Netori Harem: New life as a hunter and gatherer

Chapter 266: Different treatment

As they reached the chief’s house, Luke found himself staring at a real carriage for the first time.

A wooden carriage mounted on four wheels was hitched to a pair of horses, with enough room inside for six or seven passengers.

The flooring inside the carriage was smoothened and a thin sheet of wood was nailed into it so one could comfortably sit. The walls though were quite uneven because they were made of sliced bamboos. But still it looked strong.

It wasn’t quite as grand as the ones he had imagined while reading novels in his previous life, but considering the materials and craftsmanship available in this world, it was surprisingly well made.

"This is my first time seeing something like this," Laila murmured as she walked closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Traveling in it must be so much more comfortable."

A smile naturally spread across her face.

Luke nodded in agreement.

Compared to spending hours on horseback, a carriage certainly sounded like a luxury. Especially when one doesn’t need to keep an eye on the route ahead and just relax while watching the outside scenery.

"Ah, you’ve arrived."

A smooth, pleasant voice drifted from the left, drawing everyone’s attention.

Monica offered a slight bow.

"Thank you for allowing us to accompany you on this journey."

Roxanne smiled gently.

"There’s no need to thank me. Really, it’s perfectly fine."

Despite Roxanne’s attempt to ease the awkwardness between them during her previous visit, Monica still seemed just as reserved in her presence.

Luke’s gaze shifted to the small basket in Roxanne’s hand.

"Is that all you’re bringing with you?"

Roxanne nodded.

"Yes. I packed a few clothes. That’s all."

"You don’t have to worry about meals," Laila said, lifting one of the baskets with a proud smile. "We’ve packed more than enough food."

Monica quietly grumbled under her breath at how casually Laila spoke to Roxanne.

Roxanne, on the other hand, only smiled a little wider.

Luke gave a small nod.

"Then should I load everything first? Is there anything else you want to bring?"

"It would be me!"

Another voice called out from inside the house.

A short woman soon appeared, dragging a large basket across the floor.

She wore a simple white dress that reached her knees, and the weight of the basket made every step a struggle. Her breathing grew heavier as she tried to pull it forward.

Luke let out a sigh, walked over, and effortlessly took the basket from her.

Thea looked up at him in surprise before a teasing smile spread across her face.

"So you do have a nice side after all?"

Monica frowned at the remark.

Luke simply rolled his eyes and lifted the basket into the carriage.

"Hey!" Thea protested. "Be careful with my things!"

Luke ignored the complaint.

He took Roxanne’s basket as well and placed it neatly beside the first one. Then he lifted the large bundle of clothes and carefully laid it over both baskets, turning them into a makeshift cushion.

He then placed the two baskets of food on other side to keep them untouched so the food doesn’t spill.

"Monica," he called, glancing at her.

"You get in first."

Monica glanced between Roxanne and Thea, uncertain whether she should really be the first to board.

Roxanne noticed her hesitation and smiled gently.

"Please, don’t mind us. Go ahead."

Thea looked ready to object, but the moment Luke shot her a look, she immediately fell silent.

Although the treatment annoyed her, she decided against making a scene.

Luke stepped over to Monica and placed a steady hand around her waist before effortlessly lifting her into the carriage.

Monica crawled farther inside before settling onto the makeshift cushion.

As she looked around the carriage, a smile of quiet wonder lit up her face.

Luke then turned to Laila and extended his hand.

"Come."

Laila slipped her hand into his, allowing him to help her climb aboard as well.

She sat beside her mother, and Monica shifted slightly to give her enough room to lean comfortably against the cushion.

Luke’s gaze then moved to Roxanne.

Before he could say anything, Thea hurried forward.

"Help me next," she said with an eager smile. "I’m lighter, so I won’t be much trouble."

She made sure Roxanne heard every word.

Roxanne almost sighed.

"Go ahead," she said with a resigned smile. "Help the eager one first."

Luke ignored the suggestion completely.

Instead, he reached out and took Roxanne’s hand.

The unexpected touch made her heart skip a beat.

A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she softly murmured,

"Luke..."

"What?"

He looked at her with complete confusion, clearly having no intention of entertaining any argument over something so trivial.

Roxanne let out a soft sigh and walked toward the carriage.

Luke effortlessly lifted her inside before taking out a small white cushion from the system.

"Here." He handed it to her. "Put it behind your back. It’ll make the ride more comfortable."

Roxanne accepted it with both hands, unable to stop the smile blooming across her face.

When Luke turned around, he found Thea glaring at him, practically fuming.

He narrowed his eyes.

"Got something to say?"

She certainly did.

But after a brief pause, she swallowed her complaints.

"...No."

Luke nodded.

Without another word, he grabbed her by the waist and effortlessly set her down on the edge of the carriage.

Thea instantly noticed the obvious difference in how he had treated her compared to Roxanne.

The slight bruising to her pride was impossible to ignore.

Still, she kept quiet, shuffled farther inside, and took a seat beside Laila.

Luke dusted off his hands before looking around.

"So, who’s driving this thing?"

"That would be me."

A man stepped forward.

He appeared to be in his late forties, with a lean frame and a thick mustache.

Stopping before Luke, he gave a respectful nod.

"I’ve been assigned to escort all of you safely to your destination."

Luke studied him for a moment.

"Do you have experience driving a carriage?"

The man nodded confidently.

"I’ve served the chief for a long time. Whenever he travels to the head village, I’m the one who drives him."

Luke gave a satisfied nod.

The man’s calm confidence was reassuring enough.

"How far can we travel today?"

"The horses can keep going until around midnight," the driver explained. "But traveling through the forest after dark would be dangerous. Once night falls, we’ll most likely stop and camp."

Luke crossed his arms.

"At that pace, when will we reach our destination?"

"If everything goes smoothly," the man replied, "we should arrive by the morning of the day after tomorrow."

Luke scratched the back of his head.

Just as he had expected, it was going to be a long journey.

Roxanne hadn’t been exaggerating.

"What is it, Luke?" Monica suddenly asked.

Luke turned toward the carriage.

His eyes swept across the beautiful women waiting inside.

Almost instantly, the tension melted from his shoulders.

Really...

What more could he ask for than spending such a long journey in the company of these lovely companions?

A grin spread across his face.

"Then let’s get moving," he said to the driver.

"We’ve got a long road ahead of us."