Read The Legendary Rebuilding of a World by a Realist Demon King

124 - - maritime city of Bernese

Back

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　We change into traveler's clothes in the woods near Bernese. This is what I expect and what Eve has prepared for us.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I dress as a traveling merchant, Toshizo as his escort, and Jeanne as a peasant girl.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I am used to dressing up and Jeanne is a former farmer's daughter, so I had no problem. I was wearing peasant-like make-up with mud.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The problem was Toshizo. No matter how much he disguised himself, he couldn't hide his murderous spirit. He creates an unusual atmosphere.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Well, this much is all right," he compromises.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　He compromises. There is no end to the pursuit of perfection. It is impossible to ask Hijikata Toshizo to play the role of a despicable peasant, so he goes in as he is.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eve, by the way, remains the same as usual. So is Kazama Kotaro. The two are always dressed in maid's uniforms, so they are not suspected. They wore their maid uniforms as if they were a part of their own skin.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　They tried to sneak in with such a system, but fortunately, the gatekeepers did not make any attempt to get them out of the house. They let us through easily.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　This was not due to our acting ability, but rather to the fact that we had prepared a passport in advance. This was a real pass that allowed us to freely enter and leave the maritime city.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"How did you manage to get your hands on something like this?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Jeanne explains.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It was given to me by Lord Ryoma when we parted. Apparently, this is a special one that can only be issued to a senior member of the council."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's amazing!"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Jeanne nibbles on a piece of dried meat, not sure if she is interested or not.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Well, we could continue on our way to Ryoma-dono, but since we've come all the way to the maritime city, we might as well make an inspection.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I agree. I saw a food stand earlier. I'm going to try some.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

That can come later. First we have to learn the geography of the city and see the size of the economy.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I can tell the size of the economy by eating the food.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes, but it's not lunchtime yet.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　He grabbed Jeanne's head and turned her away from the stall.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　There was a big ocean.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It's amazing. It's the ocean. I haven't seen it in a long time.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"The Ashtaroth is landlocked."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The maritime city of Bernese lives up to its name. It seems to rise out of the sea. So every little elevated spot has a view of the sea.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It's a really beautiful sight. It really feels like you're floating on the ocean."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eve said, holding her hair as it swayed in the sea breeze.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I heard that there are cities floating on ships in this other world, but unfortunately, this Bernese is a city built on a sandy beach.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Is it safe to build a building on a sandy beach?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"The houses, each one with a support post that goes deep into the ground. It's like an otherworldly Venice. They're building on the sand along the canals there too.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Well, there are similar cities in other worlds, aren't there?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes, at one time it had the strongest economy in the Mediterranean world. It's just a tourist town now."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　But," I continue.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Paradoxically, it is a good idea to build canals throughout the city to boost the economy. Even after the economy declines, it will still be a tourist legacy."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"If we can keep this city under the control of the Demon Army, it will be economically prosperous, right?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's right. But that's a long time in the future. For now, I want to make peace and establish trade.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I say this and move on.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I come to the market.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The best way to get an idea of the size of a city's economy is to go to the market.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The market of the maritime city of Bernese was more crowded than I had imagined.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　First of all, it is huge. If the largest market in the castle of Ashtaroth is 10, the market in this city must be about 35.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Not only that, but the people working in the market were diverse.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　There were men who seemed to be fishermen, dark-skinned people who seemed to be from the southern island cities, and sea dwarves and dark elves among the rarer ones.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I thought Castle Ashtaroth was a melting pot of races, but Bernese is even more so."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It's like a racial salad bowl with seven different dressings.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　was the typical expression of Eve, the guardian of the kitchen.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I've never seen a sea dwarf before. "I've never seen a sea dwarf before.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Jeanne approached the sea dwarf and shook his hand. They shake hands for a long time, talk for a few minutes, and then come back.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Jeanne says excitedly.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

He really had a water hand!　But his hands were so rugged that they looked like dwarves.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I see, so he has the characteristics of a dwarf and a fisherman.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"He said he could hold his breath for five minutes in the water."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

That's amazing.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I would love to have you as soldiers when my Ashtaroth army creates its own navy, but now is not the time for scouting.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　What I needed to do now was to get to know the city of Bernese.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I ask the other members for their opinions.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

What is your impression of this city? I asked.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The first to reply was Hijikata Toshizo.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I took a quick peek at the brothel district a while ago, and it was full of people in the daytime. The economy must be booming.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　It was a typical answer from Toshizo. It is true that a poor man would not be able to visit such a place in the daytime.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The next to answer was Kazama Kotaro.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"As I am sure you have noticed, this city is full of various races. It is a sign that people have come from all over the world. That is a sign that this city is rich.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I nodded my head in agreement.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The last one to answer me was Eve, but her answer was very maid-like.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"In Ashtaroth I got 10 gold coins for my textiles, but in this city I got 8 gold coins. The quality is better here. Other dairy products were cheaper and of higher quality. In other words, they are that much more economically powerful.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　It was an answer typical of a maid in the kitchen of the demon king's castle, but it may have hit the nail on the head.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Economic power is reflected not only in the size of the market but also in such details.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I will sum up their answers.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"So this city is rich. We have no shortage of trading partners.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I agree, sir.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I would love to make friends with you, but I'm afraid you'll be served poisoned tea by the council."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I concluded carefree, and Kotaro offered a proposal.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Then it would be better to turn to the daughter of Ryoma Sakamoto, a friend of mine. She is the one who asked for help in the first place, isn't she?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's right. She must have already returned to Bernese, so we should look for her at her trading post.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"But Master, the maritime city of Bernese is vast. But, Master, this maritime city of Bernese is so vast, I doubt if we can find her without any clues.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eve's fears were unfounded. Let me tell you why.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Ryoma, the daughter of Ryoma Sakamoto, was an eccentric. Anyone living in this city would know that. If you gather a little information, you'll find out.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Jeanne nodded in agreement.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's right!　Just as well!　I'll ask the Elder Elves over there!

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　She ran out to talk to the Elder Elves, overcoming Eve's attempts to stop her.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The Elder Elf was known to be a difficult person, but she answered me readily.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Perhaps this girl Jeanne has the skill to make people open their hearts unconditionally. She was that skillful in gathering information.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Indeed, Jeanne-sama is amazing. Everyone loves her.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Yves exhales.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Well, that's her strength, isn't it? When she comes running up to you like a golden retriever, you can't refuse her."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Indeed. I just wish she'd share some of that friendliness."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eve says a little sadly. She wants to have the talent to be liked by everyone like Jeanne, to be able to make anyone like her.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I know how she feels, but it is not easy to get it.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Jeanne has her own qualities, Eve has her own qualities," he tells her.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I am glad to hear that, but what advantages do I have?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eve asks seriously, and I reply seriously.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Well, I do. Even if you are summoned by the Demon Lord for the first time, you have the gift of trust and devotion. Even if everyone in the army of Ashtaroth betrays me, she is the only one who will not. It is because of such confidence that the Demon King Ashtaroth is always able to plan bold maneuvers.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eve bursts into tears when I say this as if I were talking about something else.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"What a waste of words!"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　But as she lifts her head, Jeanne returns.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　She does not want her rival to see her crying. Eve wiped her tears and smiled.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Welcome back. Did you get any information about Ryoma-sama?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes!

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Jeanne answered.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Her answer was cheerful, but the details she gave were a bit unexpected.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　It was not what we had expected, or rather, it was not good news for us.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Back

Table of Contents

Next

Back

Table of Contents

Next