Chapter 89: The spirit of the Empire (2)

It was wide and long.

Big and tall.

Dazzling and beautiful.

The capital of the Empire was truly developed. Even Yuri, who had only briefly visited in his previous life, was absorbed by the landscape of the Imperial City.

“Now I understand why they say that if someone promising is born, they should be sent to the Empire.”

Even common citizens dressed extravagantly. By comparison, Briol’s capital looked like any ordinary city.

The knights visiting the Imperial City for the first time swallowed nervously.

Yuri warned in a low voice,

“Don’t even think of looking intimidated.”

“Yes, sir…”

“Chest out and head high. We’re from Briol.”

“Yes.”

“There should be someone who came to receive us…”

As soon as a group of foreigners appeared on the streets of the Imperial City, all eyes turned to them. In a city where even casual clothes were luxuriously made, Yuri’s group—looking like they had just returned from the battlefield—drew obvious attention.

Yuri examined the people. A guide was supposed to be waiting for them, but there was no sign of one.

“No one’s here.”

No trace of the guide who was supposed to greet them with Briol’s flag. Yuri looked at his group.

The journey from Briol to the Empire had been as incredible as it was exhausting, and as a result, everyone looked disheveled. Not much different from their days as the Allied Army wandering the plains.

Suddenly, Yuri felt an unexpected surge of emotion.

“After all I went through… and they make me wait!”

Compassion—for himself. Either way, they couldn’t just stand on the street. Yuri looked around and saw a fairly spacious restaurant.

The doors were wide open, and there were tables outdoors. It seemed like a good place to rest for a while.

“Let’s eat there for now.”

“Yes.”

Yuri led his group to the restaurant and spoke to the owner.

“We’re a bit dirty, so we’d prefer the outdoor tables. There are quite a few of us. Is that alright?”

“Of course. Looks like you’ve come from far away, haven’t you?”

The owner led them to the outdoor tables and even provided feed for the horses. Sitting in a chair brought some relief to their tired bodies.

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Not at all.”

The owner, with a completely shaved head, smiled broadly and offered Yuri a glass of ice water.

“It’s an honor to serve Your Highness.”

“You recognize me?”

“With that flag, it’s impossible not to. A young man with black hair leading the Briol squad… It could only be the third prince of Briol.”

“Thank you. I’ll pay generously.”

“I truly appreciate it.”

Yuri’s group occupied all the outdoor tables of the restaurant. The owner brought food and drinks immediately.

“Well done, everyone.”

“You too, Prince.”

Drinking beer while taking in the splendid view of the Imperial City wasn’t bad at all.

Occasionally, a local would approach for a chat. A woman asked Simon,

“Where are you from?”

“From Briol.”

“Oh, were you invited as part of the Allied Army?”

“That’s right.”

“Hehe, the stories about the brave knights of Briol are very well known here. I hope you enjoy your stay in the Imperial City.”

“Thank you.”

Simon scratched the back of his head while replying, and Guinness, behind him, nudged him with his elbow.

“You’re just going to let her walk away like that?”

“Huh?”

“It’s obvious she liked you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous…”

“You’re so slow.”

“She was probably just curious.”

“Have you ever had a date?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Ah…”

“And you?”

“Nope!”

They spent quite some time eating and drinking the Empire’s delicacies. Yet, the guide who was supposed to meet them still hadn’t shown up.

Yuri frowned.

“Whoever it is, I won’t let this slide.”

As they resumed their seats at the outdoor tables with the owner’s permission, someone unexpected approached.

Yuri recognized him instantly.

“Well, well!”

“You’re…?”

“It’s been a while.”

“Sir Reipio, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Good to see you again.”

“Likewise, Your Highness. Hahaha.”

“Is Sir Graham doing well?”

“Of course. He returned immediately after the trial ended.”

It was Reipio Artem, who had visited Yuri alongside Graham to warn of an orc attack while Briol’s army marched to Valshard.

Reipio was part of the Third Knight Squadron and had crossed paths with Yuri many times on the battlefield.

“When word got out that Briol’s squad had arrived, the news spread throughout the city.”

Apparently, news traveled fast in the Imperial City. Reipio grinned broadly.

“But why are you all sitting here? Didn’t you go to your lodging? You all look exhausted.”

“It’s just…”

Yuri explained the situation.

“That person was supposed to take care of everything, including our accommodation.”

“May I ask who it was?”

“Who was it…?”

Then Laurent, standing beside him, chimed in.

“I think it was a foreign student from the Academium.”

“Ah…”

The Empire also led the continent in education, and its central institution was the national Academium.

The Academium covered swordsmanship, magic, history, administration, and more, accepting students regardless of nationality.

That’s why students from across the continent gathered there, and Briol was no exception—many young people from Briol studied in the Imperial City.

“I see… the Academium, huh?”

Reipio’s expression wasn’t exactly cheerful.

“If it’s alright, may I guide you myself? I’d feel terrible if Your Highness continues waiting in the street.”

Yuri almost nodded, but at that moment, someone came running toward them, panting.

“Huff, huff…”

He looked like he was running for his life, but he was actually quite slow.

“P-Prince Yuri…”

He was a young man, barely in his twenties. His hair was disheveled, eyes dull. He stopped in front of Yuri, caught his breath, and bowed deeply.

“I’m terribly sorry I’m late. I—I had an urgent matter…”

He smelled of alcohol. His skin was dry and pale. He had clearly overdrunk the night before.

With his sharp senses, Yuri even picked up the faint scent of perfume on the young man’s clothes.

“Name?”

“Dale Abers.”

“Do you have a partner?”

“Huh?”

“Answer.”

“N-no, I don’t…”

“Good.”

Yuri stood up.

“Lead the way.”

“Yes!”

Reipio beside him looked concerned. Yuri extended his hand.

“Sir Reipio. Thank you for your kindness. But for now, the guide has arrived.”

“Yes. If anything comes up, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m here to help.”

“Thank you.”

“Not at all. Thanks to you, the Allied Army succeeded.”

“It was a group effort.”

“Haha…”

Yuri liked Reipio. He had already seemed promising for accompanying Graham, and now that he saw him again, he clearly was a man of integrity.

After saying farewell, Yuri followed Dale. Along the way, Dale began explaining the Imperial City.

“The place where you’ll be staying, Your Highness, is the Hotel Duforia. We’ve paid for a month in advance.”

“Good work. I’ll cover the cost.”

“No need. We paid it as a welcome gesture. You can stay comfortably.”

“‘We’?”

“The Briol Comrades Association.”

Yuri slowed his pace a bit.

“Briol Comrades Association?”

“Yes. It’s a group formed by Briol residents living in the Imperial City.”

This was the first time Yuri had heard of it.

“Most are students. Studying abroad can be tough, so we gather to support each other. Hahaha…”

Dale explained that since most were wealthy nobles, they had pooled money to cover Yuri’s group’s stay.

But Yuri shook his head.

“I’ll pay for myself anyway.”

“Your Highness, it really isn’t necessary. We just wanted to contribute to the Kingdom of Briol…”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“S-sorry? Y-yes, understood.”

“If you really want to help Briol, instead of doing this kind of thing, just focus on your studies.”

“Y-yes…”

Dale nodded with a downcast look. Though he was older than Yuri, he acted clumsy and immature. Yuri soon arrived at the Hotel Duforia, located on the outskirts of the Imperial City.

It was a large, luxurious building that stood out. Written in cursive across its gold-adorned walls was “Hotel Duforia.”

Dale smiled foolishly as he said,

“This is one of the most exclusive hotels in the Imperial City. I myself have only stayed here a coupl—”

He stopped himself, slapped his mouth, and extended his hand toward the entrance.

“A-anyway, let’s go in.”

As Yuri’s group approached, the doormen bowed respectfully.

“Welcome, Your Highness. We’ll serve you with utmost comfort.”

They were all burly men with swords at their waists. They looked like knights.

Dale whispered.

“The ones guarding the entrance are real knights. The hotel is managed by an Imperial Count. Hehehe…”

“I see.”

A hotel with knights as security. The Empire was definitely on another level.

Yuri’s group entrusted their horses to the staff and entered the hotel. It seemed they had been informed of their arrival, as they were immediately guided upstairs to their rooms.

Yuri took a room alone, and the rest were assigned in pairs or trios.

Once everything was more or less in order, Yuri called for Dale.

“Dale, thank you for your help.”

“It was nothing.”

“But next time, be on time.”

“I’m very sorry…”

“Do you have plans tonight?”

“Huh? No, none.”

“I want to explore the city a bit tonight.”

“Of course. I’ll accompany you.”

“Thanks. Then wait for me in front of the hotel later.”

“Will anyone else be coming…?”

“I’ll go alone.”

“Huh?”

“Do you make a habit of making me repeat myself?”

“N-no, of course not.”

Dale nodded quickly.

“Understood. I’ll get everything ready. Then, see you later.”

“Very well.”

Dale said goodbye and went down the stairs. Watching his back, Yuri tilted his head.

“Hm…”

Then Laurent, who was beside him, asked,

“He doesn’t seem like someone from Briol’s nobility. Do you not like him?”

“It’s not that… There’s something about him that bothers me.”

“Do you want me to look into that Briol Comrades Association?”

“No need.”

Yuri was aware he had some flaws as a leader. One of them was that he couldn’t feel at ease unless he resolved matters himself.

“For now, let’s get some rest. We’ve all been through quite an intense adventure.”

“Haha, understood.”

“Are you sharing a room with Jared?”

“Yes.”

“Be careful. That guy snores.”

“Ah…”

From his past life’s experience, Yuri knew Laurent was very sensitive when it came to sleeping. Even if he didn’t show it out of loyalty, he was extremely picky about cleanliness and hated any noise while trying to sleep.

Maybe, after this trip, Laurent and Jared would get along better.

“Well then, see you later.”

“Y-yes…”

Yuri closed the door and glanced around his room.

The bed looked as fluffy as cotton candy, and the furniture was adorned with gold leaf. The vanity mirror reflected the room’s interior without a single smudge.

“So this is the Imperial City…”

Even though he had spent some time there in his previous life, the city still struck him as incredibly prosperous. Back then, he used to secretly go on dates with Yekaterina.

As he recalled the past, Yuri flinched and slapped his cheek.

“What the hell am I thinking…?”

He shook his head vigorously and took off his clothes. The bathroom was as spacious as the room itself.

It seemed everything had already been prepared, as the bathtub was filled with hot water. Steam clouded the view. Yuri stepped in right away.

“Fuu…”

It was a bit hot, but he endured it using a mana method. Feeling the exhaustion of the long journey dissolve, Yuri murmured with a sigh,

“This is the life…”

He closed his eyes and submerged his entire body, head included, under the water. That’s why he didn’t notice.

The bathroom door opened, and someone walked in completely naked.