After gathering with Asha and Louise, the group pushed against the relentless flow of citizens. Sometimes, they brushed against coarse fabrics that suggested poorer backgrounds. More often, softer ones flourished with stylistic embroideries caressed their shoulders and drew an approving nod from Julius.
He knew every city had its own problems, but Regalia appeared like a haven at first glance.
As Adam had taught him, he scanned the circular streets that descended toward the crater’s heart for the suburbs. ’It’ll tell you everything you need to know about a city’s rulership.’ His words before he grumbled about Shepard’s appalling management. And remembering his village and Alkemia Al-Nur, he agreed with them.
Yet, even after circling the gates’ surroundings, the shaky buildings he had expected didn’t greet his eyes. No extreme poverty, ill-looking men, or women begging to feed their children. No stench of molds either, only that of fresh gardens, sweet and sour fruits, or grilling meat from restaurants.
Everything sparkled like new, pulsing with mana and decorated with fresh terraces. A shadow of doubt obscured his face. Did the royal family relocate poverty to its towns, or was it hidden so well that he couldn’t catch it at first glance? He’d discover it slowly. For now, exploration!
His lips curled a little more with each shop he passed by. He noticed no gleaming swords or enchanted armor displays—those were likely reserved for the elite. Instead, they mostly sold magical artifacts. From soft glowing ones that drove darkness away to crackling stones used for heat or cooking, they covered various features geared towards daily living.
The closer he approached the royal castle, the better their quality was. However, the items that had sparked his curiosity earlier hadn’t appeared yet.
With a raised brow, he turned to Arun and pointed at the sky. "Why can’t we find these flying carpets and devices?" He grinned. "It’d be cool to have our own, right?"
Arun patted his shoulder, sighing. "Right? It’s difficult to get them, though."
Asha nodded. "Of course, they’re the first things we tried to buy yesterday. But yeah, it won’t happen anytime soon." She pointed a twitching finger to a district by the castle, where lavish mansions sprouted like grass. "As expensive as one of these, the merchants said. And that’s the least of our troubles, Julius. They’re only sold in this restricted area, where nobles and high-ranking officials taught by the royal academy can enter."
Louise, who held hands with Julius, jumped into the discussion with a knowing smile. "The solution is simple, though. We wanted to enrol at first, but... Well, the outrageous hundred thousand gold fee per person aside, the conditions are too restrictive." Her eyes narrowed. "A contract, Julius, one that shackles us to the kingdom with ancient magic for a hundred years of camouflaged servitude."
Julius’ eyes widened. "A hundred? Might as well say until we die."
"Most won’t." Louise shook her head, her fingers tightening around his. "Did you know that mages could live for around three hundred years here? It’s so different from what we knew. Archmages can even endure for a thousand! As for magi..."
A third of one’s lifespan seemed reasonable to him. Still, he felt it was too long and that everything couldn’t be scaled.
Perhaps his mindset was too stuck in the brevity of life in the province. After all, commoners lucky enough to die of old age were rare when illness and starvation reaped them like wheat.
He sighed, his eyes dimming slightly. "We already know about that one. Ten thousand years old and still wreaking havoc. So, we can’t buy the flying carpets?"
"Remember the thief guild? They have a few concealed dwellings. But they’re not exactly the type of individuals we want to deal with." Louise raised a finger, her emerald eyes sparkling. "This leaves us a single option: make our mercenary team famous enough to get jobs inside the noble district!"
He raised their joined hands, eyes bright with delight. "That’s already Arun and my goal. Glad you share it!"
Asha rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with fake eagerness. "Yeah! Let’s head to the mercenary guild right after arriving. Seriously, guys! Did you forget our primary goal is to gather knowledge?"
"And where do you think the most valuable knowledge is?" Arun grabbed her hand and chuckled. "Alright, I got you princess. We’ll tour clothing and jewellery shops until you get sick of them for today. Not that it’ll ever happen, though."
"Now, we’re talking!" Asha kissed his cheek, light chuckles escaping her curved lips. "You know me best."
Meanwhile, Julius grimaced in grudging resistance. Shops? He had sworn never to accompany Asha years ago and had always stuck to it.
He glanced at Louise... She might enjoy the relaxing activity. What to do...
"Don’t worry, Julius." Louise suddenly said, her voice sweet as honey and caring. She approached until their foreheads touched, and his eyes widened. "I want you to enjoy your free time. So why don’t you explore on your own, while I have fun with them?"
Feeling her tender face against his, her warm breath tickling his skin, and her beautiful eyes sparkling like gems, his chest tightened, and his arms wrapped around her back.
She trembled, and he whispered. "My brother said he’d make me wear a dress if I ever followed Asha." He pulled back and winked. "Don’t tell her."
She covered her lips, almost laughing aloud. "Oh. That’s a bit too much, but so like him. Alright, I got you." She planted a kiss on his forehead, then stepped back with a cute giggle. "Thank you for trusting me."
He touched his forehead, a grin spreading as he appreciated the peaceful sensation.
He had always trusted her. And her unwavering care made him feel comfortable enough to share more after almost a month of relationship. It was even a little more than that.
Before, he thought about her well-being in general but now... he wanted to make her smile, to feel her happiness. It sounded a little weird, or was it novel? He didn’t know, but he enjoyed it.
"Don’t mention it." He waved his hand and walked away. "See you at the inn."
Now alone, he pondered what to do. ’No equipment to browse, and the most interesting items inaccessible. Humm. I’ll share food discovery and fun with them. Learning it is.’ A steely glint flashed in his eyes. ’I hope I’ll find a clue to regrow Louise’s arm, too.’
He walked to a store adorned by a painted sign representing a book and a quill. Located on a side street with little passage, it would give him all the quiet he needed to focus.
However, the cardboard sticking out of his chest pocket didn’t escape one of the rare pedestrians looking like your everyday neighbor. His eyes sparkled in recognition—a royal mage seed. No. A youth with the potential to become one. Interesting.
Like a hawk fixing prey, he scrutinised the door, waiting for the boy to emerge with a delighted smirk.
AN: One more Chapter to introduce the last organisation and we return to Adam permanently with a double time skip. (Almost 2 years passed so he’ll begin the star condensations.) By the way, what tier do you think he’ll reach before leaving the blessed land? :D