Chapter 122

I once tried an experiment like this.

In my case, the equipment slots are limited.

Usable equipment—meaning items that exert their effects—are restricted, so even if I pile on gear, I can’t fully benefit from their powers.

Moreover, those slots are fixed. Even if you wear ten great rings, you won’t receive all their effects.

So how would my equipment apply to someone without equipment slots?

The conclusion is simple: any equipment applies up to four items, be it four accessories or four pieces of armor. No matter the item type, the absolute number was four.

Thinking about my state before expanding the equipment slots makes this result easier to understand. In my case, I managed to expand my slots by creating equipment and reached a total of twelve.

It wasn’t difficult to gift at least four items to each person for everyone’s safety during travel. Since we couldn’t outfit them in iron or mithril armor, their equipment mostly consisted of decorative items.

“Here, this is for Yul.”

“Waah!”

[Ether Headband]

Lv. 88

Defense +3

Blunt Resistance +2

Protection +2

This was the result of designing something they could comfortably wear daily.

“Do I have to wear this bracelet on my arm too?”

“Yes!”

[Ether Bracelet]

Lv. 91

Magic Resistance +3

Regeneration +3

Pain Reduction +2

Yul fiddled with the bracelet and smiled brightly. With that, the distribution of 80-90 level equipment was complete.

Mostly, the attached effects were resistance, regeneration, protection, and pain reduction. This equipment was prepared for emergencies, though I hoped it wouldn’t be needed. Anne, Evangelin, and Jack were all equipped with what I made. During the trip, they shouldn’t remove these even while sleeping, and I trusted they’d follow through after repeating the instructions.

Thus, the final preparations for the journey were done.

On the fifteenth day of winter…

“Inna!”

A faint, inaccurate voice whispered in my ear.

Opening my sleepy eyes, I saw a young girl standing there with radiant ruby-like eyes gazing at me.

“You’re not supposed to wake someone like that.”

“Not?”

“Yeah. They might still be tired.”

“But we’re going traveling today!”

“There’s still plenty of time before departure.”

“Yul has already finished preparing!”

She tapped her four accessories—headband, two bracelets, and necklace—which left a strong impression. She had been carrying the small bag I gave her since the day before.

The bag contained small lunchboxes, dolls, clothes, and she even wanted to put fairies or spirits inside, which I had to stop once.

“Do you expect it a lot?”

“Yes!”

Is showing emotions openly like this a privilege of children? It was cute.

“I see you’ve prepared everything.”

Getting out of bed after pushing away the fluffy blanket, everything was neatly ready.

“Did you wake up?”

“Yeah. Did you wake up early too?”

“Because I had the same excitement as Yul.”

The excitement of travel ignores age and visits everyone equally. Apparently, my mornings aren’t as busy and noisy as others’.

Even Jack was waiting in his travel-ready attire, saying farewell to the spirits.

Anne was no exception either.

When I thought she went to wash up because she wasn’t in bed, she had already finished all preparations and was sipping on a drink.

“You’re awake!”

“Yeah. You woke up early?”

Looking at the clock while saying we’d depart at 9 AM—it was around 7. I wasn’t late; they were just overly early.

“Shall we eat breakfast and then leave?”

“Sure!”

Yul responded fastest to my question. Anne and Evangelin nodded in agreement, and Jack was no exception. Everyone was looking forward to it.

I hope this journey lives up to their expectations. As the one who planned it, I do feel a strange sense of responsibility.

“I’ll make breakfast. Evangelin, take a rest.”

“I’ll help.”

“Isn’t it inconvenient to prepare while fully dressed?”

Smiling gently, she stepped back. It had been a long time since I prepared breakfast alone. For the trip, I kept things light and refreshing.

A refreshing fruit salad to stimulate appetite, with some grilled beef added. The kids would pout without meat at the table, but hopefully, it won’t lead to picky eating.

After enjoying the simply prepared breakfast…

By the time I finished eating and washing up, the spirits were waiting at my feet.

“We won’t see you for a while. Take care, okay?”

Holding each spirit gently and hugging them softly, their soft, squishy textures felt soothing against my skin. If only my feelings could transfer as easily as words.

“I’ll leave the door open. You can go to the greenhouse whenever you want and come home to sleep.”

If the spirits play in the greenhouse and don’t wash up, the house might get a little dirty, but I can’t confine them indoors. They can do as they please, and we’ll clean up when we return.

(≧∇≦)

Their joyful expressions filled with happiness made me smile naturally.

“Humans!”

“Will you be gone far and come back?”

“See you again!”

Fairies find the concept of travel unfamiliar. Defined as territorial creatures, the idea of leaving somewhere and coming back doesn’t exist for them. It took three whole days to explain this.

Convincing the fairies, who cried tears fearing abandonment, was quite challenging. After all, fairies stay in one place for decades or centuries if they leave their territory.

Understanding this wasn’t unreasonable.

Promising I’d definitely return calmed the fairies, and I entrusted our home to the spirits.

“Alright. We’ll be back.”

“Hehe.”

“See you later.”

“We’ll take good care of it!”

“That’s right! Trust us!”

Whether they should be trusted or not aside, this was the situation now.

“Let’s go!”

Yul grabbed my hand and tugged enthusiastically. When my body didn’t move, she tilted her head and looked back. Her neatly arranged hair revealed horns subtly hidden under the headband, visible upon close inspection.

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

Her crimson eyes curved with happiness. Turning her head, she looked left.

Watching her fondly was a beautiful woman with flowing golden hair. The slight blush on her cheeks when our blue eyes met was always charming.

“Don’t run.”

Ever calm, Anne’s green eyes sparkled as they turned to Yul. Sensing my gaze, she slowly turned her head, her red hue subtly moving.

We silently stepped outside. Though the cold wind greeted us, feeling the temperature change was normal.

“Wow! This is really amazing!”

The red-glowing necklace shared its effect with everyone.

Temperature adjustment.

Body temperature maintenance.

Status Maintenance.

Everyone, except me, touched the center of warmth spreading throughout their bodies, marveling at the necklace’s ability to maintain optimal condition.

“Isn’t it cold?”

“Yeah!”

Answers usually reserved for Anne now came from Yul’s nods.

That didn’t mean Anne’s reactions diminished; rather, she watched Yul fondly more often.

“Marie!”

Still struggling with pronunciation, Yul dashed off.

Our carriage awaited. Already completed, it boasted durability and stability against most magic, with extra work done for a plush ride.

“Wow.”

Occasionally, I think learning magic was worthwhile, especially when reactions like this happen. Space expansion—once high-level magic broke boundaries and greatly expanded real-world interference capabilities. Though the carriage wasn’t outwardly large, stepping inside revealed a space akin to our living room.

Surprisingly intrigued, Yul darted between the carriage’s interior and exterior.

“Wow.”

“Amazing.”

Anne and Evangelin weren’t exceptions either. Jack held Evangelin’s hand tightly, silently expressing admiration through glowing eyes watching me.

Driving the carriage was my job. Later, developing a carriage that moves without command might be nice. Ideally, I’d prefer enjoying the trip inside with everyone.

Maybe inventing something like a car would work. Magic can accomplish anything, I believe. Problems like roads are beyond my control, though.

“Everyone should get inside.”

“Umm…”

“Really?”

The driver’s seat was quite cramped. One by one, they climbed aboard, filling the tiny space until only a small spot remained for me. Why aren’t they getting into the carriage and staying here instead?

“It’s boring being alone!”

“We should start together.”

Their invitations brought a natural smile to my face.

They waved from the driver’s seat, and finally, Yul nestled into my arms, completing all preparations for our trip.

I originally planned to modify the carriage later, but perhaps tinkering with it mid-journey would be wise. Traveling like this from the driver’s seat isn’t entirely comfortable.

In this bizarre formation—with no one in the carriage and five people crammed onto the driver’s seat—the journey began.

Hiih—

The clip-clop of hooves and the gentle rocking of the carriage. Was it enough to cause excitement? Yul clenched her fists and opened her mouth wide, unable to hide her anticipation.

“Whoaaa!”

Headwind. Enjoying the incoming breeze, our journey began. Despite winter, it felt like a warm breeze thanks to the necklaces keeping us cozy. Lightly dressed, our winter journey carried its own special charm.

Passing through the village, many watched our modest expedition. Farewells and well-wishes echoed.

As the slight commotion subsided and only the rhythmic hoofbeats accompanied us, we truly left the village behind and embarked on our journey to the capital.

The bumpy road didn’t bother us. The shock absorption worked perfectly, enveloping us in a soft cushion of stability.

Trees stood bare, revealing their white branches, occasionally punctuated by the evergreen pine. Strangely, my heart raced with excitement.

Was it traveling with loved ones that made it so thrilling?

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