The imperial capital of the Rosemieur Empire, Olympus, was a city laden with historical significance, much in the same vein as Old Capital Rabledin that Dosperior were in charge of. Those, who sung its praise, would even say the beauty of Olympus had no parallel.

The definite jewel of the imperial beauty had to be the Olympus Castle—a symbol of the ruling House of Rosemieur, the Marilard Palace, as well as the buildings making a part of the capital, each a marvel of ancient architectural design. 

Its beauty was further ornate by a number of aqueducts, a source of the city's water lifeline, drawing water from an adjutant river for one. The most ancient and extensive among them draws water from the distant sacred Mt. Indiana, stretching over a hundred kilometers. Remarkably, despite its length, the difference in elevation between its origin and terminus was said to be less than 20 meters.

Though, while it stands as the eye candy for visitors for its architectural structure, and integrity, it also was the physical embodiments of the rigid social order for the empire.

The citizens of Rosemieur Empire had been placed in a four-layer strata—

Ruling Class: They're the crown of the empire's power structure, the warriors (nobles) in other senses. This side despises any menial task, and endorses the use of might to build their fortune, a virtue to them. Their aggressiveness seemed to have toned down lately, however they could still rally a crowd who believed in making one's status through the war. 

Productive class: farmers, artisans, and merchants. Together with the warriors, they make up the so-called "upper castes." Members of this group enjoy privileges such as the right to conduct trade beyond the empire’s borders.

Servile caste—people born to be commanded. From birth, they are destined for subservience, denied even the hope of a proper education. Climbing the social ladder for them was all but impossible. This servile class makes up the largest segment of the imperial population.

And finally, there are those who fall outside the caste system entirely—the ones the Empire simply calls "Leftovers."

They'd no human rights—a thorough runt of the crowd. And like pets, they 'belonged' to the upper cast. 

And yet... This city was beautiful.

From the surrounding mountains, spring water flowed gently into the capital through its magnificent aqueducts, allowing the people to enjoy clean, abundant water wherever they go.

These vast stone bridges, crafted over generations and maintained through unceasing human effort, stand as the city’s crowning features. Lush greenery lines the streets, meticulously planned and maintained, forming a picture-perfect urban landscape. 

But that beauty has its boundaries. Each social class has its own designated living district, strictly segregated. The harsher realities of imperial capital's life were kept well out of sight from visiting eyes.

And this was what Olympus—the Rosemieur Empire in making.

◆◆◆

The following night of the banquet, I boarded a train for the Dragreid, and switched between several trains, making my way toward the north. 

The journey wasn't without its hiccup, and my first forced stop happened at the Mins Town, right where Rosemieur shared its border with Yuglia. The cause? A quarrel. 

Located in the valley bordering two countries, Mins was under Yuglia's juridsction. More precisely, the border itself runs through the middle of the town. A fortified wall cleanly splits it in two—Yuglia to the south, Rosemieur to the north. It’s a rare case of joint administration by both nations.

Though the gates would be dropped down should the emergency arrive, but until then, it was a key route allowing the intersection of town's folks as well as a diplomatic channel.

The hiccup occured when I tried to pass through with my identity as Allene Rovenne, a student of Royal Academy. 

Teibo—an old, greasy guy, clearly some authoritative person of this place—halted my journey at the intersection, stating it might not be in my best interest to travel to the Empire with all the attention trained on me. But, if I insist nonetheless, then he could write a letter to His Majesty, who also had been on his diplomatic journey to the empire, and contact him via magic bird for permission. Albeit, this would take a good number of days. 

I did what I must—I rebelled. I mean, I had made sure to learn of the details, of which it stated as long as it's the student from Royal Academy, they're allowed to travel and capture the sight of the Rising Dragon Tournament. I had even mysubmitted my application a while back. 

Well, I did happen to miss the meeting point, but that was all for a reason beyond my capacity, however it didn't mean they'd to rouse His Majesty himself. I hate this drama! 

When nothing seemed to move him, I tried to complain he's being over dramatic, however that seemed to be the final straw that broke the camel's back, and he snapped, hollering 'Your overstepping your bounds, Allen Rovayne-dono!' 

What else could I have done? I reluctantly turned on my heels—well, that's what I pretended. Sneakily, I lead my steps toward the Exploration Association's branch. I figured if the official was a no-no, then I could try accepting a guard request, and leave the border as explorer Ren. 

Explorers traveling for work were entirely self-governed. They assume all risk, and the government didn’t interfere. That loophole was my ticket across the border.

And in the end, it was thanks to that little run-in that I ended up meeting someone entirely unexpected in this town. By sheer chance, I ran into the former members of the “Apple Familia,” the senior crews—who were now making their mark here on the border town. 

As a melting pot of two opposing forces, shouts and quarrels go in-hand with the exploration branch of Mins Town, making it quite a place for hot-blooded members. I had come to visit the branch when Berio-san happened to see me, and decided to call out. 

He used to be part of Apple, up until about six months before I joined. He’d come to Mins with a few others, saying he wanted to build a place where the little ones struggling in the capital could find steady work and shelter.

In a way, he was like a big brother of even the older peers in Apple.  These days, he was running a small mutual aid society in the town called the “Apple Tree.” It’s still rough going—they’re trying to get their footing in unfamiliar territory—but slowly, they’re growing, expanding their reach one step at a time.

Apparently, he had heard about me from the letters of Amur and Roy-aniki. He, in fact, broke into tears when we met, showing his appreciation that I had been looking after little ones. He said he would help me, and after pulling some strings, he got me an escort request. 

To be frank, he had no reason to help me out when Apple and I were the beneficiary of each other's action, and yet, he entertained me, saying 'We're a big family, and there is reason for me to feel awkward?' His speech melted my heart, and I ended up taking his help. 

It wasn't that I hadn't tried to resist, but the way he looked at me reminded me of Boss and anikis. The warmth in his eyes was like the gentle nudge of a parent, encouraging their child to take a first step forward. 

So, I didn't bother with pleasantries, but similarly, I vowed in my mind to repay this kindness one day. With that determination, I took my first out of Yuglia for the first time in my life.

◆◆◆

"Pfft, ahahaha! You never change, Allen. I figured you might run into trouble in Mins and might get your permit halted, but I didn’t think you’d try sneaking into Olympus as a civilian. Honestly, though… That said, I believe Tiebo-san had only been following the orders, so do not hold a grudge against him.”

I was in a special-class sleeper train in-bound to Olympus, receiving a burst of laughter from Justin-senpai. 

You don't have to state the obvious, alright? There's no way I would have backed down otherwise. I mean, I did see Tiebo-san as your usual haughty government worker at first. But when he said "You're overstepping your boundary, Allen-dono! I am saying this to protect you!"—and it wasn't mere adlib, I could tell from his sincere tone—I quietly stepped back. 

He was simply following his duty, and it would've been creating a headache for him as well. But putting aside the logic, I couldn't sit hand-in-hand either. 

"You know I saw that much, Justine-san. Sorry to jump into your mission.”

Apparently, he was on his way to Olympus to deliver a highly sensitive report—something too important to send via long-distance magic bird transmission. It had to be relayed to His Majesty in person.

While en route, he caught wind of my little stunt in Mins and pulled some strings to have me accompany him under official cover. Thanks to him, I got across the border the proper way.

“Heh. Don’t sweat over it. Though would you know, my mission is to brief His Majesty on a certain incident caused by an adventurer going by the name Mad Hound—a name that’s been making waves lately. So, really, bringing you along makes perfect sense. Honestly, I was hoping to meet up with you in Mince anyway. It’s probably why I was chosen for this message run in the first place—since I already know you. Oh, and it appeared Commander Olina received an incredibly detailed and heartfelt letter from Commander Ronfo back at the Dragried. I truly felt pity for Dew-san, he had fainted reading it out!"

Justin gave me a smug grin as he said this, clearly enjoying himself. I sighed. It sounded like the knights had actually issued a warrant for me.

“…That said, I also believe His Majesty needs to bother with minute details like where that fellow Mad Fellow could be, or his current movements. Not that I have any way of finding it out either, right?"

Ugh, I had long accepted the incident this time was a bold one. But if I had to add in, that was the only trick that would have ensured my safe survival. As they left, trying to be alive in the moment, who had seen tomorrow? 

Even if I had made some shattering discovery, what good was there if I died. Anyway, I already had my script to stick to, no matter what happened. 

"Well, enough of me. What's your trip heading to this time? Oh wait, is this also one of your outings?"

Justin-senpai asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity. I broadly nodded.

"Obviously! Most of it is dedicated to cheering on my classmate for the tournament, but I would like to take a look around the capital within the remaining duration."

"Hahaha! I knew it, you might as well be sneaking into some luggage if I hadn't found it, eh? I like how you never give up on your fun!"

W-what, how did he know?! 

It was my last resort had I failed in finding any sort of help. I could give up on other things, but my fun time was something I would never relent. It was my promise to myself. And that’s how you push things forward. You set your mind to it and go.

"—Do not let that brat venture out of your gaze even for a moment! I also had been sent with a strict order from Dew-san. But honestly? Getting to tag along with you on a sightseeing trip to Olympus sounds like a win to me. Just for reference, any idea what you want to check out?”

Now that's what I like about him! He must have been a graduate of Royal Academy, but his demeanour had always been easy to approach, just right up my alley. 

"I was going to sketch a plan during the journey! I saw a guidebook at the shop earlier—something like ‘The Traveler’s Companion to the Imperial Capital.’ I’m gonna go grab a copy!”

As I stood up, he waved lazily with a grin.

“Alright, go on then, Allen. Oh, and grab a bottle of water for me while you’re at it?”

“You got it!”

And just like that, I dashed out of the cabin. 

Despite what he had been told, he didn't try to stop me. So typical of him.

I have a hunch, this trip with my senpai, flawless in action, but an absolute lazy person, might lead to unexpected fun.

T/N - Heya everyone, it has been a while since the update had been quite unacceptable. I hadn’t meant to, but a sudden situation messed up my schedule. A close relative went through chemo, but to no avail, and after a few months of struggle, they passed away last month. The mourning lasts for nearly two weeks here, and I just found myself back recently.

Either way, I should be maintaining a healthy schedule starting today. Presumably at a quicker pace.