Chapter 84. Rain and Deer (3)
The third gate only conducted a formal inspection. Though previous gates had already inspected us, the final gate served as the actual city entrance, requiring one more check.
Whether we were the last to pass through or not, guards were steadily returning to the city interior from the gates we'd passed. Of course, deer herds seeking refuge from the flood were also slipping in.
A dignified man presumed to be the Guard Captain personally conducted the inspection. Though slightly puzzled by our group composition, he let us through without issue.
"Quite an unusual traveling party you've got. Perfect timing visiting our Expeer - hope you and the children enjoy your stay."
"Hmm? Is something happening in the city now?"
"Ah, didn't you know? Expeer holds a week-long festival during the rainiest week of the year. It started from some superstition about laughing loudly to drive away the sorrow when the dead weep tears."
"Rita, did you know about this?"
"No, I've never been interested in festivals... I always avoided Expeer during rainy seasons, so I wouldn't have known."
"Haha! Well now that you're here, enjoy it properly! Our city's festival is our pride and joy!"
As he spoke, the Guard Captain pretended to give an elder's encouraging pat, stroking my waist before giving my buttocks two firm slaps - pahng pahng!
Hmm... Such smoothly executed sexual harassment, it's been a while. My succubus instincts must be getting rusty, so I lightly released pheromones to charm him. Seems I haven't lost my touch.
Though I'd love to charm all the guards here for an orgy, securing lodging comes first. Detaining off-duty guards could cause complications.
Still, now that I've thought of it, this is a good chance to hone my succubus abilities. I've been passive about increasing my vassals and bearing new children - it felt like cheating somehow.
Despite my title as Succubus Queen, I'm still lacking in many areas. Improving my demon rank has been a long-postponed crucial task.
My Status Window lists my class as Sound Sorcerer, yet I possess no proper skills worthy of that title.
While overwhelming power needs no technique, to exaggerate slightly, Rita would likely defeat me in a serious fight.
Anyway, the chaotic festival provides perfect cover. People drunk on festivities will be too exhausted from revelry to notice if a succubus slips in to harvest vital energy.
With such wicked plans brewing, we cleared the final inspection and guided our carriage into the city.
True to a forest-encircled city, many structures harmonized with nature using giant trees as foundations. Even timber buildings blended beautifully with their surroundings.
Expeer's streets teemed with stalls as countless citizens laughed beneath umbrellas and festival masks.
Finding vacancy during festival season took time, but we secured an inn with stables.
After entrusting our carriage, we headed to unpack when Rita turned toward the streets instead.
"Miss Cecilia-yang, could you watch our luggage and children briefly?"
"Huh? I suppose... Where are you going?"
"To pay respects to someone... Not sure how long it'll take, but please."
Visiting an acquaintance perhaps? Well, Rita being nobility, she might know someone in a major city like this.
I waved casually and was about to follow Cecilia inside when-
"Alright, come back safely, Rita."
"What nonsense? You're coming too, Triae."
"Huh? Me? Why?"
"I'll... explain on the way. Follow me for now? It won't disadvantage you."
"Do I have a choice? If Rita says come, I follow."
"Appreciate it. Let's go."
Rita smiled beautifully in thanks, taking my hand as we walked side-by-side under a shared umbrella.
Her first stop was a tailor. Our travel clothes weren't suitable for formal visits.
She selected appropriate attire for us both and had us change immediately.
Rita's chosen outfit resembled a knight's formal uniform - coat and trousers.
Hmm, stylish... but I wish I could see her in feminine clothing. Beyond that outrageous Bikini Armor, her daily wear is just shirts and trousers, her feminine appeal limited to curves.
How wonderful if someday she'd voluntarily embrace feminine charm. Imagining her awkwardly wearing skirts at first, gradually growing bolder until parading in scandalous outfits... Mmm♥
Ahem! No indulging lust in a clothing store. I changed into Rita's selection - a black dress with vivid red roses on the skirt.
During festival season though, such flair barely stood out amidst the citizens' vibrant attire.
Now blending into the festive streets, we appeared just like any celebrating citizens.
Despite pouring rain, citizens reveled intensely. Children raced with armfuls of sweets while housewives haggled at bazaars.
Though ordinary festival sights, the city-scale festivities' boisterous energy threatened to sweep me up despite not participating.
But Rita's business came first. After finishing, we'd bring our waiting family to enjoy together.
Still, casual sightseeing seemed harmless.
As we passed a rowdy tavern, a drunkard's shout caught my ear:
"Ey! Regardless what anyone says, the Montague Family should hold power! They've got the legitimate claim!"
"Listen here, calm down. Eighty years back, the Capulet Family received royal recognition for rulership rights too. This ongoing debate proves their legitimacy..."
"Bullshit! The royals just abandoned it! If they'd decided, would we still be arguing?"
"Hence, isn't that silent approval of Capulet's claim?"
"Wait just a... Hey, you sent by Capulet?"
...?
An argument brewed over topics seemingly beyond commoners' concern, escalating toward violence.
Montague? Capulet? Two families fighting over governance - why would unrelated citizens debate this so passionately?
As if sensing my distraction, Rita quietly explained:
"You likely gathered - Expeer has two families competing for territorial rule. The political situation is complex with long history, making even commoners politically invested. Outsiders like us should avoid the topic."
"I'm not foolish enough to meddle in unfamiliar politics. But how old is this feud? Commoners shouldn't care about noble affairs."
"Understandable reaction. But this conflict spans nearly 150 years. While unrelated to commoners directly, generations of tax collectors, family soldiers, and city guards have spread upper-class disputes through daily life."
"Still baffling... Why fight over succession rights they can't influence?"
"I've no clear answer either. Perhaps minor conflicts found focus through this feud, creating factions for proper rivalry."
"Hmm, your theory sounds most plausible. As expected of knowledgeable Rita."
"Flattering me? *chuckles* I do wonder how long this will last. Should ask when we meet them."
"...Eh? Meet who?"
When I questioned her offhand remark, Rita lightly clapped as if remembering.
"Ah, right. Forgot to explain our destination earlier."
"Let me guess - those just mentioned...?"
"Correct. We're paying respects to both ruling lords of Expeer - the Montague and Capulet Families."
Right - Rita's nobility. Of course she'd pay courtesy visits.
Her status impressed me anew. I anxiously checked my appearance.
Rita repeatedly assured me I looked lovely and appropriate.
Bringing a commoner like me before lords? Inevitably nervous. Yet Rita introducing me as her partner before nobility also felt meaningful.
Steadying my trembling heart, hand in Rita's, we walked toward the majestic Lord's Castle towering over the city.