After strolling around with Beatrice for a while, they stopped at the junction between the First Street and the Second Street. After disembarking from the dragon boat, they began to wander about at an unhurried pace.
However, the land routes—interwoven with waterways—were extremely complex. Every few steps led to a small turn. Even so, it did nothing to dampen their mood as they explored.
Even Natsuki Subaru found himself thoroughly enjoying it, deeply interested in everything around him.
Having stayed in the Royal Capital for so long and suddenly arriving somewhere new, he was naturally in high spirits.
Before long, they arrived at a park within the city and caught the fragrance of flowers in the air.
Ahead lay a small garden, surrounded by neatly trimmed lawns.
It looked as though it had been meticulously maintained. Fountains occasionally sprayed sparkling arcs of water, giving the entire place an elegant charm.
There was even a bench up ahead, seemingly a perfect spot for a date. Yet strangely, not a single person could be seen nearby, which felt rather puzzling.
"What's going on? I heard this is also a famous tourist city. Logically, there should be plenty of people here. Why haven't we seen anyone for so long?"
Natsuki Subaru said in confusion, sensing that something about the situation felt unusual.
"I'm not sure. But it sounds like someone is singing up ahead. Let's go take a look."
After walking a few more steps, Shendu heard singing drifting from the distance, and her eyes lit up.
"Hmm. It feels familiar—like the songstress who visited Roswaal's territory two months ago."
Beatrice analyzed calmly, voicing her judgment.
"Then let's go see. We have nothing better to do anyway."
With a composed expression, Shendu walked slowly toward the source of the sound.
As they approached, a melodious tune drifted into their ears from time to time. The voice was gentle, not intense in the slightest.
Soon, they reached the deepest part of the park, in front of a towering monument, where they found a young girl singing.
The girl had healthy wheat-colored skin and a somewhat petite figure. She looked lively, with a head of golden hair.
In addition, she wore ornaments of animal bones and fruits deliberately hung upon her body, giving her a uniquely rustic charm.
And as she sang, she held a guitar in her hands—singing while strumming wildly. Nearby fans cheered enthusiastically, making it feel just like a live concert.
As for why such an instrument would appear in another world, Shendu could only attribute it to another transmigrator.
Listening carefully, Shendu felt as though she were standing upon a windswept prairie, her body and mind completely free.
At last, the song reached its conclusion. The audience erupted into passionate cheers, shouting the girl's name.
A closer look revealed that more than fifty people had gathered around her, all within ten meters, listening with rapt, infatuated expressions.
No money
No future
No dreams either
Only vanity
Ah, what can be seen?
Only the darkness within the eyes.
Beyond the darkness, there is nothing.
At the end, at the end—termination descends!
Her voice was beautiful, and the lyrics sounded almost like poetry. No wonder she was called a balladeer. The title suited her perfectly.
"Hahaha, those lyrics are really interesting. It doesn't even sound like a song—more like a poem."
At the crucial moment, Natsuki Subaru shattered the atmosphere. The instant he said those words—
The surrounding audience all turned to glare at him.
No one liked being disturbed while listening to such a beautiful performance. With that single comment, Natsuki Subaru had ignited public outrage.
Unexpectedly, after finishing her song, the girl looked toward Shendu and Beatrice. Her eyes brightened as though she found Shendu somewhat familiar.
Realizing the situation was turning bad, Natsuki Subaru attempted to hide behind Shendu. But it was already too late. If those fifty people rushed over, he would definitely get beaten senseless.
"I'm sorry, Lady Shendu. I went a bit overboard. Could you help me out of this predicament?"
Seeing that he had angered everyone, Natsuki Subaru looked helplessly at Shendu, hoping for salvation.
"Haha, you brought this on yourself. Betty, do it."
Amused by his cleverness backfiring, Shendu smiled and issued an order to the spirit girl beside her.
"Hmph. Foolish idiot."
Beatrice shot him an annoyed glance. If nothing was wrong, why did he have to talk so much?
After saying that, Beatrice cast a spell that sent Natsuki Subaru flying like a meteor. He slammed into the ground and left behind a massive crater.
"My apologies. My attendant was rude. Your singing was truly wonderful. It gave me a faint sense of familiarity."
After dealing with Natsuki Subaru and calming the furious crowd, Shendu lifted her skirt slightly and bowed to the singing girl.
Then she gently snapped her fingers. Countless rose petals descended from the sky, carrying their fragrance and turning the surroundings romantic.
"In my eyes, you are more beautiful than the flowers—and so is your voice."
Shendu praised her without hesitation. The nearby fans spread their arms and applauded.
After she displayed the proper courtesy, the fans gradually dispersed. Natsuki Subaru also climbed up in a miserable state, took a gulp of a healing potion he carried, and barely recovered.
"Cough, cough... Lady Shendu, could you have Beatrice go a little easier on me next time?"
Falling from that height made him feel as though several ribs were about to break. Otherwise, he would not have smashed such a large crater into the ground.
"No. If we hadn't done that just now, you would have been beaten to death by those people."
Beatrice shook her head firmly.
"Long time no see, Miss Shendu—and Miss Beatrice."
While they were chatting, the singing girl walked over. Her watery eyes stared at Shendu as she reached out and took her hand.
"Oh? It's you, Liliana! Your singing is as captivating as ever. I wonder how it compares to this city's diva."
Shendu looked into the girl's eyes, naturally recognizing who she was.
Two months ago, a man and a woman had stayed for a while in Roswaal's territory. The woman was Liliana, and the man seemed to be some wealthy young master.
No wonder the voice had sounded so familiar—so they were acquaintances.
"Ah! If we're talking about the diva, I suppose I'm the one you're referring to. That became my title two months after arriving here."
Liliana stuck out her tongue and smiled.
"What? The one infatuated with you—could it be that so-called wealthy young master?"
Beatrice looked at Liliana in slight surprise, seemingly piecing everything together.
"That's right. I didn't expect him to be the young head of the Muse Company, one of the major factions leading this city."
Liliana said with emotion. Everything felt strangely coincidental, leaving her unsure what to say.
Sometimes, life was simply full of coincidences.
"Still, to have a man so obsessed with you—you truly are impressive. And just like that, we've found a familiar face."
Shendu smiled faintly, feeling that events were unfolding according to the expected trajectory.
Thinking about it, obtaining magic stones should have been simple. Yet somehow, so many extra steps had appeared. It truly felt like the inertia of fate.
Even though Shendu had deliberately tried to avoid certain developments, the major events remained unavoidable.
"No, Lady Shendu, you're the truly amazing one. As the Silver-Haired Hero, you're the one everyone admires most. What I've done is nothing compared to that."
Liliana was quite self-aware, gazing at Shendu with undisguised admiration.
Ever since Shendu had burst onto the scene, silver hair had gradually become a trend. Even those without natural silver hair had begun dyeing it.
Since Shendu's appearance, subtle changes had begun occurring in this world. It was only natural that Liliana would idolize her.
"It's nothing. Everyone can achieve something within their own field. There's no need to obsess over whose accomplishments are greater."
Shendu said thoughtfully, her words carrying a certain depth—as if telling Liliana that everyone is born with a purpose.
"So, Liliana, what brought you to Watergate City?"
Shendu looked at Liliana curiously, her crimson eyes sweeping over the girl with open interest.
"I'm a balladeer. I travel from place to place, wandering through different lands and singing without pause. I don't stay in one place for long."
"My only wish is to become a legend wherever I go."
Liliana's eyes shone with expectation as she spoke of her dream.
Indeed, the defining trait of balladeers in this world was to sing in every land they visited, leaving behind songs that would be passed down through generations. That was their ultimate destination.
"Not bad. It suits you perfectly."
Beatrice offered her evaluation, as though it were only natural.
"By the way, Lady Shendu, since we still have some time, could you tell me more about your past adventures in detail? I want to hear your story."
Liliana's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Shendu in admiration, clearly fascinated by her legend.
"Very well. I don't mind telling you."
Shendu knew they would likely need Liliana's help later, so satisfying her request now was important.
She then briefly shaped her experiences into a story. In half an hour, she recounted how she had slain the White Whale, exterminated the Great Rabbit, and crushed the Witch Cult.
She also casually mentioned the purpose of her visit to Watergate City.
"How marvelous! Lady Shendu, you truly are the hero I admire most!"
Liliana exclaimed repeatedly. Then, as if remembering the person they were about to meet, she revealed a faint smile.
"Since I've heard your story, let me guide you to Kiritaka-san. He's usually very fond of me. If he sees you, he probably won't be too harsh."
Liliana was sincerely grateful to Shendu and naturally wanted to help.
"That's wonderful. This helps a lot."
Natsuki Subaru let out a sigh of relief. He had thought they would have to wander around longer, but he hadn't expected Liliana to be so enthusiastic and willing to guide them.
"Alright then. The sooner we go, the better. Let's set off!"
Shendu smiled faintly. Without hesitation, Liliana led them swiftly along the street toward the merchant guild.
Before long, under Liliana's guidance, a massive stone building came into view. This was the territory of the Muse Company.
"Nice place. Since we've arrived, Miss Liliana, please take your leave here."
Seeing that they had reached their destination, Shendu waved her hand, seemingly bidding the girl farewell.
"No way. Kiritaka-san dotes on me. If I help Lady Shendu, the negotiations will definitely go smoothly. Would you allow me to assist?"
Liliana said with a half-smile. Her expression was sincere, as if she truly wanted to help.
However, though she spoke confidently, Shendu felt uneasy. Just as she was about to refuse, Natsuki Subaru suddenly spoke up.
"Lady Shendu, letting her come along might make things twice as effective with half the effort. We've got someone on the inside, right? Wouldn't negotiations go more smoothly?"
He pointed at Liliana, directly endorsing her suggestion.
"Yes, yes! This young man is absolutely right. I can be a great help. Please trust me!"
Liliana said cheerfully, her smile shining like that of a star.
"Very well. Natsuki Subaru, I hope your decision proves correct."
Shendu shot him a glance before finally agreeing.
"Big Sister, I have a bad feeling about this. That man is going to ruin everything."
Beatrice glared fiercely at Natsuki Subaru. Making decisions on their behalf without permission—he truly was more trouble than he was worth.
"Let it be. At worst, it'll turn into a bit of entertainment. Consider it part of the journey."
Shendu gently patted Beatrice's head in reassurance.
In the end, Liliana accompanied them. They walked through the grand hall, inquired about Kiritaka's location, and without hesitation pushed open the door.
The moment it opened, four figures came into view.
Two of them were Emilia and Akane.
The other two consisted of a well-dressed blond young man and a white-clad man standing behind him, likely his assistant or guard.
The blond youth was Kiritaka Muse—the young chairman of the Muse Company in Watergate City and the key figure known by the nickname "Diva Fanatic."
On the table lay stones of various colors and sizes.
It appeared the negotiations had reached a crucial stage. The sudden sound of the door opening startled everyone slightly.
At first, the blond youth showed no panic. But the moment he saw Liliana, his expression changed dramatically.
"Liliana! Didn't I tell you to stay outside? Why did you suddenly come in?"
Kiritaka grew visibly flustered, his emotions wavering. Seeing this, Shendu inwardly thought, This is bad.
Just by Liliana's expression, it was obvious she was not skilled at negotiation. As a famous singer, her talent in that field was unquestionable.
But in negotiations, she held absolutely no advantage.
"Hmph. Lady Emilia and Lady Shendu have come to Watergate City, and you didn't even tell me. You've betrayed my trust. I can no longer trust you, Kiritaka-san."
Instead of answering him, Liliana spoke in a faintly accusatory tone.
"I'm sorry. This is an important meeting. I couldn't let you in."
Kiritaka looked troubled. His gaze shifted to Shendu—and then to Natsuki Subaru standing beside her.
Two months ago, he had visited Roswaal's territory and stayed for an entire month before returning to Watergate City.
During that time, he had realized that Shendu was highly intelligent and emotionally perceptive. She would never bring a familiar woman into an important negotiation at such a critical moment.
Which meant this man was most likely the one stirring up trouble behind the scenes.
"Waaah... Kiritaka-san, do you truly not trust me? I already promised this young man that I'd handle this properly. You're putting me in such a difficult position. It almost makes me hate you a little."
Liliana began fake crying, even swaying gracefully as she spoke. Her behavior made everyone's expressions turn strange—it looked half like clowning, half like coquettish sulking.
The tense atmosphere of the meeting was completely shattered.
"We're doomed. That idiot..."
Beatrice frowned, a thick killing intent directed squarely at Natsuki Subaru.
"Uh..."
Realizing he had caused trouble, Natsuki Subaru hurriedly grabbed Liliana, intending to drag the somewhat unhinged girl out of the room.
"Sorry! This is my mistake! I'll take her outside. Please continue your negotiations."
Trying to salvage the situation, he pulled Liliana toward the door.
However, seeing this scene, the blond youth's eyes filled with intense fury.
At that moment, he no longer cared about the negotiations. Overwhelming fury drowned his reason. In his eyes, it was as though a vast green prairie had appeared above his head.
Kiritaka snatched up a magic stone from the table.
Rising to his feet, he roared at Natsuki Subaru, "Don't touch my Liliana!"
As his furious words fell, he hurled a purple magic stone. It detonated in a massive explosion.
Natsuki Subaru only had time to shove Liliana away before the shockwave blasted him ten meters through the air.
Fortunately, he had drunk a healing potion earlier, and its effects had not fully faded. Otherwise, he might have suffered serious injuries.
Just like that, an important negotiation ended in failure.
All of it was the result of Natsuki Subaru's recklessness. Shendu could only press a hand to her forehead in resignation, though she was not truly angry.
As expected of the protagonist—Natsuki Subaru never disappointed.
With matters having reached this point, there was no way they could leave Watergate City without obtaining the magic stone.