On the outside of the royal castle, I can hear the voices of many people shouting, as well as loud banging. they have been constructing a new building on the outskirts of the castle, I didn't know how big this country was but I have been going to school for about two weeks now, the time in this world seem to be similar to my own world, I've been spending my free time learning the writhing style of this world with Scarlett's help it seems I'm making progress; I've also been reading historical books that contains knowledge about the past and history about this world.
Of course, I've also been practising my magic as well. I can now use high-level spells. My wind attribute seems to be my most powerful element. In addition, I can also sense mana in the surroundings through magic sense, which was an advanced-level technique I picked up while training. Right now, I seem to be the only one capable of using it. My healing abilities seem to be about average at best. I think I should take a short trip into town, it's no good to overwork myself.
"Well, that's enough studying for today."
I said with a small sigh.
With that being said, I closed the book I've been reading.
I Then made my way down the hall of the castle, along the way I saw a few maids that were caring out their regular duties, when they saw me, they all stop and bowed elegantly while holding the hem of their dress, I'm still getting use to the customs in this world, even I have to speak extremely polite when speaking to either a noble or Royalty, since I don't have any status, I can't even refuse a low ranking noble.
I then gave a polite bow to the maid, who had been holding the hem of her dress gracefully.
"Good day, Sir Sato. Please let us know if you need anything."
The maid said with a gentle smile.
"Yes, thank you."
I said in a low voice.
The maid then went on her way while holding a tray in her hand. Her mannerisms were refined and graceful. The maids all showed kind and gentle smiles, no matter who they were talking to. Even if they got yelled at or even if someone talked abruptly to them, they never changed their gentle expression; they all carried themselves with professionalism.
I finally made my way to the living room; there I saw Scarlett wearing a beautiful red dress that matched her hair colour perfectly. A beautiful maid was standing next to her, she had short bright blond hair and green eyes, she had been Scarlett's personal maid since she was a small child.
"Scarlett, are you going somewhere?"
I ask as I was a bit curious.
Upon hearing my voice so suddenly, Scarlett was a bit startled as her shoulders jumped slightly.
"Oh, Haruto, there's someone I'd like to meet in the capital, so I'm planning to head there now."
She said in a happy tone.
"I see well then you don't mind if I tag along, do you? I was planning to explore the capital too, so I hope you don't mind."
I said as I was a bit nervous.
You could see this as a date, since it would be just the two of us, but I have little experience when it comes to being alone with a girl.
However-
"I don't mind, Rin was going to be my escort, but if you and I were to go together, it seems she can stay here."
Scarlett said as she seemed to be in a good mood.
"Yes, this is perfect. I have to clean my milady's room, so I have no complaints."
Rin said in a flat tone.
I've been observing her for some time, but she seems to be good at hiding her emotions quite well. The other maids are good at keeping a bright smile on their faces, but she seems to be completely stoic, almost like a doll. I can't even tell what kind of feeling she's having.
"However, please promise me you won't go wandering in any back alleys, milady."
Rin said in a serious tone, completely different from her usual tone.
"Of course, I don't want to go through that ever again, you know."
Scarlett said.
Remembering when she was about to be mugged by two elderly men in an alley made her turn pale.
"Don't worry, I will keep an eye on her, so you can rest easy."
I said confidently. I have been practising my magic a lot lately, and I've also been learning self-defence. I'm confident I've gotten a lot stronger, and I'm now capable of taking on any thug we might run into.
"Very well, I'll leave your highness in your care."
Rin said in a flat tone, though there was a faint smile on her face.
***
Thus, Scarlett and I head out into the capital, while we were walking, I notice the town seem a bit lively, we were currently walking alongside a large group of people who were laughing along and had happy expression on their faces, however some people weren't so happy the people with animal like features were glaring at the normal looking people it was Clear they didn't think highly of each other.
The war took place three hundred years ago. It's amazing how people can hold a grudge for that long.
Scarlett had a sad look on her face as she observed the humans and demi-humans arguing with each other.
"You know I always wanted to do something about the discrimination of demi-humans, but... I really don't know how."
She muttered with a gloomy face.
(I see that she wants to get rid of the discrimination between the races; it's a noble dream, but not one that can be made a reality so easily with her authority as a princess. It may be possible, but not everyone will just agree to that.) I thought to myself.
Of course, her authority as a princess is more effective inside her own kingdom, so the discrimination won't just go away because she's a princess.
Who knows how hard it is in the other neighbouring kingdoms discrimination is something that can't be rid of so easily, after all not everyone is considered equal so not everyone is going to be treated with equality, if it was that easy then there wouldn't be any need for social status ranking, some people will always view the world in black and white, it's hard to find someone who wants equality.
Back in my own world, it was the same.
Reality is cruel, isn't it?
I made a conflicted expression.
We had been walking for an hour I was currently observing the nearby building. The houses were all painted in various colours.
Of course, they were all beautiful. The structure was well-made, even to my amateur eyes; I could easily tell it was made by a skilled carpenter. The district was bustling with people everywhere you looked.
The area was also noisy with the shouts of children running around.
Scarlett looked at them with a gentle gaze.
She then stops walking as she turns to look at a particular building, which was a huge building unlike the other buildings. This one was extremely huge and had a giant crest with two swords going across it.
There was also a sign that said, "Adventure guild, all those who wish to take on a quest can sign up."
"So that's the Adventure guild, huh?"
I said as I stared at the building curiously.
"Yes, the guild is responsible for subjugating the monsters lurking in the nearby forest."
She said while keeping her gaze on the building.
Oh, then maybe I should visit this place someday, whenever I get the chance, I thought. I don't think I will ever sign up, but it would be really great if I could learn more about the guilds in the kingdom.
"We should get going now."
She said while glancing at the guild once more before finally leaving.
I also started walking one step behind her while glancing at her expression.
There was a small smile formed on her pink lips.
I then suddenly glanced at the crowd of people moving behind me.
I looked around restlessly, but no matter where I looked, I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Scarlett looked at me with a confused face while cocking her head.
"Is there something wrong, Haruto? You seem nervous?"
She said in a puzzled tone.
"No, I thought someone was looking at us, that's all, it looked like I was mistaken."
I said while rubbing my cheek softly.
"Well... It's only natural you'll have that feeling after all were surrounded by people."
"Yeah, I'm sure it's just the crowd."
I said while giving her a wry smile.
with that We both started moving once again passing various stalls as we made our way through the crowded streets, a bunch of people started to stare at Scarlett with a look of admiration, it seems they're all aware that she was the princess of this kingdom it makes sense why she's so popular, some people even moved out of the way and bowed to her, some of the males looked at me with a somewhat envious gaze, but I chose to ignore them.
Along the way, I notice a stall that sells apples, which were my favourite fruit back in my own world. I remember my parents used to buy them whenever they went shopping, seeing it really made me miss home quite a lot. As I stop to look at the apples, Scarlett notices my interest in the apples and goes to the stallkeeper.
"Excuse me.... may I have an apple, please?"
Scarlett said in a polite voice.
The shopkeeper showed a surprised look as he didn't think the princess herself would ever come to his stall.
He seems to be in his late thirties and has no hair; his facial features were rough, and he had a scar on his face.
"N-no I... I'm not worthy of having your highness as a customer."
He said in a nervous tone.
"It's fine, don't worry about it; I believe the apples cost 5 coppers, doesn't it?"
Scarlett wore a bright smile as she asked this question.
"I....I'm so honoured to have your highness buy my apples...this truly is a blessing!"
The stall keeper said as he shouted, he placed his right hand against his face while tears started to appear at the tips of his eyes.
I wore a dumbfounded expression as I observed their interaction. I knew she was popular, being the kingdom's princess, but this was too much; it's almost like worshipping a divine goddess.
Scarlett only had a troubled smile on her face; it seemed even she noticed that he was overdoing it.
"Don't worry about it, you can have them, your highness."
The keeper said.
"N-no, I can't do that, please allow me to purchase them, it would feel wrong if I took your apples without paying."
Scarlett had a panicked look on her face.
As she bowed and pleaded.
Normally, a royal should never bow to a noble, much less a commoner. This could start a huge commotion; the commoner could even be arrested.
As I thought, the people in the nearby surroundings started to stare at Scarlett with surprise looks.
"Scarlett, I don't think you should be lowering your head in public."
I said in a faint whisper.
"Huh, oh right, sorry for causing such inconvenience."
She said while covering her mouth, a bit embarrassed.
She then paid the stallkeeper for the apples, and we went on our way quickly.
"Scarlett, why did you buy them?"
I ask curiously.
Scarlett, for a moment, went into deep thought before finally opening up her mouth.
"Well, you look like you really wanted them, so I bought them for you."
She said in a gentle tone.
I did have an interest in them, but I never said I wanted them. I do feel happy that she did that for me, though.
(As I expected, Scarlett is way too kind)
I thought with a gentle expression.
"We're finally here."
She said in a slightly loud voice.
When I looked in the same direction that Scarlett was looking, I saw a small yellow building with a beautiful design.
***
Thus, we both made our way inside the building.
When we entered the building, I saw various jewellery, diamond pears and other accessories.
We made our way to a middle-aged woman who was standing behind a counter. She looked like she was in her early thirties; she had short light blue hair and hazel eyes.
"Your highness, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
The woman said in a happy tone.
"I've been great, how about you, Hana?"
Scarlet asks while smiling sweetly.
"I've also been good, as you can see."
She said while smiling in a gentle tone.
She narrowed her eyes at me with a stiff face. As she stared in my direction.
"Could this gentleman be your highness fiancé?"
She asks curiously.
"Huh.... n-no, of course not, don't be silly."
She said with a faint blush flushing her fair cheeks.
"I see, so I'm mistaken."
Hana tilted her head slightly to confirm.
Scarlett took this chance to give her a summary explaining everything that took place when we first met.
"Oh, I think I got the general gist of things now."
She said in understanding.
"Well then, young man, you're a magic user, aren't you?"
She asks with interest.
"Yeah, I just started practising."
I said calmly.
"Oh.... you just started practising, but your magic power seems to be quite developed for a beginner."
She said with a surprised face.
"You really think so? I'm impressed you were able to tell just by looking at me."
I said as I was a little amazed.
"Of course, I was once a skilled mage of this kingdom, you know, so I can see that you have talent."
She said proudly.
"I see…."
I said in a humble tone.
"Haruto, you know that every kingdom has a top mage, right? Hana was once the top mage of this kingdom; however, she retired 5 years ago."
Scarlett said fluently.
(I see it's no wonder she still has all the experience she got from her days as a mage, huh) I thought to myself.
With a look of understanding.
"Wait, so who's the top mage now?"
I inquire as I was a bit curious about the topic.
"That would be Sir Ayumu, his talent in magic is way superior to mine, I would never be able to reach his level."
She said with a bitter face.
"Yes, Sir Ayumu is really amazing, he would always visit us in the castle whenever he gets the chance."
Scarlett said happily.
(Ayumu, I remember hearing about him from Princess Sofia. If he's able to visit the royal castle whenever he wants, the kingdom must think highly of him, I want to get better at magic, so maybe I should meet him someday) I thought.
"Sir Haruto, you seem to be releasing too much mana, you know."
She said in a worried voice.
"Huh, what do you mean?"
I tilt my head, not understanding the meaning behind her words.
"Monsters are capable of sensing strong mana. The stronger the mana, the more likely they'll be able to find you."
Hana said in a strong tone.
"Monsters are attracted to mana?"
I tilt my head with a worried expression.
"Yes, some unique monsters feed upon mana; the more they eat, the stronger they get."
Scarlett said, answering my question.
(So basically, I'm like fresh meat to monsters. My mana capacity is much larger than that of normal mages, so I'm pretty sure I can feed a pack of monsters) I thought.
My face turns pale from realisation.
If they can sense mana, then doesn't that mean they can find me anywhere I go, even staying in a city wouldn't be safe for me. I've read that monsters attacking a large city is very common, so there really isn't a place I can hide.
"It should be okay once you learn how to control your mana better."
Hana said, trying to ease my worry.
Contrary to her word, my mind was in a state of panic at the fact.
"Yeah, don't worry too much about it, everything will be fine."
Scarlett said while gently patting my shoulder.
"Oh, that reminds me, your highness, you're here to see Lady Subrina, aren't you?"
Hana asks while smiling.
"Yes, I am....it has been years since I last saw her."
Scarlett said with a faint smile.
"Subrina, I've never heard of her."
"Oh, right, she is an old friend of mine... whenever I visit the capital, we would always play together."
Scarlett said in a gentle tone, reminiscing on her fond memories.
"Is she here?"
She asks.
"Yes, however, she's not in good condition. I'm sure you heard what happened to her family 2 years ago?"
Hana said in a faint voice.
"Yes, I always wanted to see her, but my duties as a princess prevent me from leaving the castle too often."
Scarlett said while holding her head down, her voice was filled with sadness.
I was really good at reading the room, gauging from the sound of their voice and the current atmosphere, I guess something bad happened. I don't think it's a good idea to pry too deeply, but I feel kind of bad being left in the dark.
"Did something bad happen?"
I ask hesitantly.
"Yes, Lady Subrina lost both her parents 2 years ago to an unknown curse."
Hana said bitterly.
"A curse, huh?"
I couldn't hide my surprise at her words.
"When she lost her parents, her older brother was the only family she had left. However, he started doing research about the curse. Eventually, he found something about the type of curse it was and went inside a forest 1 month ago, but he never came back."
She said with a dark expression on her face.
"I see.... so that's what happened."
I swallowed bitterly at her words, an unknown curse... it doesn't sound like something I should get involved with. I can't imagine what kind of emotion Scarlett must be feeling right now.
I thought as I slowly looked at Scarlett sorrowed expression.
"I want to see her."
She said as she bites her lips with a conflicted expression.
"She's upstairs. I've been looking after her since she's been alone all this time."
By her word, Scarlett rushed upstairs immediately. I wanted to go after her, but decided to stay with Hana. I'm not a personal friend of Subrina, so I think it's for the best.