Once we passed through the teleportation gate, we arrived in the Hydra Kingdom in an instant. Since it wasn't currently the season for any major events, the gate wasn't crowded, and we were able to transfer without much of a wait.
The moment we stepped out, the distinct, briny scent of the sea and the roar of the crowds washed over us.
"As expected, the Hydra Kingdom is lively no matter how many times I visit."
"Calling it one massive harbor town might be more accurate," Falce-san noted. "The markets near the sea are bustling every day. The Hydra Kingdom has several innovative systems; for instance, the tax rate is lower than in other nations, and the conditions are set up to make it easy for individuals to open shops. That accessibility makes it a great place to start a business. However, because of that, the kingdom tends to be filled with individual and small-to-medium-scale shops, while large merchant guilds are relatively rare."
"I see. It certainly feels that way."
In the Hydra Kingdom, the power lay with the citizens. Conversely, the nobles were little more than figureheads with almost no real authority. People even whispered that the nobility might eventually be abolished entirely; it truly seemed to be the most progressive country in the Human Realm.
Coming from another world, I found this atmosphere much easier to settle into.
As I walked down the street lost in thought, a familiar old man approached us. It was Laguna-san, wearing the same disguise she’d used when we first met.
"Falce-san, it looks like your ride is here."
"Ah, so it seems. Her Transformation Magic is as poor as ever... anyone with a decent grasp of magic would spot the discrepancy instantly. Well, she’s a hardcore vanguard type, so I suppose it can’t be helped."
"Noin-san mentioned she wasn't very good at Recognition Inhibition, either."
"Magic always comes with its share of strengths and weaknesses. I may be called a 'Sage,' but that doesn't mean I can use every kind of spell. I specialize in Nature Magic and earth magic. On the other hand, I’m quite poor with Fire."
Falce-san had clearly recognized Laguna-san immediately and gave a wry smile. Laguna-san, realizing we had spotted her, gave us a subtle signal with her finger.
I assumed she was gesturing for us to follow her to a more secluded spot. Laguna-san was a king who boasted an incredible approval rating and was a beloved figure within her borders. She had been in disguise when I first met her, too; she probably found it impossible to walk around in public without being swamped.
We followed the disguised Laguna-san through a series of alleys until we reached a deserted stretch of the seaside. Only then did she drop her disguise.
"Phew... Kaito, my apologies. I've caused you a lot of trouble... Falce! You! Didn't I tell you not to wander off!?"
"C-Calm down, Laguna... For heaven's sake, put your fist down. Listen, resorting to violence immediately is the behavior of a savage beast. We are rational beings... you mustn't be swept away by anger."
"When you go and get yourself lost after I gave you so many warnings, I have every right to be angry! To begin with... Hm? Oh? Ho ho..."
"What is it? Laguna, you have a nasty look in your eyes... Usually, that’s the look you get when you’re about to start teasing someone. I’d like an explanation as to why you’re directing that gaze at me, but... sadly, I have a slight inkling as to why, so I’d rather you didn't touch upon it. If you do, I hope you’re prepared for the consequences."
Following an exchange I didn't quite understand, Laguna-san—who had been fuming just a moment ago—now wore a mean-spirited, mischievous smirk.
Then, as if laughing off Falce-san's desperate attempt to steer the conversation away, she spoke up.
"...Falce, it’s rare to see you so flustered. I can see a distinct blush in your cheeks. My, my, to think I’d ever see that look on your face... Is Kaito the cause? Hahaha! I have to hand it to him! For the great Falce to make a face like—whoa!? W-Wait!?"
"I did warn you..."
Laguna-san had been delightedly teasing her, but suddenly the ground beneath her feet turned into a literal swamp. She began to sink, and though she tried to resist, she was dragged deep into the earth.
Before I even realized she’d drawn it, Falce-san was holding a wooden staff. She infused it with magic power and tapped the ground with a dull thud.
"...Earthshaker."
A massive tremor followed—a localized earthquake. I hurriedly looked around, but the sea remained calm. The shaking was confined entirely to the spot where we were standing. It was a strange sight; she was likely using a counter-magic formula to ensure no damage was dealt to the surroundings while triggering a super-localized quake.
When the shaking finally subsided, the ground where Laguna-san had been buried was now as solid as steel.
"Now then, since we’ve come all the way to the Hydra Kingdom, why don't we have a light lunch before heading to the Royal Castle? As a thank-you for your help, please allow me to treat you."
"Ah, no... what about Laguna-san?"
"If this were enough to kill her, she would have died during our journey a thousand years ago. I cast that with full intent, but she’ll probably dig herself out in a few minutes. We can just leave her be. Shall we?"
"Oh... okay."
Serious-senpai: "This is a rare sight. Or rather, I'd really appreciate it if you'd stop setting these anxiety-inducing flags... mainly the sugary kind."