Esri

"Yes?"

The guard entered the room alone leaving me outside. 'Better be safe than sorry. With that thought, I used my Qi to enhance my sense of hearing.

"Reporting in, ma'am. A few moments ago, an unknown traveler, most likely, highborn descent, arrived at our gates. The personage clearly travels incognito and didn't want to gather any more attention, so we decided that the best course of action would be to send him to someone more qualified. As of now, he is awaiting your decision outside your door, ma'am"

"Incognito traveler of, potentially, highborn descent? You did a good job, guard. Please call him in."

"Yes, ma'am"

Hm. Interesting. As I heard the last phrase and undid my trick, the door opened and the guard stepped outside.

"Our commanding officer awaits you. Come inside, please." He told me with a slight bow.

I nodded back and stepped inside the room. Their commanding officer, who had a very pleasant voice I should say, was a very beautiful young woman. Or at least youthful-looking, hard to judge when there is a chance of magic involved. As a person from a modern-day Earth and an heir of a rich family, I've seen and met all kinds of beauties. But this was solid 10/10 without makeup. Not enough to drool or lose my speech, but enough for a double-take.

And it was what I did, indeed. She had golden colored hair, that was currently gathered into a complex braid, which flowed all the way down to her waist. And a pair of the bluest eyes I've ever seen in my life. In them, I've seen a sharp judging look, a note of curiosity, and a quick mind.

To my deepest regret, since she was geared into high-quality, but clearly standard-issued armor and currently sat behind a heavy wooden desk, I couldn't judge her figure, except for the fact that she felt strong and healthy. All in all, she obviously wasn't just a pretty vase.

"In my role as a lieutenant of the Knight Order of Vallier and current commanding officer of this guard post, I welcome you to the city of Astraea. My name is Esri." She said while standing up and performing some sort of military salute. She was quite tall, just a few inches shorter than me. And those long legs...

"May I ask who you are and what is the goal of your visit?"

There was no reason for me to lie and, for all I know, they could possibly have some sort of tool that detects lies as well. So my story will be as truthful as possible.

"Good day to you too, officer Esri. My name is Kazuya and it's my pleasure to get acquainted with such a charming and competent woman like you. My current goal is, at the moment, is sightseeing and experiencing a so-called "city life"

"Pleasure. Please, sit. This conversation would take time."

Esri pointed at the chair that stood before the table, exactly opposite to her own seat. While trying to get as comfortable as possible, I decided to take initiative.

"Lieutenant, I understand your concern. Let's make life easier for both of us. You are a busy woman and, even though being in your company delights me very much, I don't want to take more of your time than necessary. This and all this roundabout high society mannerism tires me very much. If you don't mind, how about we just talk normally?"

Oh, her surprised face is really cute. Hm, did she think I'm someone stuck up?

"Very well. Then let's cut to the chase. Who are you exactly?"

"As I said, my name is Kazuya. As far as I am aware, I'm not a noble."

Half-truth. I'm aware that Grandpa, and by extension me, is someone of high standing. I'm not aware if it's true for this particular kingdom. "Most of my life I lived alone with my adoptive grandfather in seclusion. This is also a reason why I don't have any papers."

"And why did you come to this city?"

"After my grandfather... left. There was little reason for me to stay in that place. This city was the nearest one, so my choice fell here."

"What's your plan for the immediate future?"

"I honestly don't know. My ultimate goal is to see the whole world, but It's obvious enough that I am too weak for this right now. If we talk about the short-term, then it's to find temporary lodging, maybe a job as well. Oh, and find a way to learn more about magic."

"Why magic?"

"Hm. I guess it's a secret that wouldn't hurt me. Recently I found a need to strengthen my soul. And someone told me that the best way for that is magic, or, to be more precise, mana. Sadly, my grandfather deemed me talentless after testing. Something about me having only one attribute is a grave, but I won't stop with just that."

Seems like my story worked so far. At least if Esri's smile was any indication.

"And this should be the last question that I had in my official capacity. Welcome to the city of Astraea, Kazuya. Do you have anything you want to ask?"

"Yes. I remember you talking about some sort of ID. Where and how can I get one of those?" I had a feeling that using gramps' medallion would complicate my situation a lot.

At my mention of identity papers, Esri froze a little. Ah, she even got a little flustered.

"I didn't forget! Let me fill out those forms, so I can issue you temporary ones. There are a few ways to get permanent ones, but, considering your plan to travel, the most convenient way would be to register in Adventure Guild. Guild Card works internationally and has less strict requirements. Actually, it will also cover two of your short-term goals as well. Work and chance to learn more about magic"

"Thank you very much. Do you mind answering a few more?"

"Ask away."

"Can you recommend a good inn?"

"I'm very sorry, I never had any experience with staying in one. You can ask one of the guards, they should know better."

"Can you tell me about the city?"

"Hm. There is Noble District - as the name implies, it mostly consists of villas of various city nobles. There is a Trade District, where you can find all kinds of shops; if you ever need to buy or sell something, this is the place you need."

She kept talking, while swiftly filling out various forms. "If you need to find a master of any craft, there is Guild District. And then there is Slums, I don't recommend going there, especially after sunset. There is also a Bazaar, Auction House, and Magic Tower. Oh, and Dungeon, but you better ask about the details in the Adventurer Guild."

We kept talking about little things, till the last of the paperwork was slain.

"I'm done. Here are your papers, Kazuya. You're free to go or do you have anything else you want to ask?" Said Esri, while stretching a little. Damn armor.

"Hm. Will you marry me?"

Esri was taken aback by my sudden proposal until she had seen my teasing smile. Then she shrugged and smiled back.

"I'm sorry, but you are like a friend to me."

"Oh no~ My only weakness, friendzone." We both laughed at our little exchange.

"So, friends?"

"Mm, sounds about right."

We both stood up and shook hands. Her hand was small, soft, but firm. Strange combination.

"Then as a friend, can you help me a little?"

Esri looked at me and tilted her head slightly.

"So I recently found out that my wardrobe is... a little bit too extravagant. I'm not sure about local fashion, so, if you are free of course, can you accompany me on a little shopping spree, please? And as a thank you, maybe a little dinner together?"

Now she positively beamed at this proposal.

"You asked the right person! Leave it to Esri, an expert in men's fashion."

"If you don't mind me asking, lots of experience?"

"lots of brothers, cousins, and uncles. Each with the fashion sense of an average tree."

Hm. I let out a breath, strange, why do I suddenly feel more relaxed with her answer?

"Well. Then see you around, Esri. Thanks for your help."

"No problem. See you, Kazuya."

_

After exiting the building, I went toward the guard post near the gate. They quickly checked my temporary ID and said that everything is good.

"Oh. Right. Esri said that you can recommend some good Inn. Something not too high class and, preferably, with trustworthy owners''

After getting a name and checking a route with Hestia, I slowly walked through a bustling city. 'So this will be my new life, huh. I hope you are okay, old man.' With this thought I finally found myself standing before the entrance of the Inn.

"Welcome to the Starlight Inn"