In the center of the city, a short walk from the city streets, there are relatively large buildings, such as government offices, cathedrals, and branches of a large trade association.
　In between, small shops selling snacks and miscellaneous goods stand sporadically, and people's residences fill in the gaps. This is the kind of place that used to be here before, but now it's a little different.

'There are more buildings here.

　A few years ago, three and four-story houses could be seen here and there that weren't there a few years ago.
　Although it wasn't as far away as Rodnea or the Imperial City, it seemed to have developed and populated somewhat.

''So, Your Highness, where are you going?''
"Uh....

　Fiona scurried around and muttered to herself.

'The cathedral is over there and the sun is over there I'd like to go over there.
Where do you want to be?
'No way, there's no such thing. It's a walk. Uh-huh.

　Fiona laughs at that.
　Apparently it didn't look like that but.........................because she's this princess. Maybe she's always like this.

I'm not sure how long you're going to hold my hand. There aren't even any more crowds.

　I let go of Fiona's hand in a hurry as Amu blames her with his half-lidded eyes.

''Oh, my apologies for that, Your Highness,''
....
....
....
...Uh, Your Highness?

　Fiona looked at me in silence for a while with a smile, but then she said, "No, thank you, Miss Seika.

No, I don't mind, Lady Seika. But I don't know what's going to happen, so please stay with me.
Huh....

　As I was returning a raw reply, Amu poked me with his elbow.

'What are you delirious about?

　When did I do it, I did it.

　The group walked out into the town square shortly afterwards.
　I thought they wanted to come here, but Fiona wasn't interested in the square itself and walked along the perimeter of it.

''Wow, they're building some amazing things,''

　Amu exclaims in surprise.
　What he looked up at looked like a high-rise house under construction at the edge of the square... but it was indeed a great height. As of now, it's seven stories high. If it was Rodnea or the imperial capital, it would be caught in the regulations.

''Well. It looks taller than the cathedral here.''
Jesus, you build this stuff just because land prices are going up but don't get too close.

　Fiona smiles at Grye, who stops her, and says

''It's alright. See, Seika-sama, come more this way too...''

　I walked up to Fiona as I was told, and then - suddenly, a gust of wind blew.
　The craftsmen who were working in high places rushed to grab onto the pillars and beams.
　A disgusting sound, a crackling, echoed through the air.
　It sounded like the pillars supporting the fourth floor had broken.
　The high rise, leaned by the wind, slowly came crashing down, losing its balance.
　Of all the reasons, on our side.

Wind Lance!

　With his staff sword drawn and released, Glai released a mid-level spell of wind.
　It was so much more powerful than it was two years ago, precisely blowing away most of the debris.
　But not all of it.
　The few remaining earthen walls and pillars fall on us.
　Suddenly, a shadow appeared over our heads.
　The debris that should have fallen down is interrupted by something that makes a dull sound.

Are you guys okay!

　Amu comes running in with a mithril staff sword in his hand.
　I look again at the scene above me.
　It looks like a giant rock palm growing out of the ground that has become an umbrella for the rubble.

Is this part of the golem?　You've gotten better, Amu.
What are you so fluent in, haha but that doesn't sound so bad.
'Did you just say no chanting?　Ha, that's pretty good, honors student.
You're not so bad yourself, soldier. You're a soft touch.
Thanks for the help, you guys.

　They looked at me as I said this and they looked at me like I was nuts.

What are you just standing there for? You could have died. It's not like you.
Seika, were you sleeping?

　It's not that I was sleeping.
　I just left it up to them because it looked like you two could make it. If it came down to it, I could have transferred or done anything.

''d*mn......... Hey, who's injured?　If anyone is seriously injured, bring them to the lord's palace and I'll send a special army healer to examine them. And the builder of this place is required to report to the lord's representative. And the builder, too.

　I turn to Fiona, as she calls out to the craftsmen, "Are you hurt?

"Are you hurt?　Your Highness.
....
...Oh, um, Your Highness?

　Fiona........puffed out her cheeks and looked at me with a somewhat dissatisfied face.
　Then I suddenly turn around to look at Amu, and he walks up to me with a smile on his face.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. And also Gurai....

　I think to myself as I watch their backs.
　Oh, I've let you down....


****


　As expected, we decided to go home, and we were heading back the way we came.

　Fiona was chatting with Amu in front of us.
　It's not as if she had missed me so much earlier, but she's not talking to me anymore.

　I'm not sure if it is, but... she was expecting me to play a knightly role.
　A while ago, a man and a woman said something about being able to save a crisis, and I'm the winner of a martial arts tournament.
　But after seeing that you were completely useless earlier, I was disappointed.

　A small sigh.
　Well, it's just not good to be expected to do such things on your own, so maybe this was a good thing.

　As the city streets get closer, the streets get more and more crowded.
　Inevitably, the gazes that are directed at Fiona, too.

　Suddenly.
　I see a small stall, lingering on the outskirts of the city.
　It deals in cloth and miscellaneous items of good color.

........um, Your Highness. One moment, please.
Yes...?

　I didn't wait for Fiona's answer and ran to the store.
　When I returned after buying the items I wanted, I said to the princess.

I'm sorry," she said to the princess. Could you please be still for a moment?
Huh....

　I walk behind Fiona and tie her long hair at the top of her head with the braid I bought earlier.
　Finally, I wrapped a scarf with a vine pattern around her hair to cover it and said with a small smile.

Now you look more like a town girl. I don't think it will attract that much attention. At least until we return to the house.
....

　Fiona flattens her own head and says a little anxiously.

'Isn't it strange...?'
No, not really. It goes with your clothes, so why not?
It's not bad. We could do a lot better than being inconspicuous.
'.....Uh-huh. Isn't it?

　Fiona flattened her head, this time in a good mood.

''Well you should have brought a hand mirror with you.
I can get you a full-length mirror.

The Art of Boli Kagami

　A huge flat mirror with a snarled outline emerged from the ground.
　Fiona rolled her eyes for a moment, then looked at her reflection in it from various angles, then smiled happily.

'Mmmmmm.'
I'm glad you like it. Next time you'll have something a little more upscale, I hope.
'No I prefer this. Thank you, Seika-sama. I've never received a gift like this before and I will treasure it.

　Fiona says with a smile.
　I'm a little worried about whether such a cheap one is enough, but if he likes it, it's fine," Amu says, looking into my mirror.

　Amu looks into my mirror and says, "But it's amazing.

I have never seen such a beautiful mirror. I can't even tell where the ground is really at.
Haha, well...

　I got it from a Venetian alchemist who used to coat glass with silver.
　It was difficult to recreate with the technique.

You'd fetch a good price for it if you could crack it open and sell it.
Stop.
You have some really weird magic in you.

　I honestly don't know why I worked so hard to create such a technique myself.
　There were some unexpectedly useful opportunities, though.

My apprentice didn't do that to me.......

　Yuki whispers in my ear.
　I had a chance to take care of a little boy in the West. I mean, it's hard to answer now, so don't talk to me.

'What kind of life did you lead in the West, Seika-sama?　Yuki is irresistibly curious...

　Don't worry about it.