”

“Isn’t this normal?”

It might have been a bargain.

Soon Lena and Esther rushed over, exploring the interior like children on an adventure. After entrusting maintenance to servants, they prepared to return inside.

“Hmm?”

Ryu looked up at the sky.

“What is it, Ryu-sama?”

“…A suspicious individual is descending from the sky.”

“S-Suspicious individual?! Stingray Battalion—on duty!”

Seconds later, a lone samurai plummeted into the wide garden of the Second Residence.

Just before impact, he cast wind magic and landed gracefully.

“Fuh… perfectly executed…”

“…However.”

“Stingray Battalion, charge!!! Apprehend the suspicious individual!!!”

“““UOOOOOO!!!””””

“W-Wait just a moment! I am a friend of Ryu and Esther!”