Even if I did make the trip, I could use my portal to return to the village at night. With daily reports, things would still be manageable.

“I guess we might as well go, then.”

“I thought you might say that!”

“Raphtalia, Filo, and everyone else, too! Gather ’round over here for a minute.”

I called everyone, and they came swarming over.

“I’m going to be leaving for Zeltoble in just a bit, so I’ll be away from the village during the day. I’ll be taking Filo and . . .”

Honestly, if I just went with Filo at first, I could bring anyone else I needed afterward.

“Raphtalia, you’re in charge of the village during the daytime.”

“Huh? You’re leaving me behind?”

“Heh heh heh . . . big sis gets to house-sit!”

“Rafu!”

Before I knew it, I ended up taking Filo and Raph-chan with me. Well, I guess I wouldn’t have a means of transportation without Filo.

“It’s only for a week, and only during the daytime. So relax.”

“But still . . .”

“With how busy we’ve been, we’ve been split up more and more lately, right? I’m leaving things up to you because I know I can count on you.”

Or was it me that Raphtalia was worried about?

“Understood. If anything comes up, please return immediately.”

“If it really bugs you that much, then you can just come with us every now and then.”

“You’re right. With such a convenient teleportation skill, there’s no reason not to make use of it.”

I’d be coming back each night, so Raphtalia could either go with us or stay here, depending on the day.

“Alright, we’ll be back.”

“Safe travels, Mr. Naofumi!”

And so I accepted the slave trader’s invitation and we set out for Zeltoble.

Chapter Ten: Zeltoble

Chapter Ten: Zeltoble

Our journey went smoothly, and we arrived at the capital city of Zeltoble.

“Pretty lively place.”

We made our way noisily through the city’s bustling streets. Even the Melromarc castle town wasn’t this lively. Once we arrived, I went back and fetched Raphtalia and Rishia, of course. There was plenty to be uncertain about, and I wanted to be able to fight if needed. It didn’t really feel so much like we had traveled to a faraway place, since we were returning to the village at night.

As for Zeltoble, how should I describe it? The country was full of stone coliseum-looking buildings that really stood out.

“What kind of country is Zeltoble, anyway? I don’t really know anything about it.”

“Well, then, allow me to explain! Yes sir!”

The slave trader began his explanation, full of excitement.

“Zeltoble is known as the country of merchants and mercenaries. Just like it sounds, the country runs on mercantilism and the mercenary business.”

“Yeah, I got that impression.”