Chapter 12
Chapter 12
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: A Leisurely Weekend
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3
The sky was clear.
Fluffy clouds drifted across the blue expanse, and as I stared blankly at them, a cool breeze rustled through.
The hem of my school uniform, which I was starting to get used to, fluttered in the wind.
I tried to straighten it out neatly, but gave up when I saw the furry lump coiled around my shoulder.
“You really are…”
Choco, perched on my shoulder, just tilted his head.
A raccoon that treated people’s shoulders as its personal seat.
It wasn’t too heavy, but the sensation was odd.
Best not to worry about it too much.
After all, today was my first weekend since arriving in Broken World.
“It’s been forever since I could relax on a weekend.”
It felt like just the other day I’d been working nonstop…
Well, it literally had been the day before last.
Anyway, it was the weekend.
I could’ve holed up in the dorm and slept all day, but that would’ve been a waste.
So, I threw on my uniform haphazardly and slipped out of Esterro Academy for a bit.
Weekdays made it tough, but at least weekends allowed outings. Lucky me.
I passed through the academy’s main gate and walked for a short while.
Soon, the bustling cityscape filled my view.
The roads were well-paved, intricately weaving districts by purpose like a spiderweb.
The orderly rows of buildings sat neatly in place, like perfectly arranged blocks.
Most rooftops were red, giving it the feel of a Greek town with blue roofs—except in reverse.
“Eset really is a sight to behold.”
The polar opposite of natural scenery.
A masterpiece born from human hands.
And when that’s a capital city, it’s already art in its own right.
Yes, this was the capital, Eset.
Esterro Academy sat in the heart of the Tekat Kingdom’s capital, so it was only natural the city sprawling before it was the capital too.
I followed the main avenue toward the central plaza.
Eset was designed in a perfect circle.
Divided into ten equal sectors, each with a clear purpose, the towering clock tower and ornate fountain marked the dead center—a kind of landmark.
Shwaaa…
The central plaza’s fountain sprayed water in dazzling arcs, just like in the game.
Choco and I stared at it intently until the clock tower chimed nine times.
Nine in the morning.
I could plop down on a bench, watch the plaza’s crowds go by, and savor the leisure.
A luxury I could never afford back home—my lips curved into a grin.
“Still, maybe I should wander around.”
District 1 with the royal palace or District 8, the military zone with the knight orders, required permits.
But Districts 2 and 9—high and low noble residences—plus the commercial Districts 4 and 5, and commoner Districts 6 and 7, were fair game.
Noble areas needed ID checks, though…
I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention today, so skip 2 and 9.
Nothing particularly memorable there anyway.
Same reason for 6 and 7.
That left the commercial districts—perfect.
I’d always wanted to experience their vibe firsthand.
“I’d love to see the palace up close, but…”
For now, settle for the distant view from the plaza.
Even from afar, the Tekat royal palace exuded majesty.
Unlike its surroundings, its white facade stood out yet harmonious.
Spired towers piercing the sky, architecture blending curves and lines with timeless elegance.
Just looking from here swelled the chest—what would it be like inside?
The Broken World devs were obsessive about weird details, polishing every polygon in the interiors…
I savored the view behind my eyelids for a moment, then turned toward the commercial districts.
“Gotta enjoy what I can while I can.”
It’d been ages since I left the academy.
Forget the complications for now—relax.
Right, like Edmund or the forbidden books…
Ahem, it wasn’t just the commercial vibe drawing me.
No urgent buys, but a few curiosities.
Like snacks from Mali Degri’s, Eset’s famous pastry shop.
Especially the bomb bubblegum that explodes in your mouth, or jackpot chocolate with a slot machine in the wrapper—game-day fascinations.
Theo Agrit, being a noble’s son, had deep pockets.
Snacks were no issue.
Plus, jackpot chocolate gave a whole box if you won.
Hit another jackpot from the prize box, and…
Dreamy, but weirdly high odds led to the infamous ‘chocolate duplication bug’ back then.
Wonder if it works here.
Half-excited, half-worried.
Either way, no testing, no knowing—I strolled casually into the shopping street.
“Ooh…”
It matched my memory perfectly.
Buildings arranged orderly like other districts, but with more personality.
Red roofs, sure, but walls and doors painted in vibrant colors.
Signs over entrances burst with quirky illustrations revealing each shop’s soul.
Cafes and eateries with street tables, fruit vendors smiling warmly instead of shouting, clothing stores buzzing with weekend shoppers.
Not rowdy, but lively—I took in the shopping district’s energy.
A pang of nostalgia and bittersweet memories hit me.
Lately, it’d been convenience stores and marts only.
Last market trip? Childhood.
Holding Mom and Dad’s hands, always snagging chicken skewers.
“They sell skewers here, right?”
Hmm, pretty sure District 5, near the weapon shops.
A street stall memory surfaced.
Alright, skewers before sweets.
Decision made, I headed to District 5’s weapon area.
But what I found wasn’t skewers—it was a familiar face.
“Oh, friend!”
Ethan, browsing weapons, waved his massive, thick hand as he approached.
Couldn’t ignore that enthusiasm.
“Hey, Ethan.”
“Good morning! Here for shopping?”
“Something like that. …You?”
“Same, as you see. Looking for a shield!”
Shields were Ethan’s main gear.
More for bashing than blocking, but…
“Oh, what happened with Professor Clayton calling you Friday? Not busted for another blank paper, right?”
I flinched, unconsciously patting the paper in my robe pocket.
The rune-etched sheet Edmund forced on me.
Opposite of what Ethan meant, but to outsiders, it’d look like a botched third-year exam scribbled blank.
“No big deal. It was a third-year test, so he let it slide.”
No need to correct—brushed it off.
As I tried parting for my cozy weekend,
“Hey, help me pick a shield if you’re free!”
Ethan grabbed my hand mid-wave and dragged me inside before I could answer.
Caught off guard, but the weapon shop had its charms.
Walls and racks brimming with arms and armor—unreal in reality.
“Round shield or heater shield—which looks better?”
Ethan hefted two displayed shields, one per hand.
Hard to tell the difference…
-You’re right. Both are paper-thin. Selling such trash.
Deathwise piped up grumpily.
Always popping in when he felt like it.
-This body deems it so. Both trash. Tell him to put them down.
Can’t say that in front of the owner.
If he could, he’d recommend something decent.
-Hmm… all lousy, but… that one’s least bad. The manikin behind you.
Deathwise meant the kite shield on the manikin.
Metal kite shield with a lion head embossed on the front.
Fully metal up front—looked heavy, but sturdy.
“That one seems best.”
“Good eye, sir. Family heirloom. Masterwork by some smith. Solid performance, but pricey.”
The owner jumped in quick.
Antique, huh.
Up close, faint scratches and age marks showed.
Still, Ethan pulled a leather pouch from his belt.
“Let’s see, this enough?”
The owner opened it.
Gold light poured out—he froze.
Eyes gleaming gold, he beamed and nodded.
“More than enough. Come anytime for maintenance…!”
He vaulted the counter, yanked the kite shield off the manikin, and handed it over.
After-service meant he didn’t want to lose Ethan.
Mertezacker house led a famed merchant guild.
Ethan, as kin, tossed absurd coin.
That pouch? Magic-spaced, held a ridiculous gold haul.
Bowing and grinning, the owner saw us out.
Ethan walked grinning, hoisting the kite shield sky-high.
“…That happy?”
“Owning a real shield was a dream! Thanks for the pick!”
His joy seemed pure.
Seeing him so thrilled, I pictured a tail-wagging puppy…
Nah, imagination.
Of course.
“Whoa!”
Something whooshed past Ethan.
He staggered sideways but stayed upright.
“What was that?”
Ethan looked around, baffled.
No change at first glance, but I spotted it clear.
“Your shield.”
“Shield?”
Ethan checked his hands.
The shield he’d held? Gone.
Not beside or behind.
“Wh-what!?”
Panicking, Ethan scanned about.
My eyes locked on the rag-cloaked figure fleeing ahead—lion-embossed kite shield slung on their back.
“There.”
“Pickpocketed…!? Stop!”
Ethan bolted, yelling.
Chase now, maybe catchable, but Eset’s streets were a maze.
Blind pursuit? Slim odds.
No time to say—Ethan was off.
Ignoring for skewers? Would leave a sour taste.
“Sigh… my fate…”
So, I chased after Ethan chasing the thief.
4
“Stop right there!”
Ethan yelled ahead.
The pickpocket dodged like they hadn’t heard, darting alleys.
Veering from main roads, threading narrow paths deeper—this thief knew the turf.
But I was the expert.
Every Eset alley, shortcut, hidden path—mapped in my head.
Even if to slums’ deep alleys, predicting and intercepting was easy.
I timed it, blocking the thief mid-stride without looking back.
They screeched to a halt, startled.
If they’d barreled through, maybe—but stopping sealed it.
“Gotcha…!”
Ethan caught up, grabbing both shoulders.
Yanked off the rag with the shield.
Underneath: a petite girl.
Neglected blonde hair, ragged clothes.
Malnourished long-term—age impossible to guess.
-Hoo…
Deathwise sighed.
Rag hid details, but a kid? Didn’t expect.
I sighed inwardly too. Ethan scratched his head, glancing around.
Back alleys reeked of filth, unlike clean Eset streets.
The girl’s plight was obvious.
Ethan knelt to her level.
“Return the shield, no trouble. Will you?”
Holding it yet phrasing gently—promise no report.
The thief eyed Ethan.
Run? Comply? Weighing options.
“Hey, Felt.”
Interruption hit without warning.
A sleazy voice echoed the tangled alleys.
Her name? She flinched, glaring past us.
Typical thug: rough face, blade in hand, scars.
Gripping hilt at us—ominous.
“Monthly cut’s late. Or what, those rich boys your tribute?”
“Hand over everything, skip the rough stuff.”
Voices from behind too.
Surrounded—Ethan sighed low.
“Got your situation.”
No need for words.
Ethan stepped forward, shielding Felt.
Clenched fists, cold declaration.
“I’ll handle you lot.”
As if waiting,
The thugs charged Ethan.