Chapter 16

The commercial district of the capital, Bartlane, known as the West District, lived up to its reputation.

"Books are great. They're soothing."

"Ugh. I don't really like studying much..."

"Ha ha ha."

In a large bookstore facing the main street, Fissel's eyes sparkled.

"Teacher! This! What do you think of this?"

"Yeah, I think it suits you."

"It looks good on the young Kuruni. Not bad at all."

"Argh!"

In a clothing store that seemed to incorporate the latest urban trends, Kuruni tried on various outfits.

"Is this... an accessory shop?"

"These are magical armors. In simple terms, they are equipment with magical effects."

"Hmm..."

My interest was piqued at a magical armor shop, which sold accessories like bracelets and necklaces imbued with magical effects.

We visited various stores, the three of us.

It was quite fun to enter different stores, sometimes making a fuss, sometimes quietly browsing. Even though the sun was starting to set, the hustle and bustle of the West District showed no signs of stopping. We spent quite a bit of time there, with our elongated shadows casting alongside us.

"Wow, there's really a lot of stuff. Even things I don't need catch my eye."

"From daily necessities to rare items, there's a wide range, you know."

"Yeah, I like the West District. There are so many things."

After seeing a few stores—though we could only cover a limited area in just a few hours—we took a break.

Well, Bartlane is really impressive compared to Bide Village. I don't usually do this kind of sightseeing, and I've never left the village before, so it's incredibly fresh.

"Hehe. Teacher Beryl, you're looking around so much."

"Ha ha ha, it's embarrassing. I'm from the countryside, after all."

My wandering gaze was noticed, and Fissel pointed it out.

Well, it can't be helped. Anyone from the countryside would get excited coming to a big city.

"Teacher, did you find anything interesting?"

"Hmm... There were many things, but the magical armor shop was quite interesting."

"Magical armors are deep. I'm glad you liked them, Teacher Beryl."

After thinking for a moment, I responded to Kuruni's question.

I thought Fissel might like books, but it seemed she was more captivated by magical armors.

"Fissel, you like magical armors?"

"Yeah. I have a lot of them."

She relaxed her expression slightly and murmured.

While those who can use magic are not numerous, magical armors are relatively common in the city. They are made from magical minerals called magic ores, which store magical power, so magical talent is not a requirement. I don't know much about the details, though. I'm a swordsman, after all.

The effects vary, from reducing fatigue, accelerating healing, to providing resistance to fire and cold. They seem to be items more suited for adventurers.

"Still, it was a good break. Thank you both."

After taking a break, I thanked the two who had shown me around. It was a joy I wouldn't have noticed if I had continued my routine of going back and forth between the knight's hall and the inn.

"You're welcome!"

"Hmm."

Their reactions were contrasting, but from their expressions, they didn't seem to mind. It's great that they didn't find it boring or unpleasant, just for accompanying an old man on a mini-tour.

"By the way, as a thank you, if you both have time, I'll treat you to dinner."

"Really?!"

At my suggestion, Kuruni was the first to react.

She's always been a big eater and a good sleeper, even at the dojo. Her behavior is very soothing.

This is what makes it good, this is what makes it good.

"I appreciate it. I'm hungry too."

Though her expression didn't change, Fissel responded by looking at her lower abdomen.

"Alright, then it's settled. Do you have any recommendations?"

Though I said I would treat them, I'm still a newcomer to the capital. I don't know any good places to eat, nor do I know their preferences. Well, Kuruni doesn't seem to have any dislikes, but Fissel seems to have some preferences.

"Ah, I want to go there! Regen's skewer shop!"

"Agreed. I like it too."

"Skewers, huh? Sounds good, I'm looking forward to it."

With the menu for the evening decided, the three of us started moving immediately. I was quite hungry after training and coming to the West District with Kuruni right after.

Kuruni on my right, Fissel on my left.

The group is quite different from when I first came to the city, but this is not bad. It even makes me feel like a guardian, mainly because of Kuruni.

Most importantly, being able to sightsee without being distracted by the surroundings is a big plus.

Though the group of one older man and two young women might seem a bit unbalanced, it shouldn't attract too much attention.

"Here it is! The boar skewers are delicious!"

"Hmm, boar."

After walking for a while in the West District, we arrived at a skewer shop on the main street.

A boar is a medium-sized wild animal, about the size of a full-grown adult. It's also a prey that the hunters in Bide Village often hunted.

The meat is generally tough and chewy, but with proper cooking, it can be transformed. It's a versatile ingredient found throughout the Reberis Kingdom, with many established cooking methods.

"Hey, old man! Three boar skewers!"

"Sure thing!"

It seems this shop allows customers to see the cooking process from outside. When Kuruni placed the order with the man who looked like the owner, he responded enthusiastically and placed the boar skewers on the charcoal fire.

"Wow... it already looks delicious."

"Hmm. The boar here is top-notch. I guarantee it."

As the boar meat, marinated in sauce, grilled, the smell of the meat and the sweet and savory sauce made my stomach growl. The smell of the cooking meat and the sauce was very appetizing.

Oh, it really looks delicious.

From what I can see, it has a lot of volume, and one skewer should be enough to fill my stomach.

"Hmm, it's still crowded."

"Yeah. It's busy."

"Hmm..."

Looking around casually, there were many customers buying skewers. I saw a few people walking and eating skewers.

The shop also has a dining area, but unfortunately, it was full of other customers.

"Kuruni, you're from the East District, right? It's a bit of a distance, so let's eat while walking."

"Sure! It's been a while since I've eaten while walking!"

"I'm from the East District too. It's perfect."

So, following the example of great predecessors, we decided to eat while walking.

"Here you go, three skewers!"

"Thank you."

We exchanged the skewers for the payment and held them.

Hmm, they're quite voluminous. The parts where the sauce has caramelized are a high point. This owner really knows his cooking. No wonder Fissel and Kuruni vouched for him.

"Alright, Teacher! Let's eat!"

"Hmm. Let's eat."

"Here, please. I'll eat too."

Kuruni bit into the skewer boldly, while Fissel nibbled from the end.

Just watching them eat is a contrast. They didn't seem to be particularly close at the dojo, but perhaps they've become closer since coming to the capital.

Well, that's fine.

I don't want to pry into their private lives, and it's better if they get along.

"Yum, it's delicious."

Taking a bite of the boar skewer, the thick meat melted in my mouth with surprising softness.

Hmm, the preparation must have been very thorough. To make boar meat this soft, the owner must be skilled.

As soon as I took a bite, the meat juices spread, and the fragrant sauce complemented the flavor, instantly dominating my mouth.

Yeah, it's really delicious.

I couldn't help but relax my cheeks. This is what makes it good, this is what makes it good.

"Mmm! It's delicious!"

"Make sure to look ahead while walking."

"Absolutely. Kuruni is a bit clumsy."

"Hey! That's rude! I'm a knight too!"

We continued walking from the skewer shop, chatting.

And so, the three of us savored the boar skewers while making our way back to our respective destinations.