Chapter 1, Seichun

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

After spending half a month in Sewri Forest, Kousuke and his companions finally emerged from its dense foliage. Though there were five villages scattered throughout the forest, their journey after leaving the first settlement had been remarkably uneventful. They had encountered monsters along the way, of course, but as always, Nana had dispatched them with enthusiastic efficiency.

As they traveled the familiar forest paths, Kousuke noticed something unusual. Wild animals had begun approaching their carriage. This didn’t happen while they were in the villages, but whenever they traveled alone or made camp for the night, curious creatures would keep watch over them from a distance.

This newfound attention was undoubtedly because Kousuke had become the ‘Godfather’ of the World Tree in Sewri Forest.

Before departing from the Elf village, Kousuke had examined the World Tree with his left eye, but it was certainly not his dependent. Perhaps establishing such a connection required a special contract or ritual. Still, without further investigation, he could not be certain. For now, the summoned beasts in the Tower were sufficient for his needs, so he did not pursue the matter further.

After safely navigating through Sewri Forest, they finally caught sight of their destination: the Seichun City.

Geographically, Sewri Forest spread from the southwest to the southeast with Seichun at its center. The Republic of Reines ruled from the southwest to the northwest, the Dominant Empire controlled the territories from the northwest to the northeast, and the Kingdom of Heitey governed from the northeast to the southeast. Positioned precisely at the crossroads of these three nations, was Seichun, which had maintained its independence without falling under any country’s rule.

Located beneath Gazenran Tower, Seichun had long been renowned as a gathering place for Adventurers. The city owed its continued independence partly to the formidable presence of these Adventurers, but primarily to the three nations’ fierce competition for control of Gazenran Tower.

Though currently locked in a three-way stalemate, historical records revealed that Seichun had once been surrounded by many more competing nations.

Political considerations aside, Seichun was a city built entirely around Adventurers. An arena stood at the city’s center, hosting battles almost daily. These battles naturally became the subject of extensive gambling. Every facility an Adventurer might need could be found within the city’s walls.

This Adventurer’s paradise was the reason why Crown had not yet expanded into Seichun yet. Beyond the political stalemate and the watchful eyes of rival nations, negotiations in this city proved difficult because of the guilds’ considerable influence. Though an administrative body existed, it merely maintained order and deflected external pressures. The true power remained with the guilds, chief among them the Adventurer’s guild.

Numerous guilds of varying sizes operated within Seichun, but those that profited most from Gazenran Tower naturally commanded the greatest authority. Materials harvested from the Tower constituted Seichun’s largest source of income.

Guilds naturally dispatched their members to acquire these valuable resources, which funded their operations. So, the larger the guild, the more materials they obtained, and consequently, the greater their standing within the city.

♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦

After passing through the city’s checkpoint without incident, Kousuke and his companions began searching for an inn where they could stable their carriage. Though they were looking for accommodations, they had already gathered considerable information about the city during their travels.

It was said that every Adventurer on the Western Continent had visited Seichun at least once, so they had no shortage of information about the city. They planned to stay at one of the recommended inns they’d heard had vacancies. Seichun’s popularity among Adventurers meant that quality accommodations were often fully booked.

Kousuke and his friends had prepared themselves to visit several establishments, but their worries proved unfounded. When inquiring about lodgings, they easily secured rooms at the first inn they approached. In this city where many stayed for extended periods, vacancies at desirable inns were rare commodities. Once fully booked, rooms seldom became available. This was especially true for the most popular establishments.

As they checked in, a staff member remarked that they were ‘lucky guests’. The inn’s popularity was reflected in its well-trained staff, who delivered this potentially off-putting comment just once and with tact.

As expected of an establishment recommended by experienced Adventurers, the inn permitted familiars on the premises. Thus, Nana accompanied them to their assigned room.

The accommodations were at the very upper limit of what Kousuke’s guild rank would typically allow. Perhaps even slightly beyond it. However, since Kousuke’s income came from sources entirely unrelated to guild ranking, the cost presented no obstacle.

The innkeeper, unaware of this fact, had likely shown them to this room so readily because they had paid in advance, and for an entire month.

This time, Kousuke and his friends intended to settle in Seichun for an extended stay. Since their journey was primarily for sightseeing, they wanted to explore the city thoroughly. Of course, they also planned to challenge Gazenran Tower, though Kousuke had yet to decide whether to attempt a complete conquest.

With Kouhi and Mitsuki by his side, exploring all Floors was possible, but he had no desire to invite unnecessary trouble.

Moreover, Kousuke was eager to wander through Seichun’s streets. With Gazenran Tower situated almost exactly at the Western Continent’s center, and Seichun at its base, the city had become a crossroads for travelers from all directions. This central location meant that cuisine from across the continent could be found within Seichun’s boundaries. If possible, Kousuke hoped to sample every dish the city had to offer.

♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦♢♦

Taking Kousuke’s schedule into consideration, the inn arranged for his morning and evening meals to be served together in the evening. Since they had arrived in Seichun past noon, dinner at the inn would be their first meal in the city.

When the food arrived, Kousuke couldn’t help but exclaim, “Chinese…?”

The array of dishes before them bore a striking resemblance to Chinese cuisine. Hearing Kousuke’s surprised comment, Kouhi and Mitsuki exchanged curious glances.

“There are meals like this too?” Mitsuki asked, noting Kousuke’s delighted expression at the sight of the Chinese-style dishes.

“Yes. Although it is the cuisine of the neighboring country,” Kousuke explained.

Mitsuki nodded thoughtfully. She had already mastered Japanese cuisine for Kousuke’s sake but had never heard of foods from other nations.

They had chosen to dine in their room rather than in the dining hall below. While guests could select either option, they preferred the privacy of their quarters. With Nana present alongside Kouhi and Mitsuki, Kousuke knew they would attract attention in public. He had no desire to eat under such scrutiny. Perhaps the inn staff had anticipated this preference when offering them the choice.

With these thoughts in mind, Kousuke savored his first taste of Chinese cuisine in quite some time.