Published: July 4, 2025
After walking all day, as evening approached, a city appeared in the distance.
"Abel, I can see the city."
"Yeah, finally. That's probably the City of Kairadi."
Ryo was surprised and instinctively glanced at Abel.
"How do you know that?"
It was no wonder he was surprised.
There were no signs or markers on the road they had walked, nor had they passed anyone.
The place they had come down from the mountain should be quite remote, and Ryo couldn't think of a reason to identify the city.
"As an adventurer, I’ve been to various cities. Especially the ones in the kingdom, I can usually recognize them."
Abel said this a bit bashfully.
"So that means that’s a city in the Naitorei Kingdom..."
"Yeah, that's right."
"I'm glad it's not in the Debuhi Empire."
"That's because the Empire is to the north... The City of Kairadi is the most southeastern city of the kingdom. It’s not very large, but if we walk northwest from there for about a day, we’ll reach the City of Run."
Abel's gaze drifted a bit as he looked beyond Kairadi.
"Run... That’s the city you’re aiming for, right?"
"Yeah. Ryo, if you're going to register as an adventurer, it’s better to do it in Run rather than Kairadi."
"Huh? Is that so?"
"Run is the largest city in the frontier, so many talents and resources gather there. As I mentioned before, the only dungeon in the Central Nations is also one reason why people and goods converge there. If you’re affiliated with the City of Run, it’s much easier to get by in the city. Officially, they say it’s all equal, but in every world, local adventurers tend to be favored."
Hearing this, Ryo nodded in understanding.
"I see. But when we enter the City of Kairadi, what about identification…?"
"I can vouch for you. As a b-rank adventurer, it’s fine. You’ll need one market entry tax silver coin, but I’ll cover that too."
"Ah, Abel, you’re such a good person. I've always thought so, you know? I really mean it."
Abel looked at Ryo with a slightly dubious expression.
But he quickly regained his composure and said,
"By the way, Ryo. We’re only staying a night in Kairadi, but there’s a recommended dish I want you to try."
The two arrived at the East Gate of the City of Kairadi just before the sun completely set.
Following Abel's advice, Ryo had slung his bag over his shoulder and donned a robe to obscure it.
This made it harder to see the bag from the outside.
Abel also had his bag hidden inside his cloak.
Both of their bags contained a large quantity of Wyvern Magic Stones.
They had made themselves less noticeable to avoid unnecessary trouble.
They were able to enter the city without any issues.
Abel, being a b-rank adventurer, vouched for Ryo and paid one market entry tax silver coin.
Just like that, they were able to enter smoothly.
Ryo was a bit disappointed, having expected a more dramatic scenario where a guard acted arrogant, trouble started, and then a superior officer showed up...
The inn they were heading to was one Abel regularly stayed at when he came to Kairadi for job requests.
"This place has a dining room on the first floor, and you can get that recommended dish there."
Once they checked into the inn, they made their way to a table in the dining room on the first floor.
"Welcome! What can I get for you?"
A plain-looking but charming girl came to take their order.
"For me and him, a curry."
Abel pronounced "curry" in a surprisingly cool way.
"Yes, certainly!"
The girl took the order and returned to the kitchen.
"If it's not enough, feel free to order something else. The food here is on me."
"Abel! You’re such a good person!"
Someone who treats you is a good person.
At least, a person who treats you is better than one who doesn’t, right?
After about two minutes of waiting, a nostalgic yet fragrant and appetizing aroma wafted from the kitchen.
(Could it be this scent...?)
As Ryo thought this, the girl returned, carrying a large plate in both hands.
"Thank you for waiting. Here is your curry."
What appeared before them was... a yellow, thick, spice-laden sauce poured over white rice...