34 - Chapter 3 Chapter Prologue
Central, the capital of the Vanseim Kingdom.
As befits the capital of the kingdom, it is a bustling metropolis.
It is said that people and goods from all over the country gather here, and seeing its scale, which differs from any other city, one can only agree.
Central is a place where beautiful main streets and dim, aged back alleys coexist.
In such a place, I—Riel Walt, known to Darion as "Riel the Foolish Son"—was visiting with three people: my former fiancée, Novem Foxus, and Aria Rockwood, who became a companion through Darion's kindness toward rookie adventurers.
Having shifted from being a nobleman's son to an adventurer, I was now in Central preparing to head toward the city that would serve as our next home.
While Central is the heart of the country, it is also a city that is not kind to adventurers.
This is because work can be obtained without becoming an adventurer.
Safety is maintained by knights and soldiers, meaning there are extremely few opportunities for adventurers to step in.
Even when there were, it was mostly a place where renowned adventurers took requests from nobles or merchants.
Others were more like vagabonds living hand-to-mouth.
Such a place as Central could not serve as a home base for activities as an adventurer.
However, there is a high volume of people coming and going from Central, and the roads are well-maintained.
It was a convenient place to stop by when moving elsewhere.
Novem, who wore her long, bright brown hair in a side ponytail, was drinking after-dinner tea at a snack shop we had entered for lunch.
Her white skin and purple eyes were almost hypnotic.
If there was one thing I could brag about, it would be this well-made former fiancée of mine, Novem.
However, she was perhaps a bit too well-made; she had taken the harem plan I mentioned in a lie seriously and was attempting to put it into practice.
She is perfect, but is she actually missing something somewhere?
While I thought that about Novem, there was one other person...
Aria, whose red hair had a curl at the tips and extended down to her back.
She was a companion I gained through Darion, having met her while subjugating a bandit group, and we had been acting together since then.
The three of us were now surrounding a round table at the snack shop.
Having finished our meal, we began to discuss the information each of us had gathered.
I went first.
"I've looked around at weapons and armor over the last few days, but it might be a bit too early to go to the Free City of Beim. The shopkeepers were all in agreement that we should build up our strength somewhere before heading there."
Beim is a city ruled by merchants, and for adventurers, it is an easy city to live in because there is plenty of work.
However, at the same time, there was a tendency for public safety to be poor outside the areas where merchants lived.
They said that if young adventurers like us headed to Beim without strength, we might be targeted as prey.
I have the confidence to fight back, but causing trouble is not a wise move.
Novem agreed.
"I feel the same. I was shopping with Aria-san, and she also said that Beim would be harsh. She mentioned that our small number is also a problem."
As adventurers, a trio is considered a small group.
Numbers are power, and that alone makes opponents hesitate to make a move.
However, there was a tendency for small groups of adventurers in their mid-teens, like us, to be easily targeted.
Aria felt the same.
"I was told that it's no good for young girls to head there as adventurers. There are many mercenary groups stationed there, and plenty of people you wouldn't want to get close to."
It is certainly easy for adventurers to live there, but it is also a fact that public safety is not good.
However, for adventurers, Beim was an indispensable place for rising in the ranks. Many famous adventurers gained the opportunity to make a name for themselves there.
Of course, my final goal is not to succeed as an adventurer.
—Or rather, I have no goal.
I am an adventurer in order to survive, and as long as my earnings were moderate, it was fine.
But there are circumstances that make it impossible to do so.
"In that case, Beim is off the table. Even if we go, it would be better once we have more people. I wish there was a party with a moderate number of people somewhere."
When I said that, Novem showed reluctance.
It is not uncommon for parties of two or three to team up. Many adventurers cooperate during work and otherwise do not involve themselves with each other.
However, Novem seemed opposed.
"I am against it. The leader of this party is Riel-sama. However, in terms of age, both Riel-sama and I are fifteen. If we team up with others, we will certainly be treated as juniors."
Then, Aria muttered something unrelated.
"...I'm sixteen."
"Is that so. Let's continue to get along, Aria-san."
Novem did not seem willing to yield the fact that I was the leader.
In Darion's town, I had been taught various things by an instructor who had gained experience as an adventurer.
For three months, I had acquired basic knowledge and experience.
However, it was only the basics.
"If teaming up with other parties is impossible... then the only thing left is to actually put people in the party. I wonder if there are many adventurers who would want to join or participate in our party?"
We are basically young.
Rather than being in our prime working years, we are in our growing years.
If people bought into our potential, our companions might increase, but in those cases, it was often a pattern where a party with existing numbers added someone as a next-generation combat asset.
Parties started by only young people rarely go well.
"Considering that, how about the academic city? I hear that Alamsars has a large library, as well as many private schools and dojos. There is also an academy for learning, and it seems they widely accept young people."
Hearing that, it sounded as if she was telling me to attend an academy.
However, like me, Novem was born into a noble house.
We had received education, including reading and writing.
Aria also had no problems with reading, writing, or calculation. She also more or less knew etiquette and manners.
"Learn specialized things? It would be difficult to secure that kind of time and money. I have no intention of attending an academy for years, either."
When I said that, Novem shook her head.
"There is no need for us to enroll in the academy. We should call out to those who have graduated from the academy, or those aiming to be adventurers in the academic city."
Aria seemed convinced, nodding repeatedly.
"Come to think of it, the children of the Robed Nobility in Central also enroll in academies. I often hear stories of second or third sons who cannot inherit the house, or second and third daughters, acquiring skills to enter government service. Though, I also hear stories of them failing quickly and becoming adventurers or mercenaries."
Novem took over from Aria's explanation.
"If there are young people who possess a certain level of knowledge, experience, and skill, why not recruit in Alamsars? There is no rush, so we can also learn while doing guild work."
Hearing that, Aria began to speak as if she had remembered something additional.
"Since Alamsars is an academic city, I heard a long time ago that there are many strange requests. Also, it seems there are many adventurers like us. There should be many people staying there to look for companions or find a party."
Then, listening to the opinions of the two, I pondered whether we should head to Alamsars.
Just then, a voice came from the blue Jewel Orb hanging from my neck.
Jewel Orb—a bead that records a single skill manifested by a person and transmits it, and this one had recorded eight skills.
It is a tool with the means to transmit the stages of a skill and the method of use, which cannot be fully conveyed by a regular bead.
The blue Jewel Orb I possess had a characteristic of manifesting support-type skills.
The red bead Aria wears around her neck is for vanguard-type skills.
And the yellow bead records rear-guard-type skills.
While they are beads, there is a great change when they become Jewel Orbs.
'A library, huh... in my era, there was no academic city. Was it the City of Sages? I recall it being called a gathering of eccentric old men.'
The voice I heard was the Third Generation—.
I heard the voice of Slay Walt, the third head of the Walt family, the provincial nobles who are my birth family.
Yes.
The memories, the heart... recorded in the skills teach me how to use the skills.
Of course, that is not entirely a good thing.
His blonde hair, which didn't quite reach his shoulders, was silky smooth.
The Walt family became a Count's house, but in the Third Generation's time, it was a Baronet's house—.
It was a rank one step above the lowest, the Knight-rank.
He is also a person who left his name in history for protecting the King's retreat in a large-scale war... but this person does not seem like such a righteous general at all.
Smart and always smiling, a good-natured big brother with blonde hair and blue eyes.
He was that kind of person.
Following the Third Generation's voice, the Fourth Generation's voice could be heard.
'You really do love books. If only you had put that much enthusiasm into domestic administration while you were alive.'
To the Fourth Generation, who spoke with a hint of sarcasm, the Third Generation replied with a laugh.
'Moderation is best in all things. Besides, even if I didn't do it, I had subordinates at the time, and I just had to work according to the Second Generation's plan.'
The Third Generation, who first carved the name of the provincial noble Walt family into the history of the Vanseim Kingdom, actually seemed to have a laid-back personality and little interest in anything.
Specifically, he had little interest in domestic administration or war.
(I really wonder why this person is a righteous general...)
While I was thinking that, Novem worried about me. It seemed my expression had grown dark.
"What is the matter, Riel-sama? Are you feeling unwell?"
Toward the worrying Novem, Aria spoke coldly.
"I-It's because you stay up late! Because you say things like that..."
To the blushing Aria, I shot back.
"Things like that? More importantly, I went to bed early yesterday. The time I stayed up late was the first day we came to Central. Besides, you were the one who looked sleepy, Aria."
I shot back, but Aria reacted with abnormal resistance.
"W-Whose fault do you think it is! Whose!"
By the way—.
The voices from the Jewel Orb are not audible to those around me.
Additionally, the successive heads who are the users of the skills speak to me from the Jewel Orb as many as there are skills.
That number was seven—no, it was seven.
Now, six ancestors speak to me like this. However, since it is not audible to those around me, it often caused various troubles.
The Second Generation, who had a hunter style, spoke.
Incidentally, from the Second to the Fourth Generation, they were quite fond of Novem.
But Aria was different.
'What a noisy woman.'
The Sixth Generation agreed.
'Indeed.'
And finally... the Seventh Generation, my grandfather, settled the matter.
'In any case, if Beim is impossible, wouldn't Alamsars be fine? The Third Generation likely wants to read books, and it would be good to gather party members there before heading to Beim. Above all, in terms of knowledge and technology, the academic city is a renowned city not only in Vanseim but in the surrounding areas.'
Sometimes noisy.
Sometimes causing a commotion and draining my magic until I collapse.
And sometimes giving advice, these are my ancestors.
Incorporating the opinions of my ancestors, I reached a conclusion.
"Alright. It seems safer and more beneficial than going to Beim."
No, to be precise, only the personalities of the successive heads dwell within the recorded skills.
Only, however... the Jewel Orb recorded even their hearts.
Six truly troublesome, yet grateful existences...
"Anyway, let us prepare to go to Alamsars as soon as we are ready. Riel-sama, we must prepare the tickets for the linked carriages."
Novem held Aria back and urged the purchase of tickets.
Linked carriages are carriages that are connected. As the name suggests, they can transport a large number of personnel and supplies.
This is made possible by using magic tools to reduce the horses' fatigue while increasing their strength.
It was one of the means of transportation connecting large cities and towns.
"Got it. If we buy them now... if they're available, is departing tomorrow okay?"
When I confirmed with the two, both Novem and Aria nodded.
Novem with a smile.
Aria with a red face, while averting her gaze.
(Did I really do something?)
While I was wondering if I had done something bad to Aria, the Fourth Generation, who pays meticulous attention to the treatment of women, let out a sigh.
'To really not notice... Riel, you should study a few more things.'
I thought.
(That's why I'm going to the academic city...)
Boarding the linked carriages from Central, we aimed for Alamsars.
Since the highways were well-maintained, we were able to arrive in less than five days, staying overnight in the towns we passed through.
If it had been a normal carriage or on foot, it would have taken much longer.
Crossing the wall surrounding the city and entering, we were surprised by a structure different from any town or city we had seen until now.
"Amazing."
When I muttered that, Novem, who had stepped off the linked carriage, agreed.
"I hear there are various research facilities, and as expected, it is different from other cities."
Aria also agreed.
Even though she had heard about it, she was likely surprised since it was her first time visiting.
"That building in the center looks taller than the royal palace in Central, doesn't it? Even so, how should I put it..."
Before Aria could speak, I spoke.
"It's a mess."
The city, which ignored the concept of a landscape, had tall buildings standing in disorder. At the same time, buildings with strange designs existed.
Just when it seemed chimneys with billowing smoke were lined up, there was even a building shaped like a hollowed-out giant plant nearby.
It felt more cluttered than Central.
"How should I put it, it feels like things were forcibly stuffed into a box," Novem said, and Aria agreed.
"Now that you mention it, it's like a boy's toy box. Not placed neatly, but just thrown in."
Being told it was like a toy box, I remembered a past memory.
It was an event from the time before I was abandoned by my parents.
My father, who bought toys.
My mother, who got angry because I didn't tidy them up.
It is a very nostalgic memory.
Of course, such warm memories came to an end by the age of ten.
The cause was my younger sister, Celes.
A younger sister who was stronger than me, smarter, and loved by everyone.
According to the First Generation, who taught me everything and then acknowledged me—.
A [Monster].
The First Generation, who acknowledged me and then could no longer be met because their role as a Jewel Orb ended.
The person that the First Generation told me to be wary of was my own biological sister, Celes.
(If I learn here, will I be able to surpass Celes?)
For me, who was beaten to a pulp by my sister and kicked out of the house after losing, my sister was nothing but an object of terror.
(...I'll try not to think about it for now. But, someday.)
Having decided that in my heart, I moved from the spot while carrying Novem and Aria's luggage.
"Now, let's find an inn and relax. You must be tired from all the traveling."
When I said that, Aria shot back.
"The one who's tired is you, Riel. Don't collapse like you always do."
...Since I had collapsed many times after having my magic drained by the Jewel Orb, I couldn't shoot back.
Then, Novem followed up for me. She did, but...
"Riel-sama has also reached Growth, so he'll be fine. Right, Riel-sama?"
Growth... in this world, there are times when one can get a sensation like crossing a wall, yet also like being reborn.
It is undoubtedly an event that surpasses one's previous self.
But at the same time, it was also a time when one's ego grew too large.
Aria, who was looking at me, was covering her mouth and suppressing laughter.
Novem was looking at me with a warm, enveloping smile.
"...Stop it. Please stop it."
Just remembering it made me feel as if my face were turning red.
Normally, people feel Growth at an earlier stage, but I experienced it for the first time at fifteen.
Having experienced it, I had become overly excited by the sensation of being reborn.
It is a memory I don't even want to recall now.
Aria said.
"Riel... that time was funny."
I shot back.
"I told you to stop it! Besides, Aria, you were saying 'I wasn't like this!' at that time, right? Doesn't that mean something happened! Something happened, didn't it!"
"T-T-That's not true!"
Then, a voice came from the Jewel Orb.
It was the Fourth Generation.
'That kind of attitude toward a girl... you'll get a lecture later.'
There are times when only my consciousness is sucked into the Jewel Orb.
In that way, I can meet my ancestors.
Since it's a lecture later, I will surely be summoned.
Then, the driest of them, the Fifth Generation, spoke.
'You can leave the one who's been put under that woman's thumb alone, so just find an inn quickly. Don't stand around making a scene and drawing attention.'
Among the successive heads, the Fifth Generation, who had the most concubines, was told to be the biggest womanizer in the Walt family.
But in reality, it was different.
He had little interest in romance.
Instead, he had a strangely soft spot for cute animals.
"...Kuh, making a scene here won't start anything. Let's go."
"...Fine."
Averting my gaze from the glaring Aria, I searched for an inn in the vicinity.
If there was a sign, I intended to enter and ask if there were vacancies.
Then, Novem was giggling while looking at me and Aria.
"What is it?"
When I asked, Novem answered with a smile.
"No, I was just happy that you two have become closer than before. Now, shall we go?"
When told that by Novem, I didn't know how to respond.
The one I truly love is Novem, and I have confessed to her.
However, Novem's answer was "No compromising until you build a harem!"
While wondering where I went wrong, I walked the streets of the academic city Alamsars with my shoulders slumped.