They passed through inspection, rode through the city and arrived at a building with a sign that said "The Water Raiment" as they got off the carriage.
Kiyotaka: [Good job, Beatrice.]
Ichika: [Eh!? But Onii-sama! I was the one at the reins!]
Kiyotaka: [And who had to wake you up three times after you got bored and fell asleep?]
Ichika let out a breath as she understood she'd been caught. Kiyotaka patted her head.
Kiyotaka: [Your contributions were... adequate.]
Ichika pouted at this, but she didn't hate it so much since Kiyotaka was the one patting her head. She didn't mind being a bit aloof. In this world, she was allowed to feel bored and be less competent at times. In this world, she was free. Emilia looked at the building.
Emilia: [This building looks reaaally strange, somehow.]
Kiyotaka: [This is... a ryokan.]
Emilia: [Ryokan?]
Anastasia: [Surprised, I take it?]
Anastasia was at the door.
Anastasia: [Welcome to Pristella.]
Kiyotaka: [Thanks.]
Anastasia: [Thanks for coming.]
Julius walked into view.
Emilia: [Long time no see, Julius.]
Julius: [Yes, it has been too long, Emilia-sama. I'm glad to see you as well, Kiyotaka.]
Kiyotaka: [Yeah.]
Julius: [Ah, you're here, Beatrice-sama.]
Beatrice: [As Kiyotaka is here, it is only natural for Betty to be here, I suppose.]
Julius: [Ah, yes right...]
Mimi began rushing over.
Mimi: [Garf's here! Why didn't anyone say so?]
She jumped at Garf, hugging him.
Mimi: [Let's explore the inn together!]
She began pulling him by the hand.
Mimi: [Mimi's gonna show you the way.]
Garf: [Hey, wait up! I ain't agreed to anythin' yet!]
Garf felt a strong pull.
Garf: [She's strong.]
Mimi: [C'mon. Let's go.]
Everyone else followed them in.
Emilia: [Everything here feels reaaally mysterious, somehow. We're sitting on the floor, and we're not wearing shoes.]
Kiyotaka: [This kind of building is from my country. And not wearing shoes is normal.]
Emilia: [It is?]
Kiyotaka: [I'm guessing Kararagi has some relations to someone who was brought here to this world like me. Likely Hoshin『Of The Wastes』]
Ichika: [I agree. It's definitely from where Onii-sama and I are from, but... we've never really been to one before.]
Kiyotaka: [This is the only real way for you to experience my country.]
Kiyotaka: (If I knew that it was gonna be like that, I'd have brought Ram along.)
Kiyotaka sighed as Joshua slid the door open.
Joshua: [Anastasia-sama, the preparations are complete.]
Anastasia: [Thank you, Joshua. Well then, shall we get to the main topic? The mana crystal you seek is in the hands of the heir to a major trading company in this city. Joshua has already arranged a dragon boat bound for『Muse Trading Company』. The man is quite talented, but in this city, he's more known by his other name. 『The Man Whose Heart Was Stolen By The Songstress』. In short, the『Songstress Fanatic』.]
The Emilia camp stepped outside as Emilia looked at Ichika.
Emilia: [Are you coming with us?]
Ichika: [Nah. I'm gonna go explore a bit.]
Emilia: [Alright. Stay safe.]
Kiyotaka: (She should be fine, but...)
Kiyotaka: [Ichika. Make sure to return before 6 pm.]
Ichika: [Okay.]
Ichika left as Emilia, then looked at Kiyotaka.
Emilia: [Kiyo... I want to try this on my own.]
Kiyotaka: [I thought so. It's alright. I'll let you handle it. Besides, I want to look into this 『Songstress』that he's so interested in. Maybe from her I'll grasp some information that will be useful in our dealing with this『Songstress Fanatic』.]
Emilia: [Okay.]
Kiyotaka separated from them and left.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Kiyotaka and Beatrice began walking around when they heard music.
Kiyotaka: (Hm... now that's some talent.)
Kiyotaka stood in the crowd holding Beatrice's hand as they listened in.
Kiyotaka: (She must be the Songstress.)
Eventually, her song ended as Kiyotaka walked over.
Kiyotaka: [You must be the『Songstress』right? My name is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.]
『Songstress』: [I'm Liliana Masquerade... wait... the Ayanokoji Kiyotaka?]
Kiyotaka: [Yes?]
Liliana: [You're the Ayanokoj Kiyotaka? The『Womaniser?』]
Kiyotaka: [...]
Liliana: [You're him, right?]
Kiyotaka: [Isn't there another nickname I'm known for?]
Liliana: [That's the one you're best known for, though.]
Kiyotaka: (...)
Kiyotaka: [Why, though?]
Liliana: [Let's see. Three out of five of the Royal Candidates have shown romantic interest in you. You're well-known for attracting the attention of noblewomen.]
Kiyotaka: [...]
Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: [Isn't there anything else?]
Liliana: [I heard another one. I think it was the『The Knight Of Demonic Retribution』? Yeah, but...]
Kiyotaka: [That's a bit better.]
Liliana: [... that's a bit tacky.]
Kiyotaka: [...]
Kiyotaka sighed, shaking his head.
Kiyotaka: (Well, I guess there's nothing I can do about it.)
Liliana: [I've heard of your exploits, though. You liberated this world from the terror of the『Sin Archbishop of Sloth』 single-handedly and participated in the subjugation of one of the『Thre Great Mabeasts』. The『White Whale』and place the『Sword Demon』Wilhelm『Van』Astrea in his debt. If that weren't enough, you're the hero who defeated another『Great Mabeast』, the『Great Rabbit』as well! Oh dear! Oh dear! A living legend, right before my eyes!]
Kiyotaka: [I'm sure you understand why I'm talking to you, right?]
Liliana: [You want help convincing Kiritaka, right?]
Kiyotaka: [It's alright. I want Lia to try to solve this on her own. Otherwise, she won't grow.]
Liliana: [Grow?]
Kiyotaka: [Improve her skills. Ability to negotiate.]
Liliana: [Oh.]
Kiyotaka: [Alright then. We'll be on our way now.]
Liliana nodded as Kiyotaka and Beatrice walked towards the『Songstress Fanatic's』office.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
The Emilia Camp was walking back from the negotiations.
Kiyotaka: [Looks like things are going well.]
Emilia looked bright-eyed.
Emilia: [Yeah. We're reaaally close to convincing him.]
Kiyotaka: [Your ability to negotiate has improved a lot. It shouldn't be long before you can...]
Kiyotaka grabbed Emilia's shoulder, pulling her towards him, as this would stop her from bumping into a man with white hair.
Emilia: [Huh?]
Emilia turned to see the man.
Emilia: [Oh. Sir. I'm sorry for not watching my step.]
???: [It's no issue. I was careless too. After all, you had me captivated for a moment.]
Emilia: [Huh? Er...]
Kiyotaka: (That white hair. Could it just be a coincidence, or is he who I think he is?)
???: [Your beautiful silver hair, yes.]
The man moved his hand towards her hair, but Kiyotaka pulled her away.
Kiyotaka: [That's a bit too forward, don't you think? You two are strangers. Try to be more polite.]
???: [Oh yes. I apologise. I shouldn't be rude after all.]
Kiyotaka: [Then our business is over, so I think we'll be on our way.]
???: [Ah, yes. You're right. After all, I've little reason to fixate myself on your group for the moment. Should we ever meet again, it will simply be the whims of fate reuniting us.]
Kiyotaka: [Perhaps.]
Kiyotaka: (If he is who I think he is, I'd rather it didn't.)
The group started walking away as Emilia turned to look at the man.
Kiyotaka: [What's wrong, Lia?]
Emilia: [Nothing big, it's just that I feel like I've met him before.]
Kiyotaka: [I have a bad feeling about him.]
Emilia: [You do?]
Kiyotaka: [His eyes were looking at you in a certain way. As if inspecting you for some purpose. He was checking if you were suitable for a role. The look in his eyes seemed to convey his confidence in his ability to control you.]
Garf: [The hell? That bastard.]
Emilia: [Huh? Control me? Are you trying to scare me, Kiyo?]
Kiyotaka: [It's something to be concerned about, so be wary of him if we do meet him again at some point.]
They were walking when Garf stopped.
Garf: [What's this? I'm pickin' up a new at the inn.]
They walked towards the inn when they saw a thin man arguing with Joshua.
Thin Man: [Stop makin' me repeat myself! Just shut up and bring me your boss!]
Joshua: [Someone as crude as you doesn't deserve to see my master, not even my brother! Please leave.]
Thin Man: [You don't know how to listen, do you, brat?!]
He raised his fist in anger.
Thin Man: [How about I just beat your ass!]
Emilia: [That's enough!]
Joshua: [Emilia-sama. You've returned.]
Emilia: [What happened? Let's just calm down and talk this over.]
Thin Man: [Screw this, and everything here! This damn brat won't let me in!]
The Thin Man then saw Kiyotaka.
Thin Man: [Wait, you're...]
Kiyotaka: [Do I know you?]
Thin Man: [The hell? You sayin' you don't?]
Kiyotaka: [Sorry. I automatically delete memories that aren't worth anything.]
Thin Man: [You bastard! It's me. Lachins! The guy who tried to mug you!]
Beatrice: [So you're trash then, in fact.]
Lachins: [The hell are you callin' trash?!]
Garf cracked his knuckles.
Garf: [Oh? What's this about muggin' boss?]
Garf started moving forward when he felt a presence, as everyone turned to see Reinhard.
Reinhard: [I was wondering what was taking you so long, Lachins. What's all the commotion about?]
Garf suddenly transformed his arm and attacked Reinhardwho caught the attack with ease.
Reinhard: [Oh? What a strong blow. Good form too. I'm impressed.]
Kiyotaka walked over, slapping the back of Garf's head as Garf stopped his attack.
Kiyotaka: [Cut it out. I taught you better than to randomly attack a stranger.]
Garf: [Sorry, Boss. I remember. "Whether friend or foe, it's a bad idea."]
Kiyotaka gestured to Reinhard.
Kiyotaka: [This is Reinhard.]
Reinhard: [As he just told you, I am Reinhard『Van』Astrea. I would be grateful if you told me your name.]
Garf: [Garfiel Tinsel.]
Reinhard: [I see! So you're Emilia-sama's shield. I'm glad to meet you.]
Reinhard extended his hand as Garf backed away for a second. Kiyotaka patted his shoulder as Garf seemed to calm down and shook Reinhard's hand. Emilia walked over.
Emilia: [I'm glad you two resolved that quickly.]
Reinhard: [Emilia-sama, it has been a while.]
Emilia: [I heard from Felt-chan that you've been achieving reaaally good results.]
Reinhard: [Compared to your amazing exploits, they're still very minor.]
Reinhard then turned his attention to Kiyotaka.
Reinhard: [Once again. Thank you for sharing the details of the『White Whale Subjagation』with me back when you were knighted.]
Kiyotaka: [There's no need to thank me for that.]
Reinhard smiled.
Kiyotaka: [I'm guessing this guy...]
Lachins: [Don't just call me "this guy." I told you my name, you bastard!]
Kiyotaka: [I already told you that I automatically delete memories that aren't worth anything. I mean no offence but...]
Lachins was fuming while Kiyotaka's face remained monotone.
Lachins: [You...]
Reinhard: [Why don't you go back, Lachins. I'll handle the rest. Please tell Felt-sama to return to the inn soon.]
Lachins looked annoyed but walked away.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
They were walking through the halls as Kiyotaka looked at Garf.
Kiyotaka: (He's still in a bad mood. I understand, though. After all that training, he finds himself face to face with someone leagues ahead of him. It must be frustrating.)
Then Joshua stopped.
Joshua: [Now, please wait here until Anastasia-sama returns.]
Joshua turns to the doors.
Joshua: [If you'll excuse me.]
He slides them open as everyone sees Crusch and Felix sitting, looking out at the garden outside. They turn around. Felix genuinely looks better than before.
Felix: [It's Kiyotaka.]
Crusch: [Long time no see.]
Kiyotaka: [It's good to see you two.]
Everyone sat down at the table, waiting.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Everyone was sitting as Anastasia spoke.
Kiyotaka: (Looks like Ichika's still exploring.)
Emilia: [Why did you call us here, Anastasia?]
Anastasia: [I wanted to have a little chat with you all. Of course, I haven't invited the unreasonable folks.]
Emilia: [Unreasonable?]
Reinhard: [So I take it you didn't invite Pricilla-sama, then?]
Kiyotaka: (I hardly think Pricilla is unreasonable. Her value system is just different.)
Anastasia: [They do things completely in their own way, so I couldn't think of an excuse to call them over. Well, at least Felt-san and I are a bit closer now.]
Emilia: [Excuse?]
Anastasia: [If you were all comin' anyway, I thought I'd at least prepare a lil' gift.]
Crusch: [For us, it was information on the『Sin Archbishop Of Gluttony.』]
Reinhard's face twitched a little, holding in his composure.
Anastasia: [Don't be angry『Sword Saint』. It's just that Crusch-san here is a better buyer. Of course I'm not goin' to hide it from ya. Crusch-san here doesn't want you left out. She's a goody-two-shoes through and through.]
Crusch: [I wouldn't be able to hold my head up high if I kept it from you, knowing the position you're in. The position Wilhelm is in.]
Reinhard smiled.
Reinhard: [I thank you for your kindness.]
Crusch: [Also... I have been defeated by『Gluttony』and『Greed』before. It would be better if I had the assistance of the『Sword Saint』the next time we face them.]
Reinhard: [You'll have my sword on that occasion.]
Crusch: [I thank you for it.]
Suddenly, Felt entered the room with Wilhelm behind her.
Fel: [Oh? Looks like everyone is here.]
Wilhelm: [Felt-sama. You shouldn't barge in like that.]
Felt smirked.
Felt: [It's fine. It's fine.]
Felt looked around.
Felt: [It's surprising how little you've all changed despite a whole year passing by!]
She walked out into the middle of the room.
Felt: [Well, the same goes for me, I guess.]
Reinhard: [Felt-sama! What happened to the attire you were given to wear in public?]
Felt: [Ha! You expect me to go along with your taste? Sightseeing was the perfect excuse to find myself some proper clothes!]
Wilhelm: [Reinhard worked really hard on that dress, though.]
Felt: [I am truly grateful for the invitation.]
Felt did a curtsey.
Felt: [Now let us have a fruitful discussion as fellow candidates.]
Kiyotaka: (Not bad but...)
Felt: [Okay, formalities are over!]
Kiyotaka: (As I thought. She's doing just the bare minimum.)
Felt: [Let me in on the talks, yeah?]
She sat down next to Reinhard.
Felt: [I have to say, this is a weird city. This building's weird, too. Seeing all this unusual stuff everywhere is wearing me out.]
Anastasia: [You never cease to amaze me. Unusual, you say? If you think of it that way, then I'm happy. This ryokan's still got plenty more to offer.]
Kiyotaka: (I need to eventually bring up that topic, but since they're not here yet, it's best to leave it alone.)
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To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Part:
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