Manuke FPS Chapter 163

Published at 19th of October 2021 12:18:55 PM

Marida Company’s old store was built on a narrow street that went further into the outskirts of the second district. It was a small two story building, with a sign board brack over the wooden door. I supposed since it was currently unused, it was natural that there was no sign board? A curtain was drawn over the small window, so I could not look inside. As I looked at the exterior, Marida unlocked the door.

“Please check inside.”

Arum stayed on the carriage since the vehicle could not fit through the narrow street. The neighboring buildings seemed to belong to fledgling merchants and craftsmen that doubled as their homes. Even when I looked at the map, they mostly kept to themselves with a few people who walked on the street. I guess it was true that this place was relatively quiet until evening. 

The first floor of the store was a shop space. Wooden shelves and counters were placed here and behind the counter were the stairs that led to the second floor and down to the basement. I was not interested in the shop space itself as I didn’t buy it to run a business. But if I came in and out of here, it might raise some suspicion since there wasn’t a business here. I might need something as a front, but…

Next I went upstairs. The floor was also furnished with six wooden desks lined up back to back and one desk along some distance away at the top. There were more shelves that gave it a look of a library. Maltsan said he regularly sent people to clean. No wonder the first and second floor looked clean without any dust. 

And at last, I went down to the cellar. It was the room I wanted the most. It was where the teleportation circle would be installed. I also wanted a place with one way in and out. Furthermore, I wanted a building as a base, but I had no need for a living space. Because I already had the private space and the finest motorhome. 

The entrance down was blocked by a large iron door. 

“All the locks in the store can be unlocked with this magic crest. Currently, only the magic power consumption type is available, but if the transaction goes through, we will prepare the magic stone type.” 

With that said, Marida showed me a magic tool called a magic crest in her hand. At first glance, it looked like a slightly large stamp. When the magic power was applied while it pressed against the keyupart, the semicircular magic crest engraved on the key and the lock combined to form one magic circle that unlocked the door. 

While I watched it work, I wondered if there was another way to open the door without the crest. 

When I asked her if it could be destroyed, she said it could be destroyed by supplying more magic than it could handle. There was also magic and skills that could unlock it as well. That was why it was not safe to only rely on the magic lock, thus metal locks were also widely used. 

“Currently, we don’t have anything here. What should we do with the lights? We can also prepare lanterns that consume mana stones.” 

There really was nothing but exposed brick in the darkness, however, the size and height were perfect. 

“Yes, if you could prepare some hangers for lanterns, that would be great.”

It seemed that some renovation would be needed to use this as a base. In addition to light, I would need to order replacement for the interior walls and floorboards, as well as direct the workers so I could get the desired outcome – such as replacing the furniture. It’d take a few days before it could be used, but my schedule would be full with the festival. Also there was the adjustment of the teleportation circles. There was also the labyrinth subjugation. There were plenty of things to do while I wanted. 

It’d be nice if the base was completed once I finished everything. 

After I confirmed the building, I decided to return to the Marida Company for the time being, but as I approached the main street, I saw a wall of light.

“Madam, it seems that the parade is about to pass through.”

A small window opened and Arum’s face peeked through. She informed us that the parade that the Royal Family presided over was in process. Rather than head straight from the royal castle, the parade slowly headed to Hyrasia while it passed through the second district. Many say that you may see the appearance of the King and his family whom the common people would normally never see. It seemed that the citizens of the capital gathered along the parade route. 

“I see. I wonder if it’ll be over soon? Given the planned route, it seemed difficult to return to the office without having to wait for them to pass. Schwartz-san, do you want to see the parade?”

“Sure. I’m also interested in the Royal Family. If we’re going to wait, why not go and watch while we’re at it?”

“Alright then — Arum, listen to me. I’ll watch the parade with Schwartz-san. So, please watch the carriage.

“Yes, Madam. Won’t you need an escort?”

“No one would dare to make a fuss in the street while the Royal Family was watching. And I’ll be fine since Schwartz-san will be with me.”

“I see…”

Arum glanced to me but immediately returned to Maridsan, gof off the and moved to the cabin food. She opened it and I got off and helped Maridsan off before we went toward the crowd.

Around the crowd on both ends of the street, I heard cheering from the direction of the castle. I could not see it yet, but I think they’ll pass soon. It was drowned out in the cheers, but the sound of horses and carriages could be heard.

“Maridsan, which member of the Royal Family is participating this time?”

“My best guess would be the second prince, Kilik. To many, it’d be their first time seeing a member of the royal family in person. Still, it’s predictable to some extent who’d attend the festival.”

“The second prince… The Rafflesia clan master…” 

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“Indeed. It seems that the Rafflesia members are gathering in the capital.”

“Gathering…? How many members do they have?”

“I don’t know the exact number but I hear it’s in the hundreds for the main clan. That’s not to mention the dozens of clans, mercenary groups, and commercial groups working for them as their subordinates.”

“What about the Marida Company?” 

“We do business with adventurers and explorers indiscriminately, so we don’t have a special relationship with them, or any clan.”

“I see — I think we can see them now.”

A big cheer echoed through the street. 

Were those the Central Knights at the front? Mounted knights and infantrymen carrying royal banners walked at the front, then a large carriage followed behind. A four-seater roofless carriage was used. Inside, a man and girl were in the cabin. The man was a middle-aged human, while the girl appeared to be in her late teens. 

“That’s…. His Majesty the King and the Fourth Princess, Cyril.”

“Furth Princess?” 

“Yes. The king has three sons and four daughters. The first, second and third have been married off to other noble families. I heard His Majesty is very fond of Princess Cyril as she’s his last remaining daughter in the castle.” 

I listened to Maridsan while the carriages passed. 

So, that man… Was a descendant of the person who was like me, someone who came from a game. I don’t know if he has any bloodline skills, but I think Ashley said a long time ago that the skill only runs in the Royal Family. The question was, does everyone in the family have it, or just a few select members? I was more interested in skills they might have rather than the people themselves. 

A little later after their carriages passed, another group came. There was no carriage, only infantry and cavalry. 

“I thought so, it’s Prince Kilik. Do you see the silver haired elf riding at the front?”

So, that’s the clan master of Rafflesia. Prince Kilik’s elven descent was obvious with his hair coupled with his beautiful looks. Aside from his slender body, he did not look frail in his silver-white armor he wore. The armor also had a large shining magic stone on his chest. Was it also magic armor? 

The crowd cheered even louder… Or to be more exact, it was the women who cheered. But my sensors picked up a not-so-small mutter.

“Map Seller…”

The source of the muttering was Reinel, an A rank adventurer of Rafflesia. The one I met in the Emerald Demon Labyrinth.

Chapter end