Cave King – 259

Chapter 259 – It was familiar!

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After finding a new teleportation gate, we returned once to Sheorl, and reported to Baris and Rienna of what we had seen on the other side.

In the palace meeting room, Baris said,

“When we came out on the other side, we were at the bottom of a frozen lake. And on top there was a vast world of ice that stretched as far as the eye could see… A sight I have missed after living in the southern country that is Sheorl.”
“Snow… Yes, I had missed that. I cannot imagine it snowing in Sheorl.”

Rienna said with a smile.

Neither showed much surprise, compared to when they heard about the other teleport destinations.
It was because they had seen snow on the Barleon continent.
I was the same. I had seen snow covered towns in Sanfaris.
This was not like Arancia, where we could tell at a glance that it was a far away and strange place.

I nodded and said,

“It was nostalgic for me as well. And very cold…”

Just thinking about it made my body shiver.
That was how cold it had looked.

“Back to the topic at hand. This teleportation connects to the north. And so it must be the Elto continent or the Barleon continent. However, Roydon, the earth dragon, told me that the Elto continent has few plants and many volcanic eruptions.”
“In that case, it is more likely to be the Barleon continent.”

I nodded at Rienna.

“Aye. However, there are only a few places with snow during this season in Barleon. Not only that, but the lake was frozen… It would either have to be the northern territories with lots of mountains, or some other northern country.”
“If it is Barleon, then that would be perfect. If we are lucky, we might be able to meet up with Ms. Leila. As for the other broken teleportation gate…”

Baris said, and then Shiel answered with the translation device.

“There was a report from Mr. Mappa earlier. He says it was repaired, but was not functional. It is likely that the gate on the other side is broken.”
“I see. Still, Mappa sure works quickly.”

Baris was impressed as he turned to me.

“Regardless, I suppose we should check the destination of the gate we can use then.”
“Aye. And so…”
“I suppose you want to investigate it yourself. And if possible, speak with your father… But if we are going to meet the king of Sanfaris, I do agree that it would be right for Lord Heal to go himself.”
“I think so too. I know the Sanfaris territories, so it will be easier to travel. Please leave it to me.”
“I have no objections. However, please take the princess and Fule with you this time as well.”
“Aye. I was thinking about doing that. Rienna and Fule were with me in Sylpheum. It would be best to have people who are used to this. Are you fine with that, Rienna?”

I turned to her and she nodded immediately.

“Of course! I shall protect you again, Lord Heal!”
“Th-thank you. I will also prioritize you and Fule’s safety. As for transportation, we should not let people see the Mado Armors. And so I intend to walk.”

Baris answered.

“I agree with that. However, it will also be dangerous to walk in mountains and forests covered in snow. Even though you have powerful magic, it will be important to prepare carefully and have the right equipment. I will leave that to you, princess.”
“Of course. I will provide new clothes that can withstand the cold. After all, we used to travel in the forest during the winter as well.”

Rienna had originally been a goblin who lived in the forest.
And they traveled across the Barleon continent while looking for a safe land to live in.
So she had experience with living in the snow.

“Thank you. I do not have much knowledge about that.”

I answered, and Baris laughed.

“Do not worry. The princess makes coats of straw that are very durable and warm. You could get through the whole winter with them.”
“Hehe. I don’t know if I’ll be making them from straw this time, but they will still keep Lord Heal warm.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”

And then Baris turned to me again.

“Now then, just like with Sylpheum, I will devise a plan to support your team from the back. A base will be set up, so that we can make reports to each other daily.”
“Like when we went to Langs from Sylpheum. But, do we have enough teleportation stones?”
“We have recovered the stones placed between Sylpheum and Langs. Right now, we have Mado Armors patrolling that valley and ensuring that it stays safe. Besides, there is now an underground tunnel connecting the two places.”
“I see. So there is no problem then.”
“Yes. Please leave it all to us.”

Said Baris, and then Shiel opened her mouth.

“I shall continue with the plans for digging towards the other teleportation gates and facilities.”
“Aye, thank you. Take your time.”
“Hehe. I know you are looking forward to digging as well, but I think we should find them as soon as possible.”

Shiel said playfully.

“Alright then. It will be a race. If we can come back before Shiel is finished.”

Baris was also used to this.
He protected everyone while I was gone before, so there was nothing to worry about.

“Baris, Shiel… Sorry to ask this of you again. But take care of Sheorl. And send everyone my regards.”

Baris nodded.

“Yes. We promise to protect Sheorl. And please be careful, Lord heal.”

I nodded back.

And like that, we decided to go on another expedition.

Rienna and Fule, with the help of the other familiars, started to prepare our gear.
In the meantime, I decided to dig with Shiel, in order to get closer to the last remaining gate.

And then three days later, I, Fule and Rienna climbed aboard the Mappa Go.

Baris and the others waved at us on the pier as the Mappa Go sank into the water.

Once again, Mappa was piloting the vessel.
And aside from us, some dolls including Number 15 were here as well.

They would support us from behind.

As the Mappa Go went deeper underwater, I called to Number 15 and the others.

“I’ll be counting on you again.”
“Yes! Be careful, Lord Heal.”

Number 15 and the others bowed.

After that, Number 15 looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“Huh? What is it?”
“Ah, please excuse me.”

Number 15 bowed.
I never saw Number 15 look like that before…

“You don’t have to apologize. If you notice something, say it without hesitation. Could it be…that I have that scary face again? Like I did when I was always digging?”
“I have never seen that face, so I do not know… In any case, you looked different from before, Lord Heal.”
“Re-really?”
“But it is just the foolish ramblings of a doll. Please forget it.”

They had Heart Stones as cores, but judging by Borthion, they did have emotions.
Perhaps it sensed some difference in me.

“While I don’t know about my face, I do feel a little different. Compared to before, I have the goal of meeting with my father. In Sylpheum, we were scouting and investigating an unknown land, so this will be easier. Of course, we still don’t know for sure that it is the Barleon continent…but I am not afraid.”

I said, and Rienna looked at me carefully.
…It was a little embarrassing.

“…Yes, I can see the difference as well. Unlike when we first met, I see no anxiety in you at all.”
“Ah, I think so too! You are more confident and dashing…”

Fule said as she looked at me.
If that was true, I would be quite happy…

However, her expression quickly changed to something more conflicted.

“…Or not.”
“I see…”
“In-in any case, it is definitely different! Perhaps the princess is right, and you are less afraid.”
“Well, if a leviathan appeared in front of me now, I would be scared…”

There were plenty of things that scared me.
And made me anxious.

“We are the same… Uh, how can I describe it.”

Rienna had a rare, thoughtful expression.
Well, I did not have a mirror to see myself, so I could say nothing.

“…Well, even if I’m scared, I never think that something is too much to overcome now. Perhaps it is because you two and the others are with me.”

I said, and their expressions brightened.

“Lord Heal, you do know how to lighten the mood.”

Fule said as she elbowed me in the ribs.

Rienna was tearful for some reason.

“Lord Heal… There is no wall we cannot overcome when we are with you! We shall succeed with this expedition and return to Sheorl safely!”

It seemed a little overblown, but we couldn’t lower our guard either.

I nodded and answered them.

“…Aye. Let’s get this over with and return home.”

Eventually, the Mappa Go began to rise again.
Our surroundings brightened, and we could see that world of platinum from the window again.

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