Page Title

487 A Daughter's Request, and the Amusement Park

 

"Ei!"

 

Elna's crystal star spins as it flies toward Linne, who readies her beloved gauntlet to intercept it.

 

"Hmph!!"

 

With a loud clashing sound, the gauntlet and the star collide, but neither shatters. The deflected star makes a wide arc and returns to Elna, docking with her prepared staff.

 

Seeing the unbroken star, Linze, who is standing nearby, murmurs.

 

"It's harder than mine."

 

"Elna's staff is made of crystalline material."

 

Naturally, that star is also made of crystalline material. I poured a considerable amount of my magic into it, giving it sufficient hardness. It seems Linne's gauntlet has the same level of hardness. Future me, you really put in the effort, huh?

 

"Hah!"

 

Linne kicks off the ground and closes in on Elna. Her low kick, aimed at Elna, is blocked by an invisible barrier.

 

Elze lets out a small sound of admiration.

 

"The staff itself has a [Shield] effect, huh?"

 

"For insurance in case someone gets too close. But that's not all. Watch this."

 

Elna spins her staff, and a sparkling light is emitted from the star at its tip.

 

When she twirls around, a ring of light forms around her, like the rings of Saturn.

 

"[Boost]!"

 

Using the same magic as her mother, she strengthens her legs and leaps about four meters into the air, then remains suspended in mid-air. She's getting good at this.

 

"She can fly too...?"

 

"If she can escape into the air, she'll be safe, right? Even if arrows come flying, there's the [Shield]."

 

"Hey, Touya. Don't you think you're being overprotective? Though I appreciate it."

 

Well, yeah, Elze is right. Maybe I went a bit overboard... But you see, when she says, Father, you're amazing!' with such genuine joy, this is what happens.

 

Having demonstrated the staff's sufficient capabilities, I decided to end their mock battle.

 

"Elna Onee-chan, I'm so jealous. I want to fly too."

 

"Hehe. But Linne, your attacks lose power if you're not grounded, right?"

 

"Yeah, but still..."

 

While Elna smiles brightly, Linne looks a bit sulky. Another child, who was itching to jump in but was being held back by her mother, was also present.

 

"Elna! It's my turn next! Play with me!"

 

"Ah, Frey!? Oh, geez..."

 

Frey breaks free from Hilda's hold and rushes forward. As expected of a weapon enthusiast, she couldn't resist the sight of a new weapon. It might be a bit disappointing, but it's also endearing in its own way.

 

"Usually she's so quiet and well-behaved... Why does she act like this when it comes to weapons?"

 

"Well, it's part of Frey's personality."

 

I comfort the sighing Hilda. It's just part of what makes Frey unique. Although it's a bit pitiful for Elna to be forcibly engaged by her.

 

The battle between Elna and Frey begins. Direct magic is prohibited, so Elna is at a disadvantage. Frey can't use [Storage] to switch weapons either, it seems.

 

Since this is just training for Elna to get used to the 'Star Staff,' winning or losing isn't important. As long as Frey gets to experience the weapon's performance, she'll be satisfied, so I'll make sure to stop them at a good point.

 

"Hey, hey, Father."

 

"Hm? What's up, Linne?"

 

As my sleeve is tugged, I look down at Linne.

 

"Well, I was talking with Alice the other day... Father, are you not going to build a 'yuu-enchi'?"

 

"Excuse me?"

 

Yuu-enchi? Yuu-enchi, as in an amusement park? Wait a second, did future me build something like that?

 

Did I do it for my children? No way, I don't want to believe I'm that much of a doting parent. It must have been for the citizens, to provide entertainment facilities. ...Probably.

 

"By the way, what exactly..."

 

"Well, there's a ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and also a parade... Oh, maybe it's faster to show you."

 

Linne fumbles in her pocket, takes out the smartphone I retrieved from the river, and starts flicking through it. That smartphone has [Protection] cast on it, so it won't break even if it falls in the river. Both Linne and Elna use it normally.

 

"Look at this."

 

"Wh-what!?"

 

The image Linne shows me is of her and a slightly older Linze, both smiling in an amusement park setting.

 

As Linne flicks through the photos, more precious pictures of Elna, Alice, and a grown-up Elze with Linne, appear.

 

Just as I'm leaning forward to get a better look, Linne's smartphone is plucked away by a hand that reaches in from the side.

 

"That's enough, you know."

 

"Karin-nee-san!?"

 

Standing beside me, holding Linne's smartphone, is Karin-nee-san. She lets out an exaggerated sigh and looks at Linne.

 

"Linne-chan, you know you shouldn't talk too much about the future, right? Didn't Tokie Obaa-chan tell you? You shouldn't take away Touya-kun's fun."

 

"Oh, right..."

 

Linne looks regretful after being scolded by Karin-nee-san. Well, isn't it a little bit okay?

 

If talking about the future would alter it significantly, wouldn't the spirit of time fix it? So, a little bit should be fine.

 

Sure, knowing the future might reduce the joy of the moment, but you could also enjoy the time leading up to it.

 

"Karin-nee-chan, I'm sorry..."

 

"Well, the amusement park is okay. But there are children in those photos who haven't been born yet, right? I want Touya-kun to see his children in person for the first time, not in a photo."

 

Ugh. I understand, but still. And wait, the amusement park is fine?

 

"The best place for the construction site is southwest of the castle town."

 

"Eh? Does that mean I should build it?"

 

"Isn't there a 'workshop'?"

 

Well, yes, there is. But building an amusement park in Brunhild? The construction is doable with the 'workshop,' but we need materials. To ensure safety, I need to apply various [Enchantments]. And that's my job, isn't it?

 

"Hmm..."

 

As I'm lost in thought, I feel two small eyes gazing at me intently. Linne's eyes, the same blue as her mother's, are filled with expectation.

 

I haven't experienced enough to withstand this attack.

 

"Well, let's talk to Kousaka-san first, okay?"

 

"Okay!"

 

And so, thanks to Linne's request, the plan for an amusement park in Brunhild was set into motion.

 

                            ◇ ◇ ◇

 

"Hmm. I don't think it's a bad idea. If we attract tourists to this country, both the town and the nation will prosper. However, please refrain from doing everything by yourself. Otherwise, you'll be taking away jobs from those who would handle the construction."

 

I received permission from Kousaka-san, but he gave me a stern warning. Hmm. If I used the "Workshop," I could build it in less than three days, though.

 

Well, I'll be making things like the Ferris wheel and the roller coaster myself. As for the foundation work, it looks like it'll be handled mainly by earth-moving magical machines called Dvergr and earth magic users.

 

They say the foundation will be ready in a few months. Once the foundation is done, I can install the attractions I've made in the "Workshop."

 

That said, I can't make something like a roller coaster by myself. I'll have to delegate that to Dr. Babylon. I'll take care of the simpler attractions, like the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round.

 

To discuss this with the doctor, I teleported to Babylon.

 

---

 

"You don't have to build it from scratch. There's already something similar to an amusement park in one of the 'Warehouses.'"

 

"It's already there!?"

 

Dr. Babylon casually said this after hearing my story. Wait, an amusement park!? Where in the 'Warehouse' is that!?

 

"With time-space magic, you can store it in a separate dimension. It's one of the miniature gardens we created."

 

"Oh, now that you mention it, we did get trapped in a dice game before..."

 

A while ago, when we were sorting out the 'Warehouse,' we got trapped inside a mysterious dice and had to play a game like sugoroku.

 

The inside of the dice was vast, a pseudo-space using time-space magic. Structurally, it's the same as Babylon's 'Hangar.' Is it the same type of magical artifact?

 

"Is it still usable?"

 

"Of course. With the protection magic, it'll last for five thousand years. But I don't know if modern people will find it interesting. We lived with magic in our daily lives back then."

 

An amusement facility that people from an ancient civilization enjoyed might not resonate with modern sensibilities. I've heard that the ancient Maya had a ball game similar to soccer, but the ball was the head of an executed person.

 

Anyway, maybe it can be a facility for the kids to play in. But if that's the case, it won't be open to the public and will just be for our use. Part of the fun of amusement parks is having other people around.

 

Oh, but if there's anything usable, I could detach it and install it in the Brunhild amusement park.

 

Hopefully, there's something everyone can enjoy.

 

"It's not dangerous, is it?"

 

"No, it's not. Although, there are some surprising things, so people who are easily scared might want to avoid it."

 

Ah, things like roller coasters that offer thrills. Those can make people who aren't used to them feel sick.

 

"An ancient civilization's amusement park... I'm interested in what kind of magitech machines they used."

 

Kuhn, who had been holed up in the 'Laboratory,' joined our conversation. Her curiosity is inherited from her mother. Well, I didn't think she'd stay quiet since it's a magical artifact.

 

"Father, I'd like to go into that miniature garden too..."

 

"No, we don't know what's in there yet, and there might be other dangers. Kuhn, you can go in another time..."

 

I was about to say that when I stopped. My words faltered at the sight of Kuhn's sad face looking up at me. ...Damn! That's cheating! And you're definitely putting on that face, aren't you!?

 

"Father...?"

 

"...It, it doesn't have to be next time... Since the doctor says it's safe..."

 

"Thank you, Father!"

 

Kuhn's eyes, which had been watery, sparkled with joy as she hugged me. Damn, I know I've been played, but I can't help but forgive her!

 

"So easy."

 

"Totally easy."

 

"So easy, indeed."

 

I could hear Dr. Babylon, Engineer Elka, and Fenrir commenting. Quiet, all of you. Of course, I'd unconditionally surrender to this. It's a battle I can't win.

 

But from Linne to Kuhn, am I being completely manipulated by my daughters...?

 

"Since that's decided, let's call everyone. Oh, and let's invite Alice too."

 

Having stepped away from me, Kuhn quickly started making calls on her smartphone. Wow, I have a feeling this is going to become a big deal...

 

---

 

"So, Touya. It's really not dangerous, right?"

 

"It's not. ...Probably."

 

I averted my eyes from Ende's stern gaze. Even if you say that, I haven't been in there, so I don't know either.

 

In the Babylon's 'Garden,' everyone Kuhn called had gathered. Plus, Alice's family was invited too. Naturally, her father, Ende, was also here.

 

They're already aware of Babylon's existence, so that's fine, but I'm more worried about what the three mothers might do...

 

In front of us, Dr. Babylon was swiftly tapping the surface of the dice-shaped magical artifact like a touch panel.

 

The top part was glassy, allowing us to see inside. It was small and hard to see, but it looked like a miniature garden diorama. With the sea and forest, it kind of looked like an amusement park.

 

"Alright, let's set the time to eight hours. When the time's up, you'll automatically return here, so there's nothing to worry about. Even if you get lost, it won't be a problem."

 

"W-wait a minute. Is it big enough to get lost in?"

 

Linzé raised an objection to the doctor's words. It's common for kids to get lost in an amusement park, but being alone for hours is worrisome.

 

"The inside has a reasonably large area. But if anyone does get lost, Touya-kun's 'Search' can find them immediately, right?"

 

"It's not like the previous sugoroku where magic was unusable, is it?"

 

"Some attractions have anti-magic seals to keep them interesting, but the amusement park itself is fine."

 

Attractions where using magic would spoil the fun... Does that mean there are physical activities? As long as it's safe, it's not a problem...

 

"Dad! Let's go! Hurry up!"

 

Looking up at me with sparkling eyes, Linne made it hard for me to dismiss her enthusiasm. But deep inside, I couldn't shake off my lingering worries.

 

Would this otherworld amusement park be the same as the ones I know? Or would we face some terrible ordeal like the last time in the sugoroku?

 

"I'm going to sit this one out. I have other things to do. I'll send Shesca as your guide, so enjoy your family time."

 

"Leave it to me. I have all the information about the amusement park stored."

 

At the doctor's words, Shesca, who had been standing by, lightly pounded her chest in assurance. Wait, you're coming too...? My anxiety just increased...

 

"Alright, I'm opening it."

 

With a swift touch and release on the cube-shaped miniature garden, the doctor caused the top part to open slightly in a circular shape. With a whooshing sound, everyone around me got sucked into the miniature garden.

 

"Have a good time."

 

Hearing the doctor's voice, my consciousness faded into darkness.

 

 

◇ ◇ ◇

 

"Father... Father."

 

"Ugh...?"

 

Amidst the chirping of birds, I woke up to Elna shaking me.

 

When I sat up, I found us lying on a vast lawn. Near us, in the center of the lawn, stood a black monolith, similar to the ones found in Babylon's facilities, surrounded by white metallic pillars arranged in a circular gate-like formation. It looked somewhat like Stonehenge in England.

 

Beyond the gate, there was a seemingly endless expanse of grassland.

 

Everyone else was also getting up, looking blankly at the scenery beyond the gate.

 

"...What is this? Is this the amusement park?"

 

"This is the entrance gate to the amusement park... or rather Babylon Park. Please wait a moment."

 

Just like the monoliths in the "Garden," Sheska operated the monolith standing on the lawn.

 

Soon, a map of the entire amusement park floated in the air. There were some characters written on it, but I couldn't read them. They were probably ancient Parthenon characters.

 

"Babylon Park has various amusement facilities and entertainment areas according to different themes. For example, in this 【Yami】 area, you can enjoy thrilling and pseudo-supernatural experiences."

 

"Eeek..."

 

"Mother?"

 

Elna glanced at Elze, who had let out a small, strange noise. Ah, it seems Elze is not good with haunted house-like attractions.

 

Facing her daughter's questioning gaze, Elze cleared her throat and smiled, saying, "It's nothing."

 

Given the situation with her daughter, the others didn't comment further.

 

"I don't really understand, but shouldn't we start with something everyone can enjoy?"

 

"Indeed. It would be better to avoid something too extreme at first."

 

Leen and Yumina were discussing. They, my wives, had seen several amusement parks in the date scenes of movies I've shown them. They have a general understanding of what an amusement park is.

 

"I would like to ride that thing where horses go around and around."

 

"Oh, that’s called a merry-go-round, Mother. I like it too."

 

Responding to Hilda's words, Frey, who was holding her hand, smiled broadly. It seems Frey has ridden the merry-go-round I made in the future world. As a knight, she seems interested in horses.

 

But that was an amusement park on Earth. I wonder if there's something like that in this ancient civilization's amusement park.

 

"Not horses, but there are magic creatures you can ride for entertainment."

 

"Magic creatures? Do you mean artificial animals that move by magic?"

 

"Something like that."

 

Magic-driven animals? Would that be like animatronics on Earth? Maybe a golem horse?

 

"Magic animals!? I want to ride one!"

 

"Alright, Mochizuki Touya. That's decided."

 

When Alice exclaimed with sparkling eyes, Nei immediately told me so. Another doting parent here.

 

"We will head to the 【Chi】 area, where you can interact with nature. Connecting to the gate there."

 

A point on the map started blinking. Simultaneously, one of the trilithon gates began to blink as well. It seems we can move by teleporting to different points.

 

Following Sheska's lead, we passed through the gate and teleported to a place that looked like a pasture surrounded by green fields and fences. Hmm? It doesn't look much like an amusement park...

 

"Oh, Father, look at that!"

 

"Huh?"

 

Linne pointed at something bouncing around. They looked like balancing balls, but they were colorful in red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. And they had saddles on their backs. Are those...

 

"This is the slime riding area."

 

At Sheska's words, some of my wives made obvious faces of disgust.