Yonin No Ikemen Ni Kyuuai Sarete Ore Wa Namidamedesu

Chapter 33: Sacred City, Ruphia

When we were heading eastwards for three days, the Sacred City of Ruphia came into sight.

Just like Habartalt’s border, it’s appearance is based on white and gives off a somewhat holy atmosphere.

The church was especially given special attention, the beautiful buildings inside the city were all religious facilities. The name Sacred City isn’t just for show.

Even so, the church on the roadside is on the smaller side and in the center of the city, a building with white walls is grandly standing shoulder to shoulder in line with the castle.

I heard that that is affixed to the inner sanctuary. I’d like to watch it up close later.

The Sacred City also seems to gather goods, there is a lot of stuff being sold that I haven’t noticed at the remote town of Verna.

Oh, they have pepper, I want one~…. Uwah, that is expensive.

What is this, what do they mean a fistful of it costs two pieces of silver?

Looking closely, other foodstuffs are also expensive. Aleph was also thoughtfully looking through the items.

[The price is still high even if we deduct the city’s fee.]

[You’re right, it might even increase some more soon.]

Ciel also thought about something with a hardened expression. Ragna also agreed his hand on his chin.

[Fumu, looks like we need to confirm the situation of the prices as soon as possible.]

[What’s going on? Ah, could it be a group(stampede) of monsters is coming?]

[Most probably. It’s certain that Refluo is closing in.]

Ciel answered my question.

[Although I’m worried how far the monsters have come but, we must meet with the Holy Emperor before that happened or else we won’t be able to see him for a while.]

Towards Alf‘s concern, Ragna presented his idea.

[Well then, why don’t we move separately? I will go to the guild right now to ask about the situation. Alf and Rei should go to that person called the Holy Emperor.]

[I will also ask the residents and gather the supplies we lack. Let’s meet at the guild later.]

Ciel said, and the Elf and the Dragonian walked in different directions.

[Yosh, let’s quickly get this done. Where is the Holy Emperor? Should we just head towards the biggest building?]

I called out to Alf who was left with me. Alf hesitated then said to me.

[Rei, it’s too crowded around this place. In order for you not to get lost, that… your hand, can I hold it?]

To Alf whose cheeks were lightly dyed red while holding out his hand, I was also drawn and held his hand while blushing. It was wrapped in a warm hand.

[Well then, let’s go.]

[Ye, yeah.]

Waah~, whatisthiswhatisthis, so bittersweet. It’s like a date.

I climbed the stairs with Alf pulling my hand.  It looks like the biggest building(apparently it’s called the Cathedral) located in the central district was built on top of a hill and you won’t be able to reach it without climbing continuously.

When I arrived in front of it and looked up, the building with the size of about 5-stories building had a majestic appearance. The white wall is basked with the sun’s light and is brilliantly sparkling.

The pillars engraved with delicate carvings don’t seem to get boring no matter how much I look at them.

Just when I thought we’re going to the Cathedral as we are, but it seems this place is the place of worship and the Holy Emperor is in the castle.

Now that he mentions it, worshipers have been coming and going from the church since a while back. Come to think of it, there’s no way a Royalty will stay in a place where people come and go freely.

What, so he’s not here. I wanted to see what the inside looks like for a bit.

Alf seems to be hurrying to the castle so I obediently follow.

The way to the castle of course does not allow free entrance like the Cathedral, soldiers are standing in front of the gate.

Both the castle and the castle gates are pure white, the soldiers’ armors are also silver, so far it’s completely white that it went past the sacred ambiance and looks cold.

[Adventurers, huh, what do you want? It is prohibited from here on.]

As we approach the gate, we were questioned by the gatekeeper. My muscles tensed from the intimidating aura.

[We wish to meet with the Holy Emperor. Can you take a look at this ring?]

[What is it?]

Alf removed the chain hanging on his chest and presented it to the gatekeeper.

[Wha-, is this real?]

[It’s only normal for you to doubt, I will prove it now.]

When Alf put the ring on his middle finger, the bluestone mounted at the center indistinctly released a mysterious light.

[…Please excuse my rudeness! Please pass through.]

The soldiers sent us through the castle gate with a salute. A guide was arranged, he said ‘follow me’ and showed us the way courteously.

Alf is walking through the castle confidently. The attitude of the soldiers at the gate and that ring, and his appearance as if he’s used to places like this, just who on earth is Aleph? I so dyingly wanted to ask.

The corridor is too quiet, it’s totally not an atmosphere to speak so I held myself back but, I’ll definitely ask him later.