Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 25
For about a week afterward, we busied ourselves with preparations for our move while diving into A-Class Dungeons a few times.
Since we were purchasing a house in the Imperial Capital, I had to make an appearance at the Imperial Castle. His Imperial Majesty personally expressed, “I am very pleased. If you wish, please feel free to reside here permanently.”
Additionally, I was introduced to some experienced servants who would be coming to assist us. It seemed that Miss Dorozitte’s words had come to fruition, but honestly, I had nothing to hide, so I was genuinely grateful for the arrival of experienced help.
It turned out that all the servants coming to us were married women. It seemed that they had taken care to consider things behind the scenes, which I appreciated immensely.
We gathered the essential items like beds, cooking utensils, and tableware from various places. I initially planned to transport everything using my Item Box, but it seemed that delegating such tasks was necessary for someone of noble status. I realized that nobles must consciously think about circulating their wealth, a lesson that struck me deeply.
Before long, moving day arrived, and we departed from the luxurious inn where we had been staying, heading toward the Central District, where the noble mansions lay at the foot of the hill housing the Imperial Castle.
Though I had impulsively bought a house, I found myself hesitating as we approached it. However, there was no turning back now. I steeled myself and stepped onto the property.
At the entrance, three female servants awaited us, ready to welcome us.
Since we had already conducted interviews beforehand, this was not our first meeting. The eldest among them was Miss Milgret, who would act as the housekeeper.
Guided by them, we toured the various rooms. The mansion was impeccably maintained, with all the furniture perfectly arranged. The kitchen was equipped with water supply and refrigeration magic tools, and the bath was spacious enough for five people to use at once. Even the toilet was clean enough that, as a former modern Japanese person, I felt a bit guilty about how luxurious our living conditions would be.
After checking all the rooms, we gathered in the living room. A sofa that could easily seat twenty people was placed there, giving off an extravagant vibe, though the absence of any artwork made it feel somewhat barren.
“Wow, I never imagined I would end up living in such a splendid house. This is all thanks to you, Soushi. When I left the village to become an adventurer, I never thought it would come to this,” Karma said, leaning back deeply into the sofa.
“Surely, no one else could have achieved this but you, Soushi. Looking back on our journey, it all feels like a dream,” Sfenia added, her tone slightly dreamy.
“Indeed, we’ve accomplished a lot, but most of it was possible because everyone was here. Although I received a noble title, I must never forget that fact,” I replied.
“As expected of you, Soushi. Your humble demeanor brings comfort to those around you and earns their trust,” Freinir chimed in.
“Well, um, thank you, Freinir. But that’s just the norm,” I said, patting her head to quiet her down, knowing that would do the trick.
“But having a place to return to feels significant. I love traveling, but without a place to call home, it feels incomplete,” Karma mused.
“Indeed. While I have distanced myself from Oz, I feel that the place where you, Soushi, and everyone else are is where I belong,” Larni and Shizuna’s words resonated deeply within me.
In this world, I was a wanderer with no homeland to return to. However, conversely, I could say that the place I chose would become my home. Yet, each of my companions had their own origins, which should ideally be their true homes. If I were to continue living alongside them, I needed to create a place they could consider home. It was a heavy thought, but it seemed I would be required to shoulder such responsibilities.
“Soushi, are you lost in thought?” Freinir asked.
“Ah, I was just thinking about how important it is to have a place to live. By the way, should I plant the Spirit Great Tree Sapling I received in Oz here?” I suddenly recalled.
I had been given a national treasure, the Spirit Great Tree Sapling, in the Oz Country. It was said that if planted in the “appropriate land,” it would grow into a great tree that could summon Sacred Spirit Beasts…
“What kind of thing is this Spirit Great Tree Sapling?” Sakurahime asked, her curiosity piqued.
I retrieved the Spirit Great Tree Sapling from my Item Box. It appeared to be a decorative sapling made of gold.
As I placed it on the table, Sakurahime, Geshura, and Karma leaned in, intrigued.
“Hmm, at first glance, it looks like a golden ornament, but it emits a very pure magical aura from within. It certainly seems to be a living sapling,” Geshura observed, narrowing her eyes, while Sakurahime nodded repeatedly, as if she sensed something.
“This is my first time seeing it, yet it evokes a strangely nostalgic feeling. What could this sensation be…?” Sakurahime pondered.
“I heard that Sakurahime’s ancestors came from Oz, so perhaps there’s a connection,” I suggested.
“Could it be a link from my ancestors…? I suppose that does make sense,” she mused.
It was a fascinating conversation, but what I was truly concerned about was whether this land was indeed the “appropriate land.”
“Hey, Shizuna, do you think it should be planted in the garden of this house?” I asked.
“Hmm… may I touch it for a moment?” Shizuna replied.
With that, she reached out to the Spirit Great Tree Sapling, closed her eyes, and began to mutter something under her breath. After a while, she opened her eyes and withdrew her hand.
“Somehow, it feels like the Spirit Great Tree Sapling does not wish to take root here. However, if it were to come to the ‘appropriate land,’ I believe this sapling would begin to emanate a much stronger power,” she concluded.
“I see, it would be natural for it to react in some way. Then it seems we will have to set out on another journey after the martial arts tournament and the commotion with the Kin of Twilight concludes,” I said.
“Yes, Soushi. I also believe you are not the type to settle down in any city. Rather, I think the place you reside will become a grand city in its own right,” Freinir added.
“Sounds like Soushi is going to become a king or something. Well, if he becomes a legendary adventurer, that might not be too far-fetched,” Larni lightly responded, bringing the conversation to a close.
As I put the Spirit Great Tree Sapling back into my Item Box, I silently prayed that my Bad Luck skill hadn’t overheard our discussion.