A Different World? Trading Between Worlds - Ch 2, Ep 45 - Royal Capital, Part 2

Royal Capital Part 2

Although the queue to enter the royal capital was extremely long, it moved very smoothly.

It made sense, since taking too much time with each person would leave many people stuck outside by nightfall.

Watching people steadily move through the checkpoint, Watari was reminded of commuters using a train station turnstile.

“What is your purpose for entering the royal capital?”

“For sightseeing. Also, my slave attended the academy here, so we plan to visit some old acquaintances.”

“Alright, please pay the entrance tax.”

“Sure.”

This time, Watari and his companions were primarily there for sightseeing and purchasing goods rather than selling them, so they didn’t need to pay much.

Obviously, in a city as large as the royal capital, high costs would deter visitors, which would be counterproductive. The total tax for the three of them didn’t even amount to a single silver coin.

Had they been bringing in valuable goods like sugar or spices, they would have been taxed heavily. Masques likely paid a significant amount in taxes for his goods. Notably, in Baron Moy’s territory, such customs duties would be waived.

“See you around, and do take my ship again if the timing works out!”

“Thanks for everything during the short trip!”

“I’m looking forward to our business dealings.”

“Count on it!”

Masques had to stay behind for product inspections, so they parted ways here. He had been very helpful and pleasant to deal with. Watari had no objections to maintaining a business relationship with him.

They waved goodbye to each other and headed toward their respective plans.

Once they crossed the city walls, they found themselves surrounded by tall Western-style buildings.

Rows of three-story or taller stone buildings lined the streets.

The place was bustling with people, and the noise was overwhelming. The tall buildings indicated a dense population. Expanding a walled city requires considerable time and money, so building upwards is more practical.

The population density was comparable to the bustling districts of Umeda or Namba in Osaka.

“Wow, look at all these people. I said something similar at Baron Moy’s place, but this is on another level.”

“There’s a big difference between a regional capital and the royal capital.”

“Keeping everyone safe is going to be tough. Master, Mariel, don’t wander off in excitement.”

“Y-yeah.”

Ea’s warning made Watari, who had been looking around excitedly like a tourist, pause.

There were many street stalls and shops that caught his eye, and the enticing aroma of roasted food wafted from somewhere, making his mouth water.

However, he had to stay vigilant to avoid becoming a target for pickpockets. They made sure to secure their bags and wallets.

“First, we need to secure a place to stay.”

“This way. I’ll guide you.”

“It’s really convenient to have someone familiar with the area. Oh, look, a bard is singing something.”

“He has a great voice.”

Due to her keen hearing, Ea seemed enchanted by the bard’s singing, listening intently with a dreamy expression.

The bard stood on a small platform, singing a ballad of a hero who fought against a fallen god in ancient times and brought peace to the world.

In this world, there was indeed an era when gods manifested.

“There were really powerful warriors in the old days. I’ve seen Ea’s skills in the dojo tests, but I wonder who would be stronger if we were to compare.”

“I-I wouldn’t lose!”

“I don’t doubt your abilities, Ea, but we’re talking about warriors who were immortalized in songs. It would be a dream match to witness.”

Ea pouted and tugged on his sleeve, clearly annoyed. Her competitive spirit, even against legendary warriors, was one of her charms.

“Hmm… If I were to fight seriously, it would probably be on a battlefield, in a dungeon, or if someone had already kidnapped me. You wouldn’t be able to watch from nearby.”

“I-I see. Well, I trust in your abilities, Ea. Let’s hope we never get the chance to find out.”

Kidnapping was no joke. The reality of their significant earnings made the threat feel all too real. If they continued to make substantial profits, they risked attracting the attention of nobility or large criminal organizations.

“That’s probably for the best.”

“Alright, the inn is just up ahead,” Mariel said, leading the way.

They walked along the sidewalk, moving slowly due to the horse-drawn carriages on the road. They entered a street lined with inns, forming a veritable lodging district. From the outside, all the inns looked quite well-built and similar in quality.

There was a public bathhouse nearby, accessible for a copper coin.

“This is the inn my family used for temporary stays in the royal capital. The food here is excellent. I’m sure you’ll like it, Master.”

“Oh, I’m looking forward to it. But don’t nobles usually have residences in the capital?”

“Only those with wealthy estates can afford that. My family, being poor frontier lords, couldn’t… We even had to sell our mansion.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up something sensitive.”

It was a casual question, but it seemed to touch on a sensitive topic for Mariel.

The inn was brighter than expected, likely due to large skylights. The first floor served as a reception and dining area, while the guest rooms were on the upper floors. Each piece of furniture was beautifully crafted, befitting a place frequented by the nobility.

The man at the counter noticed Mariel and widened his eyes in surprise.

“Is that you, Lady Mariel of the Hanover family? Are you safe?”

“I’ve been away for a long time. Could you prepare a room for us?”

“Of course. Right away.”

The man seemed to have questions in his eyes but said nothing as he quickly arranged their accommodations. He likely knew something about Mariel’s circumstances.