Chapter 197: It’s Really Huge
“Wow, that bow is amazing! How on earth do you shoot it?”
“Oh, like this, and then that.”
“Hmm, hmm… But if you do it like this, then that. Isn’t it?”
“Rough… like this, and then that.”
“Oh, I see, I see. It really is like this, and then that.”
As they walked along the eastern side of the plain, Yuri and Ula were deep in conversation. The topic of their discussion was primarily Ula’s bow. After witnessing her ultimate technique that pierced through a monster earlier, Yuri had become curious and was asking all sorts of questions. Yuri was a naturally inquisitive person, living honestly about the things that piqued her interest, regardless of the subject. Even now, she was happily chatting with Ula, receiving a lesson on how to shoot a bow.
“Like this… Hmm, it’s not hitting.”
“Too small.”
“Ah, yes, it seems the bow is too small for me. I need something bigger and sturdier.”
“Stretch it.”
“It seems the string should be pulled tighter as well. I see, I see…”
Before they knew it, Yuri was conversing with Ula as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Rest had no idea what Ula was saying, but Yuri had already understood her words without the need for translation.
“Yuri… you really understand well.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s simple. Instead of trying to understand with words, just feel it with your heart. It’s all about passion!”
“………I see.”
Rest didn’t quite get it. It seemed he was still a bit too early in his understanding. He felt he couldn’t quite join the cheerful exchange between the two.
(Well… to be honest, it’s a relief to have someone like her here. She’s acting as a buffer between us.)
If it had been just Ula and the Lavender Barony’s family, it would have been unbearably awkward.
(Bringing Yuri along was definitely the right choice… Her innocent charm is a kind of talent in itself. I wonder if it’s her natural disposition or if it’s due to the special environment she grew up in. What kind of life did she have in the Cattleya Marquis Family?)
“From here, we enter the wetlands.”
Ostre, who was leading the group, spoke up. Looking down, Rest noticed the moisture at their feet had increased, resembling puddles. Beyond that, small marshes dotted the landscape, and even the dry patches of land were muddy and damp.
“Now that I think about it… is there any merit in developing this land?”
With so much water and mud, it seemed nearly impossible to create a town or fields. Rest pondered this, but Ula shook her head vigorously.
“Fish, crabs, water.”
“What my lady means is…”
“Oh, I see! So we can farm seafood like fish and crabs, and draw water to the east as a water source! I understand now… It certainly looks rich in nutrients, and the fish raised here must be quite fatty!”
“Ugh…!”
Before the attendant could respond, Yuri voiced Ula’s words. The attendant glared at Yuri, sparks flying between them as she felt her role was being usurped.
“So, the wetlands have their own ways of being utilized, huh? Then we need to deal with those pesky monsters.”
“Yes, please take care of it.”
Ostre bowed his head respectfully.
“Most monsters can be handled by us, but… the worms are a different story. We are struggling with them. It would be a great help if Count Clover could do something about it…”
“Well, I’ll do my best. But I can’t guarantee victory against an enemy I haven’t even met…”
Rest’s words trailed off. He sensed a presence caught in the Life Search spell. A large presence was approaching from the west, slithering through the waters of the wetlands.
“Everyone, stay alert! It’s coming!”
“GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
As Rest called for caution, a low, terrifying roar echoed through the air. Mud flew in all directions as a massive serpent-like creature erupted from the water.
“Whoa, it’s huge!”
“It’s really… big!”
Yuri’s eyes sparkled with excitement, while Ula whispered in a trembling voice.
“Is that… the worm?!”
“GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
The giant snake, as thick as a telephone pole, reared up and let out a deafening roar. Rest gathered his magical power within, preparing to confront the colossal monster.