Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Downtown and the Bank

Huff, huff, I finally got off the shared carriage and arrived at the plaza at the entrance to downtown.

It was so exhausting. It kept shaking incessantly. The ground is made of dirt, so it's bumpy, and it kept rattling all the time.

I miss concrete!

And the chairs too, they are wooden with no cushioning, so my butt hurts so much!

"Leon, what are you doing? Let's go."

"Yes, huff~"

I managed to follow Mr. Marcel somehow.

This seems to be one of the entrances to downtown, a large plaza.

From this plaza onward, it becomes cobblestone, and the city looks incredibly beautiful. Anyone can enter, but if you're dressed like a poor commoner like me, you stand out.

There are people like the lady from earlier, but if you find work, you can get some hand-me-downs, so it seems like there aren't many people dressed in dirty clothes.

As I walk along the large cobblestone road, there are many luxurious-looking shops on both sides. Where are the mansions of the nobles?

"Mr. Marcel, where are the mansions of the nobles?"

"The mansions of the nobles don't face the main street. They are further into the roads. In this area, there are the Baron's mansions, a little further are the Viscount's mansions, then the Earl, Marquis, and as you approach the royal castle, there are mansions of nobles with higher ranks."

"I see."

Well, I guess I can't see the mansions of the nobles then. I was a bit interested, but well, my mother said it's better not to get involved with the nobles, so it's probably good that I can't see them.

But Mr. Marcel is also a noble, though.

We've been walking for a while, but Mr. Marcel doesn't stop his pace. Is he heading towards the bank? Is it really this far?

"Mr. Marcel, are we heading towards the bank?"

"Yeah, it's better to take care of the business first."

"Is it really this far? Do nobles also walk?"

"Nobles travel in their own carriages. The mansions of the nobles in downtown are each very spacious, so naturally, it becomes vast."

Nobles are privileged even in places like this...! I want to be a noble already...

"But we're almost there," Marcel-san said, and ahead of our gaze, a tremendously large building came into view.

Knights were patrolling around it, creating a somewhat imposing atmosphere. Could that be the bank...?

"Is that the bank?" I asked.

"Yeah," Marcel-san replied.

It looked incredibly intimidating! I felt like I would be turned away even if I came here alone. Even though they say anyone can use it, it's definitely just a facade. I'm glad Marcel-san is with me.

I thought I would definitely be stopped when entering the building, but contrary to my expectations, no one stopped me when I entered.

However, once I went inside, I understood the reason why. There were rows of knights inside as well.

So... it means there's no one planning anything bad here.

Even though I haven't done anything wrong, I can't help but feel nervous as I walk behind Marcel-san and finally reach a reception desk. The receptionist was a young man.

"Hello, what can I help you with?"

"I'm here today to open an account for this kid. Can it be done quickly?"

"Is this your child?"

"Yeah."

"Excuse me, but they don't seem to need an account. If there is no activity for three years, the account will expire. Are you sure about this?"

"Oh, it's alright. I'll pay the account opening fee properly."

"Understood. Please fill out this form. If possible, we prefer the person themselves to write it, but is ghostwriting necessary?"

"No, I can write, so it's fine."

"Alright. Thank you."

It seemed like I was being suspected, but it looks like I'm okay! I'm relieved, I was so nervous.

So, all I have to do is fill out this form.

The form only required me to write my name, gender, age, and the name of the city I live in. I couldn't recall the name of the city for a moment, but I quickly remembered it by searching through Leon's memories.

The capital city, Rasia. I have to remember it.

After filling out all the documents and handing them to the receptionist, they checked them and then took out something resembling a crystal ball.

"Please infuse a little magic into this. We will record your magical power."

I followed their instructions and let my magic flow into the crystal ball. It shimmered slightly.

"We have now registered your magical power. It will take some time to create the account, so please wait a moment."

Saying that, the receptionist stepped back.

Um, what was that crystal ball earlier? Did it register my magical power...? It's quite advanced technology, isn't it? What does it all mean?

"Marcel-san, what is that crystal you showed me earlier?"

"Oh, that? It's a crystal sphere that can store magical energy. You can use it to verify your identity when depositing or withdrawing money from an account."

"Um... Was it invented by someone?"

"No, it was found about a hundred years ago in a church deep in the forest. There were around a hundred crystal spheres, and at first, they didn't know what they could be used for. But after research, it was discovered that they could identify individuals using magic, and it was found that all the crystals were connected. That's how they started using them in banks."

"I see... So, it's something someone created?"

"No, it's said to be a relic of the gods."

"A relic of the gods...?"

"Yes, that's right. Objects whose origins are unknown, and that cannot be destroyed or degraded, are called relics of the gods. That crystal sphere is useful because they found a purpose for it, but there are still some things whose purpose remains unknown."

"I see... So, there are things like that..."

I never would have imagined such a thing exists... Could it be true that there really are gods in this world...? No, perhaps there were also gods on Earth.

It's something I can't understand even if I think about it now.

Just as I was pondering that, the receptionist guy returned.

"I apologize for the wait. Here is Lord Leon's bank card."

I received the bank card. It seemed to be made of wood, and it had my name, account number, and the name of the registered store written on it.

"If you show that bank card at the reception, after confirming your identity with magic, you can withdraw money, make deposits, transfer funds, and so on. Please be aware that if you lose your bank card, it will cost one silver coin for reissuing. Today, three silver coins are required to create an account. Please make the payment."

Three silver coins!? Is it that expensive!? Most commoners can't afford that. Can Marcel-san really pay that much for me...?

"With three silver coins."

"Understood. Thank you very much for today."

The receptionist said that and lightly bowed. Is bowing a cultural practice in this world...? I've never seen anyone around me do it before...

Wait, that's not important now. It's about the money!

I hurriedly chased after Marcel-san, who was already heading towards the entrance.

"Marcel-san, is it really okay for you to pay such a high amount?"

"I said I would pay for everything today, didn't I? But more importantly, it would be better to buy something that can be worn around your neck, so you won't lose the card."

Saying that, Marcel-san continued to walk quickly. I should probably thank him sincerely in this situation.

"Marcel-san, thank you very much. But I don't need anything more than this!"

"No, it would be better to buy it. Besides, I've never spent money on someone before. Let me buy it for you."

If he says it like that, I can't refuse, can I...?

"Then, I'll leave it to you. Thank you."

"Alright, now let's go sightseeing in the city center. We should grab some lunch too."

"Yes!"

With a wry smile, I followed Marcel-san.