Afterwards, we meet up with Zanoba at the city entrance.
Basically, most of our baggage has already been sent to Shirone Kingdom. We're traveling light.
Just a change of clothes.
As courtesy, I'm also carrying Roxy's luggage.
There are roughly seven holy relics[7] among them.
They must be carried with the utmost respect.
Cliff also came to the city entrance to see us off.
"Sorry, Rudeus... I really want to go, but..."
Cliff wants to come, but he has a family to look after.
I can understand.
Also he's not like me, always globetrotting like I already dropped out of school.
"Cliff-senpai... Please help out if my family is in need."
"Em. Rudeus, take care of Zanoba."
"I will."
With that said, Cliff turns to face Zanoba.
"Zanoba. I thought about your patriotism."
"Well, it's not really patriotism."
"... But Zanoba, please listen carefully. Milis-sama once said..."
Then Cliff went on and on preaching to Zanoba in the typical Milis style.
Is it fair to call him preachy?
I was on the receiving end of that often too.
But this is a life and death situation, so I can understand.
Zanoba can only listen and smile wryly.
In one ear and out the other.
I glance around while pretending to listen, and saw Elinalise and Roxy talking among themselves.
"Roxy. Please take care of Rudi. That kid can crumble under pressure..."
"You don't have to tell me."
Worrying about me?
I can understand worrying about Lara crying.
But besides that I can't think of any other reason to worry about me.
"When he gets depressed, push him down like last time. Don't forget."
"Oh, well... I don't think Rudi will repeat a mistake like that."
"Well, this journey could be a good educational opportunity. You're still producing milk, right? Try some new plays while your body's still different, it could be... hot." [8]
"Rudi might like it, but I won't."
I trust Roxy with her words, but...
Sorry, I'm the kind that repeats my mistakes.
If, hypothetically, Zanoba dies, it's not impossible that I'll fall apart again. [9]
Well, maybe Elinalise is just joking around to loosen Roxy up.
Yeah, I'll go with that.
Elinalise is the same as always, even after giving birth.
Only dirty jokes whenever she speaks.
Hopefully she'll restrain herself when educating her child.
"Well, I'm going."
"Ah, come back safe."