Chapter 56

From today, we will begin Chapter 4 of the Ancient Era.

For a while, there will be daily updates. Of course, I will be traveling while only scheduling the posts (laughs).

The Grand Empire of Subarokia is a vast nation that governs the western part of the Slada continent. The state is established with the sole emperor at its center. Additionally, the four great ducal families that produce emperors—Noahz, Ista, Saus, and Vest—also wield strong power.

The most notable feature of the Grand Empire of Subarokia is its meritocracy.

It is also a capitalist society.

In this world, the pure power of a magus, the authority of ancient noble families, and above all, wealth, are what matter. The powerful rise, and the weak are exploited.

Shu and Iris infiltrated the capital, Aldar, of such a country.

"Finally."

"It was a long way, wasn't it?"

"It took about four years. Well, if you walk, that's about right."

While walking down the main street of the imperial capital, the two of them talked with a sense of nostalgia. It had been about four years since the revolutionary army incident in the Kingdom of Eldorado. The revolutionary army's movement gradually spread and has now developed into a major organization opposing the oppressive rule of the Grand Empire of Subarokia.

There are also rumors that it receives support from the Holy Grinia, but Shu hasn't confirmed whether this is true.

"Still, it's lively."

"Yes, it is."

"It's on a different level from other countries, especially economically."

The capital Aldar is the largest city in the Grand Empire of Subarokia. Naturally, its prosperity is concentrated in one place. Signs of prosperity were visible on the main street.

"That is...?"

"It seems to be a play."

"Is it free?"

"It seems so. It says 'free' there."

The play itself is free, but drinks and food are sold at a price. Apparently, the play is run by a state-sponsored theater group, which performs free shows to promote culture.

The people selling food and drinks are just taking advantage of the free performances.

The fact that the state can promote cultural advancement rather than focusing on the basic needs of its citizens demonstrates how wealthy the Grand Empire of Subarokia is.

"Shall we watch a bit?"

"I agree."

Shu and Iris bought some drinks and sat in a spot where they could see the play. They started watching from the middle, so they didn't understand the flow of the story. However, a man who seemed to be a magus was dramatically delivering lines with a staff in his hand.

"Your Majesty! I will defeat the Prison King Belorg! I will save the people who fear with my magic!"

"Oh, I was sure you would say that. I entrust this to you, Magus Albein!"

Of course, it's nonsensical to talk like that.

But it's a play, after all.

"Ah, the Prison King! But, I alone am not enough to defeat him. What should I do!"

The scene changes, and Magus Albein is shown in anguish.

"Yes, I alone am not enough. I must seal him with my life. But, if I do, my wife and children will be left behind. What should I do? Your Majesty and the people, or my family... which should I choose...!"

His anguished performance was so realistic that even Shu and Iris were drawn in. As they watched, Shu remembered something.

(I read about this in a book before. Wasn't he a hero of Subarokia?)

The hero magus Albein, who sealed the Prison King Belorg with his staff.

It seems to be a historical fact, but there are certainly some embellishments in the story. Shu isn't particularly interested in it.

(But... the staff that sealed the Prison King Belorg. Does it really exist?)

According to legend, the Prison King Belorg, a monster of the king, did exist. Shu has read books and is aware of the legends passed down in various regions.

If the Prison King Belorg existed, it's not unreasonable to think that the staff that sealed him also exists.

(Well, it's fine for now.)

He has some interest, but it's not worth investigating.

He decided to focus on the play for now.

◆◆◆

"It was quite interesting."

"Yeah, it has a different impact from reading a book. We can watch it again if you want."

While exchanging their impressions, the two of them walked down the streets of the capital. The capital Aldar is full of sights to see. They found themselves drawn in various directions.

However, they first needed to find a place to stay.

There are many inns in the capital, but they wanted to check in before dusk.

"Maybe we should buy a house eventually."

They intended to stay in the capital for a while. Staying in inns would be expensive, so renting a house would be cheaper in the long run. If they stayed longer, buying a used house might be even better.

"Iris, where would you like to live? We can look around the capital while deciding. We can also look for an inn at the same time."

"I want to live somewhere where I can see the castle! It's a famous spot!"

"Can you tour it?"

"You can freely view the exterior."

"That's true."

The castle of the grand nation, which boasts its prosperity, is truly majestic.

The castle, towering in the center of the capital, is beautiful from any angle. It is a structure that fully demonstrates the emperor's dignity without any compromise.

"The capital has a wide variety of food. It doesn't seem like we'll have any trouble as long as we have money."

"Are you going to earn money with that, Shu?"

"I have enough money for now. Thanks to the revolutionary army, there were plenty of assassination requests."

"Come to think of it, I don't know your financial situation."

"We can live for five years without being extravagant. Even with extravagance, we can manage for a year."

"That's amazing."

Currently, the Grand Empire of Subarokia is facing the potential threat of the revolutionary army. The vassal states are secretly lending a hand to the revolutionary army to be freed from oppression.

Some countries even support one member of the royal family to be subordinate to the Grand Empire of Subarokia while supporting another to join the revolutionary army, ready to side with the winner.

The revolutionary army is so strong that the countries expect it to win.

The revolutionary army gained strength because Shu, as the 'Reaper,' successfully carried out many assassinations. The 'Reaper' eliminated those who were obstacles to the revolutionary army, allowing it to grow rapidly.

Thanks to the assassinations, Shu's pockets were quite warm.

Not only did he carry a significant amount with the shadow spirit, but he also had a substantial savings account in the bank.

"By the way, I'm hungry."

"Let's go to a random restaurant."

"That place looks good!"

The place Iris pointed to was a fish restaurant.

It seemed to offer a wide variety of dishes, from grilled, boiled, and fried to raw. As befitting a major city, the variety of seasonings and cooking methods was impressive. Food is a form of culture, and the Grand Empire of Subarokia, which has absorbed and integrated various cultures from its vassal states, offers a wide range of cuisines.

It's likely that any restaurant they choose will be good.

"There's a line. We might have to wait a bit, right?"

"That means it's delicious. Let's get in line right away!"

"Alright."

Shu is a monster and doesn't have the concept of hunger. He doesn't mind waiting no matter how long it takes.

After all, eating is just a means to gain magic power. Moreover, gaining magic power is much more efficient by killing enemies or using death magic. For Shu, eating is merely a form of entertainment.

Incidentally, Shu has gained a considerable amount of magic power through assassinations, but his next evolution is still far off.

"By the way, Shu."

Iris, standing in line, spoke to Shu.

"What will you do in the empire?"

"Hmm..."

Shu looked up at the sky slightly and organized his thoughts.

Then he answered Iris.

"One is gathering information, and the other is the meeting. I especially want to gather information related to magic. I want to teach you strategic-level magic, the tenth tier, as well."

"Eh... I don't need that kind of magic. I want to train in light magic."

"Come to think of it, you are good at light magic."

"Recovery light magic is valued everywhere. It's worth training."

Shu included this in his plans.

The main focus for Shu is the black cat meeting. As the 'Reaper,' attending the meeting of the leaders is an obligation. Since Shu benefits from the organization, he intends to fulfill his duty.

"The priority is finding a place to stay, then buying some books and living a leisurely life. We can do some sightseeing as well."

While Shu and Iris were talking in line, the street ahead became noisy. In addition to the murmurs of the people, angry voices could be heard. Voices demanding that the way be cleared and that they were in the way echoed in the distance.

Then the crowd split, and the center of the street opened up.

"Shu."

"Yeah, what is it? Is a noble passing by?"

"It's troublesome in any country."

However, it wasn't a noble who appeared.

A large armed group seemed to have arrived from outside the capital of Subarokia. They were wearing the uniforms of the imperial army.

"Is it a unit from somewhere...?"

Shu felt suspicious and observed the surroundings.

They had just arrived in the capital of Subarokia, but he thought the residents would know the identity of the soldiers.

Indeed, when he listened, the residents whispered and provided information.

"Isn't that... Lady Azuka?"

"That 'Beast King'? I've never seen him before."

"He's the leader of the Beast King Legion and an S-rank magus. He's on a completely different level from us."

"He's so cool."

"Well, I've heard his personality is the worst."

"Shh! He might hear you."

The Grand Empire of Subarokia has a large number of S-rank magi.

Azuka, who led the approaching legion, is one of the S-rank magi.

"Indeed, he has considerable magic power. But, he hasn't awakened, has he?"

"He's a very strong magus. As expected of an S-rank."

Shu and Iris used the non-elemental magic "Perception" to investigate Azuka, and they concealed their magic with "Concealment."

The 'Beast King' Azuka walked with a grand air. In the meritocratic Grand Empire of Subarokia, an S-rank magus is almost on par with the highest-ranking officials. His grand attitude was justified.

Azuka spat as he led the legion.

"Damn, they're in the way. I'm hungry."

"Commander, please control yourself. It's not right to use violence against the citizens."

"Shut up."

"Ugh..."

Azuka punched the man who seemed to be his adjutant. The man, holding his stomach, groaned. The fact that he didn't fall down suggests he was a skilled magus, likely protected by the non-elemental magic "Barrier."

However, the fact that Azuka's attack penetrated the defense also demonstrates his S-rank strength.

"I'm so hungry. Since the mission is over, I want to eat quickly."

The Beast King Legion had been sent on a mission to defeat a powerful monster. While Azuka could have defeated the monster alone, the mission was carried out by the legion to demonstrate the emperor's prestige. Azuka found it troublesome.

He wanted to eat something to vent his stress.

"Hey, isn't that place good enough? Let's go in."

Finally, Azuka pointed to a famous fish restaurant. It was the same restaurant where Shu and Iris were waiting in line.

The adjutant, who had just been punched, immediately tried to dissuade him.

"But we're still on duty! We have to return to the castle before the mission is over—"

"Shut up."

"Ugh..."

"Leave it to you. Make sure to report it!"

Azuka, being arbitrary, left everything to his adjutant and walked towards the restaurant. The other legion members couldn't suppress the 'Beast King' Azuka with their strength. They couldn't say anything. If they rebelled, they would end up like the adjutant, beaten. Without the ability to defend themselves, they would be out of commission for months.

Azuka approached the restaurant with a leisurely pace and shouted at the waiting customers.

"Out of the way! Move!"

No matter how powerful one is, this is a violation of etiquette. This is a basic rule, even in the meritocratic Grand Empire of Subarokia.

However, among those who awakened to the power of magic at a young age and were pampered as S-rank magi, some misunderstand their position. The magus Azuka Flapp, the 'Beast King,' is one of those who misunderstand.

"I'm an S-rank magus! I'm the 'Beast King' Azuka! You commoners, move out of the way!"

His behavior was extremely arrogant.

The people in line reluctantly started to move. While it was a situation where they could protest, ultimately, Azuka was too powerful. To the average person, he was like a being from another world.

They had no choice but to move aside.

However, Shu and Iris did not move.

"What? If you're moving, can we go ahead?"

"Shu, you should read the room..."

"Hmph."

Instead, they moved forward into the now empty space, ignoring Azuka as if he didn't exist.

Of course,