Published: January 15, 2026
Now then, I have to make various preparations to ensure a comfortable journey. Traveling with a large group all the way to the capital city of the Fertio Marquisate will take about three weeks. On top of that, moving from there to the border with Shelvia will add another three weeks. A one-way trip of one to one and a half months is quite tough.
So, I decided to build a luxurious carriage specially made by Van-kun. The model was the ultra-luxurious sightseeing train "Seven Stars" that was popular in my previous life on Earth. By the way, I have never ridden it. I only looked at pictures on the internet thinking it would be nice to try it someday.
With such a vague image in mind, I began creating the ultra-luxurious carriage named "Carinan." The wooden block frame was no different from previous carriages, but the interior was unified with brown wood for the ceiling, walls, and floor, and the doors and window frames were decorated with gold ornaments. The cushions of the deep-seated chairs, which could be converted into beds, were made from black demonic beast leather to accentuate the sense of luxury. By the way, wooden blinds were installed on the windows, along with beautifully decorated lamps.
At first glance, the interior looked as magnificent and splendid as something the royal family would use. Furthermore, the exterior of the carriage was also carefully decorated. The black-painted base was adorned with gold filigree, giving it a modest yet unmistakable air of luxury.
Proof of this was Apollo’s exclamation when he saw the carriage just completed.
“Oh! I was secretly worried when I heard you were going to make a carriage now, but to think you would build one of this caliber in just one day!”
Apollo spoke as he danced around the carriage.
As a member of the world’s largest guild, the Commerce Guild, and someone who has likely seen many countries, Apollo’s surprise meant the quality had to be quite high. I was personally pleased with it as well, so I responded cheerfully.
“It took quite some time since I was particular about it, but I think the ride will be very comfortable.”
“No, it’s surprising how quickly it was finished...”
Apollo said this with slight amazement while inspecting the wheels and structure of the carriage. He seemed to be examining the sturdy frame, shock-absorbing springs, and interior attentively. As a genuine merchant, he might have been calculating how much it could sell for.
While thinking about this, Row, who had been preparing various things, returned.
“Lord Van! Your changes of clothes, preserved food, and various seasonings are ready!”
“Thanks!”
Apparently, the most important items for a long journey were gathered. I thanked Row, who was leading several supply wagons. Kamushin and Til quickly headed to check the large amount of cargo loaded on the wagons, amazed at the volume.
“That’s an incredible amount.”
“Oh, and lots of seasonings too! Looks like we can cook as usual!”
Kamushin and Til stood on tiptoe, leaning over the wagon beds, calling out excitedly. Arte, standing behind them, put a hand to her mouth and chuckled softly before speaking.
“It would normally be a tough journey, but thanks to Lord Van, it seems we can spend it comfortably.”
“That’s right. Although it’s a frontier, since we will be traveling along the highways within the Kingdom of Scuderia, the dangers should be minimal.”
While answering Arte, I secretly felt a bit uneasy. After all, this time we were traveling with only a few people. Dee and Arb had never been apart for long before, and Espada had to stay behind in Seato Village. Most of the Seato knight order members would also remain to defend the village.
In other words, only Row, Arte, Kamushin, Til, and the elite mechanical bow unit would travel in a small group. Just as the Fertio Marquisate was attacked, it couldn't be ruled out that they might be invaded from elsewhere.
No, thinking calmly, since they built a fortress city right under their noses and might advance to the capital city at any time, it seemed unlikely they would attack from a random place. Still, traveling in such a small group made me uneasy for some reason.