Chapter 38: Journey to the Capital (2)

Chapter 38: Journey to the Capital (2)

PR: Cursed

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Before he could explain the circumstances, he needed to dig a little deeper into the woman who had become Tyria Wyvern no, Tyria Portman.

She was the only daughter of House Wyvern, the former lords of Wyvern, and the only noblewoman in the land.

Naturally, her life would not be the same as Elrics.

She had been educated in tradition, history, elegance, and refinement from the moment she could walk.

From a young age, she has been taught the manners that came from time-honored traditions, away from all the technology of the new age.

There was no denying that her upbringing had influenced her old-fashioned tendencies.

She was quite ignorant of complex institutions and all things that utilized electricity.

She still believed that candles were for lighting fires, that farming was best done by hand, and that transportation was best done by horse and carriage.

The current situation was an extension of this fact.

When faced with the unknown, some people become curious and go to challenge it, whilst others become wary and reject it.

Elric was of the former group, whilst Tyria was of the latter.

To her, mechanical artifacts that had yet to find their place in the world, especially trains, which were giant, steam-belching hunks of iron, seemed like nothing more than ferocious monsters.

Well be taking the carriage.

She was stubborn.

It was an unmistakable declaration of strong will, stirring a small feeling of discontent and a great sense of mischief within Elric.

As previously mentioned, whenever Elric encountered something new, he looked at it with curiosity and challenge.

This new side of her was no exception to this ideal.

What would you say if I insisted on taking the train?

Tyrias expression softened.

For once, she wasnt so scary.

It was a sense of humanity. It went without saying that it was easier to relate to someone who was human than someone who was perfect.

There was more.

Elric perceived himself to be fairly well versed in advanced civilization.

After all, his friend Elvus Grayman, who had been with him throughout his adventures, was a part of the Empire, the heart of continental civilization.

Thus, he wanted to introduce Tyria to technologys conveniences and wonders.

And he had a good excuse.

Actually, I had a bit of a run up the mountain on that last hunt, and Ive got a few fresh wounds that are still bothering me. Riding something as rattly as a wagon would be too much for my knees.

The drama he could bring to the table was an added bonus.

Elric ran his hand over his knee, wearing a defeated expression.

Tyrias lips pressed together.

It was hard to tell from her expression, but in the context of the atmosphere are them, it was impossible not to recognize the distress in her voice.

Even a train rattles, doesnt it?

Less so than a carriage. Its not like youd feel much of a vibration moving that fast anyway.

How do you know so well?

Why, I rode the train all the way to Yubin, so of course Id know.

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He was gaining momentum.

Besides, the train is a great way to save time. You can travel to the capital in a day for a journey that would usually take a week, and thats not all. Youd save a lot of money, and youre always talking about saving money.

He had a point.

In fact, the odds were stacked in Elrics favor.

Trains were, after all, a higher form of the carriage.

It was a form of transportation that continuously evolved into something better as civilization progressed.

Tyrias arguments against trains for sentimental reasons were weak.

What followed was a losing streak for Tyria.

As for meals.

Theres some pretty good food on the train.

If my butt hurts.

You know, first class carriages on trains these days have fancy upholstery on the seats, and theyre actually more comfortable than the chairs were sitting in now because theyve got cotton batting underneath.



they had left for the capital three days ago.

By now, Tyrias parents should have been traveling to their favorite social gatherings.

Hmm

Hed see their faces again at the royal banquet.

It was not a pleasant thought.

He was uncomfortable with the fact that they had come so far as to threaten him with the littlest things, saying they had no intention of ever being allies with him again.

Elric clutched the dull dagger in his arms.

What if they hadnt come to their senses and tried another trick?

The thought crossed his mind.

Choo, Choo!

A horn sounded, vibrating the air around them.

It was followed by a steamy sound that resembled the gasping breath of a hissing monster.

Its here.

Elric, who was about to speak, could see it.

Hmm?

Tyrias body had gone rigid, almost to the point of trembling.

Her eyes were fixed on an empty space.

It was as if her soul had left her.

Without a doubt, Elric had never seen Tiria so tense before.

To the point of revealing her emotions on her face.

Her technophobia was worse than hed thought.

And that wasnt all.

Thump, thump, thump, thump

Elrics keen senses had picked up her quickening heartbeat.

Milady?

Im coming.

She said, her tone stiff.

Tyria stood up from her seat, her movements stiff and rigid.

It was as if she were a wooden doll.

Elric had to struggle to keep the corners of his mouth from twitching up uncontrollably.

Chieeeek!

The train stopped and the doors opened.

Stepping off of it was a burly man in full regalia.

A knight, at the very least, and a mana-armed one at that.

Are you Baron Portman and Baroness Portman?

Elric nodded as the man spoke in a formal manner.

The man smiled and bowed.

At your service, Sir.

He had a well-educated demeanor.

Elric led Tyria onto the train.

In that moment, he was feeling a bit playful.

Elric glanced at Tyria and whispered.

Milady, you must take off your shoes before boarding the train.

Her eyes lost all color.

Her gaze snapped to Elric.

Recognizing that his mischiefness had gone too far and has crossed a certain line, Elric quickly apologized.

Im sorry.

Elric sheepishly rubbed the back of his head before boarding the train.

As for Tyria, she had been genuinely trying to take off her shoes before hearing his apology.

The truth of the matter remained buried in silence.