Chapter 294: The True Ident.i.ty of the Curse (1/2)

That was really fast [Ryouma]

Though we would rest from time to time too, we spent about half the day flying. The dragon landed us some ways away from the northern side of Gimuru City. It was only when I saw the city gates that it really dawned on me that we were back, showing just how amazingly quick the dragon was.

It took me half a month to get to Teressa on foot, yet it didnt even take us a day to get back. Even taking into consideration how I took on quests so I could rank up while traveling, it still wasnt a distance I could have covered on my own this quickly.

Ive flown plenty of times in my past life, and its quite a surprise to find that there exists a creature that could rival the size and speed of airplanes. No wonder monster beasts are used for the transport of people and goods. In fact, I think flying on dragonback might actually be more comfortable and rea.s.suring than flying on a plane.

Not to mention that that magnificent dragon that inspires such awe is currently rubbing its head on Reinbach-samas head as though it couldnt bear to part. I havent forgotten that its dangerous, but seeing it like this, its kind of adorable.

Thank you for your hep. Make sure you get a lot of rest now. [Reinbach]

A moment after Reinbach-sama said that, the dragon disappeared on the spot as though it was an illusion of sort. Is that summoning magic? Ive never heard or seen someone being able to use Monster Taming to summon a familiar.

I have seen the madam summon a large wolf in the past, but apparently, summoning magic doesnt quite allow for the same degree of communication as monster taming does. From how the dragon and Reinbach-sama were acting during the flight and just now, it doesnt seem like theyre able to understand to that same depth indeed. Perhaps, theyre communicating through another method kind of like how I managed to come up with my Slime Magic. But if so, then how?

Now then, shall we head to the city? [Schieber]

The carriage is ready. [Sebasu]

Oh, right. The sun is still up. We could have flown much further up, but we intentionally got off here because we needed to check my curse as fast as possible. If I dawdle around here, there wont have been any point then.

We all entered the carriage that Sebasu-san prepared, then the carriage took off. We should be able to make it to the gates within 10 minutes.

Reinbach-sama, thank you for giving me a ride. If not for you, I wouldnt have been able to make it back this quickly. [Ryouma]

Ive been in your debt a lot lately, so really, theres no need to be reserved, Ryouma-kun. More importantly, are you really certain that the Gimuru church is your best option? [Reinbach]

Yes, I could most likely confirm it best there. [Ryouma]

There were a lot of things that I had to deal with upon getting back, but first up on my list was of course my curse. Because I need to know if Im still cursed, and if I am, I need to have it dispelled quickly. Theyd suggested a list of people that could be trusted from shamans to exorcists and clergymen, and normally, we would have had to go with one of those, but I suggested a fourth option.

I still cant believe that you could actually receive an oracle from the G.o.ds. Certainly wasnt expecting to hear that one from you. [Reinbach]

It can be done because hes a Child of the G.o.ds, but as Ive said many times, be sure not to let this matter spread, okay? Most especially not to the upper bra.s.s of the church, if they find out, its bound to become a problem. [Remilie]

I wouldnt want any of that of course, so Ill be sure to be careful. [Ryouma]

Before long, our carriage made it to the northern gate, and the highest ranking guard present received us. We could see the city from the dragon, so it was only natural that the guards of the northern gate would have also noticed us.

But of course, with the family crest on the carriage, Sebasu-san, Reinbach-sama, and even me as I was already a known face here the gate check concluded with just a few words. It was curious if there were even any point to him showing up. I felt sorry for him, but thats just how his job goes, it cant be helped.

Were headed for the church, so I better make myself as presentable as I can. I cleaned myself with the cleaner slime, then I put away my armor and weapons. There werent any rules against bringing weapons, but Id rather not.

Ryouma-chan, can you lend me that slime? [Remilie]

Sure thing! [Ryouma]

And so, we made it to the church. The nun, Bell-san, stood in front of the gate. She was surprised to see the carriage of the dukes family, and she respectfully bowed to Reinbach-sama and the others. She immediately let us in to the chapel. And as for our excuse, we reasoned that since we managed to safely complete our journey, we wanted to offer our thanks to the G.o.ds. Well, its not a lie.

There were other guests inside the chapel, so we quietly entered the room so as to not bother them. As I sat myself on one of the chairs at the corner, that familiar light enveloped me, and I found my consciousness entering the divine realm.

Hmm? [Ryouma]

When the light ceased, I was back in that unchanging white s.p.a.ce. Gayn, Kufo, and Rurutia were there. There have been other G.o.ds recently too, so it was unusual to see only the three of them around. But what was really unusual was that they themselves seemed strange today for some reason.

Usually, they would greet me with a gentle smile, but right now, they were looking at me with suspicion and confusion. Above all, there was a heavy and gloomy atmosphere in the s.p.a.ce. It might have been because of something I did, but they werent saying anything. In fact, it felt like they couldnt speak even if they wanted to.

I didnt really understand what was going on, so I just steeled myself and spoke.

Whats the matter? Did something happen? [Ryouma]

To be more precise, something is in the middle of happening. [Kufo]

Ryouma-kun, did you do anything weird? Youre giving off a really strange aura right now. [Rurutia]

Oh, that might actually be related to what I came here for. [Ryouma]

In that case, lets hear you out first. [Gayn]

With Gayns encouragement, I started talking, and I explained the events that transpired at the Town of Departed Spirits, and as evidence, took out the curious rock lump that contained the magic gem from my Item Box. The moment I did, the expression on them transformed from pondering to grim.

Hand it over now. [Gayn]

Gayn said in a heavy and authoritative voice Id never heard from him before. Though surprised, I obediently handed it over all the same, and the lump of rock began to float on its own and approach Gayns hand, then Gayn distanced himself from me and surrounded it with Kufo and Rurutia.

Sorry, but excuse us for a bit. [Rurutia]

Rurutia said in a gentle tone. Apparently, they didnt have the leisure to entertain me right now, so I didnt ask anything and just kept quiet so as to not get in their way. That was all I could do anyhow.

From how theyre reacting, I guess it really was something bad. Welp, now Im worried.