Chapter 131

Sightseeing in the Royal Capital (1)
Last night, Brother Noel rode Snow ahead of us to the capital.

After breakfast, Father, Brother Gene, and I prepared to follow through the teleportation gate. Though, honestly, just stepping through a gate didn’t feel like traveling to the royal capital at all.

"Welcome back, Master, Young master Gene, and Young lady Joan."

A chorus of voices greeted us as we arrived.

"Yeah, good work. Everything in order?"

"Yes, no issues. Though... that person has been asking multiple times when you’ll be arriving."

"Sigh... That guy, seriously..."

"... Um, Father? May I greet everyone properly?"

"Hm? Oh, go ahead."

"I’m Joan. I apologize for any trouble, but please take care of me."

I bowed politely.

"O-oh, my lady, please raise your head! I am Liam, the steward of the capital estate. I’ve heard much about you from Gray… You’ve grown so much. The last time you were here, you were just a newborn. Ah, and this is—"

"I am Martha, the head maid here. You’ve grown into such a lovely young lady… I’m so moved. Sniffle…"

After introductions to the rest of the staff, Father asked,

"Where’s Noel?"

"He arrived early this morning and is still resting. The white horse is in the stables."

"Got it. Thanks. Also, inform that guy we’ll visit tomorrow morning. Gene, Joan—I’ve got some work to handle here. What about you two?"

"Ah, well… I’d like to see the capital. It’s my first time."

"Then I’ll show you around! There’s tons of good food!"

"Really? Please do, Brother Gene!"

"Alright, let’s go—!!"

"Woo—!"

"... And subtly assign Shadows."

"Understood."

Gene and I had no idea Father had just ordered Liam to deploy covert bodyguards.

—-------

"Wow~! The market here is way bigger than General’s!"

Brother Gene led me to the Central Market of Secundia, the royal capital.

"Haha, obviously! C’mon, there’s a great skewer place this way."

To avoid getting lost, I held Brother Gene’s hand—though he was worrying way too much.

"Heya, old man!"

"Oh, Gene! You’re back during academy break?... Huh? Who’s the cute one? Your girlfriend? If this is a date, you should’ve picked a nicer place."

"Wha—?! N-no way! This is my little sister! First time in the capital, so I’m showing her around."

"Nice to meet you! I’m Joan, Gene’s sister. Thank you for always taking care of him. I heard your skewers are amazing, so I’ve been looking forward to this!"

"Oh-ho, polite too!... Tell ya what—today’s on the house! Here ya go!"

"No way! Thanks, old man!"

"Are you sure? Then, please accept this as thanks!"

I pulled out some dried sweet potatoes from my pouch and handed them to him.

(Note: This pouch was custom-made by Mito the seamstress and her apprentice Megan to hide my Storage-S. By expanding my storage inside it, items appear to come from the pouch itself.)

"Uh, miss, what’s this?"

"A local specialty from our territory! Very popular."

"... Joan, you always carry these around to hand out?"

"Of course! We have to promote our products. See? The bag even has our territory’s emblem!"

"Wahaha! Sharp kid. If these taste good, I’ll spread the word!"

"Thank you! Please do!"

I handed him two more bags. The shopkeeper laughed, and Brother Gene just sighed.

After skewers, we hit up a fresh fruit juice stand, then a jet-brewed sandwich shop (apparently a capital specialty). Once full, we browsed stationery stores and bookshops, where I bought:
- A cute letter set
- A sketchbook
- A book on mythical creatures

"Tired yet? Wanna grab cake at a café?"

"YES!! Let’s go, hurry!!"

"Pfft—suddenly so energetic?"

Just moments ago, I’d been trudging along, but the word cake had me dragging Brother Gene instead.

"Okay, okay, stop pulling! You don’t even know where it is!"

"Ah, right. But faster, faster!"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Brother Gene, ‘yeah’ is only once!"

"”!!... Quit sounding like Nancy~"

"Ehehe. Just channeling my inner Nancy."

What do you think about this chapter?