Chapter 68

The white walls, as if plastered with lacquer or plaster, lined both sides of the road, and beautiful flowers and lush trees adorned the path. Colorful clothes were displayed in the shops lining the road, creating a vivid and lively scene.

"…It’s like the streets are a canvas with paint scattered on it. Perhaps it’s those pure white buildings that create this atmosphere, isn’t it?"

As I murmured this, Ail nodded happily.

"Yes! It’s so beautiful! It even smells delicious, it’s wonderful!"

"Indeed, the Holy Capital is known as the City of Pure White. By the way, Court Highland is known as the City of Water. I really hope Aoi-sensei can come to Court Highland…"

"Ah, there’s the famous bando over there. It’s a sandwich with fried chicken, and each store has a different flavor, which is quite interesting."

"Wait, Riz, don’t go too far."

"Ah, sorry, Strass-sensei."

The students were completely in the mood of a school trip. Strass and Eliza kept an eye on Ail and the others, while Court and Shengli quietly observed the streets and chatted.

At the front, Crown was giving a tour, incorporating information about the city.

"Do you see those pointed roofs? There are three buildings with pointed roofs in a row. They are stores run by the Mage Guild, and sometimes they have quite rare magic books and tools. Because they also trade with merchants from other countries, even the top researchers from the Magic Research Institute occasionally visit."

The tour was mostly about magic, but it was still informative. The students, however, quickly lost interest in Crown’s tour and were thoroughly enjoying the scenery.

"Can we buy that?"

"Sure, but do you have enough money?"

"A sandwich shouldn’t be a problem."

Riz and Bell were captivated by the fragrant bread at a stall, and I suddenly had a question.

"Is there any issue with currency? Do you have the currency of the Maple Leaf Holy Empire?"

When I asked, everyone turned to look at me. Even Crown stopped and looked over.

"Did I say something strange?"

I asked, puzzled. Eliza answered on behalf of the group.

"Well, about two hundred years ago, the five major countries issued a common currency. To avoid disadvantages in trade, most small countries adopted the currency of the major countries, so the common currency can be used in any country."

"Oh, I see. I’ve never left the mountains, so I didn’t know."

I nodded, understanding Eliza’s explanation. It’s like a common currency in Europe, I thought.

"Well, if you’ve never been to other countries, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t know. Still, your lack of general knowledge is quite the contrast to your knowledge of magic."

Strass said this with a look of exasperation.

"Is that so?"

I considered myself a person with common sense, but being looked at strangely by everyone made me feel uneasy.

"Still, if the currency is used worldwide, wouldn’t the country responsible for minting it make a significant profit?"

I shifted the focus from my lack of common sense to the topic of minting. Court shrugged, looking troubled.

"The common currency is minted by the royal families of each country. It has a special magical engraving, and it’s managed and produced by the Varted Kingdom, Gransanz Kingdom, Caravan Kingdom, Maple Leaf Holy Empire, and Bushmills Empire."

Among the familiar names, one of the major countries was not mentioned.

"Is Court Highland not involved in minting?"

When I asked, Court’s expression became even more troubled.

"Since Court Highland selects its representatives, there’s a concern about information leaks with the special engraving."

"I see. It makes sense to trust a country that elects its representatives over one where the royal family is chosen by bloodline."

As I answered, I turned to Riz and Bell.

"Shall we buy bread for everyone? I’ll go too."

"Aoi-sensei too?"

"Ah, then I’ll go too!"

"Let’s go together."

As I took out my wallet and started walking, Ail, Shengli, and Eliza followed, and before I knew it, all the women were heading to the stall.

"Aoi-sensei, which flavor do you want?"

"I’d like something sweet if possible."

"Then the berry one is good!"

"Ah, I think the maple one is better…"

Before I knew it, I was part of the girls’ circle.

With Ail and the others making a fuss over the stall, I felt like I was on a school trip for the first time in a long while, and I found myself smiling and biting into the bread without realizing it.

The delicious smell of the baked bread and the surprisingly complex sauce made me savor the taste, and we enjoyed our sightseeing in the Holy Capital.