I Will Break Off the Engagement Because I'm Jealous - The Untalented Villainess Who Rejected the Prince Searches for a Safe Haven with the Cheat Heroine - Chapter 2.4

Looking closely, there was no driver’s seat, and the navy-blue body only looked like a retro automobile. Letting out a bewildered cry, Emilia stared blankly. After watching for a while, she suddenly realized.

(Ah, ah… now that I think about it, this game’s setting in the Empire from “2” had regular cars. Their power source wasn’t gasoline but spirits, right? Somehow, they could bestow blessings on objects rather than people.)

“Pretty nice, isn’t it? It’s called an Aiter.”

There was also a trunk compartment in the rear, and Iris opened it to toss her bag inside.

“Is this your first time seeing one? They’re still quite rare in the Kingdom. A spirit car.”

While Emilia was still stunned, a hand was extended toward her. When she handed over her bag, Emilia’s belongings were packed in too.

“Here you go, Lady Emilia.”

Iris circled around and opened the passenger door, inviting her in. Bowing lightly as she passed the middle-aged gentleman, Emilia slid her body into the seat.

(More comfortable than… a carriage. Like a Japanese passenger car, a luxury car? I’ve never ridden in one, but it’s so plush.)

Sinking into the seat, she unconsciously reached for the seatbelt… surprised that there even was one. Gaping at the driver’s seat with no steering wheel or pedals, Emilia clicked the belt shut and let out a deep breath.

The door on the right, the driver’s side? opened.

“If you’re going to the imperial capital, you should take it to ‘Alond Trading Company’ on Black Cat Street in the Third District. They pose as a trading company, but it’s actually a spirit car workshop. They can do maintenance there.”

“It’s not some shady place, right? That place.”

“An old friend of mine runs it. At least it’s not some shop in the slums.”

“If it’s not shady——thank you. See you later, old man.”

“Right.”

Vaguely hearing the exchange between Iris and the gentleman, Emilia waited for her to get in.

“Oh. You put on your seatbelt. I don’t think there would be, but it’d be terrible if there was an accident.”

“Y-yes. What’s with this spirit car? I’m pretty sure they’re, well, contraband, aren’t they?”

“Yes, that’s why—”

Click—the sound of Iris fastening her seatbelt echoed. Cutting off her words, she turned a sly grin toward Emilia.

“I made it.”

“I see………… Whaaat!?”

Emilia’s scream seemed to echo trapped within the narrow car interior. As she looked around restlessly, the car slowly began moving forward.

“It’s moving!? It’s really moving!? Iris made this car!? Really!?”

“Really, and of course it moves.”

“It doesn’t shake at all. No rattling like a carriage.”

“The spirits handle it skillfully.”

“It turned the corner properly!? And Iris isn’t even driving!?”

“Driving… it’s not a bicycle. Spirit cars are fully automatic.”

(Au-autonomous car… this is an unknown world. Is this fantasy? More like near-future than early modern…?)

The car smoothly circled to the back and continued running through alleys until reaching the main street. The ride, similar to a floating sensation, greatly bewildered Emilia.

Outside the window, people with suspicious expressions were visible.

‘No mistake! It’s the “Maiden of All Talents”!’

‘She’s riding in it, catch her!’

‘Drag her out and present her to Lord Sieg!’

(Hah!? Oh no, they’ve caught up…!)

Hearing voices from outside, Emilia reflexively pressed against the window, scanning her gaze. Several boys were visible on the street, pointing at them or trying to run around and intercept.

Hanging at their waists——were swords.

“Eek!”

Imagining a sword being thrust through, Emilia trembled and pulled away from the window.

‘She brought out something like this! Hey, stop!’

‘Never mind, break it and pull her out! We were told it’s fine if she gets hurt a bit!’

The window being smashed, the door opened, the belt cut and being dragged out——including the “afterwards,” unpleasant futures flashed through Emilia’s mind as she checked the door lock with trembling hands.

The boys drawing their swords were running alongside the still slowly moving car. People’s screams also reached inside the vehicle.

“Iris, Iris! Wh-what do, what should we do——”

Wandering her hands behind her, Emilia quickly glanced at Iris, then turned back again. Remembering the scenery beyond the driver’s seat she’d glimpsed momentarily, she turned once more——.

“Iris!? Look out!”

She leaped at her, pulling her close. Beyond the window, a large boy was raising his sword.

While running, with both hands gripping the sword.

He swung it.

BAM—a loud sound echoed… she instinctively ducked and closed her eyes.

…………But that was all.

“Lady Emilia, this is a bit uncomfortable…”

“Ah, sorry… huh?”

Opening her eyes at the voice from within her arms, she saw Iris with a red face. Looking up, beyond the driver’s side window, there was no one.

Another scream and… a BAM sound came, this time from much closer. Turning in panic, her eyes met the bloodshot gaze of a boy. In his posture after swinging the sword, he was gradually being left behind by the car.

‘Damn it!’

Behind them, the boy threw his bent sword to the ground in frustration.

Emilia released Iris, faced forward, and leaned back in her seat.

Blinking several times, she slowly turned to look at the driver’s side.

“What’s going on…?”

“This is a spirit car. Unless it’s something like a blessed holy sword, it won’t get damaged.”

(I wish you’d said that sooner.)

Breathing deeply with her shoulders. The car seemed to have picked up speed, the scenery outside the window flowing by quickly. Clearly, houses were fewer, and dilapidated scenes continued. Perhaps they intended to pass through where the wall was collapsed rather than the main city gate… Thinking such vague thoughts, Emilia gently touched the door.

(This Iris made it? Is this something that can be made?)

As if confirming the texture, she stroked it several times.

“Amazing…………”

The words slipped out quietly.

“Amazing, right? Spirit cars.”

“That’s not it.”

“Huh?”

Emilia turned right, staring intently at Iris. Her pink-tinged eyes and the brooch at her chest… the matching “Dragonbird’s Tear” came into view.

“What’s amazing is you.”

Stretching her body. Reaching out her hands. Touching the shoulder of the bewildered girl. Wrapping both arms around her back and head, pulling Iris close.

“Wh-whoa! Lady Emilia!?”

“Amazing, amazing amazing amazing! Iris, you’re amazing! I had no idea! You’re a genius!”

Holding the “Maiden of All Talents” in her arms.

Emilia laughed heartily and cheered.

Like a child, she cheered.