Chapter 106 - Travel To The Artic
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Our travel on the way to the [Artic] went smoothly fortunately. Albeit a long and tedious ride, it was pretty fun, nonetheless. We're now a large group consisted of girls with the exception of me. So as expected, the conversation was almost as endless regardless of how many days the travel has been going on. Geez, just how can these girls not lose anything to topic about.
Moreover, I and the others had already experienced how tedious the part of going our way to our destination. After all, even if the scenery was nice, it was not enough to relieve our boredom overall. So, in order to do that, I decided to buy some games to play together with, in which it's—
"
Yep. You probably already guessed what game we're playing. It surprised me greatly that this card existed in this world too. It was also not really that old in my old world. I'll just assume it was created by the Creators who made the Stella Game.
We're all currently riding a horse-drawn carriage. We were very fortunate that someone volunteered to take us even as far into the [Artic] after waiting for only half an hour. Sitting on the carriage, we each sat at the edge, encircling the deck of cards scattered around the floor with the limited space we have. The carriage was for the purpose of transporting goods so we're all sitting on the floor.
"Damn, you guys! You all just going to let her win like that?" Astra who had veins popping out of her forehead exclaimed so. She was holding dozens of cards on her hand, so you already know why.
"Oh, do I hear a word of a loser? Maybe try to focus on how you can reduce your card, won't you?"
"Damn you...!! Hey, you guys. Let's team up and beat this Elf down."
"Geez, just how shameless can you be?!"
"Ahaha..."
Luna, who was watching Lily and Astra exchange verbal jabs can't help but let a bitter laugh. These three and Akari who was silent the whole time were actually only the players left while Me, Seia, and Lemuen had already won since earlier. By the way, out of all the matches we had, I had won in all of it. Haha, git gud, you guys!
"They sure were having fun." Lemuen who was beside me commented so.
Despite the game's purpose of betraying each of your friends in game, the game actually made our relationship closer instead. It lets out our hidden side that we don't show to each other, no matter how close our relationship was. Anyhow, it's just a matter of fact if we'll accept each of other's flaws but I don't need to think about it. They were not that kind of people after all.
"You're right." I replied. Shortly, I noticed Seia who was beside me, resting her head at my shoulder, was watching the girls in a trance.
"..."
Her fox ears were twitching left and right. And for that reason, it's stimulating my impulsive urge to do something about her. Like come on, man. Who doesn't feel a sense of adoration in this?!
The girls were focused on watching the four plays, so I slowly move my mouth towards Seia's ears, making myself unnoticed as possible. Now with my impulse taking control, I blew Seia's twitching ears after.
"Hyah?!?!"
Seia squealed, with both her ears and her three-tails' fur stood up. The girls, along with Uncle Driver was then startled in response and turned to us. Ah... looks like I've caused quite the commotion.
"Sorry," I apologized. "Her ears were twitching at times so I can't help but blow it."
"Sai, you idiot." The poor girl whom I took my incitement with was now covering her ears while she looks at me teary-eyed. "P-Please don't do that again... My ears are quite sensitive, so..."
"Hm, now what do I do?" I teased, then turned to Seia with a smile. "If I felt like it. Hehe."
"Ugh..."
Seia made a very cute groan in response then covered her face with her knee and her fox ears with her hands. Hm, very cute. But well, I've been ignoring it but for a while now, I've been feeling some intense pressure coming from the girls who were glaring at me. And Astra, what's with that grin on your face, huh?
"You sure had a lot on your plate, aren't you? Boy. Even I can feel the ominous pressure in here, you know?" Uncle Driver who was driving the carriage behind me said so. "Ah, youth."
I can't help but laugh bitterly. Our driver heading us towards the [Artic] was an old man. Hence, the Uncle Driver to which the name I call him. It seems like he also had some business in the Wintervale City and came also the time that were also on our way there, so he volunteered to let us ride on his carriage in exchange of protecting him during our travel. So far were hadn't experience any kind of monster attack so all is good.
* * *
Another day had passed, and the travels were still going smoothly. No attacks, malfunction, nothing problematic came fortunately. The sun was about to rise from the horizon when I woke-up from my slumber. During our travels, we made sure we kept a bountiful amount of rest. We're not in a hurry or anything after all. Moreover, were prone to any danger so, a proper rest was a necessary.
"Hm...? —?! This is..."
I gently tap the girls' shoulder one by one. All of them wiped their eyes in response, stretched out their strained body, then opened their eyes slowly after.
"Hm, Master? Was there an attack or—wha?!"
"W-Wow..."
"A-Amazing, isn't it?"
All the girls were jaw dropped in extreme awe as they delightfully look at the sight of what I called them for. Haha, even I was astonished. It truly was a sigh worth experiencing.
A colossal landform of ice—a Snowy Mountain can be seen on the horizon. Its body was covered with fogs added with the stunning crepuscular ray of morning light which added a more feeling into it. There was only one word was that can describe it: Beautiful.
Additionally, below our sight was a place filled with orange light that seems like a fire was breaking out. But if you look carefully, it was actually a giant city with its light still hasn't put off even though its already morning. Or was it intentional, though? Because if you look at it, it gives more an energetic vibe from the city.
"Ah! It's snowing!"
To Luna's energetic remark that I noticed that snow is already started falling. No wonder I'm starting to feel a little bit cold. I guess, were nearing our arrival then.
"So, this is snow..." Lily remarked. "This is the first time I've seen a snow in real life. It's beautiful."
"Yeah!" Luna replied. "I never thought I would be able to experience it in my life. Ehehe."
"Me too, Luna." Seia replied.
"I'm of the same." Akari concur with a faint nod.
"So am I." Astra replied.
"M-Me too!" Lemuen replied.
The girls all nodded vigorously with a smile on their face. Hm, yes. This is it. That's how it should be. I don't want to see them in their depressing state anymore.
Luna and I exchanged glances. In response, Luna gave me the sincerest smile she could ever make. I began my story here meeting Luna in her worst possible state. Seeing her smile right now makes me remember that we've come a long way. Was it because of the beautiful place, perhaps? But I'm feeling a bit emotional in response.
"Since were going on a snow, how about we had a snow fight?" Luna suggested.
"Good suggestion. Let's do it." Lily enthusiastically replied. The others also nodded in agreement.
"Gahaha! What are you guys? A child?" Astra replied.
"What's the harm, Astra? It's not like kids should only play, right?" Lily retorted, then turned to me. "Is that okay, Sai? We're not much in a hurry, right?"
"Yep." I nodded. "Go play wild as much as you want."
""Yay!"" The girls celebrated in unison. Goddangit, these girls... I can only laugh at them in adoration.
"They an energetic bunch, aren't they?" Uncle Driver, who was behind me, said so. When I looked at him, he was smiling about. Yes Uncle, I know how you feel.
"Yes. I really hope it last for a while." I nodded, while hoping for such thing with all my heart. Well, I'm here so I'll make sure that no disaster happened from these girls.
While thinking so, we had finally arrived from our first destination—the Wintervale City.