89-Episode 87: Makoto Takatsuki Knows the Darkness and Light of Highlands



Mister Tuckey, this is the Seventh Ward. This is the city of subhumans.
Well I see that the Seventh Ward is behind the Highland Castle.
 The streets are quite different from the well-developed Sixth Ward Street.

 My first impression of the city is that it's a messy city.
 The ground is not cobblestones, but dirt.
 It's crowded and a little dusty.
 Loud and noisy with talking voices.
 People ... beastmen, elves, dwarves, lizardmen, and various races.
 The human race is mostly merchants.
 There are wooden stalls and piles of goods all over the place.

"Takatsuki-sama~, be careful not to get lost.
Nina, I'm not a child.
 Today, I accompanied Fujiyan and Nina.
 I've heard that the 7th and 8th districts can get tangled up with non-merchant people wandering around.
 A city of sub-humans. Is it not safe?

Can I have these three, please?
 Fujiyan buys a sandwich with poultry and vegetables from a stall.
'Here you go, Nina-dono, Tacky-dono.
Thank you, sir, and thank you, Fujiyan.
 The bread is hard, similar to French bread.
 I walked around and took a bite.
 The juices are soaked into the bread and mixed with the rich sauce, which is delicious.

Do you come here often, Fujiyan? Here (7th District)
Compared to the Six Boroughs, it's cheaper. Also, there are some bargains lying around.
There are a lot of rip-offs, though. Your husband doesn't have to worry about it.
'We'd best buy it in the Sixth Ward and sell it in the Third Ward in the Aristocracy District.
 Fujiyan laughs and Nina chuckles.
 I see that the price of living in the area where the human race lives is different from the area where the sub-humans live.
 I'm not sure if it's basic business to stock up cheaply and sell at a higher price.
Fujiyan, who has the "appraisal and super-grade" skills, should be very good at finding bargains.

 Once again, I look around.
 It might be similar to the market landscape around Southeast Asia.
 It's a nice atmosphere.

By the way. We've received word from Sophia-sama that they're holding a 'Celebration Party for the Birth of the New Brave Man of Roses' at Highland Castle this evening. The host is Princess Noel.
Well.....
 The new hero? Oh, it's me.

But we're in the Land of the Sun, right?
 I can understand if you're celebrating in the water country (Roses).
'High Moon-sama. I'll make a big announcement about the bright topic of the birth of a brave man to get the people excited. It happens all the time, Des.
 Nina explained it to me.
 I see.
 A brave man is a tool of politics.

''However, be careful in the Land of the Sun (Highland) as it is a more civility-obsessed country than the Land of the Water (Roses)...''
 Nina-san gave me a worried look.
''I bought a fight with the five holy nobles as soon as we arrived in the royal capital, Symphonia, so...''
 Fujiyan laughed at me.
 Umm, hmm. I don't have a temper, but....
 I don't like it. Have you been having a bad image lately?

Where do we go from here?
 Let's change the subject.
'There's a man here who used to help me in the past. I'm here to discuss business and report my marriage to him.
 Nina smiles and laughs.
 I'm relieved to see her happy face.

Then, let's head over.
 Fujiyan led us to our destination.


- Lucy's point of view -


 Makoto went out with Fujiyan-san and the others.
When you're in a new town, you have to explore first! While saying, "Common sense.
 I'm fine.
 You just fought the lightning hero (Gerald) yesterday.
 Is your body okay?

Aya. You sure you don't want to go out with Makoto?
Takatsuki and Fujiwara said they were going to visit armor shops and armor stores. I thought it was boring. How about you, Lucy?
I've been asking the Great Sage to train me.
Wow! That sounds like fun. Can I go too?
No, it's okay.

 He tells Aya that the Great Sage is a vampire and a thousand year old hero himself.
 And that Makoto was sucked out of his blood.
 It shouldn't be a problem for her, since she's with your party.
 But aren't you afraid to meet him?
 Makoto said he wouldn't see the Great Sage for a while. 

But before that, I want to go for a walk. Do you want to come with me?
 Aya wants to go shopping.
 She's like Makoto in that she likes to walk around.
Yeah, that's fine.
 I've never been to the Highland King's Landing before either.
 It might help to be with Aya since it would be noticeable if an elf was wandering around by himself in the human area.
 We both went out into the city.


 ◇


That's a lot of money...
'Yeah this outfit design is cute.
 Aya and I look at each other.
 The cost of living in the royal capital Symphonia is high.
 The royal capital Horne in Roses was also expensive when compared to McAllen, but this place is even more so.

 By the way, he wears a hat and hides his ears.
 Elves can pretend to be a human race as long as they hide their ears.

''Would you like something to eat?''
 I might be a little hungry.
'Miss Lucy, are you sure you don't want to go to the Great Sage's?'
'It's only noon. The Great Sage says it's better to be late because he sleeps at noon.
Oh..... But Fujiwara-kun said there's a party at Highland Castle today.
...a party, eh?

 A banquet (party) to celebrate the truth of the newly appointed brave.
 However, this is a social gathering in the Land of the Sun (Highland), which is fussy about civility and supremacy of the human race.
 I am an elf.....
I might not be able to attend.
'Yeah! Nina says she's not answering. I don't feel safe on my own!
 Aya pulls on the sleeves.

Chris and Princess Sophia are there.
'No, I'm not that close to those two...'
 Well, I am too.
 We were having that conversation.


'You two over there. You have an unusual destiny.
 Suddenly, I was approached by a voice.
 The owner of the voice can't see her face due to her purple hood and robes, but I can tell it's a woman by her voice.
 There is a large crystal ball on a small desk.
 .........maybe a fortune teller.
 She has a slightly suspicious air about her.

"We?
 Aya reacted.
'Hey, Aya. You shouldn't do that.
 The art of fortune telling is popular among some women of the human race.
 However, there are some fraudulent fortune tellers who use words to charge high amounts of money for fortune telling.
 To begin with, the users of "fate magic" who can read the future are extremely rare.
 A wizard you meet on the street like this is probably a fake or weak wizard.

I didn't know there were fortune-tellers in this world, too.
 Aya watches with interest.
''Oh, you are from another world, aren't you? You have a strange cause and effect.
Can you tell?
 Aya crept closer and closer.
 Aya, I've been caught.
 I had no choice but to head over to the fortune teller's office.

"What do you want to know?
 A small smiling fortune teller.
 In the shadow of the robe, you can't see her entire face, but she must be quite beautiful.

Hmmm, but do you think your horoscope is really right?
 Aya smiles at me.

''Oh, that's unexpected. I still pride myself on being the best reader of fate in King's Landing, you know?
 The fortune teller chuckles back with a giggle and a scowl.
'Well, guess what it is about me. Then I'll ask you to tell my fortune~
 Ooh, that's swell, Aya.
 If you don't get it right, you're not missing out on anything.

 A common scam is to use your appraisal skills to pretend that you know something about you.
 In reality, appraisal skills can only read expressive information, such as your occupation and name, and other current information.
Naturally, it cannot read "the future" or "people's minds".
 That is the domain of fate magic and the legendary 'mind reading' skill.

''Hmm, let's see then........''
 A fortune teller looking into a crystal ball.

(Hey, hey, Lucy. (Is fortune-telling magic?)
 Aya asked me in a whisper.
(Yes, it's a metallic fate spell. But I don't know if I've ever met the wielder before.
 If you're a real fate wizard, you're valuable.
 Some of the nobles have a highly paid hired fortune teller.

''Oh my goodness, did you get some interesting results?
 The fortune teller looked up.
 When I caught a glimpse of her eyes, I was thrown off guard.

'You ... you're struggling with love, aren't you?
Well, just in case.
 Aya answers the fortune teller's question.
 But that's what any girl at her age would do.
 To that extent, anyone can say that.
 When I look at Aya, she has a disappointed look on her face.
 I knew that was the extent of it.

''Hmm, that trouble..... That I fell in love with the same person as your friend. Am I right?
Yeah? Yeah, maybe.
 Is that.........
 Is this person a real destiny wizard?

So, about your friend.
 The fortune teller's mouth twists into a nasty grin.
'I wonder if it's the elf girl next door?'
"?
 You're scaring me.
 You, you fortune teller!
 How dare you!
 That's right. But I am!

Well, that's great. Sister.
 Aya... are your eyes getting serious?
Bingo? Then you'll have to pay for the fortune telling in advance for 5,000 g.
That's going to take a lot.
'But he's great. Miss Lucy.
 Aya takes money out of her purse and hands it to the fortune teller.

'Then what shall I predict? Whether or not you'll end up with that person you love?

(Psst! You're not ready for this. (Don't divine it!)
 I thought, but Aya's words had nothing to do with it.


....
 I see.
 In the Great Maze, Aya lost her family.
 She defeated the Queen of the Harpies, one of the kataki, but...
 The other one, Aya's sister, is missing.

She's got her own reasons. Can you wait a minute?
 The fortune teller looks into the crystal ball again.
 The crystal ball glows dimly and thinly in various colors.

''Alright, I understand. Your sister is in the northern continent. ...I don't know why she's in there, but...
Yes. I knew he was alive.
 Aya clenched her fists tightly.

''With a different continent, it might be difficult to get any more information on this.
 Says the fortune teller, apologetically.
'No, thank you. It's good to know you're alive.
'Hmmm, I'm going to say this because I can sense a strong hateful mana coming from you but revenge is like a curse, you know?
 The fortune teller cheek by cheek and speaks to me.

'Do you mean to stop?'
 Aya's tone is hard.
 Aya doesn't want to forgive her sister for causing the loss of her family.

I'm just saying, "Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho. By the way, for an additional fee, I'll tell you whether or not I'll be able to see if you're going to be with the man of your dreams.
What?
 I was the one who raised my voice.
 That's something that bothers me!
 His prediction sounds so good!

Maybe I shouldn't do that. I know a guy who doesn't like spoilers, you know?
 Aya loosens her expression and replies.
 I'm glad to hear that.
 So is Makoto.

How about that red-haired lady over there?
Oh, I'll be fine, too!
 I'm curious, though! It bothered me a lot.

 Then I was suddenly approached from behind.

"Hey, you, the fortune teller. Do you have a license to do business there?
 A knight in white armor has arrived.
 The emblem engraved on his armor is the prayer maiden "Saint Anna".
 Does that mean he was a temple knight...?
 As I recall, you're the knight who guards the royal capital, Symphonia.

Ah, here comes the trouble. Maybe it's time to call it a night.
 The fortune teller stands up and begins to put away his crystal ball.

'You are operating without a license! You'll have to come with me.
 That knight approached the fortune-teller with a large gait....
'Temple Knight, it's okay. Because I just (t)got permission to do it.
 As he said that, he lightly touched the knight's armor.

''Oh.... Right. No problem.
 The knight's tone softened, and he turned into a dazed expression.
 He wandered off in the direction he had come from.

''What was that...''
Hey, Lucy! The fortune teller from earlier.
 When I turned around, the fortune teller had disappeared.

'That was weird...'
Aya you should be more suspicious.
Hmm, but she did tell me where my sister was.
 Aya seems satisfied.
 It's true that her skill in guessing us easily seems genuine, though.
 You can't read people's feelings with your appraisal skills.
 ........people's feelings.

'Hey, by the way, about that guy you liked earlier, Aya.
 It confirms what I've been wondering about.
 I've made it clear that we like the same person.

Well, it's pretty obvious to both of us.
Yeah, sure.
 I guess I'm trying not to let it bother me.
 I've been trying not to think about it too much lately with all the training I've been doing.

 That's where Aya gives me a slightly difficult look.
"Honestly, I don't think this is the time to get into trouble within the party.
What does that mean?

Lately, Princess Sophia's attitude towards Takatsuki-kun has been suspicious.
'I know! At first glance, he looks so expressionless, but his eyes are so kind to look at the truth!
My 'gut' skills are jumping all over the place, but I'm pretty sure that's it!
I feel like my heart starts beating faster when you're close!
"...Is that what you're doing, Lucy?

 I'm half-elf.
 I'm sure he's got a good ear.
 Aya, don't give me that look.

 We talked about Aya and Makoto for a while.
 I was late to the Great Sage-sama's place and he got angry.

''Why didn't you bring a spirit user with you! You don't mean to tell me that the Great Sage likes you too, do you?
 You don't think even the Great Sage likes you?
 You're just here for the body (blood), right?


- Back to Makoto Takatsuki's point of view


 The shop we wanted to visit was a respectable one, unlike the street stalls.

'Konnichiwa. Pops, long time no see!
 Nina is high-fiving the owner of the store.
 The owner is a strong-faced tiger beastman.
 He has a large build and is nearly two meters tall, I think.
 It's hard to tell how old he is, but the mixture of gray hair suggests he's a little older than that.

Oh, you look good, Nina. It's been a while since Fujiwara-san has been away.
Good to see you again, sir. Do you have any good news for me today?
Yeah, I got a lot of stuff here. Your eyes don't fool me, so you won't be getting any bargains after today.
 Hahaha, we laugh at each other.
 A merchant's way of saying hello.

What about you?
He is the valiant Lord Takatsuki of the Water Kingdom (Roses)!
(Laughs)
 The shopkeeper's eyes widen at Nina's words.

'You don't look very strong but excuse me. I'm Theogil, the owner of this shop. I used to be an adventurer, and I used to take care of Nina.
'I'm Makoto Takatsuki. Nina has been a great help to me on several adventures with you.
'My God! That Nina is at a hero's party? You've come a long way.
 Teogil sounded impressed, and Nina hurriedly corrected him.

'No, old man. I'm going to be Fujiwara-sama's wife! I'm reporting on that today.
What?
 Theogil's expression changes.

'Mr. Fujiwara, I hear you have become engaged to a McAllen nobleman. I can't bring myself to congratulate you on making Nina your mistress.
'Old man, you're jumping to conclusions. I am the second wife, but I am treated the same as Christiana, the second daughter of the Lord of McAllen.
"...what are you talking about? That can't be true.
 Teogil-san is skeptical.
 Apparently, he can't believe the stories about the beast race and nobles being treated equally when doing business in the Land of the Sun (Highland).
 The class society in this country seems to have deep roots........

''I can't believe it........ This nobleman named Christiana-sama seems to be quite a bold person.''
Now we're good friends.
"...well. That's good to hear.
 Nina-san with a smiling expression and Theogil-san with a slightly complicated face.
 I wonder if they are worried about Nina's joining the nobility.

''By the way, how long are you guys going to stay in the royal capital?''
"The 'Knight Commander of the Sun, Inauguration Ceremony' is in five days. At that time, Mr. Tuckey will be presented with an award for defeating the Black Dragon.
 Fujiyan replied on behalf of us.

''Well...''
 Mr. Theogil looked like he was about to say something and swallowed it down.
 What is it?

 I looked around the store for a while as the three of them were getting excited.
 As Fujiyan's favorite store, there is a wide range of products available.
 There were many products on display that I had never seen before.

 Suddenly, I smelled something I didn't like.
 He glanced at the leaf tobacco in the corner of the shop counter.
 That's.....

 Afterwards, Nina left Teogil's shop with a promise to come back.

 As soon as they left the shop, Fujiyan said, "Let's leave the Seventh Ward.

''Master, aren't you planning to head to a few more shops after this?''
I'm going to take a few more strolls here if you need me in a hurry, okay?
I don't think there will be any problems if you use the 'transformation' skill to change into a beast.

I want to tell you two something important. However, this is not a good place to be.
 He gave me a serious look and me and Nina looked at each other.
 Eventually, we returned to Sixth Ward Street.
 We entered a private room, in a nearby restaurant.

 Keeping his voice low and looking around, Fujiyan said, "Nina-dono, Tacky-dono.

Nina-dono, Tacky-dono. Nina-dono, Tacky-dono, please listen to me calmly. Apparently, a large-scale rebellion is being planned by the sub-humans, mainly the beastmen in the seventh and eighth wards.