Two days after departing from Katarov Village.
"We finally arrived at our destination."
Stretching before us is an imposing city wall. Once we pass through this wall, we'll reach the capital of Ritzken Empire, Larrichmond.
"We finally made it. My butt hurts from being on the horse for so long," complained Black Agetha, who had been riding in front of the horse.
"Just endure a little longer. Once we pass the gate, you can get off," I replied.
We then passed through the gate and entered within the city walls.
Inside, it was as bustling with people as the royal capital. During my previous visit with Sage Nyau, it was wartime, and we couldn't engage in any sightseeing. This time, despite the ongoing threat to our lives, we might have some time to explore, even if not extensively.
After leaving the horse at the stable and securing accommodation, I walked through the town with Black Agetha.
Over lunch at a convenient spot, I discussed our future plans with Black Agetha.
"Agetha, what do you think we should do from now on?"
"…Let me think. When were we supposed to be killed?"
"Well, if it's from now, it's in five days."
However, even if it's mentioned that we'll be killed in five days, it's based on the assumption that we spend time at the royal palace. Now that we've arrived in the Ritzken Empire, it's not necessarily guaranteed that we'll be killed in five days.
"Maybe we should just take it easy in this country? I don't think the culprit would pursue us all the way here."
Certainly, I don't think our presence in this country would be easily detected by the culprit, so it might be okay to stay here.
"Yeah…"
While nodding in agreement, the unease in my chest didn't dissipate. I felt like it would be wise to exercise caution.
"Agetha, I think we should go further away. In situations like this, it's probably best to be thorough."
"I see. If you say so, I'll follow your lead, of course."
"Thank you."
"Huh? Why did you suddenly thank me?"
"Well, because you're putting up with my selfishness."
"If you call that selfish, aren't you being too generous?"
"Do you think so?"
"Hmph, well, whatever. So, where are we heading next?"
"Um…"
If we were to move further away from the capital, the Nagara Federation would be the next option. The Nagara Federation was a newly established country.
"I'll look into where to go later. Besides, there's no need to rush. We're staying here for today, anyway."
So, after leaving the dining hall, we strolled around the town. As expected of the capital, there were various shops lining the streets.
Suddenly, Black Agetha was fixated on something in her right hand. In the showcase, there were accessories on display.
"Are you interested?"
"W-Well, it's not like that. It just happened to catch my eye."
She denied it with a bit of a defensive tone. There was no need to be embarrassed about it.
"Since we're here, let's take a look inside."
"Hey, I told you I'm not interested."
"Just a quick peek."
Ignoring Black Agetha's reluctance, I pulled her arm and entered the shop. As it was an accessory store, the interior was filled with women's rings and necklaces.
The prices were higher than I thought. Perhaps it wasn't the kind of shop you casually walk into. Despite bringing us in, I felt uneasy and tried to leave the store, searching for Black Agetha.
She was gazing at some item.
"Do you want it?"
When I spoke, she jolted and looked at me.
"No, it's not like that," she replied, stumbling over her words.
What had caught Black Agetha's attention were ribbons used to tie hair. Unlike rings or necklaces, these seemed more affordable, making them an accessible option.
"And besides, I don't think it suits me," she added, somewhat self-deprecating.
"Well, I think it looks cute on you," I said.
I wanted to buy it for her as a gift, but unfortunately, I was currently low on funds. Even lunch had been covered by Black Agetha. I recalled a time when I wanted to give a ring to Agetha but lacked the money. Eventually, I won a prize after defeating Nidorg, and I had planned to order the ring, but fate took a different turn.
"Alright, let's leave the store," she said, pushing me towards the exit.
As we left, I pondered if there was a quick way to earn money. Just then, a certain building caught my eye.
"Every country has an adventurer's guild"
An adventurer's guild might have some quick quests that could help us earn a bit of money within a day.
"Hey, Agetha. Can we make a quick stop?"
"That's fine. Do you have something to attend to?"
"Uh, well…"
If I explained, it wouldn't be much of a surprise.
"Agetha, sorry about this. I just remembered something I need to take care of. I'll be back by evening, so would you mind going on without me for a bit?"
"Yeah, I understand, but…"
Confirming Agetha's nod, I entered the adventurer's guild alone.
◆
Not having anything specific to do, Black Agetha returned to the inn alone.
"Bored."
The room had nothing but a bed. If she had nothing to do, she thought she should have bought a book or something, but she didn't have the energy to go outside.
"I wonder what Kiska is doing right now?"
She mumbled such things to herself.
Kiska suddenly mentioned having something to attend to and headed to the adventurer's guild. In the end, he didn't explain what the matter was about. That made Black Agetha feel a bit lonely.
"Maybe she's better than me after all…"
In Black Agetha's mind, another version of herself surfaced.
That other self was charming and understood how to interact with people, unlike Black Agetha. While she was aware that her personality made her disliked by others, every realization of that fact caused a pain in her chest.
"Kiska…"
Thinking she wanted to see him, Black Agetha called out his name.
"Sorry, Agetha. It took longer than I thought."
As the door was roughly opened, there stood Kiska.
He seemed to have been doing some exercise; sweat was visible on his forehead.
"What were you up to?"
Asking that, Kiska, looking a bit embarrassed, scratched his cheek and took a small box from his pocket, handing it to Black Agetha.
"Can I open it?"
"Yeah, of course, go ahead."
With that permission, Black Agetha opened the box.
"Oh…"
Inside was the ribbon that she had been admiring at the shop.
"Um, I thought it would look good on Agetha, and I really wanted to give it as a present. I hope it's not too much trouble."
In that instant, everything became clear. Black Agetha understood. Kiska didn't have money, she knew that. So, he went to the Adventurers' Guild to earn some and buy this gift.
"Thank you. I'll treasure it forever."
Black Agetha thought "I guess I really do like Kiska after all."