Chapter 198: The warriors bow before the priestess

After leaving Yellowhawks, we decided to accompany Nambala and Takigi to the capital. They could have gone directly to Ney, but decided to take the long way around, as they both wanted to send their reports by letter first.

—I am sorry to have put you through all this trouble. After sending the letter to the sub-commander, she will take you to the city where she is based.

Nambala was still suspicious of us, perhaps he was trying to test us to conclude that we were really the Manyu Brigade.

Personally I don’t care about proving my skills or taking a test. I just wanted to get back to Ney as soon as possible and make sure she’s okay.

—There is a rumor that there is a famous priestess in the capital of this country. If we are lucky, maybe we can see her face.

—A priestess?

—You don’t know her? She appeared one day, and in the blink of an eye, she was already in quite an important position in this country, she’s the Demon King’s advisor, she’s an extraordinary woman.

—Not to mention the fact that there are rumors about her that she is someone greedy, she even swindled many people and that’s why she has such an important position… But they are just that, rumors.

A priestess who only cares about money… I think I heard rumors about it somewhere, although I didn’t pay much attention to it, although I did hear that she was so powerful that the demon king was afraid of her or something like that.

I’m curious as to what kind of person she is, I wish I could see her.

—I don’t know about you, but she sounds familiar, a greedy priestess with a great ability to rise in her position?

—Yes, I’m beginning to think that person might be the one we’re looking for.

—Do you know someone like her?

—Something like that… It’s possible that this person is the one we’ve been hearing so much about.

—I see… Well, who knows, maybe the priestess is the person that Commander Toru is looking… What are you doing?!

Nambala pulls Takigi’s ear.

—What nonsense are you talking about, Takigi? Think about it, how many people do you think there are in this vast continent? It’s not normal to think that just that person is Toru’s acquaintance.

—I’m sorry! But why do you always have to beat me up?!

—Oh come on… Don’t start crying.

****************

We arrived in the capital of Dezakhst.

Nambala and Takigi stopped at a post office as soon as we arrived.

—Careful with this. It’s an important document, so don’t lose it.

—Yes, sir.

The staff received an envelope with the payment. Outside the building, armed delivery men leave the site one by one in small, speeding subdragons.

A lot is demanded from the delivery men. It’s all for the safe delivery of the letters they carry. The work is so demanding and tumultuous that they are known as the secondary adventurers. Even the staff in charge of the front desk has quite a bit of respect from the public.

Taking the opportunity, I also decided to send a letter I wrote.

—I see that the address is Lubue-sama, headquarters of the research team in Big Gear country. If it could be designated as a special delivery, we could deliver it more reliably.

—All right, do it.

—In that case… This is the amount to be paid.

The paper offered was marked “500,000”.

That’s very expensive! Is that really the price for sending a letter?!

However, it is also quite cheap if you take into account the distance and the level of the delivery person. Even if you go on a fast-footed subdragon, the trip is never guaranteed safety. 

I paid the official and left the store.

—Now we can finally get back to base. Hey, Nambala, while we’re here, why don’t we go for a quick sightseeing tour and a gourmet meal before we head back?

—You know the sub-commander is looking forward to seeing the commander again. No time to look for rambling. Get a hold of yourself, you brainless half-breed.

—Your words are hurtful. But, let me ask you something, how can you be so sure that the sub-commander won’t be angry with you if you have time off and have failed to provide the commander with adequate entertainment?

—…You have a point. It would be unacceptable for me to be labeled as boring. if your trip with us was boring. And more so if I am with Commander Toru, it would be a disappointment to the sub-commander as well….

Even though they were both whispering, we could hear them perfectly. Besides, I also felt like doing some sightseeing.

The level of development in this city is astonishingly high. In fact, for a while now, Kaede, Frau and I were looking forward to stopping at all the stores there.

I saw a sword in a display case that looked fantastic. I was looking forward to taking a closer look.

—We have decided that we will stay here for a couple of days. Also, we would appreciate it if you would stay with us. If you want to go somewhere, let us know and we will accompany you.

—I thought you guys were just going to bring us to where Ney was, not that you would have to accompany us everywhere.

—One of our duties is to escort the Commander and his companions. Don’t worry, we will protect them if anything happens. We are as strong as you are, Commander.

Takigi smiles confidently.

Both Kaede, Frau and I exchange glances upon hearing that.

I didn’t dare to tell them my true level since I don’t want to scare them unnecessarily…. And I wouldn’t want to embarrass them in any way either.

I don’t think these guys are very protective of me either.

—And… Where do we start? I’ve never been here, Nambala-san…

—It’s okay, I’ll take care of this. I’ve been here a few times and I have some acquaintances. I’ll guide you to the best places.

—Ooh, I never imagined you could be fun, Nambala-san, my expectations of you are changing.

—You’re trying my patience, Takigi.

***********

In the capital there is a place called “Street Art Square”.

Street performers would perform all over the square and passersby would stop to watch.

In my city there were people who made a living from freak shows, but I don’t think they were as popular as they are here.

—That man swallowed his sword. I wonder if he’s all right.

—He’s a professional and I don’t think he’d do something stupid that would get him killed, but it’s still an anxious thing to watch.

—Wow, I don’t know how you can stand to watch that. Frau can’t keep watching this.

As soon as the man finishes his trick with great success, people applaud and throw coins into the can in front of them.

We take the opportunity and throw copper coins as well.

—Where’s Takigi?

—I think he went to the candy stand.

Really? He went to buy food?

He’s having more fun than we are.

Suddenly, the sound of loud gongs echoed through the streets.

People avoided the edge of the street and knelt on the cobblestones in prayer.

—What is this? What is wrong with everyone?

—I think we should do the same so as not to draw attention to ourselves.

—I agree.

We crouched down and lowered our posture as well. A few minutes later, a group of people in white clothes arrived at the square.

Their steps are silent and the air is solemn as they pass in front of us. In the middle of the procession, a person who seemed to be the central axis, had her face hidden by a veil, and walked with escorts around her.

Her silhouette was quite feminine. is she the rumored priestess?

Once she walked away from the square without looking at the people praying, the people returned to their feet and continued with their activities.

Residents were moved to tears and were throwing out rather complacent comments.

It is said that this country is ruled by the Demon King Bertina. Maybe he is not someone religious.

But even demons have gods they believe in. So it’s no wonder that this Demon King is someone of faith.

—What you just saw is the worship of the priestess, who has become an important person in this place. So much so that the Demon King had that great cathedral built, and she comes and goes from the palace to this place every day without rest.

—It was something magnificent, I saw her from afar and it gave me chills.

Takigi came back and had a fruit drink in one hand, and an ice cream in the other. He was also wearing star-shaped sunglasses on his face.

I think they enjoy sightseeing much more than we do.

—Where have you been?

—Relax, I brought this for the commander.

Receiving the drink, I took a sip.

It really is delicious.