Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 16
Afterward, at Freinir’s request, we headed to a jewelry shop where she picked out some accessories she liked. I briefly considered buying gifts for all the members, but then remembered my lack of taste and decided against it. I also felt a strange resistance to the idea of giving jewelry to young women. Of course, this was influenced by my past life, and perhaps such thoughts were unnecessary in this world.
Regardless, we strolled along Central Avenue, shopping here and there, and gathered in front of the Adventurers’ Guild by noon.
“Wow, the Imperial Capital really has a lot of delicious food! I was especially surprised by the variety of meats,” Ranan exclaimed.
“I felt a bit gluttonous, but I ended up devouring skewers like there was no tomorrow. I wanted to visit every stall!” Larni added, her face beaming with satisfaction.
Larni and Shizuna wore expressions of utmost contentment. Karma, on the other hand, was holding something that looked like a wine bottle. Could it be alcohol? While she occasionally joined me for drinks, I hoped this was just a souvenir for our evening gathering.
“I’m amazed at how many ready-made clothes are available. I ended up buying more than I intended because they had so many sizes that fit me perfectly,” Sfenia remarked.
“I’ve never been particularly interested in fashion, but I was drawn in by Sfenia. I can’t possibly tell my father or mother about this,” Geshura confessed, looking a bit sheepish.
While Sfenia wore a satisfied expression, Sakurahime seemed a bit embarrassed for some reason. It was amusing to see her discomfort over buying clothes, as it hinted at her upbringing.
By the way, Mariane was now wearing a blue cape that she hadn’t had on in the morning. Should I compliment her on it?
“Is that cape new, Mariane? It suits you very well,” I said.
“…Thank you. Where did you all go?” Mariane replied, smiling briefly before quickly shifting the conversation.
“We mainly visited a magic tool shop and an accessory store. I ended up buying quite a few magic tools, so feel free to check them out when you have time.”
“Were the magic tools expensive?” she asked.
“Yeah, I might have splurged a bit. But I think Geshura will find them useful for her research, so it won’t be a waste.”
“That might pique the Grand Master’s interest even more,” she noted.
“Indeed.”
After exchanging reports, we all entered the Adventurers’ Guild.
The Adventurers’ Guild in the Imperial Capital was about twice the size of the one in the Royal Capital. The building resembled a five-story office block. The first floor was entirely a lobby, with a floor space comparable to a school gymnasium. There were over ten receptionists at the counters, and the large bulletin board was filled with requests that would take about an hour just to read through.
Even though it was midday, when adventurers were usually out on quests, around 300 adventurers were loitering inside. The ranks varied widely, from seasoned veterans exuding an aura of strength to youthful parties of boys and girls still brimming with innocence.
As we entered, a few people turned to look at us and began whispering to their companions. It was no surprise that “Soul’s Guidance” attracted attention, but I doubted I would ever fully get used to this kind of scrutiny.
Larni and Shizuna headed to the reception desk to gather information, while Sfenia, Karma, and Sakurahime went to check the bulletin board. Mariane made her way to the staff room on the second floor.
Freinir, Geshura, and I moved to the edge of the lobby to wait for the Grand Master’s summons, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.
Larni and the others were already chatting and laughing with the receptionists. It seemed Sfenia and the others wouldn’t be bothered like last time.
Just then, a woman approached me.
She was in her mid-twenties, a striking beauty with short black hair. Carrying a spear that appeared to be made of Orichalcum, she was likely a spear user. She reminded me of Ranan from “Ginrin.”
When she reached me, she bowed politely, indicating her noble upbringing.
“Nice to meet you. I am Somyule, the sub-leader of the A-Rank party ‘Water Lily Lion.’ Excuse me, but are you Count Okuno of ‘Soul’s Guidance’?”
“Nice to meet you. Yes, I am Count Okuno,” I replied. “Is ‘Water Lily Lion’ the party of Princess Marishielle?”
“Yes, that’s correct. When Princess Marishielle is unavailable, I take on the role of leader.”
“I’ve heard various things about ‘Water Lily Lion’ from the princess. I understand it’s a highly esteemed adventurer party.”
“Thank you. Count Okuno, you have already become quite the topic of conversation in this guild. I believe many adventurers here know of you, thanks to Jaze from ‘Polar Drake.'”
“I hope the rumors are favorable. By the way, I’m surprised to see so many adventurers gathered here even at this hour.”
At my comment, Somyule chuckled softly.
“I apologize. About half of the adventurers here, including us, have gathered to catch a glimpse of the hero and count who is a rival to Princess Marishielle.”
“I see… Well, I can’t really respond to that. I’m afraid I’m not particularly interesting to look at.”
“Please don’t be so modest. I met Princess Marishielle this morning, and she had the innocent face of a child when she said she was looking forward to the martial arts tournament.”
“I hope she enjoys it. Will you be participating, Somyule?”
“Yes, of course. There should be about twenty participants just among the people here.”
I noticed several adventurers casting piercing glances at me since I introduced myself as Count Okuno, but if they were participants in the tournament, it made sense.
In that sense, Somyule might have come to assess what kind of person I was.
Conversely, it seemed that Princess Marishielle was loved by the people of the Empire, being regarded as a “hero.” As someone from another country challenging such a figure, I felt like the villain in a hero’s tale.
As I reflected on my position, Mariane descended from the second floor.
“Souji, the Grand Master has requested your presence in the office.”
“Understood. Somyule, I apologize, but I must take my leave.”
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me despite your busy schedule.”
I watched as Somyule bowed and walked away before calling to my members and heading toward the Grand Master’s office.
As we made our way down, I overheard whispers from below, such as, “He’s got such beautiful women with him and is even aiming for Princess Marishielle…” and “They say heroes are fond of beauty, but that guy is definitely a womanizer.” I wanted to pretend I didn’t hear, but with Larni and Karma grinning, I knew I would be teased about it later.