Chapter 151: Journey to the South
{TL: By Creed}
Clack, clack
The sound of the carriage wheels echoed.
When I looked up through the window, I saw a pleasant blue sky. No sign of rain—another clear day. But it wasn’t too hot; the temperature was just right.
“Yep, today’s going to be another great journey,” I said.
“But it’s boring,” came the reply.
Licorice floated down, gently landing on my head and munching on a cookie.
I wish she wouldn’t eat up there; crumbs are falling on me...
“Since we left on this journey, nothing has happened. Isn’t there anything thrilling? Like rescuing a young lady from bandits and having a romantic adventure, or discovering a mysterious map and going on a grand treasure hunt. There should be something exciting,” she complained.
“I think it’s fine as long as there aren’t any problems.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. You just don’t get it, Fate. Life is better with a bit of trouble. It adds spice and color. A life with ups and downs is more exciting than a dull, peaceful one.”
“Is that so?”
“That’s right. Think about it—history’s great heroes all had turbulent lives.”
“Hmm, I guess that makes sense.”
Now that she mentions it, maybe that’s true. Facing troubles, gaining the strength to overcome them... And then, that experience helps you later on.
Should I be seeking a bit of trouble myself?
“…So easy to please.”
“Huh? Did you say something?”
“Nope, nothing at all. Anyway, are Sofia and Aisha still walking?”
“Looks like it.”
Sofia was walking alongside the carriage, saying she didn’t want to become sluggish from sitting too long. Aisha was walking hand-in-hand with her mom.
I’ve been trying to get some exercise myself, but they always send me back to the carriage, telling me to relax.
“Has Aisha always had this much stamina?”
“Maybe she’s building it up from being with Sofia?”
“Well, considering she’s a beastkin, it makes sense for her to have plenty of energy.”
Licorice seemed knowledgeable about beastkin. Though she didn’t know everything about Aisha, she certainly knew more than I did.
“Hey, Licorice, do beastkin have more stamina than us humans?”
“Yes. I don’t know the exact numbers, but I’d guess they have at least twice as much.”
“That’s impressive…”
“Well, they don’t reach their full strength until adulthood, so for now, Aisha isn’t much different from a human child.”
“Got it.”
I imagined Aisha lifting something much heavier than herself… Thankfully, it doesn’t seem like that’ll happen anytime soon.
Phew. Losing to my daughter in strength would be a real blow to my fatherly pride.
But maybe I should get stronger, just in case? When I think about it, it’s a little troubling.
“Beastkin are pretty rare, aren’t they?”
“Yes. You hardly see them at all, and a child beastkin like Aisha is even rarer.”
“Why don’t we see them around anymore?”
“No idea.”
Licorice floated down in front of me, tilting her head to the side.
“I’m not particularly knowledgeable on that topic, so I don’t know why they’re not around anymore.”
“I see.”
“But…”
With a quick disclaimer that it was just a rumor, Licorice continued.
“I remember hearing somewhere that humans aren’t very well-liked by beastkin.”
“…Not well-liked…”
Did we do something to deserve that? Or is there some other reason…?
"Well, I don’t really remember it well, so I’m not sure if it’s true or not.”
"……"
"By the way, Fate, do you have any more cookies? The ultra-cute Licorice is craving a snack.”
“I have some… but you’ll gain weight, you know?”
“Ha! Beautiful girls don’t have to worry about that!”
Where does she get that confidence? Sometimes, I feel a bit envious of Licorice’s extreme optimism.
After handing Licorice a second helping of cookies, I stepped outside the carriage.
“Daddy!”
Aisha came running over, hugging me. I lifted her up, and she smiled warmly, melting against me with a soft giggle.
It’s not arrogance, but I think Aisha really likes me. Her smile is proof of that.
Does that mean Licorice’s story was wrong? Then again, maybe Aisha just doesn’t know because she’s a child, and it’s the adult beastkin who dislike humans…?
I tried to think it over, but it’s a pretty tough question. It doesn’t seem like something I’ll find an answer to right away.
“Fate, is something on your mind? You look a bit serious,” Sofia asked.
“I was just thinking about beastkin.”
“What about them?”
“Well… I guess it boils down to… not really knowing anything in the end.”
They’re a rare race…
And according to Licorice, they have extraordinary abilities.
And, possibly, a dislike of humans.
But that’s about all we know. And even then, we can’t be sure if any of it is true.
It’s complicated. This journey is about understanding Aisha better, but… maybe it’s going to be harder than I thought.
“Don’t worry.”
“Sofia?”
“I’m with you. Even if it’s too difficult for you alone, the two of us can manage. And maybe if I can’t do it alone, we’ll be able to manage if you’re there with me.”
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
I’m not alone.
I have Sofia.
And Aisha, and Licorice, too.
So, it’s okay. I don’t know what’s going to happen from here, and there are bound to be challenges ahead.
But, I’m not alone.
“All right, let’s give it our best!”
TL Note: Fate raised the fated flag.
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