"Sound is a vibration of air. Realizing that manipulating sound is essentially manipulating air, I sought a way to inject a slight shockwave and succeeded. Moreover, the louder the sound, the more powerful it becomes. Just like a loud noise can break windows and eardrums, excessive sound can produce enough force to destroy objects."
"You really are a genius."
"Your words are too kind. I will continue to refine my skills and contribute to your path of conquest."
"…Path of conquest? What are you talking about?"
It's troublesome dealing with people who underestimate me and those who overestimate me.
"By the way, Crow-sama. I’d like to compile a report soon on the consequences of reclaiming land from the lake at Blue Dragon, considering the increase in rice fields but also the loss of water sources. I’ve never actually visited Blue Dragon, so I’d like to see it with my own eyes before writing the report and preparing alternatives."
"Alternatives?"
"It’s true that losing a water source is not desirable, but the current food situation isn’t great. It’s partly due to the amateurish land development by the local lords, but a large-scale agricultural reform is urgently needed."
"Okay."
He’s long-winded and roundabout.
"So, I want to propose a method to increase farmland without reclaiming the lake. Therefore, I’d like to ride on the so-called Pegasus, the flying horse."
"Ah, I see. You want me to take you to Blue Dragon and scout for potential farmland from the air?"
"Exactly."
"Sure, let's go right away."
"Are you sure? I was hoping to depart as soon as possible."
"Yeah, I’m free anyway. I doubt there’s much I can help with, though."
"Then, let’s depart immediately."
Platanus said, and I was about to get up when,
"Wait a minute! Crow, you’re planning to go with just Platanus?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Don’t 'yeah' me, you idiot! It’s dangerous!"
Indeed, it would be risky if we ran into enemies while away, even with Platanus's strength.At least, it feels like it would be better to bring along two of the saintly sword users.
Since taking Shion out of the royal capital often causes a stir, it's probably better not to take her away too much.
"Hmm... Instructor Catolea, do you imply that I alone am insufficient as Crow's guard? Then, shall we take Saffron with us? I have fought alongside her several times, so it's easier to coordinate."
After being betrayed during their cooperation before, it's surprising he could say that.
"So, me, Platanus, and Saffron as a trio then..."
"Wait, wait, wait! Isn't that even more dangerous?"
"More dangerous?"
I don't understand why Instructor Catolea thinks having one more guard makes it more dangerous.
While I'm puzzled by her words,
"You're really an idiot, aren't you! Both Platanus and Saffron tried to kill you, didn't they? What are you thinking, going on a trip with just those two!"
Instructor Catolea bursts out in anger.
"Ah, I see what you mean. But I don't really doubt those two."
When I said that, Instructor Catolea was speechless with her mouth half open, and Platanus looked almost touched.
It's not like I fully trust them, but in my case, anticipating a comrade's betrayal is pointless.
Since there's nothing I can do myself, I decided to continue using my killer technique of "delegating everything." Well, it's not like I thought hard about it.
"Such a broad-minded trust in those who were once hostile... You indeed have the qualities of a great king that I envishioned. I will work hard enough to meet your trust."
"Wait! I still don't trust you! I'll be the one going with you!"
"My, my... Instructor Catolea, you are a bit overprotective of Crow, aren't you?"
"Shut it! If you try anything funny with Crow, I'll burn you to ashes!"
"Haha... And you're too presumptuous. In a one-on-one fight, do you still not understand who would win?"
"Ah? Don't underestimate me! I haven't even fought seriously yet."
It's not pleasant.
Watching my instructor and senior bicker like this.It's a shame that it comes down to my weakness.
"Amazing! To travel the world at such altitude and speed! This view is befitting of a world ruler!"
"Don't lean out, it's dangerous!"
"This is unbelievable! An astonishing experience! I feel like a character from a fairy tale!"
"That's why I'm telling you not to lean out, you'll fall off!"
"Instructor Catolea!"
"What?"
"Where are we heading now?"
"We're going to Blue Dragon, you know that!"
"I didn't mean it that way. I'm wondering to what extent we, who have joined under Crow, will be able to influence the world?"
"Like I know! Stop talking nonsense!"
While I was operating the Pegasus Sword from the coachman's seat, I listened to the conversation between Platanus, who was getting high in the carriage, and Instructor Catolea with half-closed eyes.
Holly, sitting beside me, looked at me and said,
"You really have a lot of eccentrics around you. Why don't normal people come near you?"
How rude. The biggest eccentric here is you, I thought, but I kept silent.
By the way, on our way to Blue Dragon, every time we discovered untouched forests or wetlands,
"Incredible! I didn't realize there was so much untouched land left!"
"Will you calm down!"
"Crow! Leave it to me! There are still places in this world suitable for rice fields! And we only know this because we can fly! Hahaha!"
"Calm down, Platanus!"
Platanus and Instructor Catolea repeated such conversations.
When we reached Blue Dragon, we first headed to Iris's family home to stop their opposition to the lake reclamation and halt their burgeoning rebellious actions.
Since Catolea, who was all set for the reclamation, and Platanus, who started surveying the lake with a boat without permisshion, were utterly useless, I had to politely explain that I came to investigate for the king's approval to halt the reclamation work, that it wasn't a survey for reclamation, so I didn't want any interference, and that causing more commotion would worsen our impresshion, so I hoped they would behave quietly.As usual, Iris's father, who looks intimidating but speaks in a soft voice, said,
"...I understand... We'll trust Crow, who solved the water shortage issue," in a barely audible voice. He even arranged accommodations for us.
Well, since Platanus will handle everything, it should be easy from here.
I had no idea what to do for the lake survey, and I couldn't just laze around at the lodging. So, Instructor Catolea and I got a separate boat from the one Platanus was using and drifted on the lake.
During that time, for some reason, Instructor Catolea seemed downcast and awkward.
"...? Instructor? Is something wrong?"
"...Until you see it yourself, you don't really understand what kind of lake it is."
"What?"
Prompted by her comment, I looked over the lake from the boat.
Indeed, as Iris and Platanus mentioned, depending on the direction, the lake spans over five kilometers from shore to shore. It's vast.
Around it, wetlands spread out, teeming with various plants.
In these wetlands, herds of deer and waterfowl could be seen living.
There seemed to be a variety of aquatic life and plenty of wildlife.
Seemingly excited, Holly, who's always near me, started flying a bit away from the boat over the water surface. Well, it's hard to talk with her when Instructor Catolea is around.
"If we had reclaimed this place, it could have been irreversibly disastrous."
"That's why we're trying to stop it, right? Platanus will take care of the rest."
Instructor Catolea, looking downcast and dispirited, appeared even smaller than usual.
"Maybe Iris is disgusted with me, an impulsive person like me."
"Huh."
So, Instructor Catolea was worried about the argument she had with Iris. It's just a difference in opinion, which is quite common. She's quick to anger, cries easily, and regresses to childlike behavior.
She's actually quite sensitive. Although, fundamentally, she's scary.
"Instructor Catolea, you're the type to worry and regret things later?"