Published: September 10, 2025
Sorry for being a little late.
Typo corrected on 2017/12/4.
This is Satou. There is a famous saying: "Troubles within and without." No country, to some extent, can be free from this phrase, right?
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"Beautiful."
"Yes, as expected from the city called the 'Jewel of the West.'"
Mia and Princess Sistina, who are accompanying me, let out words of admiration as they overlook the scenery of Rumork City.
We have arrived at Rumork City, where the Central Temple of Galleon is located.
Where we stand now is a park that juts out into the sea.
Miss Karina is with us, but she is enchanted by the soy sauce-like aroma drifting in on the wind from the city.
She is the type who prefers "dumplings over flowers," so there's no helping that.
"Although it's near the sea, it doesn't smell much like the seashore."
"That's probably because it’s surrounded by rivers on three sides."
Rumork City is a water city surrounded by the sea and rivers on all sides.
There are canals with gondolas floating through the city, somewhat reminiscent of Venice.
Also, surrounding the city are stone towers engraved with the holy seal of Galleon, serving as monster deterrents. Inside the waters enclosed by these towers, shellfish and fish farming thrive.
The sea where monsters do not approach is said to be a paradise for fish and shellfish, and the radar shows dense schools of fish.
"Satou, what is that over there?"
Miss Karina, gazing at the stone towers by the sea, pointed at several objects hanging from the towers that look like bagworms.
Their swaying in the sea breeze gives a quaint feel.
—Ugh.
According to the map information, those are the bodies of executed pirates hanging there.
I recall a scene in a pirate movie I watched before where pirates were hung on the rocky cape as punishment.
Most likely, it’s a warning to pirates.
"Those seem to be executed pirates."
"Execution—"
At my words, Miss Karina averted her gaze from the bodies hanging on the stone tower.
Although it is a barbaric world where executions are a form of entertainment, she doesn’t seem to take any perverse pleasure in it.
"Cold."
"Now that you mention it, my body is getting chilled."
"Is that so?"
Although the climate is mild, the sea breeze is cold, making it a bit chilly especially for Mia and Princess Sistina, who are dressed lightly.
On the other hand, Miss Karina, who grew up in the poor Muno Castle, seems unaffected.
I lightly cast an "air conditioning" spell to raise the temperature a bit.
"Next, let's stroll through the market and drink something warm from the street stalls."
I tell everyone this and head toward the port where the market is.
In the distance, near the city center, a huge Galleon Temple is visible.
Unlike the luxurious Heralon Temple in the Sania Kingdom, it has a sturdy and practical appearance.
"Satou, is this your first time visiting the Galleon Alliance?"
"Yes, I've flown over it and been near the border before, but this is my first time visiting the city."
I nod in response to Princess Sistina’s words.
The last time I came was when the neighboring Parion Divine Kingdom was at war with this country.
"This country doesn’t have a king, right? Who governs it then?"
"The representatives of each city."
The Galleon Alliance is a confederation of nine cities, with Rumork City serving as the leader.
The three cities including Rumork City are run by merchants’ councils, but the other six are kingdoms. So, the idea that there is no king is mistaken.
All the cities prosper greatly through maritime trade, and many wealthy people live here.
"Flowers."
"There are many splendid houses."
Perhaps because of limited land, many buildings in the city are three-story apartments, and colorful, beautiful flowers decorate the balconies facing the streets.
The houses themselves are colorful, making a walk around never dull.
"—Sounds."
While admiring the houses, Mia suddenly turned her head and listened carefully.
"Over here."
Following Mia, who grabbed my hand, we heard cheerful music from ahead.
"It seems like street performance."