Published: July 30, 2025
After walking through the forest for about two hours, the spacing between the trees gradually widened, revealing a path with grasslands and bare soil through the gaps. Approaching further, I could see a group dressed in the same armor and helmets as our four escorts. Some noticed us and saluted by placing their hands on their chests, while others interrupted their work to call out to their companions... they were probably related to the Duke's household.
“Who are those people?”
“They are the private soldiers of Duke Jamill's household. They regularly patrol the territory to ensure the safety around the roads,” the young lady explained.
“They came as our escort this time. Yesterday, they were assigned to investigate this forest,” Lord Reinbach added.
Investigation? What kind of investigation?
“Ryoma-kun, have you been aware that in recent years, sightings and damage reports caused by magical beasts have been increasing?”
“...? No, this is the first time I’m hearing about it.”
“I see. The number of magical beasts fluctuates, but recently, there has been an upward trend. They have increased patrol frequency to improve safety. Sightings around here have always been low, but the other day, they heard about you.”
Me?
“They learned that Ryoma-kun lived here. Also, when you came before, you brought the fur of the Black Bear, said to be the strongest beast in this forest, right? So, they wondered if you might have unknowingly culled some of the increased magical beasts. Because of that, they had the forest near the road investigated thoroughly yesterday.”
Oh, so that explains why the amount of souvenirs I brought back yesterday was so large?
Just as I was about to ask Mr. Reinhardt about this, a man from the group, whose armor decoration was a bit more elaborate than the others—probably the leader—stepped forward. Mr. Reinhardt, accompanied by Mr. Sebas, parted ways with us to receive a report.
To avoid interrupting their work, we moved a bit away from the group and waited. From a distance, I saw Mr. Sebas using spatial magic to summon a carriage.
I had heard about the carriage, but I didn’t expect it to be stored using spatial magic. Or rather, that it was even possible...
Seeing Sebas enter a spatial magic portal, I guessed it was an intermediate-level spatial magic called ‘Dimension Home,’ a more advanced version of the Item Box spell. It greatly increases storage capacity and even allows living inside. I had heard about it from the gods, but this was my first time seeing it in person.
While I was thinking about that, Sebas kept summoning carriages one after another. Just how much capacity does that spell have?
As I was marveling, the young lady suddenly laughed mischievously.
“That carriage is for our use. The luggage is separate; there’s still plenty more inside Sebas’s Dimension Home.”
Still more?! I silently retorted in my mind, but then the madam grabbed my hand and led me to ride in the same carriage as the four from the Duke's household. Inside was seating for six; four of the Duke's household members plus me made five. Soon after, Mr. Sebas also got in.
By the way, the slimes were on the simple luggage rack attached to the carriage roof. That space was originally for luxury goods like alcohol and snacks consumed inside the carriage. After confirming no problem with the slimes, we waited for a while until the carriage was ready, then it started moving.
Since we were riding together, I mustered the courage to ask Mr. Sebas about the spatial magic he used earlier. Sebas specializes in spatial and water magic and is one of the top magicians in the country regarding spatial magic.
Hearing that he could use advanced spatial magic, I asked further.
“Can you use the advanced spatial magic... ‘Another World’?”
When I asked, Sebas looked at me with interest.
“Oh? You know that spell well?”
“Beast Tamers are often feared by townsfolk... I wondered if I could use spatial magic instead of summoning magic... I asked my grandmother, and she taught me.”