Chapter 32 (1/2)
Chapter 32: Senjoumai
While following behind the back of the Claura who is currently huffing with peevishness, I survey the Lelis citizens that we pa.s.s.
There are markets with lines of shops that look like stalls, and shopkeepers negotiating with such zeal that I can see saliva flying. Craftsmen strictly admonis.h.i.+ng their apprentices at their storefronts. Young people and children delightedly stuffing their cheeks with sweets and fruits and grilled meats. Of course, the plaintive cries of beggars crawling on the bare ground, as well as angry voices from ongoing fights can also be heard mixed into the din.
I didn’t really pay it much attention earlier, but there is indeed a ca.n.a.l running through the city, spanned by arch-like stone bridges. s.h.i.+ps of a huge variety of colors are going to and fro, carrying both goods and people.
Because the talks dragged on so long at the Magician Guild, it is now almost sunset.
“Could it be that that is the aforementioned Senjoumai?”
“Eh? Ahh, yes it is.”
While walking alongside the ca.n.a.l, which is so wide that it can almost be called the artery of the city, I notice several heavily ornamented boats slowly proceeding in a line, like a parade. There are large numbers of people crowding both banks and the bridges, staring transfixed at the dance stages set on top of the boats.
Lent an almost fantastical air by light sources similar to the j.a.panese andon, the stages are occupied by dancers veiled in red and white who are dancing serenely. Some of the s.h.i.+ps also have musicians on board. Though calm, the tone color of their music somehow feels melancholic.
(T/N: Andon: fixed paper-enclosed lantern / paper-covered wooden stand housing a(n oil) lamp ~Akebi dictionary)
Because we are looking down at the boats from the bank of the ca.n.a.l, when all the dancers turn in unison, their dazzling costumes look like vividly brilliant fireworks all going off at the same time, leaving a deep impression with me.
“...... It really is beautiful, but isn’t it a bit subdued for a centerpiece of a festival?”
Claura sadly answers my thoughtless comment.
“Today’s programme is a requiem. For those sacrificed to the anki……”
“...... I see.”
This is a thought that had also risen up when I was fully appreciating the splendor of Sedia’s nature while travelling on the royal highway—this really isn’t a game world, but one with real people living inside.
“......”
“What are you doing?”
I naturally brought my palms together. This gesture might be incomprehensible for those in this world, but I don’t think it wrong to pay respects to those who have gone before us.
♥♦♣♠
After crossing several stone bridges, we are back in a street close to the city gates.
It is a street with rows of merchant houses hanging out elaborately ornamented signboards. This is apparently Commerce Avenue.
“Irudo’s…… I mean, Mora’s house is that one over there. After coming this far, you won’t get lost anymore, right?”
Fumu. Does that mean that Claura intends to turn back here? Well, this city is her home, so there’s no particular reason to have her stay, I guess.
“Thank you, Claura.”
“What is it? All I did was just show you the way.”
“No, it’s just that I’d forgotten to thank you properly for everything up to now. Really, thank you very much.”
“...... I, I was just fulfilling my duty, that’s all.”
“Even if so, I am thankful. You are my benefactor.”
“Benefactor of a ‘Great Wizard’? So, I can look forward to quite a few benefits in the future?”
So says Claura sarcastically while shrugging her shoulders.
“Uu, that’s a bit, um……”
I’ve begun to grow a bit more used to the mask of a Great Wizard, but I still find it very heavy.
“I’m just joking. I know full well that you are a kind person.”
If I had heard those words from a young woman while in the area around the pleasure quarters of modern j.a.pan, my mind would automatically translate them into “I have no interest in you whatsoever.” I wonder whether, in this world, if I can consider them a compliment or not.
“However…… this is a world where anki can appear at any moment and kill anybody and their family. If there really is a true hero who can change that reality, I……”
“Ah—……”
“I don’t know what choice you will pick, but I'm sure that it will be a good choice. But well…… whether or not I will be able to support it is a different matter altogether. Either way, fare you well.”
While I’m standing stunned, she gets up and walks off jauntily.
♥♦♣♠
“Truly, your presence is such a huge honor!”
“Gio-san, please eat a lot more!”
After safely reaching Irudo’s house—mansion, more like—I was greeted with a grand welcome.
Irudo, Mora, and many of the servants continued lavis.h.i.+ng thanks on me.
A huge feast was lined up on a splendid table, and after hearing that Mora had also gone into the kitchen and pitched in with the cooking, I felt like I would get punished if I didn’t eat it.
First order of business, I asked Irudo whether his cargo, which was stored in the storeroom at Jiiteias Castle last I heard, had been properly returned by the Carbanera knights, and he confirmed that it had been done without any problems. Mora did get a bit huffy though, saying “But I was supposed to go retrieve it!”.
Next, Irudo offered to exchange the IOU that he’d given me for the remaining 3,000 gold coins that he was supposed to pay me—in Sedam’s and his party’s stead—for rescuing Mora from the mountain bandits that had abducted her. I was thinking that I should just obediently accept the money, but then a brilliant idea occurred to me.
“In exchange for that 3,000, I want to entrust you with a job.”
“A job worth 3,000 gold coins? What is it you would have me do, what manner of job is it?”
“The Order has given me owners.h.i.+p over that fort. But well, it’s quite inconvenient if I’m the only person there. I want you to find me trustworthy servants, as well as someone can see oversee them.”
Irudo slapped his knee and responded immediately.
“I see. Duly acknowledged. Am I correct in a.s.suming that their deposits and preparatory costs are all to be covered with this 3,000?”
“Yes, that is correct.”