364 361. The city of Fania.txt (1/2)

Fania is the name of a mining town in the northeastern corner of the continent, but the surrounding area is often lumped together as well.

The mining town is surrounded by mountains as steep as those of Fouzeyards, and has little contact with other countries and territories. Formally, it is under the control of the Hoosiers. But in reality, they are not master and servant, but more like equal trading partners.

This is because the power of the nobles who rule the provinces is not so different from that of the Fuzzy Yards Country.

Considering the position and traditions of the continent, Fania has no choice but to obey the Fuzzyards, and is in a position to refuse if a reckless tax is imposed. When the time came, he could have easily turned to another country.

This was the knowledge of the Fouzeyards' royal family, Tiara Fouzeyards, but the time of need had already come, and Fania would be almost independent of the Fouzeyards, becoming a unique form of city-state, I suppose. They were there.

To put it bluntly, the Fouzeyards were so miserable and poor that their parent, Fania, had to leave their care early and live on her own.

For the past few years, Fania has been living on her own, and Fouzeyaz has not been able to observe her life.

But now, at last, two of the Foozeyars' people had made it to Fania's mining town.

They felt this entity with their whole body, not just their eyes, and shouted their impressions with their first voice.

''Whew, that's refreshing!　It's great!

With steam rising from my entire body, clean clothes, and dirt all over my body, I replaced the feeling of being reborn with words.

Next to me, my master, who, like me, had changed his clothes to local ones, was deeply moved.

'Oh, it's great ....... It's so refreshing. It's great, Fania is ....... The canals are the source of civilization and vibrancy .......

Or rather, I was crying.

I nodded sullenly and looked around again and again, continuing to admire the beauty of this city.

Like my master, I look around the city.

The area around the public bathhouse we came out of was filled with activity. A number of straightforward stone shops lined the streets, with the smell of food rising up to stimulate the human stomach after a bath.

A little further away, shops selling non-food items lined the streets, with black smoke rising from their chimneys. There are few shops that deal in daily necessities and clothing, but many of them feel like they are displaying iron artifacts and armor.

I had heard that this was a mining town, but I hadn't expected it to be accompanied by processing technology, so I was surprised. Looking at the interiors of the shops lightly lined up, I found that most of them were equipped with a workshop with a furnace.

The surprises never cease.

The best feature of this city is its brightness.

The ”flame-generating stones” as an example are installed and lit everywhere.

At both ends of the neatly paved cobblestone streets, flame-generating stones are placed at regular intervals. Flame-generating stones” lamps are always placed next to shop signs. If you look a little further away, you can see a lighthouse with a huge flame-generating stone. This one is as big as the sun, which I've only seen in books.

In other words, there is no darkness in this town due to the dark clouds of the ”demon poison”.

The surprises still continue.

To top it all off, the city is surrounded by a protective wall, bright and vibrant.

The city, which is as large as the capital of Huzjaz, is surrounded by an artificial wall, reducing the threat from outside monsters, and even has a proper checkpoint.

They screened out visitors from the outside and increased the security of the city.

Thanks to that, there are no gazes of bandits like the ones I encountered in the city not long ago. The eyes of the people walking the streets are not bleary-eyed, nor do they seem to be suffering from hunger.

The vibrancy that people are supposed to have was present in this city.

Honestly, it's not just the city on the road, it's even the castle of Hoozeyer's.

''It's really great. This is our loss. ......

As I finished looking around, I admitted, even though I was Hoozeyards royalty.

As I mentioned it, a man who seemed to be in a very good mood approached me with a laugh.

''Haha, I see that you have enjoyed the specialties of our Fania territory.

A young, gray-haired man with conspicuous white hair appeared, dressed in a cloth so fine that only royalty would wear it if it were Hoozeyards.

He is one of the chambermaids in the service of the city's lord, the Neisha family.

''Please, Lady Tiara. ''I've finished checking.''

The letter of introduction of the Hoosiers' royal family, which I had given them when I entered the city, was returned to me.

Thanks to this one thing I kept under my skin, we were now treated as guests in Fania. I've been covered in mud and vomited up by nighttime thieves lately,...... but I'm still a princess from the capital of the country.

'Thanks. I've been very fortunate to have you at the checkpoint in the city. You made it so easy to get things done.

When we reached the city, we were first subjected to a stern checkpoint.

We knew that if we entered the city without any handlers, we would have to pay a huge bribe, so we had to use our trump card, the backing of the royal family, as soon as possible. Or rather, it was the only bill we had left to cut.

And, as a result of this attendant at the checkpoint, who was there to check our referral, we were taken to the city's prized public bathhouse.

The attendant, who is probably one of the most powerful men in the city, personally hosted us, the emissaries of the Hooziers.

It is my job to receive foreign dignitaries. ...... Incidentally, regarding the hospitality at the lord's mansion, we would like to have tomorrow night. Please allow us a day or so to prepare something suitable for Lady Tiara.

A banquet tomorrow night for a sudden visit.

It's quite normal in the expected response. The lord's pride and concern for the royal family would not allow for hasty hospitality. I can see that he is careful not to be rude to the Hoozeyards' messenger.

'Tomorrow night, huh ....... Do I have to answer it?　In this day and age, I don't think any of us can afford it, and it's okay to skip the format and all that, right?　Like I said at the beginning, it's most helpful to be treated lightly. We're just here for a sneak peek, you know.

Our purpose was to recruit - or rather, abduct - people. I don't want to be a part of the inspection, and I want to avoid any trouble.

''That's not going to happen. Not to welcome Lady Tiara at the pavilion would be tantamount to disrespecting the country of Fuzzyards. Please give our Fania a chance.''

'No, really, I'm the end of the line in Hoosiers, too, right?　Seriously.

'Yes, that's why. That's why Fania wants to do her best to entertain you.

I tried to emphasize the undisciplined prodigal princess as much as I could, but to no avail. From those two ”so-and-so's”, I guessed that there were multiple reasons for wanting to entertain me, and I gave up.

'...... Okay, I get it. I'll get it, just for the sake of it.

What a relief. I'll be relieved to hear that. Well, let me show you to the best inn in town. And give you a tour of the city.

The chamberlain began to escort us away.

From the slightly forceful flow of this, I suspect that this man is a sentry. It's possible that somewhere our purpose has leaked out and been transmitted to this city ahead of time.

I cautiously follow behind the man with a fake smile on my face. By the way, Master had a heartfelt smile on his face and started talking to the man of the chamberlain like a child.

''Soooo awesome ......!　These aren't just cobblestones. It's easy to walk on: ......!

Oh, Aikawa-sama has a different kind of eye for detail. Can you tell?　All this ingenuity and hard work.

By the way, I've given my master an appropriate knighthood in the Hoosiers and treated him as a knight of the guard. On top of that, he's set up to be my swordsmanship instructor.

''I understand. The outer wall is also very ingenious, unlike the Hoozeyards. That shape, that angle, that material, it's not just an enclosure.

There's a lot of special minerals here. We all worked together to come up with something appropriate for it, and we managed to make it happen.

'It's great. No half-hearted monster would be able to destroy that thing.

Yes, sir. So far, no one has reported that it was destroyed. However, there have been a few reports of climbs: ......

Even from that angle?　But if you change the angle any more than that--

They happen to have similar interests, and they seem to be having a great time talking.

However, as I listen to them beside me, I very calmly have a different opinion.

Certainly, this city of Fania is progressive and wonderful.

But I feel that the essence of it is something else.

Are these smooth streets really just for the distribution of goods?　Isn't that exquisite height of the exterior wall aware of anything other than a monster?

It's no surprise that there's a backstory to national politics - but I didn't think the backstory of this city was 'normal', such as being connected to other countries or trading banned goods.

It smells the same as Hoosier's, which began to gain vitality with the arrival of the masters. Without a doubt, there are 'anomalies' such as 'The One Who Steals the Reason' and 'The Apostle' involved.

What I feel in particular is the one at the end of the road we're walking on now.

Just like that, the master goes on to praise it.

''-Thank you!　This 'flame-generating stone' is awesome!　How does it work?!

That's the Flame God's Stone, isn't it? I can't explain it in detail as a mere attendant, but it is produced at the First Magician's Research Institute in this town. The city's blacksmiths process it for us.

Show me!　Research!　...... I see. So this city was looking ahead to the world and trying to figure out that 'demonic poison'.

...... Yeah. Because ever since this 'demonic poison' flooded the world, it has been a challenge for mankind to figure it out.

.............

Now, the chamberlain has changed a little bit.

It was clear to me that he had lied, but the master continued to talk about the bright future fluently.

''Tiara, we'll definitely take this stone home with us!　No, I'd rather scout the techs here!　It will definitely speed up the development of 'spellcraft' over here!

Oh, oh?　Oh no, I wish I could, but I don't think that would be easy. Just because it's our own territory doesn't mean we can't be that reckless. Master.

'What?　Since it's within the Hoosiers' territory, can't they give orders like that?

'I can give orders. However, whether or not you listen to those orders depends on the power of that lord. Honestly, there's no reason for the people here to listen to a failing capital city.

'Well, you can exchange technicians or ....... This one is per Mr. Sith out and .......

Trade?　Hmmm, then--

He left his master, who was talking about a pretty terrible deal, and glanced at the attendant's face.

There was just a bitter smile on his face that never nodded.

'Seems no good.'

Seeing the reaction of the chamberlain, the master seems to have understood the power relationship between Fuzzyards and Fania.

He snorted in frustration and gave up the abduction of the Research Institute. However, he quickly regains his mind and suggests what he can do now.

''Well then, could you please just take a look?　I'd love to see the city's mineral processing techniques and the labs.

”Processing Technology and Research Institute. ....... Yes, that's of course. There isn't a single thing in our city that we would hide from the Hoosiers' emissaries.

Thank goodness. ......!

My master is pleased with the boldness of the response, but my disgust at the originally impossible request being granted only deepens.

Was he prepared to hide anything he was guilty of at any time? Or did they want to show the Hoosiers that they have a skill that can never be duplicated?

It would be better to move quietly now to find out what this city was thinking.

In a small voice, I convey my agreement to my mentor alone.

''...... That's right. Let's watch and look for things while we're at it, shall we?

'Yeah ....... Because even if they (...) weren't there, I'd still want to bring back the appropriate information and technology.

I didn't say what I was looking for, but my master properly nodded at me, thinking of 'what steals the reason'. It's a bit of a relief that he hasn't gotten carried away by tourism and forgotten his original purpose.

...... Or maybe it's the other way around.

Is Master floating around like this because he hasn't forgotten his original purpose?

It's not just a matter of finding 'the one who steals the reason', but also promoting the 'witchcraft' technique for his sister. That's why the search is taking a back seat to a culture (or thing) that seems to be more valuable than 'the one that steals reason'.

We reaffirm the purpose of our mutual journey and are led by an attendant man.

Along the way, he shows us the buildings that stand on both sides of the road and tells us about the life of the Fania people.

And we learn that while the ingenuity of working in the mines and the lives of the blacksmiths are harsh, there is a wealth to match. Everyone who worked in the city was deeply grateful for life here, because they knew the misery outside the city. They were breathing heavily and sweating profusely, but with a sense of contentment on their faces.

Some of them stood out from the rest.

I saw a number of groups from earlier that were putting their foreheads on the ground towards the larger 'Fire God's Stone' in the city. It's not that they are doing it out of spite. They are not praying out of desperation, as they did in the city before. They were praying because they wanted to.

As my master and I stare at it, an attendant man explains to us.

'Is it unusual?'

'No, I've seen it all along the way here, so I don't think it's unusual. As I recall, Fania adheres to something called Altofelism, right?

'That's good news. The missionaries we've sent outside the walls seem to be slowly spreading the word about the greatness of our teaching.

I just couldn't find a city with as many believers as this one: ......

''This Fania is the holy place and headquarters of the Altofel religion. On top of that, the lord is promoting the Altofel religion, so the congregation is large. They also hold regular ceremonies and festivals. Right now, we are in the middle of a festival.

'Oh, it was during the festive period, wasn't it? So, so much activity ......

''However, the shops are still lined up, and it's just a matter of fooling around with masks. In a few days, we're planning to use the 'Flame God's Stone' to hold a fancy event, so I hope the two of you will be able to stay until then.

'............. Heh, that's a full-blown ......

In the middle of the conversation, Master's face suddenly changed color.

Even though he seemed to be having so much fun, his eyes sharpened as if he was in a battle stance.

He hadn't used the Dimension yet.

That was the last trump card since my master was wearing out. In other words, due to other factors, Master was now preparing to kill each other.

'Yes, we are very much committed to the Altofel religion. By praying on the pillars of worship set up in the city, your wishes can reach the God of Flame's divine body. ...... How about it?　Why don't you pray for once, Aikawa-san?

Without knowing it, the attendant urged him to worship at a large monument in the city. The master refused to do so with a bitter smile and a distant smile.

'Can you reach it?　Uh, um, that ....... Sorry. I'm not too used to this kind of thing, hahaha ......

...... Oh, I'm sorry. I suggested it lightly, even though it's not a practice that people outside the walls are familiar with. I know it in my head, but living in Fania, I can't help but do it.

'No, I understand the desire to make people aware of something better. If it comes from our own city, that's even better!

'Oh, Aikawa-sama is really very understanding and helpful. It's been a very long time since I've had this much fun showing you around town.

There was one point of incompatibility, but it didn't seem to be enough to ruin their rapport.

As if nothing had happened, they walked down the street again, talking about city building. And when they came to the center of the city, they reached the front of a large building that stood out from the rest. The attendant spreads his arms out as if he is proud of it.

'This is the shop with the best workshop in our town. The two of you will have to wait here for a moment. I'll go through the tour first.

I go into the store ahead of him to ask permission to visit.

I look off behind him and immediately check with the master next to me.

'Master?'

He asked the reason for the earlier killing spree.

However, Master continued to mutter to himself while staring at the air from the moment the samurai man disappeared.

''--Is this 'demonic poison' flowing in one direction ......?　No, is this a converted power?　The same kind of force is at work in my dimension: ....... How?　Who and what is ......--

I follow that master's gaze, but I don't see anything.

It seems that something that can only be perceived as 'the thing that steals reason' is stirring in this city.

''-- Could it be that you made this city itself the 'price'?　Does the mere existence of the concept of faith make a deal with the world?　Then you're in that one (・・・・・・・)--

It sounded very interesting, so I stopped watching and shouted.

'Shhhhhh!　I know you're surprised by something, but tell me about it!

Coming to himself with a huff, the master replies with a small, apologetic 'Sorry'.

I'm sorry, ...... tiara. But it's going to be a long story, so I'll write it down clearly for you later.

He doesn't tell me.

However, I can tell you that there was a threat that only made my master drip cold sweat with nervousness.

''This is such a bad town?''

Oh, no. In fact, it's a very nice city. However, if I were to compete with any of the 'fire-stealers' that might be in this city for the 'magic poison' in the air, I think I would lose. This place is completely in their territory.

Even with the ”spellcraft”, it appeals to me with its eyes that there is danger.