Chapter 22: The Capital

Chapter 22: The Capital

~Mash B. POV~

"Mash-kun! The Royal Capital is coming into view!"

My eyes widen inside the carriage leading towards the Royal Capital peeking outside excitedly, "Are you serious! Whoa!"

I was able to come here again. The Royal Capital of Lugnica.

I could've come overusing my Gamer Ring for instant teleportation via the portal. But I want to enjoy the scenery coming here as it took half a daytime to reach this place with the quickest route available.

Managing to leave the carriages as Roswaal had other business to attend to and Rem leaving with him left me. That left me and Emilia together as I couldn't help but smile at the scene, "It's been a long time since I was here! I wonder how different the market is this time of day. Emilia-tan what's the getup all about?"

Gesturing to the magic robe she's wearing. I wonder how useful it is?

[Observe].

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Item: Recognition Obstruction Robe

Rarity Item: A

Type: Magic Robe

Description: A robe that allows the wearer to obstruct anyone from perceiving them unless the wearer allows it, or the person is strong enough to overcome its effects. The robe was given to her by Roswaal, to avoid any unwanted situations due to her race.

----

She gazes at me a bit embarrassed as she held my hand reaffirming herself talking to me in a serious tone, "As you know why the robe is to obstruct my face because of my race Mash. And knowing you, you'll go off and do something weird if I leave you alone!"

Eck! I do not!

I wanted to respond to that, but her pouting and response made me stop in a blank tone, "I know you'll do something foolish again. I should've been the one to deal with the Demon Beast! I don't want you to strain yourself."

I sighed in a defeated tone rolling my eyes accepting to be disciplined and looking around this time, "Sigh… fine. I just merely wanted to help you and the villagers at the time. Still a bit angry holding that over my head princess?"

She merely pouted lightly but then expressed confusion directed towards me of my reasoning risking my life for her in a confused tone, "Why are you doing all of this for me? I don't understand…."

Merely smiling at her confusion, I responded in a proud tone giving her a thumbs up, "Easy. What reason is there to help a friend out?"

That seemed to stun her as she giggled making me smile as I reminded her where to go in a curious tone, "Since we have that out of the way didn't you say we had to go to the Guard's Barracks?"

She nodded her head following her finally taking the time to enjoy the view of the capital. I must admit it still feels surreal to look at this place and being in a magic fantasy land is going around my head.

Walking around encountering different types of people my eyes gaze at the building with an insignia on the middle above the door with an axe crossing them as I couldn't help but mutter out loud impressed, "So this is the guard's barracks huh? I'm no good with this type of stuff like this."

Emilia smiled at my reaction as she explained to me in a happy tone informing me, "It also serves as a checkpoint for people going in and out of the noble's area. We need to hurry, or else Rem will pout we need to hurry for her."

Agreeing with her an elegant voice soon entered our conversation greeting Emilia, "It's been a while, Emilia-sama."

Turning our attention to the voice belonging to a tall young man of a well-built muscular stature with yellow eyes and gleaming light purple hair that is arranged neatly with a strand hanging down his face. He almost exclusively wears the formal Royal Guard uniform.

[Observe].

[Julius Juukulius Lv.? Spirt Knight]

Alarmed meeting him surprised even Julius bowed lightly showing respect to Emilia getting a good impression of the guy, "I'm glad that you remembered… has anything happened to you since we last met?"

Emilia replied genuinely happy to meet Julius as I stood back seeing the scene unfold in front of me, "I'm the same as usual. I'm glad to see that you're well speaking of unusual, I'm surprised to see a member of the royal guard like you at the barracks."

Julius soon replied in a calm tone taking Emilia's hand and kissing it as a sign of respect. I leaned observing the discussion with mild interest, "I came to inspect and praise the soldiers for their work after being to by a friend. It may be a good thing to walk the streets occasionally. I was able to see a beautiful flower like you after all."

Easing up and putting down her hand Emilia asked Julius to announce her arrival till his eyes finally landed on me gazing me down, "I see, so that's why you're here… Does your business involve this man here?"

Seeing it was my time to shine I responded in a casual tone to the Knight shaking my head explaining, "Nope! I already thanked Reinhard for saving my bacon and getting my weapon. I came along just to be sure Emilia doesn't get lost like last time. I'm Mash Bastion a friend of hers."

Emilia blushed embarrassed pouting lightly glaring at me as I grinned, "It was just that one time!"

I merely returned with a light grin causing her to puff her face at me. Julius stared at our interaction before lightly grinning at me, "I see your character and attitude best suit you considering Emilia's reaction to being friends. I see no need to worry young man."

Closing his eyes he opened them again as I spoke to Emilia about waiting for her here around this area then to Julius in a serious tone, "In that case, I'll stick around here to sightsee waiting for you. Tell Reinhard I said hello. And as for you [Spirit Knight] can you please make sure she's safe and under your protection."

Julius seemed to nod at my actions turning around and agreeing to my words taking Emilia as she pouted at me again, "My, my you seem to have a diligent friend Emila-sama. Your words have been considered Bastion-san. Now then I'll guide you to the conversing mirror now you can talk with Reinhard there."

Agreeing I took my time to wait around sightseeing the place. Seems like I made a decent impression of Julius compared to Subaru when he encountered him.

I didn't glare or get angry at the guy being friendly with Emilia. I mean when he didn't judge her for her race, I was content with his actions. Truly earning the title of being the knightess of knights.

Heh. Shaking my head though I took time to view what this world has in store.

Observing the Demi-human and people in medieval times is still weird to me no matter what. Just feels so alien to me despite learning magic hasn't exactly made me that much confident staying here.

But the people certainly have their charm. With that, I took the time to wait and see what kind of stores and items they have here.

/////

After a certain amount of time passed my ears soon heard Emilia's voice coming from behind me in relief, "Oh Mash! You're finally here!"

Turning around to see the elf girl I grinned as I replied glad to see her return with a warm welcome, "Oh? Do you have more success than talking to Reinhard?"

She smiled nodding her head I pointed towards the nearby stand bakery asking curiously, "In that case how about we take a quick bite? I looked to see that bakery seems to be popular with the Knights and people."

Her head turned towards the stand bakery thinking about my words before agreeing as she went inside first, I heard a shout from the ally, "Don't screw with us, lady!"

Sigh… I guess I should do something about this. Turning around to see a different set of grunts I see a lady with long red-blonde hair that shines radiantly like the sun itself and flows through a single barrette before spilling down her back.

Her crimson eyes have a glimmer of strong will that betrays her commanding personality. She has pale, white skin and faintly pink lips. She is considered a woman of true divine beauty. Additionally, her dainty figure possesses noticeably bountiful breasts and other shapely features with a fancy dress with jewelry.

[Observe].

[Priscilla Barielle (Prisca Benedict) Lv.? Sun Princess]

Seeing her I might as well lend a helping hand as she talks down to her attacks in complete arrogance bringing up her red fan, "Don't make so much useless chatter commoners. Fools like you always pick fights for the dumbest of reasons."

Seeing her getting ready to attack I can't help but quicken my actions. I quickly used my [Bloodlust] skill at my intended targets.

Revealing myself getting the attention by speaking out with, "Go away."

*BOOM*

Unleashing my [Bloodlust] skill affected the weaklings immediately as they paled much to the [Sun Princess] grin.

*Thud*

Dropping their weapons they fled with Priscilla's voice then calmly called out in front of me, "Commoner. Are you perhaps done with your unsightly intent?"

Listening to her words I calmly gaze towards her not bowing to her in a neutral tone, "Yeah, I'm done with them. May I ask if you are unhurt?"

Her reaction to my question was an expression of amusement while fanning herself, "Oh! A Commoner that doesn't know his place bowing to royalty!"

I snorted at her words shrugging them off and giving her a literal pause dropping her real name and getting a reaction, "Please Prisca Benedict I don't bow to royalty who's already considered gone."

She freezes lightly before glaring at me with a bemused expression on her face like she just found something interesting. She slowly closes her fan before putting it between her breasts introducing herself in a prideful tone, "I see… I suppose Commoner you are correct. Then be awed by my presence you lowly mongrel! I am Priscilla Barielle, a commoner like you should be overwhelmed to learn of this lady's name."

I merely snorted at her reaction feeling annoyed. Yet despite not giving her attention to the attitude she seeks, she gave me a grin with genuine interest in her eyes, "You're someone to look forward to entertaining me. The world is filled with my desires and belongings. You knowing what think dead is worth treasuring to memory."

I raised an eyebrow as she walked past me questioning her for my name, "And someone's who worth memorizing isn't worth asking thy name?"

She merely had the last laugh giving me her response sighing to this troublesome woman in a prideful tone, "Ha! If the world seeks it my luck will allow me to know your name in time commoner. If only for you to entertain me."

Heh. She's a real piece of work alright. A real pain in the ass. I pity poor Al already.

Exiting outside the ally I see Emilia's eyes darting towards the sun princess holding some bread as she asked me in a cautious tone, "Mash. Where exactly did you get to know that woman?"

Gesturing to Priscilla I sighed tiredly before speaking defending myself in an annoyed tone crossing my arms, "I saw some things trying to mug her. Being the gentleman that I am I decided to help her out. One thing led to another, and she revealed herself to be Priscilla Barielle, a royal candidate."

Emilia nodded slowly as asked a million-dollar question about my loyalty of sorts with my relation to the [Sun Princess], "I see. Did she ask anything of you?"

I shook my head genuinely honest with her how she didn't get anything out of me, "No, she didn't ask anything of me, Emilia. I ain't a snitch."

She didn't ask anything else of me after that. We merely walked in silence, but I could make out a light smile on her face.

Well, she has Puck to tell if I'm lying or not. Fair enough Emilia, fair enough.

Still though… gazing at my arm with the scar it shook a little. I frown still feeling the fear of that night…

I hope to get over it soon. But the stress of being able to handle it… no, I shouldn't focus on that just focus on the situation at hand…