Chapter 143
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 143
Chapter Title: Call of the Flames (5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Peira was a city composed of countless lakes and springs, crisscrossed by paths suspended above them.
Slender vines rising from the water supported these paths, and they were surprisingly sturdy. They were soft enough to sink slightly underfoot, with just a hint of moisture.
Such paths stretched across the entire city, creating streets that brimmed with abundance and peace.
The water Arbats going about their business on the streets wore relaxed expressions as they enjoyed the cool night air. Some took in the lakes with a refreshing breeze, while others strolled leisurely.
Many of them even offered us—especially the watchmen—greetings laced with smiles.
It felt utterly different from the scene outside the gates.
Before long, we entered a bustling, vibrant district.
Innumerable inns, taverns, and restaurants teemed with customers.
Soft music leaked from every shop, mingled with the low laughter and hushed whispers of people inside.
Aila led us to a large building deeper in. Fortunately, it had rooms available for mercenaries.
The Silver Guard Knight and Ilenia secured rooms in the name of Prius, on the condition that Prius would cover their lodging and meals.
"In return, as I said, if you violate Peira's rules, we won't help you either."
"Got it, got it. No need to worry!"
Roth replied with a laugh that didn't inspire much confidence. Ilenia looked visibly concerned about it too.
"Roth, you heard about Peira's rules earlier, right?"
"Oh yeah. No stealing. No killing. Follow the watchmen's orders... Sharing loot is fine, though?"
"No."
"Absolutely not."
The Silver Guard Knight and Ilenia both said sternly in unison.
Roth chuckled and clapped them both hard on the shoulders.
"I know, I was just kidding! Ilenia, you've really become a proper knight, huh?"
"I was always a knight."
"Really? Doesn't suit you."
Even Roth's joking remark made Ilenia's expression stiffen for a moment.
The Silver Guard Knight stepped in front of her and changed the subject.
"Anyway, while you're staying here, you'll be under watchmen supervision and help handle cases involving suspects. Rest up for today, and..."
"Sounds good, thanks, pal! These our room keys? Let's go, guys!"
Roth snatched the bundle of keys from the Silver Guard Knight's hand and dashed up the stairs with the other mercenaries.
It was clear he had no intention of hearing any more nagging or advice.
Two Peira watchmen followed them as per Aila's orders.
"I don't even want to think about those guys anymore today."
Aila let out a deep sigh, clearly exhausted by the mercenaries' brazen attitudes.
"You'll be heading to the branch, right? I'll show you the way."
She gestured for us to follow and stepped out of the inn.
After passing the inn district, a wide, neatly paved avenue appeared.
To the right lay a vast lake lined with street stalls, outdoor restaurants, and taverns all in full swing. To the left stood grand, ornate buildings four stories tall or higher.
The night was still young, so the streets buzzed with people strolling by the lakeside or patronizing the outdoor eateries and taverns.
"The branch is over there."
Aila pointed to a cluster of large and small buildings surrounded by a fence.
Prius banners fluttered high on flagpoles, and knights in uniform hurried in and out.
"I'll come back tomorrow morning, then. I hope those guys behave themselves at least for tonight."
Aila gave us a weary farewell and vanished toward the opposite side of the street with the watchmen.
We watched her go for a moment before heading to the branch.
The Silver Guard Knight showed his credentials to the knights guarding the entrance and explained that the Silver Guard Knight and Silver Moon Knight Order had crossed the Quint Mountains from Lesion.
Two young knights' eyes widened at his words. The younger one dashed inside in a hurry.
The remaining knight pulled open the heavy door for us.
As we passed through, I noticed the branch was protected by a faint barrier spell.
It was so weak it was barely noticeable. One might wonder if it even served a purpose.
Still, such barriers were exceedingly rare.
"Things seem a bit chaotic here."
Shuren glanced around as we crossed the garden toward the main building.
The Silver Guard Knight nodded silently with a hum.
Temporary medical tents dotted the garden, with injured people and refugees gathered around braziers.
Knights were erecting new tents or aiding the wounded. Holy mages moved among the crowds, distributing medicine.
And in front of the main building, clerks buzzed about in clusters. The knight who'd run ahead earlier paced uncertainly among them.
At the center stood a short, plump water Arbat man with sky-blue hair.
"No, I mean, we can't handle any more. We have no spare knights or holy mages to send. Tell them that."
He spoke to a bowing clerk, who looked at a loss.
"We already told them that before..."
"Send it exactly like that, then!"
He shouted sharply, making everyone around turn to stare in surprise.
Glancing at the onlookers, he lowered his voice and continued.
"Just rephrase it a bit. Say we're at our limit here too. We can't strip the branch of its guards."
After dismissing one clerk, another approached from behind.
"Branch Chief Peltra, the holy mages at the temporary clinic say they need to take leave starting tomorrow. For summer festival preparations..."
"The festival is the problem right now?!"
His voice boomed again, his sky-blue-haired face flushing red.
"Those lazy water Arbat bastards! What kind of situation is this to talk about a summer festival?!"
And yet, he himself was a water Arbat.
He whipped his furious gaze around until it landed on us, and he froze.
Seizing the moment, one of the young knights who'd been hovering uncertainly leaned in to whisper about us.
The moment "Silver Guard Knight and Silver Moon Knight Order" reached his ears, surprise and delight spread dramatically across his face.
"Th-the Silver Guard Knight...!"
The branch chief charged toward him at tremendous speed, pudgy arms outstretched.
The Silver Guard Knight looked uncharacteristically flustered. His hand instinctively went to his sword hilt before he realized it wasn't a threat and released it.
"Wait, uh, first time meeting."
The chief skidded to a halt just short of his nose, then bowed deeply with a wail.
The Silver Guard Knight stepped back in bewilderment.
"Branch Chief?"
"Aigoo, yes, I'm Branch Chief Peltra. Pleased to meet you, Silver Guard Knight. And the Silver Moon Knights as well."
"Uh... is something wrong?"
The Silver Guard Knight clearly couldn't think of anything else to say.
Branch Chief Peltra approached even closer, as if to wipe tears on the hem of his clothes, still sniffling.
The Silver Guard Knight retreated further.
"What do you mean, wrong? It's just that I've only been in this position for a month, and suddenly refugees are pouring in, requests for knight support are coming, holy mages won't listen, that sort of minor issue piling up."
"...I see. If there's anything I can do to help..."
"Really?! Thank you! With the Silver Guard Knight here, I feel more secure than ever. This'll take some time, so let's head inside. My office is buried in papers, so the first-floor reception room instead."
The moment Peltra grabbed the Silver Guard Knight's arm, he sensed he'd be stuck in there for a while if they went.
As the Silver Guard Knight let himself be led away, he raised a hand to reassure our worried group.
"Chief, before that, I'd like to let the knights rest. Are there empty rooms in the knights' quarters?"
"Ah! Of course. I was too hasty."
Peltra looked abashed and grabbed a nearby clerk.
"Assign rooms for the knights and let them rest. Dinner... the mess hall's probably closed, but there are good late-night spots by the lakeside right outside. Guide them there and..."
The clerk nodded vigorously, jotting down the instructions.
After that, the Silver Guard Knight was helplessly dragged off by the chief.
All we could do was watch his receding back with concern.
Leaving the Silver Guard Knight to his ordeal, we were shown to our rooms.
Paradoxically, the knights' quarters had plenty of empty rooms.
Many knights were out on support missions, leaving few permanent residents.
The moment I entered my assigned private room, Ashy leapt onto the bed first.
She'd been grumbling about the dampness since entering Peira, and now, feeling heavy and weary, she sprawled out ahead of me.
'I don't like it here.'
"This is Peira, home of the water Arbats. Can't be helped."
I smiled, set my bag aside, and took off my robe.
'Everything smells like fish and it's all damp.'
"Better than wandering the streets. Don't worry about me."
I gathered a change of clothes. I planned to wash up and head to an outdoor restaurant for a late dinner.
Ashy slowly nodded her head.
'Don't go far. Hard to find you.'
I replied with a chuckle and left the room.
After soaking in warm water for the first time in ages, I changed into fresh clothes and headed down to the knights' quarters lobby.
Having indulged in the bath too leisurely, Shuren, Ilenia, and Wedin were already waiting.
"Didn't you drink a lot earlier?"
Shuren, leaning against a pillar, eyed Ilenia and tossed out a comment.
He wore a black shirt and thin pants, lighter than usual, though his sword still hung at his waist.
"The buzz is gone already."
Ilenia shoved her hands in her pockets and pouted.
Her red hair, usually tied back, hung loose, slightly damp and covering her back.
"Doubt it. Your face is still red..."
"I'm fine, I said."
"Sorry, I'm late."
I apologized for coming down late and approached them.
"I'm starving to death."
With Wedin's complaint, we stepped out of the branch.
We'd been treated to roast suckling pig and drinks at the mercenaries' camp earlier, but hardly anyone had eaten properly.
Ravenous, we claimed a table and ordered a variety of dishes.
Most Peira cuisine featured freshwater fish, shrimp, crabs, sea vegetables, grains, and mushrooms.
The seafood came from nearby lakes and rivers, seasoned with diverse spices that gave off a unique aroma.
The simply flavored, light dishes were all excellent.
From the lakeside came the murmur of people out for evening walks, while distant taverns rang with boisterous laughter and lively songs.
A cool breeze carried the scent of water.
No matter the situation beyond the gates, this city, surrounded by beautiful lakes, felt profoundly peaceful.
We savored our first abundant meal in ages amid the stunning, serene scenery, chatting and shedding the fatigue of our journey.