The dragon carriage ride in this other world was far from smooth.
Though beautiful scenery stretched along their path, Adam couldn't bring himself to care. The uneven road left his bottom numb from constant jolting, and the cushion offered little comfort. Any appreciation for the landscape had been thoroughly dampened by his discomfort.
He was accompanying Natsuki and Emilia to Roswaal's mansion at the border.
Emilia had invited them both to the border count's mansion as thanks for recovering the insignia. Natsuki, eager to stay close to her, had agreed instantly.
Adam had initially planned to seek out Reinhard with Felt, but his concern for Natsuki potentially entering the "Wrath Route" held him back. He'd considered forcibly separating Natsuki from Emilia, but worried the stubborn youth might spiral into some strange IF route, his love twisting into hatred.
With no other options, he'd been forced to yield.
So it's all your fault, world!
"Sigh~" Adam couldn't help but sigh.
"What's wrong? You seem down." Natsuki, who'd been awkwardly chatting with Emilia, noticed and asked about his mood.
Thanks to Adam's intervention, he had avoided injury. Now, sitting in the same carriage as the beautiful girl who occupied his thoughts, he was practically buzzing with energy.
Felt and Old Man Rom had also escaped unharmed, having stayed clear of the battle entirely.
Hearing his concern, Adam waved dismissively and said, "It's nothing, just worried about Felt."
"Felt, huh..." Natsuki paused thoughtfully, then added, "Yeah, I wonder if they'll manage to leave the slums without trouble."
Leaving the slums! That had always been Felt's dream.
Since Reinhard hadn't shown up, Adam seized the chance to help her, suggesting, "Since you're so keen to leave the slums, why not seek out Reinhard at the Sword Saint family?"
Though she seemed doubtful, her determination to escape the slums would drive her forward. Soon enough, he knew, word would spread of "The kingdom's 5th candidate's appearance"!
Adam's scheme would curry favor with both Reinhard and Felt. When the time came, securing a duel with the Sword Saint would be simple.
Besides, visiting Roswaal at the border count's mansion had its perks. The man possessed an unmatched mastery of magic and affinities — and they were practically being invited right to him!
Addressing Natsuki's concerns, Adam, privy to Felt's true identity, replied cryptically, "Don't worry, when that kid shows up again, you won't believe your eyes."
Then he turned to Emilia.
"Emilia, you don't have much time left."
"Eh?" The statement caught her off guard.
She remained oblivious to her predicament.
The 5th candidate's emergence would hasten the Royal Selection. As a silver-haired half-elf, Emilia faced inherent disadvantages, lagging even behind the yet-to-appear Felt.
The little girl's royal bloodline granted her natural advantages. Even lacking experience and power, she had Reinhard's formidable Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories.
Emilia, however, stood alone without foundation, constantly undermined by those closest to her.
Roswaal, her supposed Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories.
Ram's loyalty lay with Roswaal, and Rem's with Ram.
Even Natsuki, who genuinely wanted to help, was like a ticking bomb — one misstep could spell disaster for both Emilia and the world.
Honestly, one had to wonder whether Natsuki or Emilia should be the desperate one.
Good grief! Her entire team was full of actors, without a single trustworthy soul among them!
"Sigh~" Adam sighed again.
A headache was building as he contemplated what lay ahead.
This time, even Emilia grew concerned and asked, "Are you alright? I know Healing Magic — would you like me to help treat you?"
Her expression was genuine and unguarded, showing sincere worry for him.
To show such concern for someone she'd just met, what a good child... No, she's over 100 years old!!!
"No, no problem." Thinking of her actual age, Adam laughed awkwardly and waved his hands dismissively.
"Really? You look unwell — are you sure you're okay?" Emilia's motherly questioning was endearing, the kind anyone would appreciate.
Natsuki chimed in with his own worry, "That's right! Carter, if you're not feeling well you must say so, you're our biggest contributor!"
"No need, I'm fine, don't worry. Just tired from fighting the Bowel Hunter — I'll be better after some rest."
Only after his reassurance did Emilia finally relax.
Adam had buried her in the deepest part of the slums where no one ventured. He'd done it with his own hands, claiming it was "respect given to the strong".
The dragon carriage continued its journey.
Natsuki, experiencing the giddy throes of first love, attempted awkward conversation with Emilia while Adam closed his eyes to rest.
When he opened his eyes again, they had arrived at the border count's mansion. Despite the late hour, two maids stood waiting at the entrance for Emilia's return.
With his keen eyesight, Adam could make out their features clearly from afar.
They were unmistakably twins!
Both stood about 150cm tall with neck-length hair, though they differed in color and style — one with pink hair, bangs covering her left eye, the other with blue hair covering her right. They shared large eyes and delicate pink lips, their features soft and endearing rather than striking.
Their attire was classic maid uniform — black dresses with frilled aprons and white headdresses.
Though nearly identical, the blue-haired maid had a slightly more generous figure than her pink-haired sister.
The dragon carriage came to a halt in the mansion's courtyard.
The maids spoke in perfect unison.
"Welcome back, Emilia!" x2
"Ram, Rem, I'm back." Emilia greeted them and gestured to her companions, "These two are my benefactors. Please show them to their rooms — I'll explain everything to Roswaal."
After instructing the maids, she turned to her guests.
"It's late now. Shall we talk tomorrow?"
Adam and Natsuki nodded in agreement.
Ram and Rem stepped forward, "Please , guests."
The group entered the mansion.
The residence was every bit a count's manor, with centuries of history woven into its grandeur. Ornate chandeliers hung at regular intervals, precious artifacts adorned the halls, and each room showcased masterful craftsmanship in its design.
The opulence was almost overwhelming!
Yet neither the young boy nor the young man showed any surprise as they followed the maids to their quarters.
They were given separate rooms on opposite sides of the hall.
"Please rest well, guests." x2
With that, the maids departed swiftly.
After bidding goodnight, Adam settled into the plush bed...
But sleep eluded him!
Insomnia had struck again. He longed for his body pillow...
After tossing and turning in the large bed, he muttered to himself, "Time to sleep — tomorrow morning I'll wake up to beautiful maids providing surround-sound service."
With this comforting thought, he gradually drifted into dreamland.
"Wake up! Carter, wake up!"
But instead of the maids' gentle voices, an unexpected sound jolted him awake.
Through his drowsy haze, he heard the desperate words.
"Please, Carter! Help me!" That's what he said.
In an instant, Adam snapped fully awake!
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