Chapter 154.1
The next day .
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At a time a little past noon, I was seated in a carriage on the way to the duke’s residence .
“Who would have thought we’d be able to meet the duke’s family so soon?” [Ryouma]
“Carm sent me a letter as soon as you left . He included your schedule and when you’re expected to arrive, so I was able to pass word of that to the duke’s family . When I did, they told me that we can meet as soon as today if it worked with our schedule… Frankly, I’m a little shocked myself . ” [Serge]
“Normally, you can’t meet them this easily . ” [Piero]
“Indeed…” [Ryouma]
Serge-san was originally planning to meet with them three days later and had just come early not to be late, but…
“They probably can’t wait to meet with you, Ryouma . ” [Pioro]
“That’s probably it . ” [Serge]
“Ha ha…” [Ryouma]
Considering it’s that gentle family we’re talking about, that is probably the case .
Even though we’ve already parted, they still continue to worry about me . They really make me happy .
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“Speaking of which, the town sure has changed, hasn’t it?” [Ryouma]
The carriage has been slowly going up a hill since awhile ago . The scenery that could be seen through the window gradually changed from a lively townscape of small stores and private houses to large shops and restaurants .
“We’ll be reaching the nobles district soon . The number of people out are also getting fewer and fewer . ” [Pioro]
The ‘nobles district’… It seems it’s up ahead .
“So it appears . This town is built around a small hill . The higher up you go, the more luxurious the residences and the stores become .
But there’s no need to be so tense . It may be called the nobles district, but there are also rich commoners living here . There’s no restriction to enter this district either . ” [Serge]
“Still, it’s not a place a person should be loitering around in without good reason either . We should just keep going like this and head straight for the duke’s family .
The residence of the duke is at the peak of the hill . It’s situated at the highest place even compared to the nobles . ” [Pioro]
“That’s easy to imagine . ” [Ryouma]
I wonder what kind of place it is . Surely it won’t be smaller than how I imagine it . Maybe it’s like a certain ‘Land of Dreams'[1]?
“No need to be so impatient . We’ll be there soon . ” [Pioro]
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“I look forward to seeing what kind of place it is . ” [Ryouma]
“By the way…” [Serge and Pioro]
Their voices overlapped . Neither had intended to speak at the same time, so they were taken aback for a moment . They compromised and Serge-san continued with what he was about to say .
“Ryoumsama, those clothes you’re wearing…” [Serge]
He’s pointing out my clothes!?
…Today I’m dressed in the special navy blue suit made by the tailor at Gimuru . They made it just as I requested, so I’m personally satisfied with it . But…
“Is it really that plain?” [Ryouma]
Even the employees of the tailor and the employees of my store had an odd reaction when they saw me wearing my suit .
“Yes . Very much . It won’t offend anyone, though . ” [Pioro]
“It would have been fine to dress with more extravagance, you know?” [Serge]
So they say, but from my perspective, their clothes are just straight-up outrageous .
Pioro-san was wearing a shirt with frill lace and a coat with brightly colored cloths peeking out from the slits .
Serge-san was wearing clothes made from seemingly expensive fabric, but the design is actually normal, relatively speaking . But he had that ruffed collar on his neck and on his lap was a beret with a large plume attached to it . He’s probably planning to put that thing on when he goes out .
I know it’s a bit late to be saying this, but of course they would be wearing such clothes . The clerk at the clothing store was really adamant about recommending those kind of clothes, after all, so I guess that just goes to show how popular they are . And even though they’re wearing such outrageous clothes right in front of me, they’re acting as if all is right in the world .
Well, I suppose there really isn’t anything out of the ordinary for them, but… Well, anyhow, I’m happy with my suit .
“I like this kind of design . It’s easy to move around in too . ” [Ryouma]
“I see . It’s good to have a preference . Especially, when it comes to clothes . ” [Serge]
“Just chasing trends doesn’t make one fashionable, after all . ” [Pioro]
“Ha ha… Frankly, I’m not really that confident in my fashion sense . ” [Ryouma]
“Oh, please don’t be modest . That polished form . The first-rate materials used . The careful tailoring . That’s a suit I would want to wear myself . Please do tell, where did you buy it from?” [Serge]
“From a store at the western section of Gimuru . Right turn at the fifth corner from the main street . ” [Ryouma]
“Western section, fifth corner… Ah, it must be that store . I heard it was still new, but… I see . I’ve found a new good store . ” [Serge]
“Carm-san was the one who found out about it . It was thanks to him that I was able to easily get a complete set . ” [Ryouma]
“Oh? That necktie pin too?” [Sereg]
I figured he’d notice it .
“The stone is an inheritance left behind by my grandmother . I handed it to the store, and they left it to a trusted and skilled craftsman to be processed . ” [Ryouma]
At the base of the necktie pin were intertwining curves and lines like entangled vines, delicately crafted like threads . And at the center was a blooming flower with a large diamond in the middle . Although the necktie pin was not sprinkled with countless gems, there was a sense of harmony that could only be brought about by the hands of a craftsman .
“This craftsman is indeed skilled . This fineness… It is likely that this craftsman has a deep knowledge of metal magic . ” [Serge]
“As expected of you, Serge-san . That was indeed how it was explained to me when I got it . ” [Ryouma]
The metal attribute is a fusion of earth and fire attributes . It is the common name to refer to magic used in metalworks . The more attributes are used, the more difficult the spells become . But craftsmanship requires careful control; hence, it could be inferred just how skilled the craftsman was to be able to create this one product . The clerk’s eyes were sparkling when he talked about it . Expert metal mages are often called upon by national organizations, such as mints, so it’s rare to find one in private practice .
“Mu mu mu… To think that such a skilled cratfsman would be in Gimuru . I must meet him!” [Serge]
“I also want to buy something for my wife . ” [Pioro]
“Ah, is it to celebrate your wedding anniversary? Kuransan will be elated, I’m sure . ” [Ryouma]
As we got into the conversation and moved from topic to topic, the carriage eventually stopped being tilted .
“Oh, it seems we’ve passed the slope . We’ll be there soon then . ” [Serge]