The morning came slower than I expected, or more like it felt slower. At first, I tried to sleep even on Sophia's deadlock, but the inability to move eventually made me feel uncomfortable. Although Sophia has a texture of the skin, her bones felt like it was made out of iron.
Or maybe because it is, I don't know. Regardless, it took me a while to get used to the discomfort, and eventually slept later than I was supposed to. When I woke up, Sophia had already helped make breakfast for everyone.
"It's supposed to be 'good morning' right? Then why do you look tired?" Sitri who was already having her morning tea greeted me. I glanced at the kitchen to see Sophia preparing breakfast before returning my attention to Sitri.
"Deadlock," I responded deadpan. Sitri had a puzzled look on her face, but I decided not to entertain it as Sophia brought my breakfast to the table. It was a simple soup made out of beast meat and herbs, as well as a piece of soft white bread and butter, a perfect revitalizing meal for breakfast.
"Would you like some tea?" Sophia asked. "No, thank you. I'll have water instead," I answered as the idea of soup and tea made it feel unnatural. "How about lemon iced tea?" Sitri asked.
"Ice tea..?" I asked back as a familiar name caught my attention. "Ahh, Yeah. I read it from some other worlder's anecdotes and decided to make it for myself," she answered with a smug. I don't really know how to ask this since it looks like She's not lying, but I need to.
Attempting to confirm yesterday's inkling, I decided to wait for the opportunity when Sophia is further away before speaking up. "Lady Sitri, I don't mean to be rude-"
"Just Sitri is fine. The same with Sean, you can just drop the honorifics," She cut me off, "So White, what's wrong?" Sean did say she hates formalities. and I guess sean doesn't oppose her either. However, I decided to play it safe until they give me proper permission.
"Yes. I was just wondering, but are you perhaps an otherworlder?" I asked in a low tone as I don't want Sophia to hear my question. "Hm? What makes you think that?" She asked back confidently. Observing her body's movement, it didn't seem like she was hiding something.
Otherworldly knowledge and sudden change of interest that I heard from Sean made me draw a small hypothesis, but I didn't want to rush to conclusions so I decided to observe for now. However, although I don't know if serving cold and sweetened tea is normal for this world, it definitely wasn't something I was expecting in a world of gods and monsters.
I know this world only appears to be underdeveloped but is actually pretty advanced with the efficient usage of mana and minerals. Looking at the iced tea alone would make for a faulty deduction as it's possible that this world already produced it without my knowledge, but along with Sean's chatter from yesterday, I can't help but ask her out of curiosity.
"I was just surprised by how knowledgeable you are that it makes one think you're an otherworlder," I said with a joking expression. It wasn't that I don't want to know anymore, but pursuing the topic further might make her uncomfortable.
Furthermore, forcing someone to spill their secrets isn't my thing. More than curiosity, I figured it might give me an idea for my transportation to this world. Although I am not planning to go back to my previous world, I was transported to this world through unknown means.
Means of which may continue to be unknown and bring me back to my world, and that is something I wish to avoid. In short, I need knowledge. If Sitri doesn't want to answer my question, then all I can do is wait for when she can. If she still can't, then I'll let it be since there are supposedly more world travelers out there.
"I see. That does make sense," Sitri responded before drinking her tea.
"Please don't worry about it, I was just genuinely impressed," with a soft smile, I said so before continuing on my meal.
The carriage door suddenly opened as the figure of a drenched Sean called out to me, "White, are you done with breakfast?" For a boy in his early teens, he already looked quite charming with his friendly smile and handsome face. To be honest, both Sean and Sitri looked naturally charming which is surprising for people of noble status.
After all, contrary to tales of nobility, many nobles don't have the looks to back their prestige in real life. Although other countries with different traditions have different styles, it's just hard to find naturally charming nobles.
"Hold on, I'm almost done," I replied, "have you had breakfast?" As if on cue to my question, Sean's stomach began to grumble, causing stifled laughter from Sitri.
"I'll eat later after our game," Sean replied, "I don't want my stomach to hurt while moving after all." From the sword style I saw yesterday, his words do hold meaning. Both our styles are aggressive, but his seems to be more boisterous and focused on strength, while mine is more focused on patience and precision.
"You do have a point with that," I replied before standing up. Grabbing my sword, I remembered my raincoat which supposedly has repulsion properties, but decided not to use it since it's going to make me feel like I'm cheating.
"Not going to finish breakfast?" Sophia asked. "I'll continue later, so don't throw it out." Sitri then placed her cup of tea in the saucer before standing up, "I also want to watch," she said.
As soon as we stepped out of the carriage, the scent of the forest felt calming as the scenic green trees, around the size of twenty-floor story buildings, surrounded the brick clay roads. Despite the humongous trees that were even elevated by the ground, the sunlight looked filtered as a pure white light was shining instead of the normal one.
"Where are we?" I asked out of curiosity. "On the path to Ius Viride of course," Sean answered. "You mean to say we're already this far ahead since the morning?" I asked for confirmation, and Sitri answered, "The carriage has an automatic function, so traveling while we're sleeping is possible. We're still not there though, but I'd say we would reach the next town by before noon. It would have been faster if it wasn't for the damages on the horse though."
The scenic view of green and nature's scent made it feel harmonious, but a stench of blood caught my attention. Turning around, I looked at the back of the carriage where a giant freshly butchered bird was sprawled openly on a folding table.
"Hey, don't you think we should clean that up first?" I asked sean who was already stretching, getting ready for the spar. "Let me handle it," Sitri sighed before responding to do so, "once Sean gets fired up, he won't respond to other things."
Sophia did say that their families are battle maniacs, so I guess that's a no-brainer. I also calmed myself, breathing in and out until my nerves calmed down like flowing water and my sights locked on my opponent.
"Just a sword match?" I asked for confirmation of the rules. "Nope," Sean responded, "Even if your younger than me, I won't hold back so neither should you." What a respectable fellow, I complimented Sean in my head.
Unsheathing my sword, I readied myself for this supposedly friendly spar.