Chapter 89
Chapter 89
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: 41. The Empire Awakens (2)
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It was wide and long.
Big and tall.
Gorgeous and beautiful.
The empire's capital was truly advanced. Even Yuri, who had briefly visited in his past life, found himself entranced anew by the imperial city's scenery.
"That's why they say you should send people to the empire when they come of age."
Even the passing commoners were dressed extravagantly. Brioll's capital would look like an ordinary town by comparison.
The knights, who were seeing the imperial city for the first time, swallowed nervously.
Yuri warned them in a low voice.
"Don't show any sign of being intimidated."
"Yes..."
"Shoulders back, chin up. We are Brioll."
"Yes."
"Someone's supposed to be here to greet us..."
As the group of foreigners appeared on the streets of the imperial city, all eyes turned toward them.
In a place like the imperial city, where people pursued excessively flashy attire, Yuri's party—looking like they'd just come from the battlefield—drew immediate attention.
Yuri scanned the faces of the citizens.
An escort was supposed to be waiting, but there was no sign of one.
"No one's here."
The guide who had promised to meet them with Brioll's banner was nowhere to be seen.
Yuri turned to his group.
The journey from Brioll to the empire had been both awe-inspiring and grueling, leaving everyone in rough shape. It was no different from their time wandering the plains with the allied forces.
Suddenly, a wave of pity welled up in Yuri.
"To make me wait after all this hardship..."
It was pity for himself.
Regardless, they couldn't linger on the streets forever. Yuri spotted a fairly large restaurant nearby.
Its doors were flung wide open, with outdoor seating that looked perfect for a quick stop.
"Let's at least grab a bite there for now."
"Yes."
Yuri led the group over and asked the owner for permission.
"We're a mess, so we'd like to use the outdoor seats. There are quite a few of us. That okay?"
"Of course. You must have had a tough journey."
The owner guided Yuri's party to the outdoor area and even gathered their horses to provide feed.
Sitting in the chairs eased some of their fatigue.
"Thanks for the hospitality."
"No trouble at all."
The bald-headed owner flashed a refreshing smile and handed Yuri a glass of iced water.
"It's an honor to serve you, Your Highness."
"You know me?"
"The banner makes it clear. There's only one black-haired young man leading Brioll's knights on this continent—you, the third prince of Brioll."
"Appreciated. We'll pay generously."
"Thank you."
Yuri's party occupied the entire outdoor seating area.
The owner soon brought out food and drinks.
"Everyone, good work."
"You too, Your Highness."
Sipping a beer while taking in the splendor of the imperial city wasn't bad at all.
Occasionally, passersby would strike up conversations. One woman asked Simon,
"Where are you from?"
"Brioll."
"Ah, the allied forces invitation?"
"That's right."
"Hee hee, tales of Brioll's valiant knights are famous even here. Have a wonderful time in the capital."
"Yes, thank you."
As Simon scratched the back of his head and returned the greeting, Guinness elbowed him from behind.
"You're just going to let her go?"
"What are you talking about?"
"She obviously likes you."
"Nonsense..."
"Hopeless guy."
"She was just curious."
"You've never dated, have you?"
"I have."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"I see."
"You?"
"Nope!"
And so they spent quite some time enjoying the empire's food and drink.
Yet the promised escort still hadn't shown up.
A furrow formed between Yuri's brows.
"Whoever it is, they won't get away with this."
After excusing themselves once more to the owner, and while they sat occupying the outdoor seats, an unexpected figure approached them.
Yuri recognized him immediately.
"Greetings!"
"You're..."
"It's been a while."
"Sir Raifio, right?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Good to see you again."
"Likewise, Your Highness. Haha!"
"How's Sir Graham?"
"Doing great. He returned right after the tournament ended."
This was Raifio Artem, who had visited alongside Graham to warn of the orc ambush while Brioll's army marched toward Valshard.
As a member of the Third Knight Order, he had crossed paths with Yuri often on the battlefield.
"Word of Brioll's knights arriving has spread through the capital."
News traveled fast in the imperial city. Raifio laughed heartily.
"But why are you all sitting here? Not heading to your lodgings? You look exhausted."
"Well, about that..."
Yuri explained the situation.
"He said he'd arrange everything, including the lodgings."
"Mind if I ask who it was?"
"Who was it again..."
Rolang answered from the side.
"A Brioll exchange student studying at the Akademium."
"Ah..."
The empire boasted the highest standards in education as well. At its heart was the national institution known as the Akademium.
The Akademium covered swordsmanship, magic, history, administration—every field imaginable—and accepted students regardless of nationality.
Students from all sorts of countries flocked there, and Brioll was no exception, with a fair number of exchange students residing in the capital.
"I see. The Akademium..."
Raifio muttered, his expression not particularly bright.
"If it's not too much trouble, may I escort you? It doesn't sit right seeing you wait out here, Your Highness."
Yuri nearly nodded.
At that moment, someone came dashing toward them from beyond Raifio's shoulder, panting heavily.
"Huff... huff..."
He looked like he was running for his life, but his actual speed was glacially slow.
"You... Your Highness..."
The one who arrived at Yuri was a young man who appeared to be in his late twenties. His hair was disheveled, and his eyes lacked any spark.
He stopped in front of Yuri, caught his breath, and bowed deeply.
"Sorry... I'm late. There were... circumstances..."
Alcohol wafted from him. His skin was dry and sallow—a clear sign of heavy drinking the night before.
Yuri's sharp senses didn't stop there; they even picked up the faint trace of perfume clinging to the young man's clothes.
"Your name?"
"Dale Avers."
"Got a girlfriend?"
"Pardon?"
"Answer."
"No..."
"Good."
Yuri stood up.
"Lead the way."
"Yes!"
Raifio, standing nearby, wore a worried look. Yuri offered him a handshake.
"Sir Raifio. Thank you for your kindness. The guide's here now."
"Of course. If any issues arise, contact me anytime. I'll help."
"Thanks."
"No need. The allied forces succeeded thanks to you, Your Highness."
"Thanks to all of us."
"Hahaha..."
Yuri took a liking to Raifio. He had seemed promising from the start, hanging around with Graham, and meeting him again confirmed his good character.
After bidding Raifio farewell, Yuri followed Dale's lead.
Dale chattered on about the imperial city.
"Your stay will be at the Duforia Hotel. I've prepaid for a month."
"Well done. We'll pay separately."
"No, no. We pooled together to welcome you, Your Highness. Make yourselves at home."
"We?"
"The Brioll Expatriates Association."
Yuri's steps slowed for a moment.
"Brioll Expatriates Association?"
"Yes. A group formed by Brioll natives living in the capital."
It was a name Yuri had never heard before.
"Mostly exchange students. Studying abroad can be tough sometimes, right? We banded together to help each other out. Haha..."
Dale explained that the association mostly consisted of nobles with financial means, so they had prepared the lodgings together for Yuri's group.
Yuri shook his head.
"Still, we'll pay separately."
"Your Highness, it's really fine. We wanted to contribute to Brioll in our own way..."
"Don't make me say it twice."
"P-Pardon? Y-Yes, sir."
"If you want to help Brioll, focus on your studies instead of this."
"Yes..."
Dale nodded glumly. He was older than Yuri, but his demeanor was immature.
Yuri soon arrived at the Duforia Hotel on the outskirts of the capital.
The building was large and ornate, impossible to miss. Gilded walls bore the words "Duforia Hotel" in elegant script.
Dale grinned sheepishly.
"This is one of the capital's upscale spots. I haven't stayed here many ti—"
He smacked his own mouth mid-sentence and gestured toward the entrance.
"Anyway, shall we?"
As Yuri's group approached, the staff guarding the entrance bowed politely.
"Welcome, Your Highness. We will serve you comfortably."
They were all sturdy builds, swords at their waists—like knights.
Dale whispered,
"The entrance guards are real knights. It's run by an imperial count. Heh..."
"I see."
Knights guarding a hotel—the empire was something else.
Yuri's group handed their horses to the staff and entered the hotel.
With prior notice given, they were promptly led up the stairs to their rooms.
Yuri took a room alone, while the others paired or tripled up.
Once settled, Yuri called for Dale.
"Dale, thanks for the help."
"No problem."
"Be on time from now on."
"Sorry..."
"Any plans tonight?"
"Pardon? No, none."
"I want to tour the empire at night."
"Yes. I'll accompany you."
"Thanks. Wait out front later."
"How many will be joining you...?"
"Just me."
"Pardon?"
"Don't make me repeat myself."
"N-No, of course not."
Dale nodded.
"Understood. I'll prepare. See you soon."
"Good."
Dale bowed and descended the stairs. Watching his retreating figure, Yuri tilted his head.
"Hmm..."
Rolang, standing nearby, asked,
"Not very noble-like for a Brioll aristocrat. He rub you the wrong way?"
"Not that. Something just feels off."
"Shall I look into the Brioll Expatriates Association?"
"No need."
Yuri knew he had flaws as a leader.
One was that he could only rest easy solving things himself.
"Let's head in and rest. We've all been through hell."
"Haha, got it."
"Sharing with Jared?"
"Yes."
"Watch out. That guy's a sleep-farter."
"Uh..."
From his past life, Yuri knew Rolang was sensitive about sleep. He hid it now to follow Yuri, but he was normally a neat freak who hated noise nearby.
By the end of this trip, Rolang and Jared might actually get closer.
"See you later."
"Yes..."
Yuri closed the door and surveyed the room.
The bed looked as soft as cotton candy, the furniture all gold-trimmed. The vanity mirror reflected the spotless interior without a speck of dust.
"So this is the imperial city..."
He had felt it even during his brief past-life stay—the capital was a city of true abundance.
Back then, he had sneaked around on dates with Ekaterina, hiding their identities.
Recalling the past, Yuri startled himself and slapped his cheek.
"What am I even thinking...?"
He shook his head vigorously and undressed.
The bathroom was as spacious as the bedroom.
As if prepared just for him, the tub was already filled with steaming hot water, steam clouding the air.
Yuri slipped right in.
"Hoo..."
A bit hot, but he overcame it with his Mana Circulation Method.
As the fatigue from the long journey melted away, Yuri murmured like a sigh.
"This is life..."
He closed his eyes, sank below the surface, and submerged completely.
So he didn't notice.
The bathroom door opening.
And someone entering naked.