Chapter 50 - Giant's Strike
“You look much healthier now. Looks like your body has grown a bit too.”
It was a long-awaited reunion with my father.
Dressed in formal attire, he smiled elegantly, resembling a crisp young noble.
“I’m glad to see you in good health, Father.”
I offered a polite and formal greeting as I had learned in etiquette.
Having overheard discussions about breeding and such, the emotional distance with my father, that was already distant, seemed to widen even further. It didn’t bother me if my responses became impersonal; I didn’t feel the inclination to make the effort.
From the perspective of my personal safety, the Kilyam family was an ally. However, my father could become an enemy at any time. That became clear to me.
“I may not be able to visit often, but I have no intention of making you uncomfortable. If you need anything, feel free to ask.”
“Thank you. I received a lot of art supplies sent from the capital, so I don’t need anything at the moment.”
“I see. I’ve heard you enjoy painting. What kind of paintings do you prefer?”
“What kind? …Scenery seen from a distance… a landscapes.”
Overhead perspective. And a vivid red one at that. In my opinion, it’s a heartwarming and lovely landscape painting.
“It’s time. Although it’s regrettable to part now, please move to the main entrance.”
After a brief meeting, my father set off for an inspection of the territory.
It was a plan prearranged by the Morris family, with a tightly scheduled itinerary. There was no refusing it, and I couldn’t simply return to the capital. Well, inspections aside, it seems they intend to thoroughly conduct etiquette education during this period. Primarily to address leaks to my mother and various others.
Due to a lack of trust in him, it seems they considered a simple ban on disclosure too risky. To ensure no leak occur, Nathan, the head of the Morris family, emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
This time, it became apparent that there were holes in the information that the Duke should naturally know. Holes intentionally drilled.
Therefore, the vigilance of the branch family heads has involuntarily increased. My father seems to lack a sense of crisis to an excessive extent.
If the spoon thrown once remained harmless, it would have been left alone. However, if it unknowingly spreads harm, the story changes.
Hence, it seems that the alignment of perceptions in that regard will take some time.
*
Now then. Leave the complicated matters to the adults, and let children be children. Instead of drawing pictures, let’s have a time for tracing.
[Sensory sync] with Luciola is really convenient ability, but there is a limit to the distance it can be maintained.
However, by moving to Glassbridge, the area that can be targeted has changed, and I can now go to places I couldn’t see before.
Central East of the Glass Region.
The entire castle city of Glassbridge and its surrounding areas. This includes the [Gemini Great Bridge Fortress] and the great canyon [Giant’s Strike], both of which I learned about in History.
The hatching of the third [Rex Trinity] is imminent, and time is running out, so I want to get started quickly.
So, Luciola, let’s go!
The first thing I want to see is the [Giant’s Strike].
A large canyon that divides the north and the south of the Reez continent, the flow that looks like a river at first glance is actually seawater. A remnant of ancient times, it is still called the Great Valley, but geographically, it is more accurately described as a strait or channel.
It was probably a river in the past. It may have been flooded with seawater due to the rise in sea level or something. Similar to the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul in my previous world.
The steep rock walls are almost vertical, and the stacked layers of rock formations are exposed.
Rapid currents flowing far below. As it approaches the sea, the distance to the opposite shore increases, and the elevation of the land decreases both to the north and south.
The Gemini Great Bridge over the Great Valley is a twin bridge with separate routes for outbound and return routes.
The total length is estimated to be about 200 meters. It’s amazing that they built such a bridge.
This area is relatively close to the opposite bank within the valley.
Originally, there was a natural giant sandstone arch, and before it collapsed due to erosion, a suspension bridge was built, which was then replaced by the fifth Lord Hugo with a stone bridge.
The ends of the bridge are forts with sturdy walls and gate towers, and together they are called the [Gemini Great Bridge Fortress].
Along the [Giant’s Strike], there are many waterfalls.
Heading south, there is a famous waterfall called [Weaving of the Goddess], but it’s a bit far, and I couldn’t see it.
Since I hurriedly went around, today’s map is a bit rough. Because time is limited, I prioritized observing. I’ll go see it in person some day.
I’ll stop working and take a leisurely stroll through the castle town while waiting for the painting to dry. Furthermore, I already know the tourist spots. I wonder if I can find them easily.
Three layers of walls surrounding Glassbridge.
The urban area between the walls is called Outer Area, Middle Area, and Inner Area from the outside.
The most lively is the Middle Area, where trade is thriving. I arrived at the fountain square there.
In the center of the square, there is an impressive large fountain called the [Spirit’s Bridge], with statues of beautiful women supporting an arch-shaped bridge in the center.
The origin of the name Glassbridge is not well understood.
It was once a small trading city called Eastbridge. It developed to this extent because there was a bridge connecting the outside and the Glass region. The 5th Lord Hugo used the power of the spirits to create a transparent and beautiful bridge overnight, replaced it with a stone bridge, and changed the city’s name.
Such is the legend told.
However, in this city, it seems that the 6th King, Lord Mason, who adopted “Be fruitful and multiply” as his motto, is more popular than the legendary Lord Hugo.
He completed Glassbridge as a fortified city and is the father of three children with the blessing of the spirits, a symbolic figure of strength and prosperity.
“Mason King’s Royal Selection. A luxurious montage featuring the Memento Mori Mori cream.”
Under a sky-blue and white striped awning, a sign bearing these words came into view.
Is it a pastry shop? Zoom in, zoom in right there.
Crisp brown pastry. Between the layers of pastry, you can see layers of orange-ish cream. On top of that, round red fruits, petite and bursting with honey, are generously piled, adorned with slices of yellow-green nut-like decorations for a colorful touch.
This is probably a pie. Something like a Napoleon pie. I don’t know what Memento Mori Mori cream is, but the cream looks thick and delicious as it drips down.
It’s designated by Mason King, so maybe I’ll ask about it later.
“Lord Lyon, may I borrow this piece for a while longer?”
Moriss-jii, who has been lounging on the cushion since earlier, called out to me.
“Sure, but what are you going to do with it?”
There have been similar situations before. People tastes vary, but I think liking such a hellish painting is a bit strange.
“All of these are splendid works, so I thought of making duplicates and holding an appreciation gathering with the branch family.”
Duplicates! And an appreciation gathering! A plan to increase like-minded individuals?
“I don’t mean to say this about myself, but I don’t think it’s worth going to that extent.”
If I had received the profession of a [Cartographer], I might have been able to draw something more amazing. But what I have now unfortunately looks like nothing more than a child’s doodle.
As for its use… could it be, did he realize that this is a map?
Hmm. I wonder. Even if that’s the case, it’s a bit… no, even if it were true, I don’t think Moriss-jii would do anything bad at this point.
“No, no. There aren’t many paintings this big. I’m sure everyone will enjoy it and admire Lord Lyon amazing talent.”