It was vast and long.
It was grand and tall.
It was splendid and beautiful.
The Empire's capital was truly developed. Even Yuri, who had briefly visited in a previous life, found himself awestruck by the sight of the Imperial City.
"So this is why they say, if a child is born, they must be sent to the Empire."
Even the ordinary citizens passing by were dressed extravagantly. Compared to this place, even Briol's capital might seem like a regular town.
The knights, visiting the Imperial City for the first time, swallowed nervously.
Yuri warned in a low voice.
"Don't you dare show even a hint of being intimidated."
"Yes..."
"Straighten your shoulders and lift your chin. We are Briol."
"Yes."
"There should be someone coming to greet us..."
When a group of outsiders appeared on the streets of the Imperial City, all eyes turned to them.
In the capital where even discomfort was pursued for the sake of style, the appearance of Yuri's group — who looked as if they'd just returned from the battlefield — naturally drew attention.
Yuri scanned the faces of the citizens.
Someone was supposed to be waiting for them as a guide, but there was no sign of anyone.
"No one."
The guide who had promised to come out holding Briol's flag was nowhere to be seen.
Yuri turned to look at his companions.
The journey from Briol to the Empire had been both wondrous and grueling, and so they all looked like a mess. It wasn't much different from the time they wandered the plains with the Allied Army.
Yuri suddenly felt a wave of pity swell within him.
"To think they're making me wait after all I've been through..."
It was self-pity.
In any case, they couldn't keep standing around on the road. As he looked around, Yuri spotted a fairly large restaurant.
Its doors were thrown open wide, with seating arranged even outdoors — it seemed like a suitable place to rest for a while.
"Let's at least grab a meal over there."
"Yes."
Yuri led the group and asked the restaurant owner for permission.
"We're a bit disheveled, so we'd like to sit outside. We've got quite a few people. Is that alright?"
"Of course. Looks like you've had quite the journey."
The owner guided Yuri's group to the outdoor seating and even provided feed for their horses, which were gathered together nearby.
Sitting in a chair helped ease their fatigue a little.
"We appreciate the hospitality."
"Not at all."
The owner, who had his head clean-shaven, offered Yuri a cold glass of water with a refreshing smile.
"It's an honor for me to serve a prince."
"You know who I am?"
"The flag gave it away. A young man with black hair leading the Briol knight order — there can only be one third prince of Briol on this continent."
"Much appreciated. I'll pay generously."
"Thank you kindly."
Yuri's group took over the entire outdoor seating area of the restaurant.
The owner soon brought out food and drinks.
"You've all worked hard."
"You as well, Your Highness."
It wasn't bad — drinking a beer while taking in the splendid scenery of the Imperial City.
From time to time, passing citizens would strike up a conversation. A woman asked Simon,
"Where have you come from?"
"We're from Briol."
"Ah, for the Allied Army invitation?"
"That's right."
"Fufu, tales of the brave knights of Briol are well-known even here. I hope you enjoy your time in the capital."
"Yes, thank you."
As Simon scratched the back of his head and bowed in return, Guinness, who had been behind him, nudged his side.
"You're just going to let her walk away?"
"What are you talking about?"
"It was obvious she liked you."
"Don't be ridiculous..."
"You're hopeless."
"She probably just found us interesting."
"You've never dated, have you?"
"I have."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Huh…"
"What about you?"
"Never!"
And so they spent quite some time enjoying the Empire's food and drink.
Still, the person who was supposed to guide them never appeared.
A wrinkle formed between Yuri's brows.
"Whoever it is, I won't let them off easy."
While they once again received permission from the restaurant owner and sat in the outdoor seats, an unexpected figure came looking for them.
Yuri recognized him immediately.
"Greetings!"
"You are..."
"It's been a while."
"Was it Sir Raipio?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"It's good to see you again."
"Likewise, Your Highness. Hahaha."
"Is Sir Graham doing well?"
"Of course. As soon as his trial ended, he returned to duty."
It was Raipio Artem, who had visited with Graham to warn of the orc ambush while Briol's army was headed toward Balshad.
He belonged to the 3rd Knight Order and had crossed paths with Yuri often on the battlefield.
"Word spread quickly through the capital that Briol's knights had arrived."
News seemed to spread quickly in the capital. Raipio chuckled heartily.
"But why are you all sitting here? Not heading to your lodgings? You look tired."
"Well, the thing is…"
Yuri explained the situation.
"That fellow said he'd prepare everything, even the lodgings."
"May I ask who it was?"
"Who was it again..."
Then Laurent, who was beside him, answered.
"I believe it was an international student studying at the Academium."
"Ahh..."
The Empire also led in education. At its center was the national educational institution, the Academium.
The Academium covered all fields — swordsmanship, magic, history, administration — and accepted students regardless of nationality.
As a result, students from various countries gathered there, and Briol was no exception, with quite a number of its students residing in the capital.
"I see. The Academium, huh..."
Raipio muttered, his expression not particularly bright.
"If it's not too much trouble, may I escort you instead? It doesn't sit well with me to see Your Highness stuck on the street."
Yuri nearly nodded.
Just then, someone came running toward them from behind Raipio's shoulder.
"Huff, huff..."
He looked as if he were running for his life, but his actual speed was extremely slow.
"P-prince..."
The one who arrived before Yuri was a young man, seemingly in his early twenties. His hair was a mess, his eyes dull.
He stopped before Yuri, caught his breath, and bowed his head.
"I-I'm so sorry for being late. There, there were circumstances..."
He reeked of alcohol. His skin looked dry. He had clearly overindulged the night before.
Yuri's sharp senses didn't stop there — he also caught a faint scent of perfume clinging to the young man's collar.
"Your name?"
"Dale Abers."
"Do you have a lover?"
"Pardon?"
"Answer."
"No, I do not..."
"Good."
Yuri rose from his seat.
"Lead the way."
"Y-yes!"
Standing beside him, Raipio wore a worried expression. Yuri extended his hand for a handshake.
"Sir Raipio, I thank you for your kindness. For now, the guide has arrived."
"Yes. If anything comes up, please contact me anytime. I'll assist you."
"Thank you."
"Not at all. It's thanks to you, Your Highness, that the Allied Army succeeded."
"It was thanks to all of us."
"Hahaha..."
Yuri found himself liking Raipio. Even from the time he had seen him with Graham, he had seemed promising — and seeing him again now, he could tell the man had grown into a proper person.
After parting with Raipio, Yuri followed Dale's lead.
Dale began explaining this and that about the Imperial Capital.
"The place where Your Highness will be staying is the Duforia Hotel. I've paid for one month in advance."
"Well done. I'll reimburse you."
"No need. We gathered funds to welcome Your Highness. Please stay comfortably."
"We?"
"The Briol Fellowship."
Yuri's steps briefly slowed.
"The Briol Fellowship?"
"Yes. It's a group formed by people from Briol currently living in the capital."
It was the first time Yuri had heard the name.
"Most are students. You know how tough studying abroad can be. We came together to help each other. Hahaha..."
According to Dale, most members of the Briol Fellowship were nobles and thus financially comfortable, which allowed them to prepare lodging for Yuri and his party.
Yuri shook his head.
"Even so, I'll pay for it myself."
"Your Highness, there's really no need. We just want to be of help to Briol..."
"Don't make me repeat myself."
"E-excuse me? Y-yes, yes."
"If you want to be of help to Briol, don't bother with things like this. Just focus on your studies."
"Yes..."
Dale nodded with a crestfallen face. Though he was older than Yuri, his demeanor was rather naive.
Before long, they arrived at the Duforia Hotel, located on the outskirts of the capital.
The building was large and luxurious, standing out easily. On a wall gilded in gold, the name 'Duforia Hotel' was written in cursive.
Dale gave a foolish grin as he spoke.
"This is one of the finest places even in the capital. I've only stayed here a few times myse—"
He cut himself off mid-sentence, slapped his own mouth, and extended a hand toward the entrance.
"A-anyway, let's go in."
As Yuri's party approached, the staff standing at the entrance offered polite bows.
"Welcome, Your Highness. We will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable."
All of them were well-built and wore swords at their hips. They looked almost like knights.
Dale whispered quietly.
"The ones guarding the entrance are real knights. The hotel is run by a count of the Empire. Hehe..."
"I see."
Knights guarding a hotel — the Empire truly was on another level.
Yuri's party left their horses with the staff and entered the hotel.
Whether it had been arranged in advance or not, they were immediately guided upstairs to their rooms.
Yuri was given a room to himself, while the others were grouped two or three to a room.
Once things were roughly settled, Yuri called Dale over.
"Dale, thank you for your cooperation."
"Not at all."
"Next time, be on time."
"I'm sorry..."
"Do you have plans tonight?"
"Pardon? N-no. I don't."
"I'd like to take a look around the Empire tonight."
"Yes. I'll accompany you."
"Thanks. Wait for me later in front of the hotel."
"Will anyone else be coming with us..."
"Just me."
"Pardon?"
"You've a habit of making me repeat myself, I see."
"N-no, not at all."
Dale nodded quickly.
"Understood. I'll make preparations. Then I'll see you soon."
"Right."
After giving his farewell, Dale descended the stairs. Watching his back, Yuri tilted his head.
"Hmm..."
Laurent, standing nearby, asked,
"Not very noble-like for someone from Briol. Does he not sit well with you?"
"It's not that. Something's bothering me."
"Shall I look into this Briol Fellowship?"
"No need."
Yuri was well aware that, as a leader, he had a few shortcomings.
One of them was the fact that he couldn't feel at ease unless he personally handled everything.
"Let's rest for now. We've all just been through a massive adventure, haven't we?"
"Hahaha, understood."
"You sharing a room with Jared?"
"Yes."
"Be careful. That guy snores."
"Uh..."
From his past life's experience, Yuri knew Laurent was sensitive when it came to sleep. Though he didn't show it now out of deference, he was naturally fastidious and hated any noise beside him.
By the end of this trip, perhaps Laurent and Jared would be closer friends.
"See you later then."
"Yes..."
Yuri closed the door and looked around his room.
The bed looked fluffy like cotton candy, and all the furniture was decorated with gold. The mirror on the vanity was spotless, perfectly reflecting the interior.
"So this is the Imperial Capital..."
Even during his brief stay in his past life, he had felt it — the capital was truly a prosperous city.
Back then, he had gone on secret dates with Ekaterina, concealing their identities.
Remembering the past, Yuri flinched and slapped his cheek.
"What am I thinking right now..."
Shaking his head, he undressed.
The bathroom was as spacious as the room itself.
Perhaps prepared for him in advance, the bathtub was already filled with hot water. Steam rose thickly, clouding his vision.
Yuri sank into it at once.
"Phew..."
It was a bit hot, but he overcame it using the mana method.
Feeling the fatigue of the long journey melt away, Yuri murmured like a sigh,
"This is the life..."
He closed his eyes and dipped beneath the surface until even his head was underwater.
And so, he didn't know.
That the bathroom door had opened, and someone was walking in, completely naked.
[T/L: Read more chapters on Ko-fi page "RevengerScans" : https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]