Volume 1 Chapter 34 Even If You Say to Take It Easy, Impossible Things Are Still Impossible
After departing from Bechmer, it took us one or two days on foot to reach the royal capital, Raudinger, of the Beistein Kingdom.
"Wow..., so this is Raudinger... Is it more prosperous than Elrehen?"
Suzu, eyes wide with excitement, looked around the castle town. She seemed more cheerful than usual, and I was glad to see her energy returning.
By the way, Elrehen is the royal capital of the Deahr Kingdom, where Bechmer is located. However, despite its title, other cities in Deahr were far more thriving for some reason.
"Alright, let's stay at an inn for today. We need to tidy up before entering the castle."
"Sounds good."
Having walked all the way from Bechmer, we looked rather disheveled. Even if we were invited, it would be embarrassing to meet Her Highness the Princess in this state.
With that in mind, we stopped by a clothing store, but...
"Wow! SuzSuz looks great! So cute!"
"Thanks. Lene, you look good too. That open-chest design is bold."
"Hehe, thanks. I took a little risk. Minori, stop hiding in the fitting room and show us already!"
"W-wait a minute! Skirts are embarrassing...!"
"........."
They say when three women gather, it gets noisy, but this was on another level—no, it was lively.
As a big man in a women's clothing store, I felt completely out of place. Noblewomen were watching, making it even more uncomfortable.
"Hey, you three, can I go to a men's clothing store?"
The moment I spoke, all of them glared at me. Even Minori peeked her head out from the fitting room.
"Of course not!"
"Aaah, Big Bro Ryuuji is so cold. He won't pick out our clothes."
"Unfeeling..."
...That was harsh.
I had no choice now. Resigned to my fate, I held my head and stood still, blending in as if I were just another shop display.
* * *
In the end, it took Lene and the others three hours to buy clothes. When I complained about the time, they all turned on me.
"It's your fault for only giving bland comments no matter what we wear!"
Why...?
Afterward, it was my turn. They picked out clothes for me, but since mine had to be custom-made, they wouldn't be ready until tomorrow. I paid extra, and the shop staff promised to finish them by morning. That meant we'd be able to visit the castle around noon.
That evening, I decided to have dinner at the tavern in our inn, but I was completely exhausted from things I wasn't used to. I put my new clothes in my magic bag, tilted my mug, and watched the girls chatter happily. From the outside, my eyes must have looked empty.
"Big Bro Ryuuji, you can't be tired from that. Girls' shopping always takes a long time."
"Yeah, I really felt that."
I replied sarcastically to Minori and downed my ale. Unfortunately, the sarcasm didn't land, and the three of them continued their lively conversation.
I was starting to worry—could I really get along in that house? After all, there were two more girls in the neighboring one.
As I brooded over my fate, I overheard some merchants talking behind me.
"Sartzstadt... If the port is revived, distribution will return to normal."
"That thing, right? They discovered a big magic stone vein in the abandoned Bern Mine, so the mine's going to recover. But without a port, we have no gateway to other countries."
"Lord Reichner wants to prioritize restoring the port, but nothing's moving forward. His Majesty the King is too focused on the northeast, preparing for an invasion from the Guan Kingdom. But as a merchant, I'd rather see Marquis Reichner's domain developed..."
"........."
Distribution, huh.
The merchants wanted Sartzstadt Port restored, but the King's focus was elsewhere. With only the transport of magic stones to rely on, getting support would be tough.
Maybe I should bring it up with Her Highness the Princess tomorrow.
* * *
The next day, we picked up my newly made clothes and headed straight for the castle.
As expected, the guards at the castle gate stopped us, but when I showed them the introduction letter from Her Highness, they hurriedly let us through and guided us inside.
Incredible. The royal family's seal carried that much weight.
We followed the corridor and passed through the courtyard.
There, in the open space, a man who looked around forty was training with his sword, stripped to the waist. His long platinum-blond body looked like steel, and each swing of his blade was precise, unwavering.
He was undoubtedly a formidable swordsman.
Standing nearby was a knight I recognized—Mr. Dietrich, Lady Cecil's royal guard. A knight of middle age.
"...Huh? Guests?"
The swordsman noticed us and called out.
Reacting instantly, the guard leading us saluted him with the utmost formality.
"Ah! It's the enchanter and alchemist who helped me make the Magic Stone of Dispelling and potions! Your party!"
"Oh! You lot!"
...He just said "you lot."
Could it be...?
"Yes, I'm Ryuuji the enchanter. Third Rank adventurer. These are──"
I carefully introduced my companions, making sure to be respectful.
The man, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, stepped forward and gave my shoulder a loud, familiar slap.
But as he got closer, I realized something.
This man had no openings. None.
"I am Georg von Beistein. The King of this country. No need to be so stiff—just make yourself comfortable."
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