Day 5 – Charlotte City, Border of Heden and Allegmaine Kingdoms
Can't believe it's already been five days since I got exiled to this foreign land. But hey, all this is for my safety—and Clarissa's too. Charles said we'd make a short stop in Charlotte, a border town between the Kingdom of Heden and Allegmaine, to restock supplies.
Speaking of Charles, I met him back in the capital's trade district. I was asking around if anyone was heading to the Kingdom of Nothredam, but nobody wanted to go there. Luckily, Charles overheard and offered me a ride since he was going there for business anyway. Of course, it wasn't free—I had to pay 125 Yatra gold coins for both me and Clarissa.
After four days on the road, we finally arrived in Charlotte. We stopped at a trade area filled with merchants selling goods and adventurers resting with their wagons.
"You two go explore a bit. I'm gonna buy supplies and take care of the permit to enter Allegmaine," Charles said as he walked off.
"Oh, and be back before the town bell rings!" he yelled from a distance.
I glanced at Clarissa, who was sitting all curled up. "Seems fun to walk around the city. Wanna come—"
"No." Clarissa cut me off. "Are you stupid or what?! I'm a demon, remember? You really wanna get arrested for bringing a demon into this town? Just go on your own! I'll stay here until Charles gets that permit."
"O-okay, okay… no need to yell. Geez, are you on your period or something?"
"Shut up, shut up, shut up! None of your business!" she snapped.
Yeah, better wander around than get roasted by Clarissa.
As I stepped out of the wagon, I took a deep breath. So this is Charlotte, huh? Honestly, it's my first time here. I usually hang around cities in the southwest of the kingdom, not the west. Makes sense though—wars are more common over there.
I left the trade area and headed toward the town square. Charles mentioned that it's a must-see if you visit Charlotte.
Walking through the city felt like stepping back into the Middle Ages—stone-paved roads, buildings made of stone, wood, and straw, and a massive cathedral next to an equally majestic castle.
The people's clothes were old-school too, probably made from linen or cotton. On my way to the square, I passed through a bustling market full of small stalls. It was super lively, with merchants yelling out deals and the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread everywhere.
But something else caught my eye—a stall selling what looked like ginger. Yup, definitely ginger. I walked over, thinking about buying some.
"Excuse me, sir, how much for this ginger?" I pointed at a medium-sized piece.
"That one's 10 Yatra gold coins," he replied.
"What?! Are you serious?"
"It's the season, young man. The weather's been bad, and with the war in the west, prices are bound to be high."
I checked my coin pouch—50 gold, 40 silver, 13 bronze. Still a long journey ahead, so I passed. No way I'm spending that much on ginger. Back in Tokyo, you could get a whole pack for a few hundred yen.
I left the market and finally reached the square. Honestly? Total letdown. I expected flowers, fountains, tall buildings—something grand. But all I saw were three long benches around a statue. That's it.
I sat down, a little disappointed. People just walked past, going about their day. To the west of me was a tall tower guarded by soldiers. I guess once you pass that gate, you're in Allegmaine territory.
"Galus! Stop! Somebody catch that dog!" a younger kid came running after a small white dog zipping right past my legs.
I tried to grab it, but that pup was fast. I decided to help the kid chase it down.
The dog ran back into the market, weaving through the crowd. I lost sight of it a few times—it was crazy packed.
"Where'd it go?" I asked, panting.
"No clue. Too crowded here," the kid replied, scanning the area.
Suddenly we heard barking again and saw the little guy heading toward a residential area.
"There it is!" I pointed.
We ran after the dog, dodging people and stalls. It was quick and super agile, laser-focused on something.
"Dumb dog," the kid muttered as the pup crashed into a crate of oranges, sending them everywhere.
The dog turned a corner and ran into someone's yard.
"Dang, it went into someone's house."
With no choice, we climbed over the fence and followed it. The dog stopped in front of a big tree, barking like mad. It was chasing a squirrel, which had now climbed out of reach.
"Galus! You dumb mutt, I'm exhausted!" the kid scolded the dog while picking it up.
"Well, at least we got him back."
CRASH!
"Who the hell's there?!" An older, chubby man suddenly appeared, sword in hand.
"You! Who are you?! More of that scumbag loan shark's thugs, huh?!" He charged toward us, swinging his sword.
"Crap, we need to run!" I turned around fast.
"C-can't we just explain—"
"No time! Let's go!" I grabbed the kid's hand and ran for it.
I unlocked the gate and we bolted. The man didn't follow us, just stood there swinging his sword and yelling insults.
After running for what felt like forever, we stopped to catch our breath.
"Is he gone?" the kid asked, panting.
"I think so," I replied, wiping sweat from my forehead.
"Let's head back to the square."
"Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Raphael Abergeen, Second Prince of the Allegmaine Kingdom. Nice to meet you," he said, offering a handshake.
"Sawamura Akira. Nice to meet you too." I shook his hand.
"Your name's kinda weird for someone from Eden."
"Y-yeah, something like that." No way I can tell him I'm from another world.
"So, what's a prince like you doing out here?" I asked.
"Just out for a walk. Haven't left the palace in a while."
"You from Charlotte?"
"Nope, I'm from the capital. Just stopping by here before heading to Nothredam."
"Nothredam? That's rare. Not many folks head out that way. You a merchant?"
"Sort of. I'm just helping my friend with some trading."
"Gotcha."
"By the way, is your dog a pug?" I asked, looking at the little guy.
"Yup. His name's Galus. I named him that because he's small like a chicken. Sebastian gave him to me after finding him all alone in the palace garden."
"Sebastian?"
"My personal assistant. Right now, only he and Galus still treat me like family."
"Wait, what happened?"
"You don't know?" He looked a bit surprised.
I shook my head.
He smiled sadly. "It's fine. You'll find out eventually."
"Anyway, since we're back at the market, is there anything you want?"
"Wait, really? You're offering?"
"Of course. Think of it as thanks for helping me chase Galus."
"Well… how about some ginger?"
"That's it?"
"If it's okay, maybe some turmeric too."
"Sure thing. Wait here."
He came back with two full bags—one of ginger and one of turmeric.
"WHAAA?!"
"What? Did I get too little?"
"No, the opposite! This is way too much, Your Highness!"
"It's fine. Just take it. It's my way of saying thanks."
"Ah… well, thank you very much."
I looked up—the sun was getting higher. Soon the bell would ring, signaling noon. Time to head back before Charles gets mad.
"Sorry, I have to go. My friend wants us back at the wagon before the bell rings."
"Got it. Safe travels, then. May the gods watch over you." He held out his hand again.
"Same to you, Prince. Thanks again." I shook his hand and rushed back.
"Clarissa, I'm back." She didn't respond.
I dropped the bags and grabbed a few pieces of ginger and turmeric. Then I gathered a pot, cup, water, pig fat, and firewood.
Outside, I set up a small fire and started boiling water. I crushed the ginger and turmeric, tossed them in a cup, and poured the hot water over it. A bit of honey to sweeten it, and voilà—a simple drink to ease period pain.
"Clarissa, here." I offered her the cup.
She gave me a sour look. "What's this?"
"Smells like… spices. Did you just make tea out of kitchen ingredients? Are you nuts?"
"Just drink it. It'll help with your cramps."
"Tch… how do you even know this stuff? Ugh, fine. I'll drink it. No point wasting expensive ingredients." She grabbed the cup.
She took a sip.
"…It's warm."
She kept drinking until it was all gone. "Weird. I didn't know you could make drinks out of stuff like this."
"Well, in my world, some people use spices as medicine."
"I see… But wait… it still hurts! This drink sucks! Is this your dumb world's so-called science?! It's useless!"
"You idiot! Nothing works instantly, you cranky old hag! Give it some time!"
"Still, that means it's weak!"
"You're the one who's weak-minded!"
"I'm back," Charles popped up out of nowhere. "Ah, you two still fighting, I see."
"Look at this guy, Charles. He made a crappy potion!"
"You just don't have patience. Even real medicine takes time to work, moron."
"Alright, alright, enough. What matters is—we got the permit!" Charles pulled out a scroll.
"Whoa, nice one, Charles!" I said.
"Heh, thanks. Let's move out. I don't wanna camp in the woods tonight."