Published: July 4, 2025
The money required until departure is...
"Of course, everything will be covered by the Azure Orb Pavilion and the Azure Merchant Association."
What excellent treatment.
Up until now, delicious and extravagant meals have been provided, so the quality hasn't changed.
However, everything purchased in the City of Manyamia can be bought on credit from the Azure Merchant Association...
In fact, the leather armor that Abel originally wore was in tatters.
Of course, it was a splendid piece made for the king, but it had seen better days due to the experiences of war.
Moreover, it had also endured sword fights against the demon Garwin's kin.
While it hadn't received any fatal blows, its armor was significantly damaged by the sharp sword flashes.
That...
"This is wonderful armor. Rather than purchasing a new one, it would be better to repair it. If you give me a day, I can have it fixed."
When Abel brought it to an armor shop introduced by the Azure Merchant Association, he was told that, and it was restored to its original condition a day later.
"Impressive..."
Abel was astonished by the craftsmanship.
"This must definitely involve magic or alchemy..."
Ryo expressed his interest in the technique.
It seemed there was a technology different from that of the Central Nations and the Western Nations.
"Indeed, it’s a branch of alchemy. While I cannot teach you the technique itself, as it is a closely guarded secret..."
The cheerful armorer said while laughing and recommended a book.
Moreover, he provided the location of a bookstore that specializes in such technical books.
As expected from a city that boasts the third-largest scale among the Vassal Kingdoms, there were many expensive books available...
Ryo purchased three carefully selected books.
Of course, the payment was covered by the Azure Merchant Association.
Abel looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"What is it, Abel? I’m just exercising the rights given to me!"
"No, I haven't said anything."
"That’s a lie! Your eyes are saying it. Isn’t reading books with someone else's money enjoyable?"
"No, I definitely didn’t think that far..."
On the morning of the departure day.
After having breakfast and finishing all preparations, Ryo and Abel stood at the reception.
"We are leaving the inn. Please take care of the procedures."
"Thank you, Lord Abel, Ryo-san. All the procedures have been completed."
As Abel spoke, the eldest daughter, Bansis, who was at the reception, responded with a smile.
At that moment, the chairman of the merchants' association, Bandersh, came out from inside.
"Lord Abel, Ryo-san, please take good care of the crew of the Vashteque."
He said this while bowing politely.
"I promise to do my utmost."
Abel replied, with Ryo nodding beside him.
The two of them left the inn, seeing off Bandersh and Bansis.
On the other side of the plaza, in front of the Beautiful Spring Pavilion where the princesses were staying, there was a bustling atmosphere.
"Moving important people is quite a hassle, isn't it?"
Ryo remarked as he looked at Abel walking beside him.
"Well, that’s true... but what’s with that gaze of yours, Ryo?"
"No, I was just thinking that Abel must have had a hard time being the king until recently..."
"I prefer the current situation."
"But if you go without any attendants and get assassinated, there will be someone who has to take responsibility and get fired."
"Well, that’s true…"
"I think it’s more important to save the life of the person responsible, even if it means sacrificing yours."
"Yeah, I feel like the way you're expressing it is strange..."
The two headed towards the port.
The port had been mostly closed since the crash of the Sujay Kingdom's royal ship, but it seems it would be opened again after the departure of the transport fleet today, leading to a significant increase in people coming and going.
"I like this lively atmosphere."
"Though there are no food stalls."
"Abel, you just ate earlier, right? You're really pushing the limits as a hungry swordsman."
"No, it’s not for me, I just thought Ryo might want something."