Published: September 2, 2025
※Corrected typos on 2/11.
This is Satou. When I was a child, I was endlessly fascinated by how magnets repelled each other and floated. Back then, magic tricks were popular, so I even thought floating magnets were just a kind of magic trick.
In another world, magnets might surprisingly be thought of as magical stones.
â—‡
Usually, the spacious interior of the carriage was now packed full of luggage.
To avoid arousing suspicion from Hayuna and the others, I disguised it appropriately. Cooking utensils and barrels and boxes packed with two days’ worth of food were gathered and stacked near the front of the carriage. Securing everything so it wouldn’t collapse was quite a hassle.
Only now do I truly appreciate the convenience of the Treasure Vault (Item Box).
Of course, there’s still just enough space left for someone to barely pass through from the coachman’s seat. Mia complained that it was cramped, but compared to a normal carriage, it’s still quite spacious.
Even the usually carefree Mia asked, “Where did you get all this from?”—a question that came a bit late—so I showed her the magical artifact, the holding bag.
As Mia would be parting ways with us in the Forest of Boruenan, I didn’t mind telling her about the Treasure Vault (Item Box). But for the other members, I preferred to keep it a secret. Rumors might leak out strangely, and while I could handle being targeted myself, I want to avoid my daughters being kidnapped or harmed. Of course, I don’t think everyone would go around blabbing, but there’s always a chance someone overhears.
It’s safer to keep it secret until everyone becomes strong enough to handle trouble on their own.
In that regard, with the magical artifact holding bag, it’s the item itself that would be targeted, and even if stolen, it wouldn’t be a big problem.
â—‡
“Shall we wake them soon?”
“Yeah, better after we reach the campsite. If it’s some weird rogue, we’ll just put them to sleep and abandon them outside Muno City.”
“Okay!”
There haven’t been any encounters with thieves or wild beasts lately, so I left the driving to Lulu. Liza is training in horseback riding, with Mia alongside teaching her how to control the horse. Of course, Liza is riding the one with the saddle.
“Master, when I look at this larval form, I want to touch its cheeks. May I have permission?”
“No touching the baby.”
“I request a reconsideration, Master.”
Nana asked, her gaze fixed on the baby, but touching the infant without guardian permission is a no-go.
When I forbade it, she spun around in protest, glaring intensely.
Her forceful and almost horror-like movements made me hesitate, so I postponed the issue.
“When the mother wakes up, I’ll get permission for you.”
“Master, I request permission to awaken the mother’s body.”
“No. Don’t wake her up until she naturally wakes.”
“...Yes, Master.”
Nana accepted this a little sadly but sat in a crouched position where she could see the baby, resting her chin on her knees and gazing with a dreamy expression.
Alisa and Lulu were at the coachman’s seat, so they weren’t here. Apparently, they didn’t want to be near the Tolma couple because of the sweat smell.
Pochi and Tama seemed interested in the baby but kept their distance. Both of them had a somewhat dark atmosphere. Maybe they’re not good with babies?
I asked if something was wrong, but they just replied, “It’s nothing.”
It didn’t look like nothing at all, so I planned to talk to them after the meal. When your stomach’s full, your mood lifts and worries feel lighter.
â—‡
Pochi and Tama, who were a bit gloomy earlier, suddenly perked up as soon as we reached the campsite and exclaimed, “Today we’re aiming for a big catch!” before rushing off. Maybe they want to impress the baby?
Alisa and Mia went off to gather firewood.
“Alisa, isn’t carrying a long staff a hindrance for collecting firewood?”
“I want to try shooting some magic, you see. It’s harder to use your first magic with a short staff.”