Chapter 31.2 (1/2)

Chapter 31 – Belzenstock City (Part 2)

I was skeptical when he said we should ‘play’ in this city for the moment. But the culture here seemed to be perfect for it.

“How long are you going to stay frozen there? We should begin our information gathering and preparations.”

“Ah, right!”

Yuu seemed to be disheartened about something, but I should get more information while in his company.

******

Well, where should we start our information gathering?

“Yuu, do you know a perfect place to start our information gathering?”

“Hmm… how about we check out the liner that runs in this city? It’s a public institution that manages the waterway that runs in this large city. I think we should be able to find people of various classes there.”

Certainly, a liner would be necessary since large rivers spanned over this whole city and flowed into the sea.

“The slaves are rowing the boats. It would be perfect timing to get more information from them. Do you see that harbor right in front of us? Let’s go check it out.”

“As expected of Yuu. Let’s go then.”

Following Yuu’s recommendation, we headed straight to the reception area that only had a roof over it.

“Excuse me. Tickets for two, please.”

“Okey-dokey! Oh, you’re bringing a very pretty lady, bro! Are you going on a date?”

“D-d-d-da —?! N-no, I’m not! We’re —.”

“Calm down!”

Yuu told me to wait for a moment while he was buying us tickets. So I waited at a distance apart. But what could be happening with him – a dispute?

“What’s happening, Yuu? Is he an enemy? Do you want to finish him off?”

“—! R-Rena?! N-no, he’s not! He’s not an enemy! He was just teasing me a little!”

“F-finish me off …?”

Apparently, I must have mistaken him for the enemy. The old man at the reception was staring at me in bewilderment. That was too bad.

“A-Anyway, let’s get on the boat!”

“…? Yes, let’s go.”

The liner had just arrived, in time for us to get on …. Why in the world would the old man at the reception keep staring with such disagreeably warm eyes? Had it been better to finish him off after all?

“So tired ….”

I decided to observe the passengers on board and leave the exhausted Yuu. There were distinctions in class of seats, as well as people of various social stratums. The only thing they had in common was the contended and cheerful expression.

“Oh? You look like a new face around here. Are you here sightseeing?”

I glanced over to where the voice was coming from to find an elderly man with a very gentle expression. I guess I had to respond accordingly.