"So this is the famed Water City of Priestella… it certainly lives up to its name," Priscilla commented as we passed through the city gates, greeting us with quite the sight.
I could only stare in wonder at the tile-roofed houses that stretched across the upside-down dome shaped walled city, with four large towers in each cardinal direction standing tall.
And with the city being surrounded by a lake, even the journey to the city was beautiful.
But still… while it was all beautiful, it was terribly inefficient.
Just the erosion on the roads across the water alone would be astronomical.
So why did they make this place?
I know it was said to have been built by Hoshin of the Wastes nearly four centuries ago, but what was the purpose?
Prestige?
Pride?
Or… something else…
"Is this the first time visiting here for the two of you?" Crusch asked from the opposite side of the carriage, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Yeah… but it really is beautiful," I commented, peeking further out of the opened window.
Waterways sprawled through the city, the canals acting as a secondary road, with large creatures pulling passenger boats up and down the current.
And with how close to the water the houses were, not to mention the European housing style, I couldn't help but think of a certain place from my past life.
"Selian. You seem to have something on your mind," Priscilla said, pulling me back inside the carriage.
"Yeah, well… I was just thinking that it looks like Milan," I replied.
"Milan? What is that?" she asked.
"It's a place that I knew from… before," I answered, not wanting to reveal that particular secret in front of Crusch just yet.
It wasn't as if I couldn't trust her with my secret, I just didn't feel the need to… and more importantly, Priscilla had asked that my past life be a secret that only she was privy to.
Of course, I would never turn that down.
"Hmm… I see. Then, tell me about it later. For now, we shall go to the inn that the letter mentioned," Priscilla said, having understood what I meant. "That worthless drunkard should be arriving tomorrow, and if all goes well, I will have quite the show in the morning."
"Right…" I said, sharing a look with Crusch before we just shrugged.
That was exactly like her, after all.
And while I wasn't as much of a sadist to hope their relationship got worse, I did hope that having the three of them come together would force them to settle their differences.
Let's just hope they would do so somewhat amiably… no, who was I kidding, it was definitely not going to be peaceful with Heinkel there, but it didn't mean it couldn't be productive.
Anyway, with the carriage continuing down the sloped roads towards the centre of the city, we eventually pulled off to the side as Schult guided us using the map Anastasia had provided us, eventually leading us to a large inn with quite the intricate front porch.
Although, considering the guests, this much was the minimum of decorum to be expected.
"Hmph. At least that fox knows what I require for reception. A fitting skill for a merchant like her," Priscilla said as I stepped out alongside Crusch.
"From the letter, it's meant to be an inn based on the Kararagi culture, so there might be some things that interest you," I replied, naturally extending my hand for Priscilla to take as she exited the carriage.
"Oh? Then I suppose we shall experience it together," she said, stepping onto the ground beside me, our hands remaining intertwined.
With Schult and Ferris leaving to park the carriage at the nearest stables, the three of us walked up towards the front entrance, the door opening just as we reached the patio.
"Priscilla-sama, I am glad to see that you have arrived safely," Julius said, giving us a calm smile, though I noticed his gaze pause as he noticed me and Priscilla's hands.
Well, from how he didn't mention it, I guess he learned from his earlier meeting with Priscilla and me.
"Simply thank your past selves for choosing a place I deem fit for mine self," she replied, narrowing her eyes. "Isn't that right, fox?"
A second figure then stepped out of the door, her long purple hair reaching her waist and a tall white hat on her head.
"Oh my? That's quite the thing to say upon our first greetin'," the woman, Anastasia Hoshin, replied. "But still, I do hafta thank ya for complimenting the place of choice."
As my eyes briefly glanced over her body, I found myself unable to look away.
Not out of attraction or anything like that, no… but rather out of confusion.
While I was still far from as proficient with my Divine Protection as I wanted to be, I was still able to passively sense the Od of others, as well as their mana.
Everyone's Od is a bit different in 'feeling', but I am not yet able to understand what exactly those differences meant just yet, other than feeling happy whenever I noticed Priscilla's.
And as for 'strength', almost everyone's was the same, and the only people I had met having a 'stronger' Od were me, Reinhard, Priscilla, Emilia, and oddly enough, Subaru.
But this woman, Anastasia… it was extremely weak.
And there was also that mana presence wrapped around her neck… was it some kind of magic tool?
"Oh? From what my network said, I thought you two were the lovey-est of lovebirds, but I guess he's already fallen for my charms?" Anastasia said, breaking me out of my train of thought as she broke out into a smile. "Well… I'm a woman who understands value, so if it's to snag a man like you to my side, I suppose I won't mind usin' some seduction. How about it~?"
I was about to politely refuse, but before I could, I felt a sharp pain in my side, a gift from Priscilla's elbow.
"What are you doing, acting like an idiot?" she asked.
"What? No, I was just-"
"Shut up. I'll have you tell me later," she replied before facing forward again.
Thankfully, she didn't seem too angry, but was the elbow necessary?
But still, this woman, Anastasia… aside from the weakness of her Od, I didn't expect her to be such a troublemaker.
"Anastasia-sama, please do not say such things. It is ill-befitting of your station," Julius said with a troubled frown.
"Oh come on, I was just playin' around," Anastasia replied, waving away his concern. "Besides, it's always fun to see how they react to some light teasin'. Isn't that right?"
So I guess she did this with a few people…
"Hmph. While you are correct that it is satisfying to play with him, it is only I that is allowed that privilege," Priscilla replied.
…
"My, what a greedy lass… but I guess I'm the last one who should disparage ya for that," Anastasia said.
I wasn't sure whether to take Priscilla's words from before as a compliment or not, but either way, it seemed that the two had properly greeted each other… even if it was in a really weird way.
"Well, no use in standing out here. I booked the entire place, so let me show ya around," Anastasia said, turning around as she began to lead us through the inn.
Just as Priscilla had said, it certainly fit her standards, with the Kararagi style apparent in its structure.
The tables without chairs, the comfortable mats on the floors, the slippers we wore inside rather than shoes… not to mention that open-air bath and the beautiful garden next to it.
And while she didn't want to give any obvious praise to her opponent, I could tell that Priscilla was pleased with it as well.
It didn't take too long for Schult and Ferris to return, and as we were about to prepare to explore the city on foot, we were surprised by a sudden visitor.
Or rather, a group of visitors.
"Whoa! This place looks awesome from the outside! A true ryokan!" Subaru said as we went out to meet them.
"A ryo-kan? What is that?" Emilia asked.
"Oh, just something from my hometown," he replied. "I didn't think there would be Japanese stuff here, but I guess I was wrong… I guess there must have been others like me, huh?"
Japanese… yes, I suppose it did look like that.
My memories from Earth had faded, so this only seemed Kararagian to me, but there was quite a close resemblance to what I knew of that nation.
I mean, it was Hoshin of the Wastes who had founded Kararagi as well as this city, and he was said to have come from beyond the Great Waterfall, so he must have been Japanese back on Earth.
"I had never thought it was possible to irk me the moment I was aware of their presence, but it seems that you were somehow able to do so," Priscilla said, her voice cutting through their conversation.
"Oh, you guys are here too?" he noted, completely ignoring her complaint as he looked over to Julius. "And you too… although I guess I should have expected it since it was Anastasia-sama inviting us."
"It is good to see you have arrived safely, Subaru, Emilia-sama," Julius said before looking over to Beatrice, his eyes widening in awe. "And to think it was true that you have contracted a great spirit… you have certainly earned my respect."
Subaru immediately perked up, placing his hands on his hips in a confident stance.
"Well, Beako is quite~ wait, does this mean you didn't respect me before!?" Subaru exclaimed.
"That is simply how you took my words," Julius replied, a slightly teasing smile on his lips.
"Dammit… as I thought, you really do annoy me," Subaru said.
Ignoring the two's antics, I looked over the rest of their group.
As one would expect, there were Emilia and Rem alongside Subaru and his spirit, but there were two other unfamiliar faces as well.
No… not quite unfamiliar, as I had met them at the celebration for the defeat of the White Whale.
Otto and Garfiel, if I remember their names correctly.
Either way, with Priscilla quickly turning bored, she quickly pulled me back into the common room as we waited for the newcomers to finish packing their things.
It didn't take too long for a few of the guests to join us, them being Emilia, Rem, and Otto, as the other three seemed to be busy with their rooms.
Although, from the exclamations of wonder that I heard from upstairs… I was pretty sure that Subaru was just looking around.
"So, half-elf, I am curious. With what did that fox tempt you to this place?" Priscilla asked, starting the conversation as the other three sat down.
I watched as the man in the green hat, Otto, sighed as he shook his head.
Was it a camp secret or something?
"Well, you see… my spirit, Puck. The gemstone that was his home was broken a year ago, and I haven't been able to find anyone to replace it yet," she said, looking down at her necklace with a frown.
Right… there were a few spirits that required a medium to be housed in, and if it needed to be able to support a great spirit like Puck… well,
"So the merchant offered her connections… well, I suppose that isn't for the worst of reasons," Priscilla shrugged before she looked over at Rem. "Speaking of my curiosity… what exactly are you doing here, maid? In fact, you had joined those two to my domain but a few months back… not that I particularly mind, but do you not have duties at your master's mansion to attend to?"
I had actually been curious about that too.
But considering the obvious affection she had for Subaru… well, I think it was obvious why she was here.
"Ah… I suppose I can indulge you a bit, if you wish," Rem said with a bow, causing Otto to grip his hair in frustration even more. "While I am still technically employed at the Mathers domain, one could say that I am no longer Roswaal-sama's maid, but rather… I am only Subaru-kun's."
"Hoh? Interesting… and from that expression on your face, it seems that there is an interesting story behind such a decision," Priscilla said, having noticed how Rem's eyes had narrowed in anger.
I guess there was some friction in the Emilia camp… although it seemed that it was directed at one person.
What the hell did Roswaal do to piss his subordinate off so much?
"No matter. I am content with this, so I won't dig into it any further, lest your advisor smash his head against the wall in frustration," Priscilla said, leaning back as she took a sip of her fruit juice, a specialty of the region.
"Ah, thank you, Priscilla-sama…" Otto replied, fixing his hair as he bowed frantically.
Priscilla didn't even acknowledge him as she looked over to Emilia.
"What is it? You look as if you have something to say," she said.
"Oh, it's nothing! I was just going to say that, while Rem is very good at her job, we did hire another maid recently to help out, so her absence shouldn't be as noticeable," she said cheerfully.
Another maid?
I do remember hearing about Rem's twin sister, as well as Garfiel's sister, but was there someone else?
"Tch. Don't praise her too much, Emilia-sama," Rem said, a frustrated frown on her face. "That vixen trying to take my place…"
"Oh, come on. Petra's a nice girl!" Emilia responded.
Rem's displeasure was obvious.
"You're much too naive, Emilia-sama," she muttered.
Well… it seemed there was another story behind their camp, but if I was picking up the correct signals…
Subaru, just what did you do?
Not two, but three now?
Shaking my head, I looked over to Priscilla at my side, seeing that she had quite the amused smile on her face.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," I said.
"Indeed… entertainment like this is difficult to come by," she replied, flicking her hair behind her shoulder. "Nevertheless, I do wish to explore the city while the sun is still out, so let us be off now."
"Ah! We should go meet Kiritaka-san as well! Rem, could you get Subaru and Garfiel from upstairs?" Emilia asked.
"It would be my pleasure."
And so, having gotten settled into the inn, it was about time to explore the famed city of Priestella.
—
Taking a breath of the fresh air, I looked to my side to see only Priscilla.
Emilia's group had left to meet Kiritaka in hopes of procuring a gemstone for her spirit, while Ferris and Schult had stayed back at the inn with Anastasia and Julius, and finally, Crusch had gone to meet a former friend in the city.
While her friend wouldn't remember her due to Gluttony's authority, she said it only gave her even more reason to reconnect with her, as they could rekindle their friendship.
And so, with everyone else preoccupied, that meant that Priscilla and I would be touring the city alone… something I was very grateful for.
"To think that there would be such a unique mode of transportation… while I understand that it would be impossible to implement in Prisolia, I do find myself envious of such a unique feature," Priscilla said as we travelled up the canal on our canoe, a calm breeze wafting over us.
As for how we were travelling up the canal, when the current was directed towards the centre of the city?
Well, that had to do with the 'unique feature' Priscilla had mentioned, that being the large water beasts that pulled our canoe like horses for a carriage.
"Unfortunately, installing a canal might be a bit much, but we can look at some form of inter-city public transport," I said, my eyes scanning the passing docks and houses in interest. "With its rate of growth, we'll eventually need something to help with the citizens' daily commute, assuming we want to continue with our district approach."
"Indeed… but regardless, I do not want you thinking of such things right now. This is a time for relaxation where you can experience this interesting city," she said before reaching for my chin, pulling my face so we were inches apart. "And if you tire of viewing the surroundings… then simply focus on me."
Ah… when she said that, and with such a loving expression too… no, I can't help myself.
I leaned forward, surprising her as I grasped her hands and kissed her lips, the faint scent of the earlier fruit juice gracing my senses as we both indulged in the feeling.
That was, of course, until we suddenly came to a stop.
"Tch. It seems we have arrived at our destination," she said, separating from me as she slowly got to her feet. "Still, a passionate loving kiss on the water… perhaps we shall do the same tomorrow."
As if I would ever refuse that.
"If you wish, my lady," I replied, quickly hopping out of the boat so I could assist Priscilla in stepping onto the dock.
It was unnecessary, of course, but still, we both enjoyed the small act of chivalry and affection.
Besides, if there was a chance to hold the hand of my lover, why would I pass it up?
As I turned around, with her hand still in mine, I came upon the realization that we had accrued quite a few spectators.
And from how the woman's faces had reddened, the few children's eyes covered by their mothers, and the impressed smirks of the men in the crowd, they seemed to have witnessed our previous act of affection on the boat.
And I… did not care.
If it was before, I would have surely been embarrassed, but now, it just felt natural to display my overwhelming affection for my woman, even if it was in public.
Was this simply natural growth, or was it from Priscilla rubbing off on me?
Well, either way… it was nice not to care about how others thought about you.
As Priscilla had said many times before, if you have the will to do something, you might as well do it with absolute confidence and conviction.
And kissing my Priscilla?
I definitely had the will for that.
Heading into the streets, we eventually came across an open plaza with a large bell tower overhead and stalls spread across the brick hardscape.
"A market?" I muttered aloud.
"It seems so… Is there something you wish to buy?" Priscilla asked.
"I… yes, actually, there is," I said as we walked towards the nearest stall, our hands intertwined.
I had originally meant to do this alone, but it wouldn't be bad for her to be here.
Knowing Priscilla, she would appreciate it regardless.
We perused through the stalls showing off their wares, with many of the owners calling out to us due to our obvious high status, but nothing really caught my eye.
That was… until I found something that did.
A necklace… one with a large red gem and a gold chain.
"This… can I see this?" I asked the shopkeeper.
"Of course, sir!" the old man returned with a smile.
I picked up the necklace, rubbing my thumb along the metal and jewel.
It was real gold, and the chain was very well-crafted as well, at least from what my inexperienced eyes could tell.
But aside from the impressive craftsmanship and expensive metal, the gemstone itself was quite bland in comparison, being roughly cut enough to be smooth, without the glittery cuts that most jewellery aimed for.
But the simplicity… I couldn't help but find it beautiful.
Yeah… this was definitely the one.
"I'll take it," I said.
I didn't bother to hear the price, simply dropping a stack of coins valuable enough to buy a house in his hands as I turned to Priscilla.
"Is that… for me?" she asked, eyes wide.
"Who else would it be for?" I returned with a smile.
I had realized after Emilia explained her reason for coming here that I hadn't gifted Priscilla anything besides her ring, and while I had hoped to get something more unique, this necklace had simply called out to me.
But still… it was unfortunate that it was a piece of jewellery that called out to me, considering Priscilla's collection.
"I apologize… I know you already have so much jewellery, so you don't have to wear it, but-"
I was quickly shut up by her lips crashing into mine and her hand reaching up to grasp my collar, and only after a few seconds did she let me go.
"Don't be an idiot. Honestly, I have never heard such nonsense in my life," she said with a frown as she reached up to her current necklace. "And if I don't have enough space on mine body? Then I'll simply make it."
She then took off her rings on her right hand, as her left was reserved for the ring I had given her, before removing her hair clip, her bracelet, her earrings, and even reached down to take off her anklet, before she took my hand, running her thumb along the gem as her smile grew larger.
What… was she doing?
Making my heart race like this…
"Besides… I can feel the most love in this one, as well as in that ring you had given me… so tell me, what use is this trash in comparison?" She looked up with a fierce smile, the jewellery she had taken off collected in her left hand as her fan was in her right. "I will tell you… it means nothing!"
She tossed the jewellery up into the air, the sun shining off the expensive wares as her fan then viciously cut across it, dicing them into pieces in an instant.
"Guh…" Priscilla groaned with a concealed grimace. "Don't. It's… nothing."
My heart lurched.
Was she… in pain?
I had never seen her make such a face before…
"Priscilla? What… why did you do that?" I asked, my eyes tracing over her body for any injuries.
"Cease that action… I said it was nothing," she said, gripping my hand. "And as for what I did… I simply removed the unneeded affection from past men… men that only wished for their love to be returned out of simple lust and control."
She then looked up at me, her lips quirking up in a smile.
"I should have done this long ago… and the momentary pain is but a punishment for my hesitation… so put this lovely necklace on for me, Selian," she said, turning around and picking up her hair, exposing her nape to me.
I did as she asked, reaching my arms around her neck as I clasped the chain together, only for it to be covered by Priscilla's hair as she released it, turning back to me with a smile.
"There… this is much more comfortable… but like this, there is something you must know," she said, reaching up to wrap her arms around my neck, bringing her face close to mine. "With only your love protecting me, my life is now solely in your hands… now and forever, husband~"
I wanted to respond, but I was frozen by what she had called me, my mind going in many different directions.
However, one thing was for sure… I really liked hearing that from her mouth.
In fact, it sounded so wonderful that I didn't even know if I could wait a year to marry her for real, even if what we were now was practically the same.
But then again… with its instability, the nation of Lugunica was not ready for war, so perhaps it was the best choice to wait.
After all, the sight of her in a wedding dress might very well cause such a thing.
But still… it filled me with happiness to know that when it eventually came a time for our bond to be realized in that way, that sight would only be meant for me.