What is adventure?
It refers to the act of exploring unknown places in order to achieve some kind of goal.
However, in modern times, as all kinds of secrets have been uncovered, the act of seeking the unknown has become difficult, and people have naturally forgotten about adventure.
Yet humanity is ultimately a pioneering species. The small instinct that quietly burns in their hearts, the desire to express that passion, is clear.
There are definitely those who are tired of their repetitive daily lives and cannot suppress their longing for new experiences and the unknown.
In that sense, an amusement park can be seen as a space that offers adventure in the most convenient and stimulating form to modern people who have lost their sense of adventure but still crave it.
It is a place that is clearly different from everyday life, artificially created yet even more perfect in its unknown nature.
And now, for Luke and Pyris, who had no prior knowledge or experience regarding this amusement park, it represented a true unknown.
Thus, they took their first steps towards a genuine adventure.
“Wow! There are so many people! And kids too!”
Pyris marveled at the feast of numerous people. It was likely the first time she had seen so many people bustling about, expressing joy.
A place where so many people can be so happy exists?
From the perspective of a spirit capable of reading emotions in others’ voices, this place appeared to be akin to paradise.
“Oh my goodness…”
Luke was equally amazed.
The buildings were all beautiful and extravagant. They were aesthetically remarkable structures not seen in urban areas.
Though their forms vaguely resembled those of ancient Arinseia, the way they were interpreted and improved in a modern style could easily be believed to be derived from magic technology that had overwhelmingly advanced from 5000 years ago.
The many astonishing buildings combining ancient architectural forms and modern magical civilization were, quite simply, a magnificent city.
If he weren’t familiar with the geography of modern Aires, he might have thought this place was the capital.
By past standards, such an expanse could qualify as a city.
As he gazed around, mouth agape with wonder, he noticed that everyone was strolling down beautifully decorated streets with family, acquaintances, or lovers.
They might instinctively know something: that adventures are never truly undertaken alone.
“Or perhaps they already understand that joy increases when shared,” he mused.
That was something Renie once said.
Emotions are strange; the more they are shared, the larger they grow. Such a law likely makes emotions unique in this world, for all tangible things diminish when shared.
Thus, those of us with power and influence must always maintain thoughts full of joy and share them with many others.
In this way, we will be able to lead happier and more joyful lives.
If people in this dark world were to lose even the little light they hold in their hearts, wouldn’t that be the true end?
“Indeed.”
It was incredible how fitting those words were; the feeling of joy that had been gradually tickling Luke since he arrived now became distinctly evident.
He was merely walking along!
Moreover, the joyful screams that occasionally rose up (though there were indeed some frightened shrieks mixed in) convinced him that this was definitely a place of enjoyment.
“In that sense, this amusement park might be the ideal paradise that Renie envisioned.”
How wonderful it would have been if such a place existed during the hardships of 5000 years ago!
If it had, Renie would surely have rejoiced.
Although it was a location that required paying a somewhat steep entrance fee… Well, there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
It could be understood as a form of tax.
And so, at a distance, they observed kids walking ahead, followed by Dayton and Yerna.
“Hehe, they really seem to love it, don’t they?”
“Definitely. Seeing this makes it worthwhile to have brought them.”
While Pyris was already running ahead, hand in hand with Diana, and had to be warned several times, “Don’t go too far! You’ll get lost!” Luke was cautious and quiet, like a puppy out for his first walk, yet his expression was clearly one of enjoyment.
Yes, he knew Luke would surely like it.
He specifically chose this amusement park because of the magic-themed attractions for Luke.
“It’s his first time at an amusement park.”
Well, that’s not unreasonable. In fact, saying he had been to an amusement park before might be strange.
It certainly wasn’t unusual that Luke was inexperienced; just a few months ago, he hadn’t even had a proper meal and thought canned food and salad were delicate delicacies.
So there’s nothing odd about that, but it’s also a bit pitiable.
Dayton looked down at Yerna and quietly asked, “So, did Luke decide not to change his name?”
“Yeah, he seems he doesn’t want to change it since it’s the name his parents gave him.”
“I see… Well, I can understand that.”
“Right, I think we’ll have to find another way concerning Luke’s name.”
“Haha.”
Dayton chuckled lightly and looked back at Luke.
To be honest, he thought Luke would choose “Respind,” but he couldn’t help but hope he would choose “Genefer.”
It felt like that first question humanity ever asked: “Do you like Mom or Dad more?”
As a child, he didn’t quite grasp why such a question was posed, but he understands now.
It was quite an important question after all.
Though, at this point, it seemed that none were chosen…
“But, it’s a name, so we can change it whenever. It’s fine to leave it as is for now.”
“Right. If it comes to that, we could always throw our last names in as middle names, couldn’t we?”
“That could work! Luke Respind Genefer Ilushi. Sounds like an ancient noble name or something.”
“Pfft! What’s that!”
Yerna burst out laughing and playfully nudged Dayton’s back.
The force was weaker and softer than in the past, and he could sense how much he had changed in Yerna’s heart.
Dayton laughed and turned his gaze forward again.
Soon, these children were going to be family on paper.
Which meant these kids would soon become his.
“Two daughters…”
Some might call it responsibility without pleasure, but who cares? He was already so happy.
Even if he hadn’t kissed yet.
“But when will we actually kiss…?”
“What, what?”
“Oh.”
Damn, did that slip out?
Even though he thought he spoke quietly, Yerna, an elf trained as a Forest Keeper, caught the soft sound without missing it.
She quickly turned bright red and looked up at Dayton.
“W-What did you just say?”
“Oh, I didn’t mean… Since we’re getting married, isn’t it okay to kiss at least…?”
It might sound a bit pathetic, but honestly, he couldn’t help it.
For Dayton, it was definitely something he could feel wronged about.
How could it make sense that he hadn’t done even a simple kiss with a woman he was soon to marry!
If heard by others, it would probably be a laughable and ridiculous story.
Well, it was already funny to be getting married just a few days after confessing…
But for Yerna, it seemed incredibly embarrassing; she covered her face with her hands and bowed her head, mumbling.
“There are kids around… How could we do that!”
Dayton found that odd and leaned in to ask what was wrong.
“…Is that so? So is it okay if there are no kids?”
“That’s not what I mean…!”
If it’s not what she meant, then what was it? He couldn’t help but feel that if Yerna disliked this and was forcibly marrying because of Luke, that would be really sad.
Dayton asked somewhat gloomily, “Or, is it because you don’t like me?”
“Ugh… Ah, no. It’s not like that…”
Their faces were near.
Was it originally like this?
Just a few days earlier, they were merely close siblings, but how did it come to this?
Yet somehow, Dayton felt that Yerna looked like a child who might be cast away.
Her innocent face, not fitting her size, could even be seen as cute.
Yerna murmured in a barely audible voice.
“D-Don’t ask that, I just wanted to wait until the mood is right… It’s my first time, can’t we wait just a bit longer?”
“…Okay.”
At that, Dayton’s expression clearly brightened.
And thus, there was Luke, who had happened to overhear their conversation due to his exceptionally keen hearing.
“I think it might be best for me to excuse myself at an appropriate time.”
Luke felt he should lead Pyris and Diana away before he made things awkward.
As he held one hand of each, walking with them, the exuberant Diana suddenly asked,
“What should we do first? What should we ride? What do you think, sis?”
“Well… I’m not sure since it’s my first time at a place like this.”
Then Pyris raised her finger and shouted.
“Sis! Over there, that one!”
“Hmm?”
“That’s everyone’s favorite!”
“What is it?”
Not recognizing what Pyris was pointing at, Luke furrowed his brow in confusion for a better look.
It looked like a device that runs on rails laid out with magic at high speed.
He had no idea what it was called…
Then Diana shouted.
“Oh, you mean a roller coaster?”
“A roller coaster?”
