Chapter 4: The Royal Capital│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com
“… Oh, so this is the royal capital.”
I mutter to myself as I open the window of the carriage and take a look out at the majestic sight of the main gate of the Royal Capital.
To me, a complete newbie,
“Hey, mister. Is this your first time in the Royal Capital?”
The man in charge laughs at me.
“… Actually, I tried to come once before, but gave up. That’s why I’m so excited.”
Kirie invited me once.
We’ll be adventurers together, based in the Royal Capital.
To form a party, travel the world, and become the world’s most famous adventurer.
I turned it down.
But Kirie made that dream come true.
She’s definitely the most famous adventurer in the country.
I don’t know why I turned her down… I don’t know.
Maybe I didn’t want to get in Kirie’s way.
I’m sure it was.
“Ah, I see. Well, everyone who’s born in this country yearns for the Royal Capital. When you actually live here, you get used to it, and it doesn’t seem like such a big deal.”
“It’s a bad place to live.”
“Haha. Of course, there are good things about it, mister. The food is good, and the women are pretty. And then there’s… Oh, and a good blacksmith or potion shop for adventurers!”
“Oh, that sounds exciting… My sword’s been wearing out lately. I thought it might have outlived its usefulness. I’ve got the money. Maybe I’ll get a new one…”
“Oh, yes, yes. Do you want me to introduce you to a dwarfsmith?”
“Are you sure? Yes, please.”
And with that conversation, the carriage drove on through the city.
After a while, the carriage stopped at a boarding platform, and I got off and headed for my destination.
Destination… In other words, Kirie’s house.
It’s also where Al lives now.
I’m looking forward to it.
—○█○—
“…Welcome, Reg.”
“The one who greeted me at the entrance of the huge house with a sullen expression, was my former teammate, friend, and current teacher of Al, the Wizard Kirie.”
“Hey, long time no see… I guess. Has it been ten years?”
“That’s right. I never imagined you wouldn’t write to me for ten years…”
“I’m sorry about that…”
To tell the truth, Kirie wrote to me twice a year.
But I put them away without reading them.
partly because I was too proud to read them, and partly because I didn’t know what I could say.
But after what happened with Al, I could see her again.
Kirie didn’t seem to resent me as much as she said, and she laughed softly and said,
“Well, that’s all right. You’re here now… Oh, Al, is on a job right now.”
“Oh, yeah? What kind of jobs does he get now?”
“I don’t think there’s anything he can’t take on now. I went with him to kill a dragon, but… But I’m sure he can take down a few ancient dragons on his own.”
She said it as if he was a casual errand boy.
When someone says something like that about a job I can’t possibly accomplish, I have to laugh dryly.
“But he’s not ready yet. He has ten times as much magic power as I do, but he can’t even use a tenth of it… It’s really worth training him. Thank you for sending me such a good child, Reg.”
“No… I couldn’t teach him anything more. I’m grateful you took him in.”
“Well, yeah. Since you said you’d accept the condition… You didn’t forget, did you?”
“… Don’t be silly. I remember it well. We’ll have a drink together, right?”
“Yes! Al is coming home tonight! So we’re going to drink together~!”
Kirie raised her fist in the air and I chuckled.
“Alright, Alright.”
I said and walked into the house.
After that, we talked about the past until Al arrived.
It felt good to talk to her. The conversation was so lively that it was hard to believe we hadn’t contacted each other for ten years.
I was glad I came.
—○█○—
“…So, we started drinking first, and she ended up getting knocked out.”
When he got home, Al looked at his master, who was sleeping on my lap with a dumbfounded look on his face.
“I’m sorry, I ruined your master.”
“N-No… It’s fine. It’s just scary to see her like this. She must’ve had a lot of fun…”
“I hope so… I’m just a B-class person and I’m not sure if I had anything that would interest this S-class lady.”
When I said that, Al paused, then tilted his head and said…”
“W-What? You’re kidding. Please tell me you’re kidding…”
He starts to hold his head.
Surprised by the suddenness of the situation, I became anxious and asked,
“Al, what’s wrong…!? Is something wrong!?
Al sighed loudly and said,
“…What’s wrong is your head… No, I didn’t think I would have to say this to the Oldman. But I have to say it. After all, Miss Kirie is my master. If I don’t give my master what she wants, what kind of disciple am I !?”
I was stunned to hear him say that in a very shrill voice.
“W-well, I suppose that’s true? What is it that Kirie wants…”
“You still don’t understand… Miss Kirie… She’s been in love with the Oldman for over ten years. She’s in love with you! Haven’t you noticed!?”
I was stunned.
