Chapter 2: Watergate City
"Ooh!"
Subaru, who had been invited to come to the Water Gate City Priestella, once again gasped in amazement at the beautiful scenery before his eyes.
The city before him was divided into four sections by two large canals, and countless smaller waterways branching off the large canals permeated every corner of the city. For this reason, the Water Gate City did not have dense concentrations of dragon carriages like other cities. The main mode of transportation here was boats pulled by water dragons. If one ignored the high city walls not far away, it had a feel somewhat like Water Seven from One Piece.
"Priestella was originally built atop a lake. This city is a culmination of technology from four hundred years ago, I suppose…"
Beatrice began to explain the origins of the Water Gate City. Although it was information Reinhild had previously mentioned, Subaru still put on a face of earnest listening to accommodate Beatrice's feelings. Noticing Subaru's expression, Beatrice smiled proudly and continued her explanation.
"...Although the city's structure is quite odd in the end, it's actually because the city itself is a trap, I suppose. It's only natural that the structure is designed to easily concentrate water in the center of the city."
"A trap!?"
Subaru was stunned by Beatrice's revelation, and then he seriously observed the city again. The Water Gate City was a place where the terrain was lower the closer one got to the center, and it was surrounded by high city walls.
Subaru shivered, imagining the scene of water flowing in.
"Now that you mention it, I kind of get that feeling. But it's hard to imagine what kind of monster that trap was made for."
"Well… the records don't… actually… say… what it was for, I suppose."
Beatrice said, slightly embarrassed under Subaru's gaze. Subaru paused, then put his hand on Beatrice's head.
"...What do you want, I suppose? Why are you touching Betty's head?"
Though Beatrice made a huffy face, she didn't push away Subaru's hand on her head.
"I see, it is quite magnificent. So, where are we going to see this?"
"That sort of thing doesn't matter, I suppose. Where is the 'Water Robe Inn'?"
"Heinkel-dono is right. Everyone, don't keep standing here, you'll be blocking people behind us. Anyway, let's first go and rent a Dragon Boat."
Subaru turned his head to look at Felt's trio, who seemed completely oblivious to the moment. However, considering his relationship with Felt and Heinkel, Subaru finally chose to nudge Otto with his elbow. "What's with you, Mr. Unmoved. Isn't this the place you've always yearned for?"
"Of course. Because this place is hailed as the birthplace of the God of Commerce, Hoshin. As a merchant, I was undoubtedly highly impressed. Naturally, I am very moved. It's just that there are other practical considerations."
A light of emotion was in Otto's eyes, but his words and actions remained meticulously correct.
"Your personality is really a disadvantage. Joshua said that Anastasia-san will be waiting for us at the Water Robe Inn, right?"
"Yes. I have already asked the Supervisor for the location, and the boat is ready. Otto, here is the map. Subaru and I will bring the Dragon Carriage and Patrasche into the Dragon Stable at the post station a bit later."
The one who answered Subaru's question was Reinhild. Only then did everyone notice the girl standing by the canal. Beside her, a water dragon was tied to a boat with a rope.
The water dragon had a smooth blue body, short limbs, and a head that resembled a lizard rather than a snake, with sharp teeth and catfish-like whiskers.
Unlike earth dragons, which were accustomed to humans, water dragons were notoriously difficult creatures to handle. Generally, they had to be raised from the egg so they would recognize you as their master when they matured. Subaru had a bad experience with this on his first visit to the Water Gate City, even being thrown into the lake by a water dragon. Of course, this situation did not apply to Reinhild, as the girl possessed the Divine Protection of Riding Beasts.
Everyone looked at Reinhild's arrangement with puzzled expressions.
"Um, I actually get a little seasick."
Subaru raised his hand with a touch of helplessness.
Unlike the very stable dragon carriage, the divine protection was not enough to keep the boat free from the effects of the waves. Also, due to the water dragon's personality, the boat pulled by the water dragon would occasionally shake violently. Even under normal circumstances, it was much more shaky than anything from his previous life.
"What a troublesome brat."
Heinkel scratched his head in annoyance, then stepped onto the boat.
"It's not a big problem, and moving around in Priestella by dragon carriage is a hassle anyway."
"Then Subaru can take the helm. Don't worry, I'll make it obedient."
Reinhild stroked the water dragon's head a few times. The water dragon, which had been glaring at them a moment ago, instantly softened from its imposing posture.
"In that case, I will go borrow another boat to take the Dragon Carriage and Gulf into the Dragon Stable. Everyone please go ahead… no, please wait for me at the entrance."
"Why change the instructions? Are you that afraid of letting us go in first?!"
"Exactly. If Anastasia-sama gains an upper hand on me before I even meet up with her, I won't be able to tolerate it."
Otto's face turned grim. Considering the previous negotiation at the manor, Heinkel and Subaru both remained silent. However, the two exchanged glances, suddenly understanding that the other's thought was the same as their own: that they must obtain information about the Archbishop of Gluttony at any cost.
"Sigh~~~"
Otto sighed as if resigning himself to fate, then walked up to the nearby water dragon and whispered to it. Relying on his Divine Protection of the Spirit of Words which allowed him to communicate with any vocal creature, he quickly became the water dragon's junior partner. He then had Patrasche help pull the dragon carriage onto the boat.
"Alright, let's set off."
Just like that, under Felt's shout, the two boats, pulled by water dragons, slowly began to move.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Don't push yourself."
Reinhild adjusted her posture slightly, allowing Subaru to lie down on her lap, and then began to softly hum a beautiful melody.
Enjoying the tranquil scenery of the Water Gate City, listening to the pleasant lullaby, and under the girl's gentle caress, Subaru gradually closed his eyes.
.
.
.
A jolt woke Subaru up. He opened his eyes and looked around.
"Are you awake? We just arrived at our destination."
Reinhild's voice came from above. Subaru then realized this and sat up, looking at the building in front of him.
The Water Robe Inn was a flat wooden structure. The entrance was a wooden door with glass panels, the courtyard was separated from the outside by a low hedge, and the path from the door to the building was paved with gravel. The roof was covered with tiles, making it a typical Kararagi, or rather, a Japanese-style building.
Subaru looked in surprise at the other group of people standing at the gate. As if they had noticed Subaru and the others' arrival, they showed surprised expressions.
"Subaru-kun~~ It's been a year~~ I've truly missed you a lot~~"
Roswaal said this to the just-woken-up Subaru in his unique tone.