Chapter 55

"…We've arrived! The capital city!"

As we passed through the large city gate, a throng of people was bustling about. There were adventurers who had completed their quests, workers taking a break, and people busily loading goods onto carriages. A little further away, the calls of street vendors could be heard, creating a lively atmosphere.

The wide main street that stretched from the city gate was paved with stones, and large stone buildings lined it.

Beyond that, the majestic castle loomed, overlooking us and welcoming us with its grandeur.

That's the castle. It looks impressive even from here; I wonder what it will look like up close.

Mina, who had just dismounted from the carriage like me, let out an exclamation of awe.

"Wow! It's so big! It's just... so luxurious... so luxurious!"

Yeah, it's clear that Mina has a limited vocabulary compared to me.

Nord and Elna, along with Sara, seemed to be familiar with the scene, watching us with warm eyes as we saw it for the first time.

"Mina, this is your first time in the capital, right?"

"Yes! That's right! This is the first time I've been allowed to come along!"

Mina answered, still excited. If left alone, she might wander off on her own.

Around us, there were others who seemed to be visiting the capital for the first time, exclaiming in amazement. It seemed that more women were expressing their awe, while men simply said "Huh" and continued walking without much emotion.

Just then, a breeze blew through the capital.

Women, like Mina, were captivated by the city's scenery and not paying attention to their feet. As a result, their skirts flapped in the wind, and cute, high-pitched "Kyaa!" sounds could be heard from all around.

Gentlemen, of course, didn't miss this moment, and many of them stared at the flapping skirts. Even men who had already walked ahead turned back, a sight that was truly astonishing.

The women were captivated by the beautiful scenery of the capital, and the gentlemen were captivated by the flapping skirts. It was a scene that clearly depicted the different sensibilities of men and women.

"Hey, what are you looking at!"

"Come on, back to work, you guys."

"Sure thing!"

"Hey, you!"

Women's voices of disapproval could be heard from all around, but the men seemed to be unaffected and walked away.

"...You peeked just now, didn't you?"

"...It's just my imagination."

"No, your gaze moved unnaturally just now."

"Anyone would look when they hear a scream."

"But you were looking down a bit too much."

"...Sorry."

"You'll be punished later."

Such a conversation was taking place behind us.

I wonder what kind of punishment it will be.

"...What a lewd wind."

Hearing Sara's words, I awkwardly got into the carriage.

After arriving in the capital, we headed straight to a high-end inn.

It seemed to be an inn exclusively for nobles, and it was a far cry from the inns we had seen on the road. It was not only clean but also had a large bath and fluffy beds. Several guards were standing around, ensuring the security was tight.

For us, the guests, safety was paramount, so this well-guarded inn seemed trustworthy.

After putting the carriages and wagons in the garage, Rumba and Gates headed to the Adventurer's Guild.

They apparently had to make appearances at various places.

Since they mainly operated in the capital, it was understandable.

Originally, Rumba and Gates' main job was to guard us during the journey and the three days of the party.

The capital was well-policed by guards and knights, making it safe as long as you didn't venture into suspicious areas at midnight. As evidence, many children were happily running around near the main street.

It was past noon.

After having lunch and resting at the inn, I walked down the main street of the capital with Mina.

Nord was being punished by Elna, so he wasn't with us. Sara, as a maid, had to stay nearby and was on standby.

I'll find out what happened later.

"The impression is different when you see it from a carriage versus walking."

It was still mealtime, so the smell of food was wafting from the street vendors.

The main streets of the capital radiated from a central square.

The main streets from the south to the north and from the east to the west were particularly large and had the most traffic.

As a result, many shops lined these two main streets, and the competition was fierce. Whether it was street vendors, grocery stores, tool shops, or weapon shops, everyone was working hard.

"Yeah, especially this area is amazing."

Some men were selling vegetables, calling out to potential customers.

"Hey, come on in! We have plenty of fresh vegetables! You there, pretty lady! How about using our vegetables for dinner?"

"Oh, you mean me?"

"Better not, lady. Vegetables handled by such a fierce-looking shopkeeper are bound to be rough and misshapen."

"Huh...?"

"Huh? Don't be fooled, lady! The vegetables over there are as scrawny and malnourished as that man! Look at our radishes! They're as thick as a human thigh when you put knee-high socks on them!"

I don't think there's any connection between the shopkeeper's appearance and the vegetables. And knee-high socks on radishes...

"What's with those radishes? They're just big and full of water. Look at our radishes! They're perfectly firm and full of sweetness. See, put knee-high socks on them! ...Wait, where did she go?"

The lady had probably run away when the shopkeeper put knee-high socks on the radishes. The two shopkeepers were left holding radishes with knee-high socks on them.

"Mom, those people are putting something on the radishes!"

"Don't look. It's not good."

Even mothers with children who happened to pass by hurried away.

All that was left was Mina and me, watching the scene.

"Those radishes..."

"Let's go."

Mina and I fled from the scene.

The vegetable vendors in the capital are something else.

---

Mina and I walked past the vegetable vendors, browsing various street stalls and buying and eating things we liked or found interesting.

"Alfred, this meat is amazing! It has a bouncy texture and is so delicious!"

"Indeed, it's juicy and delicious. It's not pork or chicken. It tastes similar to beef, but it's different..."

As I was marveling at the skewered meat, a friendly vendor called out to me.

"Hey, young master, have you never eaten Wushi meat before?"

"Wushi meat? What's that?"

"It's a cow-like monster that frequently appears around the capital. It's delicious with this sauce, isn't it?"

I found the story interesting and asked more about Wushi.

---

Wushi.

A cow-like monster that often appears in the grasslands near the capital.

It has a much larger and more muscular body than a cow, with a coat like a horse. It has a fierce nature, charging at any creature that approaches it.

Underestimating its simple charge can lead to trouble, and many adventurers are said to be swallowed by its massive body every year.

Its taste is popular for its bouncy texture and juicy flavor, enjoyed by both children and adults in the capital.

Wushi is large.

Thanks to its size, it's difficult to hit with physical attacks, and there's a saying among adventurers that being able to cut Wushi meat means you're a seasoned adventurer.

Wow, I knew that monster meat could be eaten, but I didn't expect it to be this delicious. There are few monsters around Coirat Village, so I've never had the chance to try it.

"I've heard that monster meat can be eaten... but I never expected it to be this delicious!"

Mina, please choose between eating and talking. If the sauce gets on your maid uniform... it hasn't. That's strange.

"It's delicious, right? How about another skewer?"

"Sure!"

Mina and I enthusiastically ordered another skewer of Wushi meat.

---

We visited a few more stalls recommended by the Wushi meat vendor.

We are now sitting on the side of the road, resting and drinking fruit juice, as we are tired from walking.

There are many places to rest along the long streets of the capital. People who are tired from walking or have empty stomachs sit and enjoy food from street stalls.

This fruit juice is delicious. The sweetness and the right amount of acidity are perfect for a tired body.

There were many other juices, and I wonder what fruits they use.

They would go well with shaved ice. I should check later.

While I was thinking about the future and daydreaming, I noticed a small girl moving around restlessly on the opposite side of the street.

She had hair that was a mix of gold and brown, tied in twin tails. She seemed to be looking for someone, standing on the bench to stretch and jump, looking around cutely. When she couldn't see the person, she would get down and repeat the same actions.

Every time she moved, her red ribbons and hair fluttered cutely.

She looked to be about four years old, younger than me. She was wearing a beautifully made white dress, and she might be from a noble family like me.

While I was drinking the fruit juice and watching her cute movements, I suddenly felt her gaze.

Thinking it was just my imagination, I looked away and took a sip of the fruit juice, but then I felt a tug on the hem of my clothes.

What's going on? If Mina needs something, she can just talk to me.

I turned to Mina, but she was just eating a cookie and drinking fruit juice with a relaxed expression.

She always carries cookies with her.

She was so focused on enjoying the taste that it didn't seem like she was the one tugging on my clothes.

So who was it?

Just as I thought that, I felt another tug, stronger this time.

Looking up, I saw the twin-tailed girl from earlier, staring up at me with her mouth open.

"Is there something you need?"

I asked, confused, and the girl replied energetically.

"I'm Raa-chan!"

...I have a bad feeling about this.