Chapter 0587 The Imperial Capital Adventurer Mutual Aid
-x-X-x-
After a light lunch, the two headed to the Adventurer Mutual Aid Society.
Yes, that's right.
A light lunch.
They don't always overeat.
For the sake of their honor, it must be noted: overeating happens only sometimes.
And hey!
No lecturing even if it's occasional!
They are both Sixth‑Rank Adventurers.
At Tiger Mountain they were split into teams of Seventh‑Rank and below versus Sixth‑Rank and above, so Sixth‑Rank isn't exactly beginner level…
"But those Seventh‑Rank adventurers back then were so young… I even called them kids."
"Y‑Yeah, that's true…"
Abel frowned at Ryo's remark.
So being only one rank above, a Sixth‑Rank Adventurer could still be considered half-baked.
"Well, we'll figure it out as we go!"
"Yeah. Abel truly is a swordsman. And I think he identifies more as an adventurer than king."
Abel gave up thinking, and Ryo shook his head, grumbling.
They walked a while and arrived at the Adventurer Mutual Aid Society location that the locals had told them about.
A grand gate.
Flanked by long white walls stretching left and right.
It looked like some high noble's estate…
The gate was open, with a fair number of people passing in and out.
But few looked like adventurers.
"The ones coming in look like maids or servants."
"Clients, maybe? Nobles…or the Shitaifu class—they wouldn't come directly. Or maybe merchants."
"Makes sense."
Accepting Abel's deduction, Ryo agreed.
It was reasonable.
They stepped through the gate.
And found themselves in a perfectly square plaza paved with stones.
Three large single-story buildings faced them…
One on each side and one at the far end.
"Most servant-looking people enter the right building."
"Yeah. And the well-dressed ones head to the left."
They watched as presumed clients went into either side building.
And noticed none headed for the central building.
"But the center building is overwhelmingly grand…"
"Everything about this is unfamiliar; I have no idea what to do."
Abel murmured, shaking his head.
This place was unlike the Kingdom's adventurers' guild.
Both in Rune and the capital.
It wasn't like the Adventurer Mutual Aid Society in the Autonomous City of Kwebasa either.
This place hadn't a trace of dilapidation.
Abel stood frozen while Ryo looked around.
And then spotted someone.
"Abel, that person in the corner's staring at us."
At a corner of the plaza, someone watched them.
Hair neatly tied, wearing an Eastern-style robe like palace guides.
Certainly not an adventurer or a commoner.
More like an official staff.
Ryo walked over.
"Hey, Ryo."
Abel followed hurriedly.
"Hello!"
Ryo greeted with a smile.
The staff responded softly,
"How can I help you?"
It was indeed a staff member.
More precisely, a Mutual Aid Society guide.
"Yes. This is our first time visiting the Imperial Capital Mutual Aid Society. We're Sixth‑Rank Adventurers."
"Welcome to the Imperial Capital Adventurer Mutual Aid Society."
Ryo spoke, and the guide performed the Darwei‑style greeting—hands folded over the chest.
"We were surprised the building is split into three…"
"Ah, I see. Well, allow me to give you a brief explanation."
And so the guide began his explanation.
He had probably explained this to people like the two of them many times.
It was a smooth explanation.
He explained:
The right building handles missions for Fourth Rank and below: Standard Hall.
The left building handles Third and Second Rank missions: Advanced Hall.
The front building handles First Rank and Special Rank missions: Special Rank Hall.
Most of those entering were clients.
Each hall has waiting rooms and request‑handling rooms at the back.
Adventurers use rear exits along the alley and often bypass the front gate.
But anyone can enter through the front and request access to the interior waiting areas…
"That's impressive…"
"The number of adventurers must be huge."
Ryo gasped, and Abel nodded.
"There are over fifty thousand adventurers registered in the Imperial Capital."
"What…?"
"Fifty thousand in the capital alone…?"
The guide smiled as Ryo fell silent in shock and Abel shook his head.
After a brief hesitation, Ryo asked:
"Um—may we take a quick look inside…?"
"You two are adventurers, so of course."
"Awesome!"
Ryo cheered, though the guide leaned in to caution quietly:
"However… I strongly recommend you stick to the Standard Hall."
"Meaning the right building… Fourth Rank and below only?"
"Yes. It's not explicitly stated… but it's best not to enter the Advanced or Special Halls."
"Would they throw us out?"
"If you're unlucky, you might not come out alive."
"Whoa…"
Apparently, the higher-ranking buildings were like dens of beasts.
The two thanked the guide and decided to head inside.
Choosing only the Standard Hall as advised.
"Even if you, Abel, decide to charge into that Special Hall, I'm not going with you. You're on your own."
"I wouldn't do that."
"You never know. Former A-rank ego can make you."
"And what if you storm in, Ryo, wanting to test yourself as a C-rank?"
In the end, neither of them charged anywhere.
They continued their banter as they looked at the front-facing Special Hall.
"Those people are heading to the center building."
"You're right."
They spotted one group heading to the Special Hall.
There were ten people, but only one seemed to be the client — the rest looked like porters.
"Could all that baggage be the request fee?"
"No way, that would be insane."
If all of that were gold coins… it'd be worth hundreds of millions of florins in Central Countries currency…
Watching the group, Ryo and Abel entered the Standard Hall.
Inside the Standard Hall, the place was bustling.
Numerous clients interacted with receptionists.
It was a large hall.
Perhaps twice the size of a school gymnasium.
The ceiling was equally high…
But no one was causing a ruckus.
That's because there were no adventurers visible in the hall.
"They said the back has waiting rooms and request‑handling rooms, right?"
"Yeah. I wonder what a request-handling room is."
"Well…probably a place where you fight to decide who takes the job."
"Fight? What are you talking about?"
"You know, with that!"
Ryo pointed at the sword Abel was carrying.
"My sword? You mean, they have duels?"
"Of course. If you have something to say, say it with your sword."
Ryo said with total confidence, as if it were common sense.
Abel had no idea why he was so sure of that.
In one corner of the large reception area stood several guides similar to the one in the plaza.
They were helping confused-looking client candidates, explaining things one by one.
"It's a system that scratches where it itches."
"What is that supposed to mean…"
Abel shook his head at Ryo's expression.
One of the guides spotted them and came over.
"Is there something I can help you with?"
Ryo and Abel exchanged glances, and Ryo answered.
"We're Sixth-Rank Adventurers visiting the Imperial Capital Adventurers Mutual Aid Society for the first time today."
"Welcome to the Imperial City Adventurers Mutual Aid Association."
It was the same greeting as the plaza guide.
Apparently, it was scripted.
"We're not here to take a job today…more like just to look around. Is that okay?"
"Of course. We'll just need to verify your rank. Please follow me."
The indoor guide said this and walked off.
They didn't head for the busy front reception, but instead to a small, unused desk in a corner.
The guide sat in the chair and placed his right hand on a crystal orb-like object.
It glowed faintly for an instant.
An alchemical light Ryo recognized.
"Your adventurer cards, please."
At the guide's request, they handed over their cards.
The guide held the cards over the crystal orb, checked something, and said:
"Sixth-Rank adventurer, Ryo-dono. And likewise, Abel-dono. Confirmed."
After returning the cards, the guide stood up.
"Please follow me. I'll guide you to the waiting room."
The two followed.
They exited through a door behind the reception and found themselves on a covered walkway.
This was typical Darwei architecture—connecting buildings with roofed corridors, much like their own residence.
But on a larger scale.
"It's similar to our mansion in layout, but each building is bigger. Single-story, but the roofs are so tall."
"Yeah. Even the reception had a high ceiling."
The guide seemed to overhear their conversation.
As he added:
"The current structure was built thirty years ago. At the time, it was designed so you could swing a sword anywhere inside—hence the tall ceilings."
"You're kidding…"
Abel muttered.
Ryo gaped, speechless.
Half out of amazement, half in disbelief.
If you want to swing a sword, just do it outside!
Even so, Ryo didn't say that out loud.
He was a considerate, grown-up magician.
"If they want to swing swords, why not do it outside?"
Abel, on the other hand, was not such a grown-up swordsman…
"This is the First Waiting Room."
The building, like the others, had tall ceilings and massive proportions.
"Hey… do you hear shouting?"
"Yeah, I do."
Ryo listened closely. Abel agreed.
Then the guide made a mysterious statement:
"Please be careful."
And opened the door.
Inside — a fight was happening.
"Looks like they're fighting."
"What a coincidence. That's what I see too."
Ryo and Abel stayed outside.
They had no intention of entering.
Because — they were fighting.
Dozens? No, maybe over a hundred people…
They were all wearing typical Darwei attire.
"Probably all adventurers, huh?"
"Yeah, I'd say so."
"It's strange, though. Same standard Darwei clothes, even the swords are like those used by the White Flame Army… but you can still tell they're adventurers."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. It's like a smell or something."
"Adventurer smell… Probably not a nice smell, though."
"That's prejudice. Not that I disagree."
The guide seemed to have overheard their conversation.
And let out a tiny sigh.
Then said something shocking:
"They're just scuffling for now."
Spoken calmly.
This must be normal here.
"This happens all the time?"
"Yes. Later, they may even draw swords."
"Eh…?"
Ryo was stunned. The guide remained expressionless.
"Is the high ceiling… for this?"
"Yes, I believe so. So they can swing swords freely… and to reduce building damage when fights break out…"
"So, thirty years ago, this was already a daily occurrence."
Abel deduced. The guide nodded. Ryo looked exasperated.
Before reincarnating here, Ryo had assumed adventurer guilds were always rowdy.
That was a fantasy novel cliché, after all.
In reality, whether in Rune or the royal capital, he'd never seen a fight in a guild.
Well, he did remember some rookies in the training ground at Rune clashing.
Niels, Etho, and Amon from 'Room 10' getting beaten by Dan's group from 'Room 1'…
But that was a training facility, built for combat.
This was different—this was indoors.
Still, not everyone in the room was fighting.
Some sat in the corner reading. Others sipped drinks, watching.
Maybe 200 or 300 people in total.
But still…
"It's already past noon, right?"
Abel muttered.
Yeah. It was.
"Why are so many adventurers just hanging around at this hour?"
Ryo muttered, having the same question.
The guide's answer was blunt.
"They're the ones who didn't get any jobs."
A pitiful answer—delivered without a shred of pity.
It almost seemed to say, get a job already.
Even his expression had slightly furrowed…
"Abel… let's use them as a cautionary tale and stay diligent."
"A cautionary what?"
"In other words, 'Learn from others' mistakes'. If you see someone failing, take a moment to reflect."
"Can't argue with that."
In the end, they didn't go in.
When they told the guide they'd pass, he shut the door without comment.
"Next is the request-handling room."
The guide said and walked ahead again.
"Request-handling rooms—also where decisions are made by force, right? Where people fight to decide who takes the job."
"Why are you so sure of that?"
Ryo confidently described what he assumed happened there. Abel voiced skepticism.
"After seeing that chaos, I'm convinced! If the waiting room is that violent. The request-handling room must be worse."
Ryo said firmly.
But then…
"This is the request-handling room, but only those officially summoned may enter."
The door remained closed and very quiet.
Occasionally, a client was guided from the reception building.
Adventurers, too, were guided from the waiting rooms.
Both groups—calm and orderly.
"It's so quiet and peaceful."
Ryo sounded almost disappointed.
"This is how it's supposed to be."
Abel nodded, expression neutral.
"In this room, adventurers meet clients directly to hear the details of the request."
The guide explained.
"So this isn't where they decide which adventurer gets the job?"
"Correct. The selection happens at reception."
"Meaning reckless adventurers don't get missions."
Ryo asked, the guide answered, and Abel shook his head slightly.
Of course, Abel shook his head—not in disapproval, but understanding.
After all, the Mutual Aid Society doesn't want unreliable adventurers tarnishing its reputation.
Given the choice…
Someone who picks fights like the brawlers from earlier.
Or someone reliable who will do the job honestly without any problems.
Most clients would pick the latter.
And the guild knew that too.
So they controlled who got jobs.
Of course, while it's good for those who get the job…
"It's tragic to be left out."
"Same anywhere—your track record carries weight."
Ryo muttered, shaking his head, and Abel shrugged.
They can't afford to have their reputation ruined after assigning a job…
"Do adventurers have to wait in the waiting room to get jobs?"
Abel asked.
Indeed, even if you're there, you might get caught up in a fight you don't want to be involved in.
It would be a problem if you were labeled dangerous and no longer given work.
"Generally, jobs go to people in the waiting rooms. However, the place we were in earlier is the first waiting room. There are five waiting rooms in total, and you can be in any of them."
"So if a fight breaks out, you can switch rooms?"
"Yes."
Abel asked, and the guide nodded.
But Ryo recalled the chaos earlier.
"In the first waiting room earlier, those who weren't fighting… they stayed in the same room."
"Yeah. They didn't leave."
Abel nodded.
"That kind of thing happens a lot…"
"So they're just used to it."
"Adventurers do adapt quickly…"
The guide explained. Ryo and Abel both shrugged.
And thus, their tour ended.
They were shown the back gate that adventurers usually used, but in the end, they exited through the main plaza where they had started.
No real reason… they just felt like looking around more.
Of course, they didn't enter the Advanced or Special Halls.
"I wonder what those advanced adventurers are like."
"Well, they probably don't fight every day. The guild doesn't give jobs to people like that, remember? If they don't get work, they can't level up."
"Looking at this makes me appreciate how peaceful the Kingdom was."
"Well, the Kingdom of Knightley is a country of adventurers, after all."
Ryo sighed, and Abel added the last part.
With a touch of pride as a Kingdom adventurer.
"Do adventurers fight each other like that over there?"
"Not never, but… at least no sword fights."
Abel answered honestly.
Adventurers are, by nature, a quarrelsome bunch.
Compared to other professions, that's undoubtedly true, and Abel understood that to some extent it's unavoidable.
But at least there were no adventurers who let their quarrels interfere with their work.
Later, they saw a group of ten exit the left building, that is, the Advanced Hall.
"Hey, aren't those the same people from earlier?"
"Those who went into the Special Hall. Emerged from Advanced? Why?"
Ryo and Abel both tilted their heads.
Their luggage was now half the size.
"So that luggage was likely mission pay."
"Meaning their rank gets richer contracts than this building's crowd."
They shrugged at the observation.
-x-X-x-
"Ahh, you really saved me."
At the entrance of the Inspectorate near the Imperial Palace, a man nearly two meters tall with a completely shaved head bowed deeply, performing the Darwei-style salute with both hands crossed over his chest.
"No, I'm just glad we could help. Besides, we were headed to the capital anyway."
One of the people he bowed to waved his hands, flustered.
The others behind him gave a wry smile.
"I, Li Wu, will never forget the debt I owe you all. I'll be staying in the capital for a while, so feel free to drop by the Inspectorate anytime."
With another respectful bow, Inspector* Li Wu entered the Inspectorate—for the first time in a year. (TLN: It was translated as Governor previously, as it's old Chinese terminology used to address several titles)
"All right, let's get to work."
"Yes."
Jun Luo, the leader and a third-rank adventurer, said, and Barili, the strategist and magician of the group, replied, smiling.
The rest—Chunk the scout, Shun Li the healer, and Loso, the other swordsman—nodded silently.
They were a five-person, third-rank party led by Jun Luo, who once commanded a fierce retreat from Tiger Mountain against a horde of monsters led by a phantomkin named Garibech.
"First, we deliver the documents from Deputy Magistrate Fu Ten to the Ministry of War, then we deliver the report to the Lord's residence."
"If I recall, the Ministry of War is just a little north of the Inspectorate, right?"
Barili confirmed the plan.
They belonged to the Boago Adventurers' Mutual Aid Society, and they frequently handled such assignments to the capital.
While low-ranked adventurers didn't receive jobs like that, third-ranks and above were occasionally directly commissioned by nobles.
Transporting official government documents was one of those responsibilities.
Proof of their status as elite adventurers.
After parting ways with Jun Luo's group, Inspector Li Wu passed through the gate of the Inspectorate for the first time in a year.
But he felt no particular emotion about it.
After all, his return to the capital-based Inspectorate was usually just for reporting—he spent more than half the year traveling across the land of Darwei.
In short, the role of the Inspectorate was to monitor the provinces of Darwei.
The capital region, 'Chuo Chuang', was mostly directly governed by the Emperor, but the rest of the country was divided into territories ruled by dukes and counts.
Truthfully, Darwei's territory was so vast that much of it lay beyond the central government's direct oversight.
Originally, the nobles were only caretakers of land assigned by the Emperor—but over generations, those positions became hereditary.
The Emperor and the central government struggled to manage such a large country.
Differences in local production due to geography added to the burden.
Eventually, they had little choice but to allow nobles a degree of autonomy… as long as taxes were paid properly.
But this led to the emergence of lords who levied heavy taxes and fattened their coffers.
The Inspectorate's job, and thus Li Wu's, was to travel across Darwei, inspecting and overseeing such local lords.
Li Wu, known for his integrity and refusal to take bribes, was not well-liked by many of those nobles…
"Chief, Inspector Li Wu wishes to report."
"Send him in."
Li Wu was escorted to the office of the Inspectorate's Chief.
"Inspector Li Wu, reporting in."
Li Wu said, bowing deeply—just as he had done earlier with Jun Luo's group.
Sitting in front of him was his superior, Daifu Zhuon.
Seventy-five years old.
His long white hair was neatly tied and secured with a red crown.
He stroked his white beard that stretched to his chest—a habit when deep in thought.
"Li Wu, it's been a year, hasn't it? Weren't you supposed to be back two months ago, according to the letter from Boago?"
Daifu Zhuon's voice was gentle.
Like a kindly old man's.
But Li Wu knew better.
That gentle exterior was a mask.
"My apologies. There were… complications in the territory of Count Gaban…"
"Yes, the report already arrived. Attacked by the Count's nephew and retaliated? And then you fought the Count's forces? Never heard of an inspector doing that."
"Ahaha…"
Daifu Zhuon spoke with exasperation. Li Wu could only respond with a sheepish grin.
"I always say it. An excellent inspector catches evidence without being noticed."
"Yes, I'm an unworthy student. My apologies."
"Look at your clothes…they're a mess. You got attacked again after Gaban?"
"More or less…"
Still in his tattered clothes, Li Wu had rushed straight to report—and could only smile weakly.
Zhuon might be scolding him, but Li Wu understood it wasn't out of anger.
An inspector's ideal job was to quietly gather evidence…that's the basic principle.
But Li Wu always stood out.
While managing to gather evidence.
And he always ended up being targeted for it…
Still, he got results.
And Zhuon, recognizing that, voiced his concerns from a place of care.
"Well, it's fine. But you were gone too long this time. A whole year—you've got a mountain of reports to file."
"Yes…I understand."
Li Wu knew it.
And he had already resigned himself to staying in the capital for a while this time.
But he also had something urgent—something he needed to report directly to Chief Zhuon.
"I'll write up the usual reports later, but first, there's something I must report to you, chief."
"Very well. I'm listening."
Li Wu then reported the matter concerning Tiger Mountain.
There had been repeated monster attacks across Darwei, and behind them appeared beings called 'Phantomkins'.
The one leading the gray goblins on Tiger Mountain had identified himself as Garibech, a Phantomkin.
After Li Wu finished recounting everything,
Zhuon's reaction was unusual.
With narrowed eyes, Zhuon asked:
"Li Wu, how did you come across the word 'phantomkin'? Did this Garibech call himself that?"
"What? No… The term 'phantomkin' did appear in fiction, like in tales or epics."
"I see. I didn't know that. You were always fond of that kind of story."
Indeed, the word 'phantomkin' appeared in old folk literature.
But not in anything taken seriously by historians.
"Apparently, the phantomkin didn't name their race, but one of the adventurers identified them as such. When asked directly, Garibech confirmed it. But why would someone even ask that…?"
"Hmph. You've been gone from the capital too long—you wouldn't know. But right now, that word 'phantomkin is not to be used lightly in the imperial palace."
"Huh?"
Li Wu didn't understand.
But one thing was clear—people in the palace already knew the term.
"The phantomkin attacked the imperial palace."
"What?"
"Afterward, just like in Tiger Mountain, a phantomkin commanding monsters appeared. Prince Ryun captured it alive."
"Wait, what??"
"Then, a so-called Imperial Envoy from the newly formed Choouchi Empire in the north came to retrieve the phantomkin. Diplomatic negotiations are underway."
"Wait, what???"
Zhuon's words made no sense to Li Wu.
Not in the slightest.
"Well, you'll catch up on things now that you're back. But as I said, don't use that word lightly."
"Understood…"
"Still, that means there are others out there who know the term. How did that adventurer know it?"
"He said he'd encountered a phantomkin before…"
"Hmm, that's an interesting lead."
Zhuon stroked his white beard.
In an instant, he was deep in thought.
When that happened, Li Wu knew better than to speak.
"Adventurers, huh…"
Zhuon muttered and then came back to himself.
"Daifu?"
Li Wu asked cautiously.
"There's unrest among adventurers in the capital."
"Well, aren't they always fighting among themselves…"
"I don't mean the lower ranks. I mean third-rank and above…even Special-rank."
"Special-rank? The top ones…that means the Six Saints…"
"Yes. Tzosh Lin of the Wind is one of them."
Zhuon nodded.
The Six Saints—the peak of magic and sorcery in Darwei.
Some were Shitaifu, some adventurers.
Regardless of background or profession, they were chosen for pure strength.
Even so, Li Wu tilted his head.
This was the Inspectorate.
"Why mention this here? We're the Inspectorate—our work is regional…"
"I know. Shau, the Censorate's Chief, mentioned it casually over tea."
Zhuon gave a small shake of his head.
"He probably wanted me to keep an eye on adventurer activity. Ugh…the older we get, the better we are at political maneuvering."
"Well, so are you, Chief—uh, forget I said that."
Zhuon glared at him. Li Wu quickly withdrew his comment.
Zhuon was his superior.
His master in this profession.
And when angered… terrifying.
He'd best be careful.
"Enough. I'll report the phantomkin matter to His Majesty and the Prime Minister. That adventurer you mentioned…Tiger Mountain means the Boago region, right? So they're probably based in Boago. But you didn't investigate Boago or its lord, Count Bashu, did you? I don't think that stiff would be tempted to commit any wrongdoing."
"No, I didn't. But when I was staying in Nomon, Count Roche-Ten of Bashu brought the adventurers to me. I heard they're from the southern port town of Randa."
"Randa? That far south…?"
Zhuon was surprised.
Randa was one of the southernmost cities in the vast Darwei.
Naturally, as the Inspectorate, they knew regional affairs better than most capital citizens.
"They said they came with the Princess' Bridal Fleet, hired as adventurers from Randa to Boago."
"Ah yes, the group of eighty that went rogue."
Zhuon smiled wryly.
Though that issue fell under the Ministry of Rites, as the Inspectorate Chief, he received detailed intel.
And how the person in charge had overcome the problem.
He had been stunned when eighty adventurers were hired for a royal escort ship—an unprecedented tactic.
"Oh, speaking of! Those two adventurers—at the end, they said they were heading for the capital."
"What? You were delayed by Count Gaban's mess… then they might already be here."
"Indeed. Perhaps we can ask the Censorate to look into it? If you could pass a word to Chief Shau*…" (TLN: Will be going with Chief instead of Secretary)
"Very well. I'll ask him to assist. Go to the Censorate tomorrow at noon."
"Yes, understood."
But Zhuon wasn't finished.
"Oh, and one more thing—your Three Colors."
"Three Colors?"
"Gaji, Guza, and Gobo."
"Ah…"
The three youths who each wore red, blue, and yellow clothing.
"You left them behind while you were gone for a year…"
"My apologies. I never imagined I'd be gone so long…"
Li Wu bowed his head to Zhuon's scolding.
He truly hadn't expected it.
Four months, maybe six at most…not an entire year.
"I only took them in because you vouched for them. But they're useless!"
"Yes, sir…"
"Their parents begged you to reform them, right?"
"Yes, sir…"
"You'll be staying here for a while—no inspections."
"Yes, sir…"
It looked like Li Wu's stay in the capital was going to be longer than he had hoped…
"It's not a bad thing to be wanted by others."
"…Huh?"
Abel gave Ryo a puzzled look at the sudden statement.
Ryo often said strange things, but this one was even more perplexing.
"Do you remember where we are?"
"Holy Emperor Plaza, right?"
After leaving the Adventurers' Mutual Aid Society, they had come to Holy Emperor Plaza.
Since it was getting close to evening, they decided to grab dinner here.
The plaza was lined with food stalls.
But also surrounded by inns and eateries.
Today's destination: one such eatery.
But Ryo's next words were…
"You were once sought out by three people here."
"Ah…the Three Colors."
That happened the day they arrived in the capital.
"But that wasn't my fault. They picked the fight…"
"I don't care about those colorful lowlifes."
"Huh?"
"I mean—even someone like Abel can be in demand."
"Huh??"
"Therefore, it's only natural that the Brothy Wheat Noodles with Pork are also in demand!"
"What???"
Abel couldn't follow Ryo's logic.
But Ryo kindly guided him.
Pointing with his index finger.
"There it is."
He pointed to a certain eatery.
Outside was a menu board.
And on it…
"Brothy Wheat Noodles with Pork."
"Exactly! Do you remember?"
"Yeah… that was in the Free City of Kwebasa."
"Yes, in the now-autonomous Kwebasa, at that delightful little place 'Happy Eats'…"
"Right! We both ordered it!"
Ryo beamed as usual, and even Abel smiled.
Good food brings happy memories.
"Let's test how the capital's Brothy Wheat Noodles with Pork compare!"
"Why do you sound so smug about it?"
Abel chuckled, shaking his head.
Even nagging turns cheerful in the presence of good food.
"You sure like rice, but you really like noodles too, huh?"
"Hmm?"
"Back in Twilight Land…we had that thing, ramen, right? That's noodles too."
"Oh, how nostalgic! We had it at Agnes' place. Yes, ramen is a noodle too!"
Ryo's face lit up with fond memories.
And then he added:
"There was once a swordsman who lived and died for noodles…or so the legend goes."
"Did he exist or not?"
"And a noodle chef who cried 'Noodles are my life!' before collapsing in the kitchen…maybe."
"Did he exist or not…?"
"Noodles are a bewitching food that drives people to madness!"
"Well then, it's only natural that you've been ensnared, Ryo."
"Yes. It's inevitable."
Drawn in by such bewitching food, the two stepped inside the eatery.
-x-X-x-
"We delivered it…safely."
"Yes…"
The one muttering in a voice worn down by exhaustion was Jun Luo, a third-rank adventurer and the party leader.
Responding to him was the group's strategist and magician, Barili.
The other three—scout Chunk, healer Shun Li, and the other swordsman Rosso—were equally fatigued and could only nod silently.
Third-rank adventurers were considered first-rate—recognized as elite.
So for a group like that to be this exhausted…
Well, among the five, only Rosso, a young swordsman, was still in fourth-rank.
But even compared to the rest of the third-rankers, his strength was more than sufficient.
As long as he accumulated more achievements, promotion to third-rank was just a matter of time.
The reason such capable individuals were this worn out? They had difficulties delivering a set of documents to Count Roche-Ten of Bashu.
According to what they were told when leaving the city of Boago, the Count was staying at the Moonlight Banquet Pavilion, located along the Holy Emperor's Plaza.
It was his usual place in the imperial capital, and the five adventurers had no trouble finding the place.
However, when they tried to meet him…
"We're terribly sorry. Lord Bashu and his party are no longer lodging here."
"What?"
"They checked out five days ago."
"Wh-where did they go?"
"Apologies, but we were not informed."
The five of them were dumbstruck by the innkeeper's reply.
Most critical was that the inn had no idea where the Count had moved to.
That kind of information should have been known, shouldn't it?
In truth, the senior staff at the Moonlight Banquet Pavilion had been informed.
But such sensitive intel required careful handling.
Especially given the recent rumors of an assault on the Count inside the imperial palace.
That's why the temporary reception staff the five had spoken to wasn't told…
An unforgivable blunder for a first-class establishment.
But mistakes happen.
People are only human.
Unfortunately, that's no consolation to the ones left paying the price.
The five adventurers scoured the capital.
They walked it. They searched it.
They inspected it from end to end…
They even went as far as visiting the distant Ryusen Residence.
Eventually…
"To think he was at the Jade Clarity Inn on the opposite side of Holy Emperor's Plaza…"
"Completely blind-sided."
Jun Luo muttered bitterly. Barili nodded in agreement.
They had checked the inns around the plaza first.
They had. But…
"The Jade Clarity Inn had its gate shut, so we decided to check it later…"
"That was the mistake…"
Chunk, the scout, whispered. Shun Li, the healer, nodded repeatedly.
Rosso, the swordsman, remained silent, just like the others—but equally exhausted.
And yet, his eyes were fixed on one spot.
"What's up, Rosso?"
"Ah—nothing, Jun-san."
Rosso turned his red face away in embarrassment.
But the others understood why. When Rosso acted like this, it only meant one thing.
He was hungry.
"I'm starving, too."
"Same here."
Barili agreed instantly with Jun's remark.
The other two nodded as well.
After walking all day, of course they'd be hungry.
Now that their errand was done…the hunger they'd ignored came back full force.
"Alright, let's get something to eat."
With that, the five of them stepped into a restaurant facing the Holy Emperor's Plaza.
One of the specialties on the menu was, 'Brothy Wheat noodles with Pork'.
"These noodles are sweet and have a great chewy texture."
"You're pretending like this is your first bite and saying something refined, but don't forget this is your second bowl."
Ryo gave an instant-noodle-critic-like comment, and Abel pointed out the dangerous situation.
Yes, they had both already finished one bowl and were now on their second.
Both of them.
"This sweet-and-spicy stir-fried egg rice is also delicious, with the oil coating the rice nicely."
"You're pretending like this is your first bite and saying something refined, but don't forget this is your second plate too."
Ryo gave an instant-fried-rice-critic-like comment, and Abel once again pointed out the danger.
Yes, not only the noodles—they were on their second rice dish as well.
Both of them.
Though Abel was calmly pointing out the dangerous situation, he wasn't stopping it.
Not at all.
Just as the two of them were about to descend into the hell of 'too full to move'.
A saving angel appeared.
"Abel?"
"Hmm?"
Abel turned toward the voice.
Standing there was a familiar swordsman.
"Oh, from Tiger Mountain…Jun Luo, right? Long time no see."
"Knew it was you, Abel. And Ryo, too. What a coincidence, meeting in the Imperial Capital."
During the Tiger Mountain hunt, Abel had saved Jun Luo's life.
Jun Luo had been extremely grateful at the time. Truly a lifesaver…
"But wait, Jun Luo—you're with Boago, right? That's Count Roche Ten of Bashu's territory. That's quite a distance from the capital."
"Yeah, we took a commission. We just came back from our meeting with the lord himself."
As Jun Luo explained, the other four members chuckled bitterly.
Apparently, something tough had gone down, which even Ryo and Abel could pick up on.
"Well, no matter how tough things are, people get hungry all the same. You all should eat too. This place is a hit."
Ryo shifted to the side to make space for the five of them.
The table was big enough that all seven could fit without being cramped.
"Now that I think about it…we haven't properly introduced ourselves, have we?"
"Huh?"
"We didn't even mention our team name."
"Team name?"
Abel tilted his head in confusion.
"Probably means their party name."
Ryo chimed in to help.
Of course, it was his usual loose interpretation…but this time, it seemed to be accurate.
"We're Third-Rank Party 'Spring View', led by me, Jun Luo. These are Barili, Chunk, Shun Li, and Rosso. Thank you for saving my life back then. I'm truly grateful."
With that, Jun Luo and the other four members of 'Spring View' placed both hands over their chests in the formal Darwei-style gesture and bowed deeply.
"Don't worry about it."
"Spring View…that's a cool team name!"
Ryo complimented the name.
For Ryo, Spring View reminded him of the famous Chinese poet Du Fu's line: "The nation has fallen, yet the mountains and rivers remain".
"We borrowed it from an old, famous poem."
Barili, the magician, smiled as he explained.
"Oooh~"
Ryo was intrigued.
Maybe this world—'Phi'—had a Du Fu of its own.
After finishing their bow, the five of Spring View stared expectantly at Abel.
It didn't take him long to realize—they were waiting for him to introduce himself.
"Ah—I'm Abel. Former A-rank adventurer from the 'Crimson Sword' party of the Kingdom of Knightley. I'm just sixth-rank here, though."
"A-rank? That means…you're really strong, right?"
"Pretty much…I was the strongest in the country."
"I knew it!"
Abel puffed his chest a little despite the embarrassment.
Jun Luo and the others from Spring View nodded in satisfied agreement. He was as capable as they'd hoped.
Watching them, Ryo nodded to himself for some reason.
Barili, the magician, noticed and asked:
"Abel-dono, is the 'Crimson Sword' just you and Ryo-dono?"
"There used to be three others. But the party's disbanded now. Also—Ryo was never part of 'Crimson Sword'."
"Eh…?"
Barili looked genuinely surprised.
"Yeah, I'm just taking care of Abel while we travel through the Eastern Countries."
"Taking care…?"
"Abel can't do anything on his own, so I kind of have to look after him…"
"Don't say stuff they'll take seriously!"
Ryo said it with a look of pity toward Abel, while Abel quickly denied it before it could be misunderstood.
"Still, with Ryo-dono's skill, you're probably just as strong as Abel-dono, the strongest in the country."
Barili nodded firmly.
Ryo tilted his head, puzzled.
"Barili-san, how do you know I'm a powerful magician?"
"You can call yourself powerful, huh…"
"I've trained my magic at the cost of sleep, so I'm confident in it."
Ignoring Abel's grumble, Ryo answered proudly.
Clearly happy to be called a powerful magician.
"No, it's just…I can see magic power leaking from people's bodies. But with you, Ryo-dono, there's none at all. That's the first time I've seen something like that."
"Ohh! Barili-san can see magic power too! Since coming to the Eastern Countries, I've met quite a few people who can do that. But yes, I'm a little confident in my mana control. Fufufu."
Ryo replied cheerfully.
In fact, he was confident in his mana control.
Although…he still had limitations against non-humans, which he found frustrating.
"I still struggle against non-human foes."
"Non-human? Like what?"
"Hmm…like a kraken."
Ryo replied, then declared with resolve! I'll beat the crap out of them one day!
"Kraken… sorry, I can't really imagine that."
Barili admitted honestly.
After introductions, the seven of them enjoyed a friendly conversation.
They ate in moderation, drank in moderation, and shared fun stories.
It was a truly wonderful evening.
-x-X-x-
"Ah, that was fun. Let's do it again sometime."
"Yeah. See you."
Supported by his companions from 'Spring View', swordsman Jun Luo bid farewell, and Abel waved back in reply as they parted ways.
It seemed that the five members of 'Spring View' had rooms prepared for them at the Jade Clarity Inn, where their lord, Count Roche-Ten of Bashu, was staying.
Since the Jade Clarity Inn was located here in Holy Emperor Square, it would be safe for them to walk back even with unsteady steps.
They planned to stay one night in the Imperial Capital and depart for Boago the following morning.
"That was really fun. Their story about slaying a nue was amazing!"
"Yeah… so nue really do exist."
"You said you'd never seen one before either, right, Abel?"
"Yeah, never. In fact, there hasn't been a recorded sighting of one in the Central Countries for over a hundred years."
According to Spring View's description… a nue is a monster with the body and limbs of a tiger, the head of a monkey, a snake for a tail, and wings that allow it to fly.
In the Central Countries, they appear in books, but were believed to be extinct.
In the Eastern Countries, however, they still exist in small numbers.
Highly troublesome creatures that can even cast magic.
Ryo and Abel had listened to the tale of its subjugation with bated breath.
"Now that is what I call being an adventurer! Compared to them, we haven't really done much adventuring."
"Well, I can't deny that. Still, I like flying."
"Ah, that's true. Flying might actually count as adventuring."
Abel pointed out their training with the Flight Rings, and Ryo admitted that flying was certainly something ordinary people couldn't do—therefore, an adventure in itself.
Yes, doing things ordinary people cannot—that is what makes an adventurer!
Flying… may be somewhat common here in Darwei's 'Chuo-Chuang',
But in the wider world, it is most definitely extraordinary…
"Since we've learned that hiring adventurers to strengthen our forces is unrealistic, the only way to strengthen our forces is for us to grow stronger ourselves. Let's get a good rest tonight, and tomorrow you can be back to flying."
"Yeah, let's do that."
Ryo said this with a laugh, and Abel replied with a smile.
Both of them felt utterly at peace.
The five members of 'Spring View' returned to the Jade Clarity Inn in the same Holy Emperor Square and were immediately shown to Count Roche-Ten's room.
There, they received unexpected news.
"I, Count Roche-Ten of Bashu, wish to request the third-rank party 'Spring View'. I'd like you to remain in the Imperial Capital for a while and assist me."
"…My lord?"
"Adventurers in the capital are showing suspicious movements."
"Suspicious movements?"
"Yes. And they're mostly senior adventurers of third-rank or higher."
"What could that mean…?"
With a furrowed brow, Roche-Ten spoke, and Jun Luo and the others exchanged uneasy glances.
"In this climate, such movements might be connected to the princes—or perhaps to the Sixth Prince Ryun?"
"I cannot say for certain, but it seems likely."
Roche-Ten looked Jun Luo straight in the eyes.
"I want you to find out what is behind these adventurers' movements."
Jun Luo glanced at the party's magician, Barili,
who gave a small nod.
"Understood."
Jun Luo brought the tips of his index, middle, ring, and little fingers together on both hands, placing one palm against the back of the other in the Darwei style of salute. The other four followed suit.
And thus, Spring View's return was postponed.
The next morning, early.
Inspector Li Wu of the Inspectorate visited the Censorate headquarters.
Having apparently been cleared by Chief Zhuon, he was promptly shown to Chief Shau.
"Inspector Li Wu, here I am."
"Oh, come in."
From inside came Cheif Shau's voice, and Li Wu stepped into the room.
But there was an unfamiliar guest already there.
An extremely rare occurrence.
The Censorate's officials, beginning with Chief Shau himself, made it a point to avoid situations where strangers met within its halls.
"I've heard from Zhuon, Li Wu. This is Kabui Somal-dono, Lord Protector of the Suje Kingdom in the Archipelago region."
Kabui Somal bowed at the introduction.
"The Archipelago Region…that's quite far south. And the Suje Kingdom, if I recall correctly, is one of the great maritime powers alongside the Principality of Komakyuta."
As Li Wu spoke, recalling the details, Kabui Somal's face showed surprise.
And he expressed it aloud.
"I'm astonished. I've been introduced to many people before, but even the well-informed might know the Archipelago Region without knowing the Suje Kingdom itself. You, Li Wu-dono, are the first to know of my Suje Kingdom."
"Hah! Didn't I tell you? The officials of the Inspectorate, whose work is regional inspection, often know much about lands beyond…even foreign countries. They're far more studious than the Ministry of Rites fellows who handle diplomacy."
Chief Shau laughed heartily in praise.
Kabui Somal nodded in agreement over and over.
While Li Wu scratched his head in embarrassment.
When the pleasantries were over, Kabui Somal spoke.
"Well then, I'll be taking my leave…"
"What? There's no need to rush. You were touring the Darwei Navy until yesterday, were you not? Surely you've no other plans—why not stay in the capital for a while?"
"Even if you say so…I know no one in the capital besides you, Chief Shau."
"Well now, you've just made another acquaintance, haven't you?"
Laughing, Chief Shau indicated Li Wu with a nod of his chin.
Li Wu was startled to be suddenly brought into the conversation.
But could hardly deny it…
As a friend of his superior Zhuon, Chief Shau was like a second superior to Li Wu.
"O-of course, if I can be of service…"
Nearly two meters tall and with a completely shaven head, Li Wu stammered.
"Haha, don't trouble yourself. The matter at hand has been resolved, so I'll take my time returning home, reading along the way. The crew of the Lone Dark I came on are first-rate, so I'll have plenty of leisure aboard."
"Ah, a voyage steeped in books—how fine that sounds."
Chief Shau looked on enviously at Kabui Somal's words.
"By the way, I have that book translated into the Eastern Countries' tongue. Would you like it, Shao-dono? It's Her Majesty the Queen's favorite reading."
"Oh-ho, the favorite book of a young queen, is it?"
Kabui Somal handed Chief Shau a volume.
"Let's see… 'Abel, the Hungry Swordsman'? What a strange title."
"Yes. But inside, it's a very entertaining adventure tale."
Chief Shau tilted his head at the title, while Kabui Somal smiled as he explained.
One person, however, tilted his head for a different reason.
Inspector Li Wu.
"Abel?"
It was a name he recognized.
Chief Shau caught his mutter.
"What is it, Li Wu? Something about Abel?"
"Ah, well, in fact the reason I came today was to ask for help in locating someone."
"Yes, I've heard."
"One of the two people I'm seeking is named Abel."
"What!?"
Even Chief Shau was startled.
"The name Abel…it's not common around here—not in Darwei, and not in the Archipelago Region either, I'd wager?"
"No, I've never heard it in the Archipelago Region either. However…"
Nodding at Chief Shau's remark, Kabui Somal continued with words that carried a hint of shock.
"I do know a swordsman by that name."
"Oh?"
"In fact, he's the very person on whom that book is based—Abel-dono."
"I see."
Chief Shau nodded once.
"Wait…did you say swordsman?"
"Yes."
Li Wu's eyes widened as he asked, and Kabui Somal nodded in reply.
"The Abel I'm seeking is also a swordsman…"
"Well, now…that is interesting."
"And who is the other person you seek, Li Wu?"
"Yes, a man named Ryo-dono, a robed magician."
"Well, well…"
At this point, even Kabui Somal couldn't help but give a meaningful smile.
He then addressed Chief Shau.
"Shao-dono, look at the author of this book."
"The author? Let's see…Written by Ryo Mihara. This Ryo Mihara—could it be the robed magician?"
"Exactly."
Kabui Somal nodded.
"Eh? So…what does that mean?"
Li Wu was the only one still confused.
"It means I know the two people you're looking for. They're the author and the model for this book."
"My, my, the world is small indeed."
Chief Shau chuckled at Kabui Somal's explanation.
"So Ryo-dono and Abel-dono came from the Archipelago Region?"
"Well, yes… But to be precise, they're from the Kingdom of Knightley in the Central Countries."
"The Central Countries? The Central Countries way out west?"
"That's right…far to the west from Darwei…"
Kabui Somal nodded repeatedly to Li Wu's astonishment.
But another person tilted their head in confusion.
It was Chief Shau.
"The Kingdom of Knightley in the Central Countries? I've been hearing that a lot lately."
"Lately? Hearing it a lot?"
"Yes. Why, that famous bard's song. Don't you know it, Li Wu? It's all the rage in the capital."
"No…I've been away from the capital for about a year."
"And with King Abel stands a lone magician. His magic that dims the heavens, shatters the earth, and freezes the world—the great water magic. With a single spell, he crushed an army of a hundred thousand—this is no fantasy. People sing his praises as 'The Icefall' or the 'Silver Duke'."
Kabui Somal sang in a distinctive rhythm.
"Oh, that's the one! And here an overseas Lord Protector knows it best."
"Her Majesty the Queen sang it for me."
Kabui Somal replied with a smile.
"My, my…the Queen of Suje Kingdom reads books and listens to bardic songs. More refined than even the Imperial Palace of Darwei."
Chief Shau laughed in delight.
He then concluded.
"A pairing like Abel and Ryo—there can't be many. I'd wager the people you're searching for and these two are the same."
"Yes, I think so too."
Li Wu nodded at Chief Shau's conclusion.
Indeed, such a pairing of names would be rare.
"We know the names, but finding them in this vast capital won't be easy. Even if we're looking for someone wearing a robe—which few Darwei people do."
"True…"
Li Wu agreed with Chief Shau's words.
Kabui Somal tilted his head slightly, though the other two didn't notice.
(They don't know that Abel-dono and Ryo-dono are King Abel and Duke Rondo?)
Kabui Somal thought to himself.
He'd heard of Duke Rondo presenting a huge blue magic stone at Prince Ryun's wedding banquet.
And of the Emperor granting him a residence to stay in afterward.
And yet, though Duke Rondo's stay was known, King Abel's was not…were they not together now?
Is that possible?
Impossible!
(If King Abel has a magician with him…then they must be together. Which means he's hiding his identity as 'King Abel'. For some reason…)
Even a peerless admiral like Kabui Somal couldn't guess that Abel had simply forgotten his Identity Proof, forcing Ryo to appear publicly as Duke Rondo.
Still, he hesitated.
If they weren't revealing it, it would be wrong for him to spread it.
And in any case, Ryo = Duke Rondo was merely Queen Iliaja's conjecture.
Though Kabui Somal trusted her judgment implicitly.
However…
Regardless, it wasn't something he should say unprompted.
Chief Shau and Li Wu, of course, had no idea of Kabui Somal's inner conflict.
After a moment, Chief Shau spoke.
"I do know one robed magician in the capital."
"Really?! "
Li Wu was astonished.
"Where does he live?"
"And what would you do with that information?"
"Obviously, I'd go see him directly."
"Fool! He's not someone you can just barging in on."
"Eh?"
Chief Shau rebuked him sharply, but Li Wu only looked blank.
"That man is not only in the Emperor's favor—he's a powerful…no, a terrifying magician."
Chief Shau recalled their first meeting.
When there had been no trace of the mana that should leak from anyone.
"The Ryo-dono I met didn't seem terrifying at all…"
Li Wu instead remembered a calm face and demeanor.
"Perhaps it's someone else, then?"
"Well… Does he appear calm? I never got that far—I was too surprised at the utter absence of magic power leakage."
"In any case, I must confirm. Chief Zhuon has ordered me to find Ryo-dono and Abel-dono."
"That's right. Then I'll come with you. I'm not a stranger to Duke Rondo. Even if it's a case of mistaken identity, he won't scold you for rudeness."
Chief Shau shrugged as he made the suggestion.
"Wait—Duke Rondo?"
"The robed magician I know is Duke Rondo. You know that bard's song Lord Kabui Somal just sang? That's about Duke Rondo."
"That incredible person…?"
"I told you—he's in the Emperor's good graces."
Li Wu grimaced, and Chief Shau gave a small shake of his head.
Then, turning to Kabui Somal, Chief Shau said.
"Right, you're coming too, Kabui Somal-dono."
"Eh?"
Kabui Somal made a startled sound at the sudden suggestion.
He couldn't understand why he was being included.
"It's a rare chance to meet someone sung of by bards not only in Darwei but even far-off in the Archipelago Region. You're coming."
"Well, but…"
Kabui Somal flustered.
If it really was the Ryo-dono he knew…what expression should he wear?
Even Kabui Somal could be uncertain at times.
But in the end, no one could resist Chief Shau's forcefulness…
-x-X-x-
Ever since the grand piano arrived at the residence, Duke Rondo's daily life had been nothing short of elegant.
He would have breakfast, then play the piano.
After playing for a while, he would enjoy magic and alchemy.
After lunch, he would play the piano.
Then, he would play the piano again.
And again.
And again.
And again…
"You sure do nothing but play the piano."
The swordsman who did nothing but fly through the sky muttered some complaint.
"Unlike the violin, if you take a break from the piano, it's much harder to make up for lost time!"
The magician who did nothing but play the piano shot back some kind of rebuttal.
Such was his daily routine.
But sometimes, unusual things happened.
For example, he might be summoned to the imperial palace.
Naturally, the one doing the summoning was Emperor Tsuin.
Hardly anyone else would dare…
For example, someone from the imperial palace might come to visit.
Most often, Workshop Chief Ron Shen.
Or other imperial envoys bringing various things from Emperor Tsuin…
For example, someone from outside the imperial palace might visit.
Usually, his next-door neighbor, Prince Ryun.
Or his wife, Princess Shio Fen, accompanied by her lady-in-waiting, Mifa.
But on this particular morning, the visitors were unexpected…
"Here we are."
"Um, Shau-sama, are you sure it's alright to come without prior notice?"
At Chief Shau's words, Inspector Li Wu nervously asked whether it was acceptable to visit without an appointment.
"We've already arrived."
"W–Well, yes, but…"
"You were the one who said we needed to hurry and find them, were you not?"
"That is true, but…"
Li Wu still couldn't quite bring himself to go through with it.
Because of what he'd heard along the way about the Duke Rondo.
Stories such as: in his homeland's war, he defeated a hundred thousand enemies in a single strike.
At Prince Ryun's wedding banquet, he gifted a kraken's magic stone.
He captured the infamous Phantomkin alive by freezing them in ice.
And so on.
"I told you back at the Censorate—he's a terrifying man."
"You did say that, but…"
Inspector Li Wu began to shrink under Shau's exasperated look.
But the third person who stepped down from the carriage after them noticed something.
"From inside the residence. I hear a musical instrument I don't recognize."
This was Kabui Somal, Lord Protector of the Suje Kingdom.
He had come as a diplomatic envoy to attend Prince Ryun's wedding and had been treated to a display of the Darwei Navy's exercises. He was supposed to leave the imperial capital today or tomorrow.
And yet here he still was.
(It's true that my being abroad a bit longer will raise Her Majesty's prestige… But if I could meet Ryo-dono or Abel-dono here and take that story back as a gift, Her Majesty would be pleased indeed.)
Kabui Somal had once been an admiral.
A man who had marched across many battlefields, he was accustomed to plans not going as expected.
He was highly adaptable.
The gates of Duke Rondo's residence stood open.
So the three stepped through.
Or tried to—because…
"Something's there…"
Li Wu muttered.
"Yeah. An ice golem, I'm told. I saw it when I visited the other day. There are more inside as well."
Shau answered.
He spoke as though it were nothing remarkable, but at least he didn't try to touch it.
When he had visited before, the golems had been cleaning the garden and residence. The one before them now, however, seemed to be staring directly at them.
Though it had no eyes…
Their hesitation lasted only a moment.
Before…
"My apologies. Welcome to my home…huh? Shau-san?"
At some point, a robed magician had appeared.
"Inspector Li Wu as well? And Lord Protector Kabui Somal? It's been some time for both of you."
It was none other than Duke Rondo—Ryo.
The three were shown into the residence.
Ryo served tea.
While Abel emerged from the back carrying a large plate piled with small, mochi-like confections.
"These are sweets Princess Shio Fen next door brought over yesterday. They go very well with tea."
"Oh, they look delicious."
"They look like Nian Gao I've seen in the southern regions."
Chief Shau immediately took one to try, while Inspector Li Wu guessed based on his travels.
Kabui Somal ate in silence but clearly enjoyed it.
Ryo and Abel exchanged a glance and nodded.
Three very different reactions, but all satisfied.
"So, what brings you here today?"
Ryo decided to broach the topic himself.
"Ah, right. This Inspector Li Wu's master asked me to hear him out."
"Ohh-ho."
"He's looking for the two men who filed a report in Nomon City together with Lord Roche-Ten. They should have arrived in the capital by now."
"I see. Then that would indeed be us."
"I knew it!"
Ryo's answer confirmed Shau's hunch, and Li Wu nodded.
A report in Nomon City could only mean the Tiger Mountain incident—Phantomkin-related.
"Well then, my errand is done."
Shau chuckled and reached for another sweet.
Leaving Li Wu to continue:
"Actually, regarding the Phantomkin you mentioned in Nomon—you said before you recognized them because you'd encountered one elsewhere, correct?"
"Yes."
"My superior wishes to know where that was."
"That was before we came to Darwei."
Ryo answered plainly.
The one who reacted was not Li Wu, but Kabui Somal.
"The Autonomous city of Kwebasa, perhaps?"
"Well…yes."
Ryo hesitated just slightly.
Which was enough for Kabui to realize he didn't want too many details pried into.
With a single nod, he let it drop.
A capable man knows when not to press.
And Ryo's opinion of Kabui Somal rose further…
"I see, Kwebasa…
Li Wu touched his chin in thought.
Then, after about twenty seconds asked:
"Did the Phantomkin you met call themselves that?"
"No. Someone else…said so."
Ryo replied.
He said 'someone', but in truth it had been an 'Akuma'.
Because the Akuma—Pastra, who was conducting experiments on the Death Dragon, had called Duke Helb, the younger brother of Grand Duke Atinjo, a Phantomkin back on Blue Island.
"And who was this person who called them that?"
Li Wu asked.
Ryo hesitated.
He'd expected the conversation to go this way…but he wasn't sure how to answer.
If he continued to be honest, the question of the Phantomkin's identity would surely follow.
And naming Duke Helb, the younger brother of Grand Duke Atinjo…didn't seem wise.
Though he couldn't say exactly why.
So he decided to cut the chain of questions here.
"Inspector Li Wu, the one who told me that is a being humans should never approach."
"Huh?"
"Beings humans shouldn't even know exist. Therefore, I cannot answer your question. If my answer were to cause the entirety of the Eastern Countries to vanish in an instant, that would be rather inconvenient."
"…Excuse me?"
Li Wu didn't fully grasp his meaning.
And so his reaction was slow.
But Chief Shau, who had been happily eating sweets, seemed to understand.
He stopped immediately and looked straight at Ryo.
He looked at him intently.
Something seemed to click in his mind.
With a nod, he turned to Li Wu:
"Li Wu, that's enough."
"What? But…"
"As Duke Rondo said. This is not something humans should know."
"Still…"
"Enough! Li Wu."
The sharpness in Shau's voice silenced him.
Li Wu realized from Shau's uncharacteristic tone.
That he had been about to step into a forbidden realm.
Dealing with not only non-humans, but beings whose existence was unknown…and far above.
"My apologies! That is all my questions."
He hastily bowed and ended it.
Which Ryo accepted with a gracious nod.
Though inside, he was sighing in relief.
After some further friendly conversation, the three visitors departed.
"All wrapped up without incident."
"Incident? You were expecting something…?"
Ryo voiced his relief, while Abel shook his head.
"Of course! We could have been arrested as traitors to Darwei."
"That's sudden."
"When the number two of the Censorate, Chief* Shau, shows up unannounced, it's only natural to be on guard." (TLN: Will keep using Chief until the actual head of the organization is revealed)
"Is it?"
"Abel, complacency is your worst enemy. You must live with the mindset of constant battlefield readiness, or you never know when disaster will strike."
"Right…"
Abel accepted Ryo's pronouncement with the air of someone too tired to argue.
"Still, I was surprised the Lord Protector of Suje came along."
"Yes—Kabui Somal. Banhu in town mentioned he was here before…and to think the ship he came on was the Lone Dark."
The Lone Dark had once carried them from Suje Kingdom to the Autonomous City of Kwebasa.
"So in the end, the Lone Dark had to sail from Kwebasa all the way here."
"Crossing an unfamiliar sea must have been a great ordeal."
Both men sympathized with Captain Gorick Dew and his crew.
Sailing without local sea charts is no easy task, even for a sturdy warship.
With unknown weather.
Unknown waters.
And the possibility of pirates…
"If we were coming to the capital anyway, we should have had them bring us on the Rondark."
"That wouldn't have worked."
Ryo argued in hindsight, and Abel pointed out that it was impossible.
Everything seems easy when viewed from the result—and it seems like there was a better way.
But that's a kind of selfishness…
"If you could foresee the future, Abel, there'd have been no problem."
"…What?"
"Train harder and master that kind of skill. Or else you cause trouble for everyone around you."
"How do you even acquire that kind of ability?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure there's something like 'Sword Technique: Future Sight'.
"Never heard of such a thing."
Naturally, this was just Ryo making things up.
Chirin, Chirin♪
At that moment, a cool, windchime-like sound rang out.
"It sounded earlier too—that's the guest chime, right?"
"Yes. I set it so the golems ring it when they detect a visitor."
Ryo nodded proudly at Abel's words.
It worked like
A way for even silent golems to summon Ryo.
When the two went to the gate, a young boy was standing there.
"An invitation from my master."
He handed Ryo a letter.
"A dinner invitation from Prince Ryun and Princess Shio Fen? Understood. Please tell them we'll arrive at six."
After Ryo said this, the boy politely bowed with his hands folded in front of his chest before returning to the mansion.
"We did it, Abel. We've secured dinner!"
"True, but… The way you said that makes it sound like we're penniless and starving."
A single turn of phrase can change the impression entirely.
Words must be chosen with care…
"At least we don't need to worry about dinner…"
"So, shall we go get lunch?"
And with that, Ryo and Abel headed out.
-x-X-x-
At the same time, in the Imperial Capital Adventurers' Mutual Aid Society.
From the plaza at the front entrance, five adventurers could be seen entering the building on the left-hand side—the Advanced Hall.
This was not unheard of, but it was quite a rare sight.
Because normally, adventurers go in and out through the entrance at the back that connects directly to the waiting rooms.
The entrances facing the main gate and the front plaza are used only by clients.
When the five adventurers entered the Advanced Hall, they headed straight for the front reception.
This Advanced Hall is the building for placing requests to Third- and Second-Rank adventurers.
Naturally, the request fees and the rewards to be prepared are high, so the clients are very wealthy merchants or members of the Shitaifu Class.
Inside the building, there were no other adventurers, and only one client.
Therefore, the moment they entered, the five stood out.
The Association's guides could tell at a glance that the five were not adventurers belonging to this Imperial Capital Advanced Hall.
"May I help you with something?"
So they addressed them as usual.
It's not impossible for there to be a client who looks like an adventurer.
Or…
"We are the Third-Rank party 'Spring View' from Boago."
"Welcome to the Imperial Capital Adventurers' Mutual Aid Association."
"In fact, we came here under a commission from Count Bashu, who holds Boago."
"Okay."
"Our wish is to exchange information with other adventurers. For that, we'd like to be allowed into the waiting rooms."
At Jun Luo's words, the guide slightly frowned.
Apparently, he had said something odd.
But…
"We've conducted similar information exchanges here at the Imperial Capital Mutual Aid Association before. Have the rules changed?"
"No, there has been nothing of the sort. Information exchanges between adventurers may be carried out freely without any problem. That remains the same even now. It's just…"
"Just?"
"At present, all the adventurers belonging to this Advanced Hall are out."
"All of them? The Imperial Capital's Advanced Hall…there must be hundreds of Third- and Second-Rank adventurers, right? Leaving the Special Hall aside, you're saying no one remains in the Advanced Hall?"
"Yes."
After that, 'Spring View' was allowed to see all the waiting rooms in the back, but…
"There really isn't anyone."
The magician Barili muttered.
"No, sorry—I didn't mean I didn't believe you."
"No, I understand that it seems unbelievable. I've been a Mutual Aid guide for nearly ten years myself, and this is the first time all the Advanced Hall adventurers have been sent out."
In response to Jun Luo's words, the guide answered with a wry smile.
"Ah…is there any chance you could tell us why this happened…"
"I'm terribly sorry, but it concerns request contents."
"Thought so."
Jun Luo nodded at the guide's words.
Naturally.
They wouldn't tell them.
But realistically, if no one is there, then no request can be accepted.
What is the Association doing about that?
"In fact, everyone has been sent out starting today."
"What?"
"Requests that seem manageable up to Fourth Rank are all being diverted to the Standard Hall…but to be honest, I don't think even the higher-ups can judge what will happen going forward."
"…And yet they all went out. No—the situation forced them all to go out, and there was nothing to do but accept it."
"Yes…"
At Jun Luo's meaningful question, the guide nodded, understanding the deeper implication.
In other words, the request came from someone whom the Association's upper echelons could not refuse.
Such high-level sources of requests are not common.
For example, a lord like Count Bashu, Roche-Ten, who commissioned 'Spring View'…at that level, it would be impossible to force out every adventurer.
Meaning, even upper members of the Shitaifu Class couldn't do it.
Above that, there is only one.
Namely, the Imperial Household.
Either the Emperor himself, or the Imperial Princes.
The power of an ordinary prince is not so different from that of the upper Shitaifu Class.
But an Imperial Prince is entirely different.
The Emperor is…needless to say.
"One thing I'd like to ask…don't tell me even the adventurers of the Special Hall have all been sent out?"
"Yes. Those were sent a little earlier."
The five members of 'Spring View' left the Advanced Hall.
"So His Majesty the Emperor or the three Imperial Princes requisitioned the adventurers…"
"Third- and Second-Ranks from today. Special- and First-Ranks from somewhat earlier."
"The problem is…"
"For what purpose."
Swordsman Jun Luo and magician Barili confirmed with each other.
Of course, the part they most wanted to know—the reason why—was completely unknown.
"For now, how about we eat. We might think of something."
"To me, it just looks like the leader's hungry."
"Chunk is probably correct."
Jun Luo proposed lunch, scout Chunk said with a laugh, and magician Barili agreed.
That said, it was around lunchtime, so no one refused Jun Luo's suggestion.
The five walked to Holy Emperor Plaza.
Last night, they had gone into a shop where the sign for Brothy Wheat Noodles with Pork stood out.
"Actually, I was curious about the place next door too."
"Hmm, hmm… today's recommendation is an Exquisite Stir-Fry of beef and green pepper."
Jun Luo proposed the neighboring shop, and scout Chunk made use of his sharp eyes to read today's recommendation posted at the storefront.
From beside the five came another voice—one they remembered hearing just last night.
"They say today's recommendation is an Exquisite Stir-Fry of beef and green pepper."
"What's Exquisite Stir-Fry?"
"I don't know the details, but surely the stir-frying is exquisite. Shall we try here today?"
And then the group of five and the pair ran into each other.
"Um, Abel-san and Ryo-san?"
"Huh? Everyone from 'Spring View'?"
By good fortune, a large party had just finished eating and left, so the seven of them were able to sit together around a fairly large table.
"Didn't you say this morning that you were leaving the Imperial Capital?"
"Ah, we did, but…when we returned to the inn after that last night, the lord gave us a request…"
Jun Luo answered Abel's question with a wry smile. The other four smiled wryly as well.
They had parted, saying "until next time," and yet twelve hours later, they were at the same table together; no wonder they felt like wryly smiling.
Yes, it was a little embarrassing.
"Well, it's fine, isn't it? If you're still staying in the Capital, let's eat lots of delicious things in the Capital."
Ryo suggested with a smile.
"True enough!"
And the seven enjoyed their lunch.
While they talked over their meal, the topic came up that Ryo and Abel had visited the Adventurers' Mutual Aid Association yesterday.
"It was insanely big."
"Right! It can't be compared with the Mutual Aid Association in the city of Boago."
When Ryo spread his hands to indicate 'big', magician Barili nodded repeatedly in agreement.
"But it's dangerous. They were fighting in the waiting room."
"Ah…that's an old tradition of the Imperial Capital's Association."
"That's a tradition?"
"When there are a lot of people, quarrels seem to increase."
Abel spoke in exasperation, and Jun Luo nodded with a wry smile.
"Does the Boago Association not have things like that?"
"Not at all. It's very peaceful."
"I prefer that."
"Right?"
Abel asked, Jun Luo answered, Ryo agreed, and Barili nodded.
Even for Darwei adventurers, it seems there are all kinds.
"But why did you two go to the Association? To take a request?"
"No…how should I put it…"
"…A tour?"
At Barili's seemingly innocent question, Abel and Ryo suddenly found themselves at a loss for an answer.
"We also wanted to see the other buildings—the Advanced Hall and the Special Hall—but the guide told us it was better not to go over there."
"They said we might not be able to make it back in the worst case."
"Th-that's a little…"
When Ryo and Abel spoke, Jun Luo answered with a wry smile.
And he continued.
"Only, even if you went, it seems there aren't any adventurers there."
"No one?"
"Weren't there something like tens of thousands of adventurers if you count in the Standard Hall?"
"Yes. The Advanced Hall also has hundreds of adventurers…but they say all of them are out."
At Jun Luo's words, Ryo and Abel asked suspiciously, and Barili answered.
The remaining three of 'Spring View' also nodded.
"That means…they're gone because of requests, right?"
"Right. And in the case of the Advanced Hall, starting today, all of them went out. The Special Hall was a little earlier, it seems."
Jun Luo answered Abel's question.
Hearing that, Ryo murmured,
"Maybe one of the Imperial Princes hired them as fighting strength."
That murmur met with a fierce reaction.
"What do you mean by that, Ryo-san!"
"Eh…"
Jun Luo leaned forward to ask, and Ryo, surprised, was at a loss for words.
Looking around, the other members of 'Spring View' were also staring wide-eyed at Ryo.
Ryo was troubled.
The reason Ryo thought that was because they themselves had considered whether they could use adventurers to strengthen their fighting power.
For the Sixth Prince, Ryun.
However, the fact that the two of them, especially Duke Rondo, is cooperating with Prince Ryun is not public.
So if he answered here that it was an idea they themselves had come up with, it felt like it could cause various problems.
It would not be good for information that is still too early to make public to leak out.
Therefore, he hesitated over how to answer.
"Uh…it just came to mind."
In the end, he couldn't think of a good way to answer.
"…I see."
Jun Luo said that for the moment, but he seemed to be suspecting something.
That's how it looked to Ryo.
So Ryo sought help from Abel.
"Abel proposed a heartless kind of plan—that if you hire adventurers and throw them into the fray, it's cheaper. But I said I don't think the Imperial Princes who are clashing would adopt such a cruel plan."
"Hey…"
"Ah, sorry, Abel, it just slipped out. This was supposed to be a secret, right."
Ryo apologized to Abel, who was giving him a flat stare…while laughing.
"I see. As expected of Abel, a cold-blooded but effective tactic, perhaps."
Jun Luo was strangely impressed.
"It does seem plausible. In other words, the adventurers were hired as the fighting strength of Their Royal Highnesses the Princes… But when it comes to Imperial Princes, they must have quite a bit of their own forces, right? Even without going to the trouble of hiring adventurers…"
The magician Barili asked no one in particular.
"Disposable forces?"
"Ryo, you're an adventurer too… choose your words a little."
Abel shook his head slightly in exasperation at Ryo's overly blunt phrasing.
If he directly phrased adventurers as disposable forces, naturally it wouldn't feel good.
All seven people there were adventurers.
"The forces held by the Imperial Princes are considerable. It's said that even what they have stationed in the Imperial Capital numbers in the several thousands each, and as for the forces they hold in their respective domains, who knows how many. But apart from that, hiring adventurers as disposable… well, as a vanguard, might be an option. For Third- and Second-Rank."
"The way you say it makes it sound different for First- and Special-Rank."
"Yeah, it is."
To Abel's question, Jun Luo nodded firmly.
"When it comes to First-Rank adventurers, their combat power is above the Emperor's direct Imperial Guard. And Special-Rank are without a doubt inhuman. Abel-san, you are certainly strong. But the Special-Rank lot makes one doubt whether they're even human anymore."
"That much?"
"Yeah. I once saw a Special-Rank adventurer fight…and it wasn't something that made me think I should strive to reach that summit."
Jun Luo shook his head slightly and then continued.
"That lot are at the pinnacle of all fighters across Darwei. Moreover, among the current Special-Rank adventurers, half of the Six Saints are present. In the past, there were usually about one and at most two in good times, but right now it's half—three of them. Proof that the Special-Rank adventurers are well-stocked."
"Six Saints?"
"That sounds cool!"
At Jun Luo's explanation, Abel tilted his head, while Ryo was delighted at the cool-sounding term.
"The Six Saints are the pinnacle among magicians or sorcerers in Darwei."
"Perhaps the pinnacle of each of the six attributes?"
"Yes, just as you said, Ryo-san."
"Whoaa~."
"The pinnacle of the physical professions are called the Six Swords…and one of them is among the Special-Rank adventurers."
"The Six Saints and the Six Swords—nice!"
Ryo looked pleased.
Then Ryo turned to Abel and said,
"Good for you, Abel."
"What's good?"
"There are twelve people you ought to defeat!"
"Excuse me?"
"Before you charge in, make sure you write your will properly. Write, 'From the inheritance, buy Ryo cake every week'. As long as that's in there, I'll cheer you on with all my might!"
"…And if I don't write a will?"
"Regrettably, I won't cheer for you."
Ryo declared in a firm tone.
"I see. But don't worry. I'm not about to charge at those twelve."
"Oh, come on—your sword must be thirsting for blood, right?"
"It doesn't have to be their blood; Ryo's blood would do, wouldn't it?"
"N-no, it wouldn't! My blood doesn't taste good!"
Ryo hastily refused.
The five members of 'Spring View' watched the two's exchanges with smiles.
-x-X-x-