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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: The Imperial Capital, Izezty
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As befitting the Imperial Capital, the very heart of history and power, Izezty's appearance was incredibly grand and magnificent.
The city walls, stretching endlessly into the distance, rose to an intimidating height that dared no one to attempt scaling them. Large magic circles were etched everywhere, further enhancing their majestic aura.
The city gates were equally ornate and imposing.
The massive green-painted gates were adorned with intricate gold lines and splendid carvings. But the true masterpiece was the blue dragon motif, which, having been drawn with magic, even seemed to possess a three-dimensional quality.
*Draaaag*, the city gates, seemingly of immense weight, slowly creaked open. Through the gap, about twenty figures on horseback, lined up in formation, began to appear.
"Oh..."
Despite having seen this scene countless times in the game, I instinctively let out a small gasp of admiration.
Indeed, the grandeur of the Empire, when faced directly, was far more impressive than anything I had seen through a monitor.
"Brother Camel, this must be your first time seeing such a sight. You needn't worry. It's merely a small formality from the Empire to greet us, who are on a pilgrimage. Now, shall we disembark?"
Perhaps he thought my gasp meant I was frightened. Priest Barhall didn't miss the opportunity to offer his unsolicited advice, rising from his seat as soon as he felt the carriage come to a halt.
"It's nothing much, so don't be so visibly nervous. Keep your expression in check and follow along. You'll stand behind our Sister, to her left."
Duran, whose expression was clearly stiff with tension, patted my shoulder—though I wasn't nervous in the slightest—and stood up.
"Once the greetings between both sides are over, we, as her escorts, will ride those white horses over there with our Sister and parade to the Imperial Palace. Just a heads-up, considering the Holy Nation's image, when we're parading in front of the people, don't look as nervous as you do now. Try to smile relaxedly. Ugh, I'm so worried, truly worried. My country bumpkin, Camel."
Duran, who was clearly the most rigid-faced person in the world, said this and stepped out of the carriage. I followed him out.
"Wow..."
As my feet touched the ground and I gazed at the scene before me, I couldn't help but let out another gasp of awe.
Knights in splendid armor, having dismounted their horses, held their swords firmly in both hands, resting them against their chests. They were neatly arrayed on either side, centered around two men.
The two central figures wore elegant uniforms and carried antique scabbards. They were kneeling on one knee before Lily, who stood with an air of noble grace.
Among them, what truly compelled me to gasp was Lily's figure, standing before the knights, more noble and beautiful than ever before.
A spring breeze swept through.
Over her pure white priestly robes, her lustrous, light purple hair swayed gently.
Lily's lovely eyes closed, and a pure white light began to emanate from her two hands, clasped neatly at her chest.
A faint but warm glow spread everywhere, and within my sight, white feathers fluttered down slowly here and there, along with pure white wings unfurled behind Lily's back.
"We have awaited your arrival. Blessed by the Heavens, the one and only noble being who shall bring blessings to the continent."
Standing beside Lily, I saw the face of the man who was spouting cringe-worthy words as if they were nothing—the Sword Saint—and beside him, a familiar face kneeling on one knee.
*Grin.*
As my gaze met the man's, he offered a good-natured smile and nodded.
'Huh?'
The man was none other than Deren, the former porter of the Hero's party and the current head of the Blue Mont Ducal Family. Recognizing his face, I had to tilt my head in confusion.
'Was this guy originally supposed to be here?'
I racked my brain, searching through my memories from back when I was a veteran player, but no matter how hard I thought, there was no instance of Deren showing up to greet the Saintess. Though a corrupted Deren might have attacked her, that was different.
'Things really have changed a lot.'
Perhaps it was because I kept experiencing things that weren't in the game. It struck me anew how much the game's story had changed just because of my presence.
'This place will be the same.'
The Imperial Capital, Izezty.
Originally, it was a city akin to a bonus map, where players progressing through the Pilgrimage episode could resupply or undertake side quests before moving on to the Holy Nation.
In the game, it was a safe city where one could simply reap benefits without any danger before moving on, but the current Izezty was clearly not like that.
Because I, myself, had arrived here.
I had caused quite a ruckus so far.
I had cut down a considerable amount of evil, and as a result, a good number of enemies were now targeting me.
Moreover, this place was densely populated, vast, and held significant meaning—making it an optimal location in many ways for those targeting me to plot something.
It was only natural that I would become embroiled in incidents and conflicts I hadn't experienced in the game, and that I would be at their very center.
If my predictions weren't wrong, Wrath, the Sin of Fury, would be waiting for me somewhere here, and a few corrupted nobles would also be after me with their petty schemes.
'Well, anyway...'
No matter what happened, no matter how strong an opponent appeared, the outcome would be the same. To be honest, I even found this situation rather enjoyable.
Because it was far easier to deal with those who practically offered their necks and begged, 'Please kill me,' than to go to the trouble of hunting down every wicked person and executing them myself.
"I thank the Empire for its warm welcome."
As I was momentarily lost in thought, Lily extended the back of her hand to the Sword Saint and spoke with a benevolent voice.
"May your sword, imbued with the will of protection, always be filled with blessings."
"Immanuel."
*Smooch.*
The Sword Saint kissed the back of Lily's hand, then rose, assumed a proper posture, and bowed his head.
*Clank.*
The knights, who had been watching, simultaneously sheathed their swords with a unified motion and bowed their heads, following Yan's example.
This was the moment the story began in Izezty, the Imperial Capital, the very heart of history and power.
****
Tweetie, who had been in my coat pocket, suddenly poked her head out and spoke to me through our connected consciousness.
[Daddy, why are there so many humans here? It's amazing!]
"This is the most prosperous city on the continent. Of course there'd be a lot of people."
I, too, was admiring the scene unfolding before my eyes, even as I whispered my reply to Tweetie.
In the game, I hadn't felt any particular emotion.
But now, actually parading on horseback through a crowd of thousands gathered to see the Saintess, it felt strange in many ways.
[So, do they do a lot of mating here too?]
"..."
As expected, Tweetie's question, once again defying my expectations, left me utterly speechless.
It was a mystery. Where on earth had things gone wrong for the word "mating" to be so deeply ingrained in this tiny birdbrain?
'It's because I haven't raised her properly.'
After pondering for a moment, I came to that conclusion and replied, resolving to raise her into a bird with proper morals and even intelligence.
"Yes. That's why there are so many people. And contraceptive devices aren't widely available in this world yet."
[Aha...! But what's a contraceptive device?]
"It's an item that prevents life from forming when mating."
[Then isn't it a bad item?]
A contraceptive device being a bad item? This truly unexpected question forced me to pause and ponder.
How long did I ponder?
Wanting to teach Tweetie a proper understanding of sexuality, I replied in a quiet voice.
"Yes. It's an item you don't need."
[Why?]
"Think about it. Is it more satisfying to pick your nose with a bare finger? Or with a finger covered in plastic?"
[Daddy, Tweetie doesn't understand what nonsense you're spouting!]
Why can't she understand this?
Having failed to engrave my upright views on sexuality into her birdbrain, I grumbled and didn't reply. Tweetie, meanwhile, paid no mind to me and looked ahead, throwing out another question.
[Daddy, but who are those males up ahead?]
Following Tweetie's gaze, I saw the Sword Saint and Deren leading the Saintess and her entourage at the very front of the procession.
"The one on the left who looks stupid is Deren, and the one on the right is someone called the Sword Saint."
[His name is Sword Saint...?]
"No, his name is Yan. His full name is Yan von Gallantus. But why are you asking about their names?"
[I asked because they have much more mana than the other humans.]
"You can tell that? How?"
[Dunno? I just knew it ever since I was born?]
"Oh, really? So you must have been sensing my mana too, then?"
[Of course, you silly Daddy. Think about it. If you didn't have any trustworthy qualities, would I have followed you back then?]
"Back then?"
[My old nest! I chose you back then, remember?]
"..."
I remembered, but I was so dumbfounded that I couldn't reply.
Because I had clearly thought I rescued her, but it turned out this arrogant bird had always believed she had chosen me.
[Sigh. I don't know why I ended up with such an inadequate Daddy who can't even mate, having to suffer like this.]
"..."
Tweetie's sighing lament made my head throb.
'By the way, did she always talk this much?'
A sudden question arose, and as I lowered my gaze toward Tweetie, I noticed her size had definitely increased compared to before.
Had I not noticed because I'd seen her polymorphed form more often?
Just a while ago, she was clearly finger-sized, but I didn't realize how much food she'd consumed. Tweetie had plumped up and was now the size of a fist.
As I was taken aback by this new realization,
[Daddy, but why is that old male so talkative?]
[Daddy, but why does that ugly male look like that?]
Curious Tweetie diligently rolled her eyes and showered me with questions, and each time, I answered her with utmost sincerity.
"Because he's a 'Captain Obvious'."
"He's nervous. And he was ugly to begin with."
Perhaps my honest replies pleased her. Tweetie giggled, wiggling her body, then tilted her head and asked,
[Daddy, but that light purple female...]
Following Tweetie's gaze, I saw Lily, waving to the crowd and showing a radiant smile.
Beautiful. Only such an adjective came to mind as I looked at Lily. As she impartially surveyed the crowd, her eyes met mine.
But why? The moment Lily's eyes met mine, she instantly frowned, then abruptly turned her head away.
[Why is she mad at you, Daddy?]
"Hmm... I don't know either."
It had been a continuous mystery for days.
No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't recall having done anything wrong to Lily.
Yet, strangely, Lily had been actively avoiding me for the past few days. And whenever our eyes met, like now, she would turn her head away abruptly, wearing an expression of disgust as if she'd seen a rapist.
For me, still a virgin, it was quite unfair.