Chapter 253
Chapter 253
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 253
Chapter Title: Chapter 6-2. Labyrinth
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The capital of the Byron Empire, 'Ravega.'
The name meant Polaris in Latin. They say it was named that way in the hope that the empire would shine brightly and unchangingly in its place, just like the star that holds its position steadfastly through the ages.
There's a saying that names hold power. Perhaps because of that, the empire had prospered continuously since its founding. As the empire's heart, Ravega had achieved tremendous development.
The city had expanded so much that they built double, triple, and quadruple walls beyond the original ones, and now buildings rose even beyond the outermost walls, connected by brick roads.
Many say, "The moment your foot touches a brick road, it's as good as entering Ravega." Ravega was a capital boasting grand and ornate brick buildings that seemed to proclaim the power of an empire rather than a mere kingdom. With a massive river that never ran dry flowing alongside it all year round, the city bustled with merchants and people flocking from all corners of the continent.
"It's not even inside the city yet, but I didn't expect the roads to be this clogged."
We had arrived at the imperial capital, but we still hadn't entered it. At some point, as we moved onto the brick roads, the carriage glided smoothly, but with all the forked paths converging, a natural bottleneck formed.
Rush hour caused by carriages in a game world without cars—what a ridiculous notion. Yet it was proof of how vigorously goods and people moved in the empire.
After a long wait, we finally passed the checkpoint and entered the capital. Ravega was an astonishing city. The roads were divided into sections for people, horses, and carriages, eliminating any danger, and even with an immense number of people walking about, it never felt cramped.
The shop signs along the streets weren't cluttered either. They were all uniform in size and material, giving a remarkably neat impression. And that was just the start. As we rode the carriage through the city, the statues placed at the center of roads or key spots left a deep impression.
They were statues honoring heroes who had greatly contributed to the empire's development since its founding, saved it from crises, or achieved extraordinary feats. They were incredible—almost as if they might spring to life at any moment. The swords, armor, clothing, books, faces, and poses were so dynamic, like real living people posed there instead of stone.
"Impressive. It really does feel like 'all roads lead to the North Star' isn't just an empty phrase."
Lime, peering out the carriage window just like me, said that. Hearing it stirred old memories. I felt my face inexplicably flushing, so I covered my eyes with my hand.
The Byron Empire was indeed modeled after Rome. What Lime had just said was an NPC's line from the roadside. It was a reference to "all roads lead to Rome." Something I'd set without much thought. But none of my companions paid it any mind. Even Iris and Arhil were focused on the sights beyond the window.
"People always say the must-see cities are 'Ravega' and 'Midheaven.' If Ravega is like this, what must Midheaven be like?"
-I've been to Midheaven too. You have to go sometime. You won't regret it.
Iris, sitting beside her, wrote in her notepad and showed it to Arhil in response to her question. Midheaven was the capital of Baekje. Arhil showed interest upon hearing she'd been there.
"What's it like? Is it this big and grand too?"
-Ravega builds its roads and buildings with brick, but Midheaven uses wood. People argue whether Ravega is more impressive or Midheaven more beautiful, but those who've visited both know such comparisons are pointless. Both cities deserve the title of the greatest.
"Really? Wow... Now I really want to go."
Arhil glanced at me, sitting across from her. Our eyes met, and she broke into a wide smile.
"I'm so glad I came along with you, Juda."
With that, she turned back to chatting with Iris. After nearly two weeks in the carriage, Iris and Arhil had grown quite close; I often saw them conversing like this. Only Lime still kept a distant relationship with Iris.
'Does the "assassin from the Shadow Kingdom" title bother him that much?'
Aside from mealtimes, I'd never seen them talk. They did exchange words, but only bare minimums, strictly at meals.
-Please enjoy your meal.
-I'll dig in.
-That was delicious.
-Yes.
-It was good.
-Thank you.
That was it. Applause requires two hands clapping; waving one around is just a clown's trick to make people laugh. Wondering when their relationship might warm up, I stepped out of the carriage as it came to a stop inside a certain building. I gave the weary coachman a few silver coins, meaning he should grab a drink and rest well. I waved off his grateful bow and headed outside.
'Amazing.'
The sight of the streets made the word slip out involuntarily. What a fantastic place. I'd originally planned to skip Ravega and head straight to the labyrinth, but I would've regretted it big time later. I led the group around the streets. There were adventurers and mercenaries decked out in flashy, gleaming armor, and plenty of nobles in clothes made from luxurious fabrics. Especially the noblewomen, wearing dresses that boldly exposed their cleavage—it was quite the feast for the eyes. Walking at the front, I kept my head steady and rolled only my eyes to sneak peeks, strolling along contentedly.
We headed to an area dense with shops and bought a map at a general store. If Arhil, Iris, or Lime needed anything, I gladly purchased it. With plenty of money, there was no hesitation in buying. Sure, the prices were high enough to warrant haggling, but I had thousands of gold coins won gambling in Urun. After wandering a while, we reached an area catering to nobles.
'For the Dignified'
Quite a grandiose name for an inn. The moment I saw it, I burst out laughing. What a coincidence. In the game, this was the name of the inn where players stayed. Memories of creating the game flooded back. Suddenly laughing in the street, Arhil, following behind, asked why. Unable to explain in detail, I brushed it off and suggested we stay at the inn called 'For the Dignified.'
No one objected. Once we'd secured rooms, hunger set in. The place had a restaurant on the first floor, but since we'd come all the way to the imperial capital, I wanted something special, so we headed back out. Being a nobles' district, there were many upscale restaurants with elegant exteriors. Among them, I chose the one that looked the priciest.
It was the sort of place where ordinary mercenaries or adventurers wouldn't even dare step foot. Built of the same brick, but the grandeur and opulence set it apart. Through the transparent glass windows, the interior gleamed with soft lighting and luxurious decor, proclaiming it no place for just anyone.
"Wait a sec. We're really going there?"
Arhil, following behind, stopped in her tracks and asked. Her gaze on the place screamed "too expensive" and intimidating.
"We've come this far; we have to try a place like this."
"Um... still."
She worried it would be too pricey. Seeing her concern, I wondered if I should dump all the gold from my <Bag> to show her. For adventurers, we'd never taken a proper quest for decent pay. Well, we did two early on, but even those rewards weren't substantial, so her anxiety was understandable.
-It might be reservations only. Why don't we two go check if there's space?
Iris, who'd been following with a calm expression, wrote on her notepad and showed it.
'Reservations only...'
That could be, so I nodded. Telling the others to wait, I headed to the entrance with Iris. A neatly dressed waiter at the door placed a hand on his left shoulder and bowed politely.
"Welcome. Do you have a reservation?"
"No, we don't. Any empty seats?"
The waiter quickly scanned our attire. Clearly adventurer or mercenary garb. Yet an inexplicable air of refinement emanated from us. Having done this for years, he'd met countless nobles, many lacking even this poise. In his experience, these weren't ordinary mercenaries or adventurers. Striking appearances, and an intangible power in their every step. Their companions didn't seem ordinary either.
'What to do?'
The restaurant didn't restrict itself to nobles. As long as you had money and some decorum, anyone was welcome.
'Hm.'
He pondered consulting the manager. Think fast, decide faster. He figured accepting them as guests wouldn't hurt. Gold-badge mercenaries and adventurers visited occasionally too.
"Welcome."
The waiter smiled at once and opened the door. I called Arhil and Lime over from where I stood, then entered and headed to the second floor. Nobles dining on the first floor glanced at our group. Arhil seemed burdened by the stares, but Iris and Lime strode confidently, apparently used to it.
After reaching the second floor and taking our seats, Arhil finally exhaled.
"You guys aren't fazed at all?"
Iris, who had been glancing at the menu first, tilted her head, then pulled out her notepad and wrote. Meanwhile, Lime answered Arhil's question.
"Well, being invited to places for mage tower business, I come to spots like this now and then..."
-It's just a restaurant. We're paying the same as the guests downstairs, so no need to worry, right?
Was that it? Was she overthinking alone?
Having never been to a place like this, Arhil felt compelled to mind her manners. She worried if eating with just one knife and fork like usual would be rude. Seeing her like that, I handed her the menu and covered the prices listed beside the items with my hand.
"?
"Don't worry about the cost—pick what you want. Even two or three dishes is fine."
Arhil stared at the menu, her head spinning. It was filled with unfamiliar dish names. She hemmed and hawed adorably, unable to choose. Any would do, but picking just any felt impossibly hard.
"Um, I'll have..."
"If it's too tough, let's all get the course menu. Our party leader's covering the bill anyway, so relax."
Lime said with a grin, and Iris, peering at her menu beside him, nodded. I agreed it was best and ordered the course for four, adding wine. It came to one gold coin right away. I was curious what face Arhil would make if I told her the price, but I held back.
"Haa—it's nice coming to a place like this, but it feels kinda exhausting somehow."
Arhil said, eyeing the nobles seated at a distance. They elegantly sliced steaks with knife and fork or gently sipped wine from crystal glasses. It wasn't her first time seeing such a scene—she'd stayed with me at Count Genner's residence in Urun, one of the great nobles. I remembered the countess teaching her various things, so it was surprising to see her so tense.
Soon after ordering, the waiter brought wine and water, and dishes began arriving one by one.
"......"
It wasn't some illusion-shattering taste explosion. It was excellently delicious. Fresh, too. But in my opinion, the food at the Veil of Light, where Iris worked as a server in the border city of Atram, had been better. Cheaper, larger portions, tastier, and top-notch freshness.
'Well, with the Shadow Queen there, it must've had the best chefs gathered.'
Even so, it was tasty enough that I ate without complaint. Especially Arhil, who after seeing us all eat casually despite her initial nerves, focused on her food without glancing around.
"Delicious! Right, Iris? Juda? ...Lime?"
"Am I an afterthought?"
"Ehehe."
Lime, sitting beside me, sighed as he spoke, and Arhil gave an embarrassed laugh. Iris, seated next to her, wrote on the notepad she'd set by her utensils.
-It's good. Tasty.
Iris's verdict was positive too.
-Try putting this sauce on it and eating them together. It'll be even better.
"Really? Let's see..."
Arhil tried it as Iris suggested and was amazed. Surprisingly, it tasted far better than before. Watching her eat with a blissful expression, I smiled warmly. As we enjoyed the main courses, a murmur rose from the first floor.
?