“Alright, shall we go!”

With a mithril adventurer's tag hanging from my neck, I step out of the Imperial Capital’s guild. A similar mithril tag hangs from Rio’s neck, and gleaming mithril tags dangle from Nir’s and Phonia’s necks as well.

“Which way should we go?”

“Hmm… Hey, Phonia, Ivan, is there anywhere you want to go?”

I pass Rio’s question along directly to the two of them.

“Nah, I don’t really know what’s where, so anywhere’s fine.”

“Me too~”

“I see. Then next… how about the mountains?”

“The mountains?”

“Yeah. We’ve had our fill of seafood here, so I thought next we could enjoy some mountain fare.”

“That sounds nice. Let’s go to the mountains then.”

Responding to Ivan’s question, I recall the map we saw at the guild. If I remember right, there was a large mountain range on the border between the empire to the west and the Arclight Kingdom. There should also be a mountainous region further along after crossing east through the empire into the mercantile nation.

Heading near the kingdom isn’t an option.

“Let’s go east.”

“Alright.”

Looks like Rio has no objections. There should be another country beyond the mercantile nation as well, so let’s head that way.

“Well, I don’t mind wherever we’re going, but… are we really leaving the Imperial Capital now?”

We had just decided on the direction, but Ivan furrows his brows anxiously.

It’s nearing evening. Normally, no one would consider leaving the city with night approaching. Normally.

“Of course. We’ll get a place to stay in the next town before sunset, so don’t worry.”

“Huh?”

“Eh?”

“Ahaha, it’s fine, really. Let’s head to the east gate for now.”

“Ugh… Well, if you say so…”

He clearly doesn’t look convinced, but he still follows us, grumbling.

By the time we pass through the affluent district and arrive at the east gate, the setting sun is starting to paint the sky red. Hardly anyone else seems to be heading out at this time, and while the gatekeeper warned us, we weren’t stopped.

“...We didn’t really prepare for a journey or anything. Is that okay?”

“What are you talking about, Ivan-nii? We didn’t have any luggage to begin with.”

Of course, Phonia’s remark doesn’t reach Ivan. We’re leaving with nothing but the clothes on our backs, but we could’ve picked up travel supplies on our way to the gate. That must be what Ivan is referring to.

We are empty-handed too, after all.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got the tools we’ll need.”

“Ah, that’s right… You’re the one who can use spatial magic.”

Yes, indeed. I even carry the Sea Emperor Turtle with me, you know.

Looking at the line of people waiting to enter the city, we step out onto the highway. Grasslands stretch out to the south, with forests visible in the distance. To the north are more grasslands, but the vegetation grows sparse and gives way to a wasteland. The road runs straight through this borderland heading east.

“Hey, we’re not actually going to walk all the way like this, right?”

Once we’re alone, Ivan finally speaks up.

“Of course not. I think it’s about time.”

“Right. Then, around here…”

Exchanging a glance with Rio, she pulls a small hut out of her interdimensional box by the roadside.

“...Nothing surprises me anymore.”

“Phonia, let’s change back to your humanoid form.”

“Eh? Okay, got it.”

I ignore Ivan’s comment and call out to Phonia, who responds cheerfully and begins transforming into her humanoid form. Naturally, she’s stark naked.

“I changed into my humanoid form!”

She spreads her arms and legs to show off the transformation.

“Phonia-chan! I even set up a changing room for you!”

Looking away in an entirely different direction at Rio’s cry, I think to myself that maybe it’s time she developed some sense of shame. Though, I guess she’s still a child after all.

“Maybe I should’ve explained what the building was first…”

Rio takes Phonia into the changing room, so I leave that to her.

“So, what now?”

Still looking toward the building where Phonia is probably changing, Ivan asks.

“I was thinking you’d ride on Nir’s back.”

“Wafu~”

Nir lets out a dissatisfied-sounding whine, but he doesn’t seem to actually mind.

“...Which means Phonia too, right?”

“Yeah, probably. I mean, either Rio or I could carry her, though.”

Since humanoid Phonia is small, it should be fine. In terms of clinging on, it might be better for her to ride on one of us than Nir. Nir has soft fur, but there’s a risk of slipping.

“Make sure to hold on tight so you don’t fall.”

Ivan approaches Nir slowly, but I start to think it might be too much. Nir is the size of a large dog, but Ivan is also pretty big himself.

“...Can I really ride this?”

“Ah, don’t worry. Nir, could you get a little bigger?”

“Wafu.”

As if to say “Fine, I guess,” Nir grows to a size that should be big enough for Ivan to ride. Probably around 150 centimeters tall. A bit smaller than the earlier Phonia.

“He got bigger…”

“Nir’s original size is around seven to eight meters, so I think he can scale up to that if needed.”

“H-huh…”

Ivan widens his eyes in surprise, but replies in a tone that pretends to be unfazed.

“Ah, Nir’s gotten big!”

Just then, Phonia returns from the changing room. She’s wearing a cute cream-colored one-piece dress with frills. The mithril tag around her neck looks like a choker and doesn’t feel out of place. At a glance, people probably wouldn’t even think she’s a familiar.

“Alright, Phonia, you too—get on Nir.”

“Okay!”

She runs over happily, and Nir crouches to make it easier to climb on.

Ivan gets on first and then takes Phonia’s outstretched hand to help her up in front of him.

“Alright, looks like we’ll be able to move at nearly the same pace as before.”

“Yes. As long as Phonia-chan doesn’t get scared…”

“Ah—well, I think she’ll be fine.”

I mutter optimistically while watching Phonia squeal with excitement.

“Fufu, let’s get going then.”

“Yeah. Alright, Nir, let’s go!”

“Wafu!”

“Let’s gooo!”

As I take off into the sky, Nir follows suit, pushing off the air and dashing into the sky.

“Eh… wha? EHHHH!? WHY!? WHAT IS THIS!?”

“Wow! Amazing, amazing!”

Ivan screams in panic while Phonia is thrilled. Yup, looks like we’re good to go.

“Nobody told me about this!”

Leaving screams trailing in the skies above the highway, we departed the Imperial Capital.