“How’s the view from up there on Skull, Fee?”
“It’s amazing! I can see so far!”
“Hahaha! Right? And you’re looking good too, Skull! It’s about time you got some cool armor of your own!”
As they traveled, Hugo called out to his loyal steed, with Fee perched securely on the horse's back.
Skull, a Magic Beast Skeleton Horse, was currently clad in a suit of black armor that concealed most of his skeletal frame. His gear was finished in the same deep black as the Blaster, and it caught the sunlight with a proud gleam as he trotted forward. Anhel, the woman responsible for the craftsmanship, chimed into the conversation.
“Nice, isn’t it? The design was my own little personal touch. I don’t think there’ll be an issue, but if some fluke caused Skull’s true form to be exposed in broad daylight, it’d be a real headache. I put this together to serve as both sun protection and a disguise.”
“Thanks, Ann! Still, where did you manage to get the materials?”
“Captain Jinba from the Security Force pulled a few strings for me. It’s made of the same micro-particle metal as the Blaster, so in an emergency, it can even be used to replenish any metal your armor is missing.”
“Whoa, that’s incredible...”
The materials themselves might have been common enough, but it must have taken a massive quantity to forge a full suit of barded armor for a horse. Hugo felt a wave of gratitude toward both Jinba for securing the supplies and Anhel for doing the work, but then Anhel leaned in to whisper in his ear.
“...Well, I’ve been so caught up in making this that I’ve been leaving all the Blaster adjustments to Fee lately. I felt responsible for putting such a burden on the kid, so I wanted to do what I could to make up for it.”
“Ann... thanks.”
Hugo felt a renewed sense of appreciation for how much his friends looked out for him and his brother. It wasn't just Anhel; Melt and Marcos had both joined this ingredient-gathering trip as well. Hugo was just beginning to reflect on how lucky he was to have their support when Anhel spoke up again.
“Alright, now I think it’s time I actually test the ride quality of a horse wearing my masterpiece. You stay right where you are, Fee. We’ll ride double.”
“Eh? B-but...”
“Don’t be so shy. You can even lean back and use my chest as a cushion. Or would you rather wrap your arms around your big sister from behind?”
“Hey! Quit casually sexually harassing Fee!”
Hugo barked a retort as she pointedly showed off her ample chest, silently demanding a refund on the sentiment he had just felt for her. Anhel didn’t seem the least bit bothered, letting out a bright, boisterous laugh. Drawn in by the commotion, the others began to join the conversation.
“Oh, why not? I think it would be a rare and valuable experience! Didn’t you have your hopes up just a little, Fee?”
“Wha—?! N-no, I didn’t! Please don’t say such scandalous things, Marcos!”
“Riding double... I’ve always had a bit of a yearning for that! Hey, Hugo! Let’s ride double together later! You in front and me in the back!”
“...They’ve become so accustomed to it that it’s easy to forget, but this thing is a Magic Beast, isn’t it? When one stops to consider the facts, this is a rather bizarre situation...”
“Hehe...! It’s so lively and fun! I’m so glad Hugo-kun’s friends are such delightful people!”
“Ah, President. Sorry for all the noise...”
They were certainly loud, but there was no denying they were a pleasant bunch. Hugo offered a polite reply to Presia, hoping this trip would be a memorable one for Fee. Presia then turned to the boy on the horse, offering him a gentle, maternal smile.
“It’s wonderful that you get to go on a trip with your big brother and your friends! I’ve got plenty of delicious food ready for later, so look forward to it!”
“Y-yes, ma'am! Thank you very much!”
Presia nodded kindly at Fee, who answered shyly but with energy. Hugo watched them, thinking that Fee wouldn't have any trouble getting along with someone as genuinely kind as her. His thoughts were interrupted, however, when Vice President Hao approached him.
“Hugo Clay...! Let me be clear: I haven’t forgiven you, nor do I trust you. If you so much as make the President sad or hurt her in any way, I will slice you into thin rounds right then and there. Understood?”
“Yes, sir...! It’s fine, sir, I’ll keep it in mind! I promise, I will never hurt the President or cause her any grief!”
Even though Hao was roughly the same age as him, Hugo found himself instinctively slipping into formal, polite speech due to a mix of intimidation and lingering guilt. However, even without the warning, Hugo intended to do everything in his power to repay his debt to Presia. He took the threat to heart, determined to live up to the man's expectations.
...Of course, things weren't so simple that a single promise would earn him trust.
As Hugo resumed his chatter with his friends and Presia joined in with a happy smile, Hao watched the group with a sense of lingering trepidation. Finally, he turned and called out to Egos, the man he had personally requested to join them.