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TL: ALT
Chapter 31 – Sightseeing in the Royal Capital
That day, Wataru and his companions walked along the main street of the royal capital.
They had already accomplished their main purpose in the royal capital.
Since they had come all the way, they decided to attend an orchestra concert recommended by Mariel.
Theater and musical performances in this world must differ greatly depending on the culture.
This seemed to be a formal event enjoyed by nobles, commoners, and students from the Royal Academy.
Wataru had expected classical music, but the atmosphere was more reminiscent of Celtic music, evoking a sense of solitude.
About 40 musicians performed beautifully on stage.
Mariel, who had enjoyed it before, was silent, as were the usually noisy Aire and Cloche. They listened intently to the music and enjoyed the performance.
After about an hour, Wataru and the others went shopping around the stores.
Upon arriving in the capital, Wataru was surprised again by the high cost of living.
It was as if there were a “capital city price,” with everything costing about 30% more than in Southern Ship Town.
This trend was even more pronounced with luxury items. Despite the wide variety of weapons and armor available, even Wataru hesitated at the prices of some items.
This was largely because Wataru had only entered the shops on the main street.
It was like visiting the luxury goods section of a department store and feeling like everything was out of one’s price range.
However, from an escort’s perspective, it was preferable for Aire and Cloche to stay on the main street.
Mariel, who had little experience shopping as a noble, never understood this.
“This is bad. The royal capital is scary. I thought I had become rich by earning a decent amount of money, but there will always be people richer than me.”
“Oh, there’s a shop that sells enchantments. It looks like a specialty store. The exterior is beautiful. The royal capital is really different.”
“They didn’t sell them properly in Moon Gazing Hill, where they’re produced. Maybe we should take a look?” [T/N: It appears there is more than one Gazing Hill City.]
“Master, can we get the ‘transformation’ enchantment for Cloche, too?”
“I don’t really need it.”
“No, I think it’s better to have it, as Aire said.”
“Is that so?”
Since Cloche doesn’t know where Wataru lives, she doesn’t understand the need to hide the fact that she is a beastman.
The “transformation” spell was useful for Aire, allowing her to go about her business without worrying about those around her.
Wataru used it himself to hide his face at the scene of the traffic accident, so it’s clear that having this ability is useful.
“But are those things even for sale?”
“I don’t think so. It would be better for them to sell them to the government than risk getting in trouble with customers.”
“Then we’ll just have to try. Well, let’s ask anyway.”
In the worst-case scenario, Aire or Cloche would have to wear hats and wrap their tails around their coats to conceal them.
Depending on where they went and the season, even that might be difficult.
They would also have to consider leaving one of them at home.
“This…”
(It’s so expensive!)
There was a wide variety of items designed to enhance physical abilities, such as those that increase strength, lighten the feet, and sharpen the five senses.
However, the prices were so high that even Wataru’s face contorted in pain.
The prices reflected the rarity and craftsmanship of the precious metals used in the jewelry, as well as the workshop’s reputation.
As he watched the nobles and wealthy individuals casually select items without caring about the price, Wataru realized that he lived in a different world.
It would be impossible to import these items and sell them in Japan.
It wouldn’t be profitable.
If it were for personal use rather than trade with Earth, though, it might be acceptable.
The bracelets, pendants, earrings, and rings were very artfully crafted, and the gemstones were large and beautiful.
For Wataru, it might be worth buying as a once-in-a-lifetime gift, such as a wedding ring.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, Wataru asked if there were any items with the “transformation” ability.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t have such items in our store.”
“Well, I guess so…”
Seeing the shopkeeper’s expression stiffen, Wataru quickly changed the subject.
As he had expected, it was unrealistic to obtain such an item from a store like this.
Such an item could only be obtained from a shady store in a back alley or a street vendor, somewhere out of the government’s reach.
Wataru and the others left the store, their footsteps heavy.
“Maybe we should have consulted Baron Moye.”
“That would create a significant debt. Baron Moye is not unreasonable, but he would still demand something in return.”
“As a commoner, I don’t want to incur a debt that would require me to comply with a noble’s demands.”
The circumstances under which he obtained it last time were a matter of chance; it would be impossible to obtain it intentionally.
This purchase made him realize the importance of visiting the market regularly in the future.
But even that was a gain.
Rather than remaining ignorant, he now knew the market offered a wide variety of high-quality, artistic items.
Perhaps one day he would need to use them.
〇〇〇
Now, all that’s left is to enjoy sightseeing in the royal capital before heading home.
Wataru had noticed the street performances in the center of the square and the shows at the large theater on the corner of the intersection, but he hadn’t enjoyed them.
Despite having finished his shopping—albeit unsuccessfully—and prioritizing what he had to do, he still couldn’t say that he had enjoyed the royal capital.
In the square, performers were putting on various shows.
There were motionless stuffed beastmen and bronze-skinned figures with metallic skin that moved like golems.
Some jugglers performed at speeds too fast to follow, while others did somersaults on thin poles and performed martial arts with sticks. All of these performances were entertaining to watch.
There were also participatory performances. People were surprised when they were asked to pantomime or when balls were suddenly thrown at them, and they were asked to throw them into a ring.
“Oh…?”
“Here it comes.”
The ball thrown by the performer bounced and flew toward Wataru.
He caught it casually but had to admit it was surprising.
Wataru held the ball with both hands.
It was basically like a basketball.
It was pretty heavy, and he had no idea what it was made of. However, it was made of a non-slip material, and it bounced perfectly.
Wataru aimed carefully and threw the ball at the ring.
He was reasonably coordinated, so his aim was accurate.
However, the ball hit the rim and was about to bounce off.
“Ah,” sighed those around him, including the entertainers.
“Leave it to me.”
“Aire? That’s amazing! Is that an alley-oop?”
Aire jumped toward the ball and caught it in an instant.
It was as if she were flying through the air. With ease, she slammed the ball into the ring.
A roar erupted.
In a world of monsters and beastmen, not everyone is gifted with athletic ability or combat experience.
For those living in the royal capital, Aire’s abilities were astonishing.
“Ahem, how was that, Master?”
“Yes, that was good. As expected, Aire’s athletic ability is amazing.”
“Mufu!”
It felt good to be the center of attention.
When he praised Aire and patted her on the head, she snorted with satisfaction.
Unable to resist Aire’s joyful expression was her rival and self-proclaimed younger sister, Cloche.
“Hey, Master! I can do that easily! Come on, Mariel-san, throw it!”
“Eh… Me? Well, I guess I have no choice. Here goes!”
“Ah! It went in! What!? Why are you looking at me with such a disappointed expression?”
Mariel’s shot was shaky, but it floated in a beautiful arc and landed perfectly in the ring.
If the shot goes in, there’s no chance for an alley-oop.
Seeing Cloche’s angry face, Wataru couldn’t help but laugh.
He had been worried about how things would turn out with a new slave suddenly joining them, but it looked like it was going to be more fun than he had expected.
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Are they heading back to Earth? Then Cloche will be in a big surprise. 😆
Thanks for the treat.
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