Konosuba: A Tale of this Beautiful World
~Volume Four~
Prologue
"That's so typical of Kazuma, this boy always says he has a plan but it's always half-baked," Aqua said.
"The only thing that's half-baked here, is you," I retorted.
Gren, who was sitting to my left, giggled.
We had just left the capital and were on our way to Elroad via carriage. As much as I hated to admit, I had forgotten Gren was banned from entering the capital, and so, while I went to acquire transport, she had to stay outside the gates; luckily for her, the others stayed to accompany her while I went. Now, some minutes into the trip, Aqua decided to run her mouth.
"I'm glad I'm able to accompany you all," Gren said, bowing her head slightly.
"Ah, don't worry about it," I replied. "It's not like we're doing you any great favors—if anything, you're the one helping us out."
She shook her head. "While I'm glad you chose me to be your guide, I have to admit that there were probably better choices; after all, it's been quite a long time since I've been to Sylvenn. My memory of places is particularly hazy."
Noticing my look of concern, she quickly went on.
"B-But don't worry, Selhas Nerr is one place I remember quite well. I still retain...memories of that place." Saying this, she looked down, a gloomy expression appearing upon her face.
Did something happen to her there? While I began to wonder, Megumin sat up and excitedly stared out the carriage window.
"Ah! Look, look, it's a swarm of Turtledoves; they're going through their seasonal mating ritual!"
Turtledoves? Mating rituals?
I looked out the window, but try as I might've, the creatures depicted were more like what a grade-schooler would imagine what a turtle dove was and not what I was used to; they were actual turtle-like creatures with wings and necks that were long and bird-like. Really, what the hell was wrong with this place?
"Kazuma Kazuma, do you know that Turtledoves actually seek out to mate with their sole partner amongst the multitude?! Look how many there are! The fact that they go to such lengths is really romantic."
Perhaps, but I couldn't really find anything romantic in these freakish creatures—nor the ritualistic orgy that was going on.
"Hey, Chomusuke," I said, raising the cat from my lap, "why is your owner so weird? Aren't you sad that she has such odd interests?"
"Meow."
Megumin pouted but still kept her attention to the scenery outside. "Hey, Kazuma, can we stop? I'd like to get a closer look."
"Oi, did you pick up a strange trait I'm unaware of; I half suspect Darkness to be into voyeurism, but I didn't expect you to be into it."
"I-I'm not a voyeur! I'm just interested in…" Megumin trailed off, but before I could remark on this questionable reaction, she spoke. "I'm just interested in the working of things. Different creatures reproduce differently; things like that are sort of interesting...right?"
"...Right," I said doubtfully.
