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Chapter 54: The Classic Scenario of Not Being Harassed by the Gate Guards
Chapter 54: The Classic Scenario of Not Being Harassed by the Gate Guards
Mealtimes and rest periods are often when one is most vulnerable to attacks. Rod was well aware of this.
So, during his meal and the drowsy period that followed, he heightened his vigilance even more.
He ordered the River Crab to patrol the canal diligently, occasionally extending its tentacles to get a clearer view of the shore.
In this tense state of mind, they finally reached their destination.
The boatman brought the boat to the shore. "Up ahead is Crocus. I don't have permission to sail within the capital, so please disembark here."
"Thank you for your hard work."
"Thank you."
One expressed gratitude for the effort, the other for the ride. The boatman watched as Rod placed his luggage on the dock and helped Mira ashore.
With a quick push off the shore and a vigorous row, the boatman swiftly distanced himself from these two dangerous individuals.
Too thrilling! These two were carrying items that could destroy a small village!
Yesterday, when they reserved the boat, he thought the young lady was quite beautiful, but today, he didn't dare to look at her more than once!
It's good to be alive.
In the future, he would have to be more cautious when encountering mages from Fairy Tail.
Rod watched the rapidly departing boat with a puzzled look. "Doesn't he want to pick up more passengers or carry some cargo on his way back? It seems like a loss to him."
Mira adjusted her sun hat with one hand and fondled the small crystal ball in her bag with the other, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Rod. "Yes, why is that?"
...
Compared to Magnolia, Crocus had a more metropolitan feel.
The entire city was built on a relatively flat high ground, surrounded by thick walls.
A river flowed in from the southwest entrance of the city walls, winding its way to the inner city, which was also the moat outside the royal palace's walls.
It then flowed out through the southeast drainage outlet, cascading down the high ground to form a small waterfall.
Rod and Mira approached from the east and could see the waterfall, enveloped in a rainbow of refracted light.
"Beautiful," Mira couldn't help but stop to admire it.
"Yes, but it doesn't quite match the city walls," Rod thought about mentioning that the drainage outlet looked like a sewage outlet, but decided it would ruin the mood.
He returned the two River Crabs to the Summoner's Rift. "The Swift Crabs won't blend in well. We'll need to summon them again once we're inside the city."
Mira discouraged Rod from continuing his high-intensity reconnaissance.
"In the city, summoning monsters would be too conspicuous. This is the capital, so you don't need to worry about security. Relax a bit."
"...Alright," Rod conceded, though he was still concerned about the dangerous items he was carrying and whether they would be confiscated at the gate.
As it turned out, his worries were unfounded.
The guards at the city gate simply asked for their identities and reasons for visiting.
After Rod showed his guild mark and Mira presented her invitation, they were immediately allowed to pass.
This cursory 'security check' made it hard for Rod to believe that the city's security was as good as Mira claimed.
But upon further thought, Fiore had been a neutral country for over 160 years and had seen no internal rebellions, making the royal authority quite stable. They likely had little sense of crisis.
The main streets of the capital were dotted with flower beds, and the windows of the houses were filled with flower pots. There were even meticulously maintained small gardens at the entrances.
This was why it was called the City of Flowers, with the air filled with the scent of blooms—definitely a blessing for those with pollen allergies.
Of course, in a world of magic, there might be solutions for such issues.
Rod carefully observed his surroundings. "What should we do next? Mira, senpai?"
"Hmm, according to my experience, we should head to the inn first," Mira said, waving the invitation that had served as their pass. "The magazine has already arranged everything for us."
Perhaps it was due to Rod's intimidating gaze, but they didn't encounter anyone looking for trouble or trying to strike up a conversation on their way.
The Crocus Garden Hotel, one of the finest in the capital.
This was the venue for the Sosara Magazine celebration, and where Mira and Rod would be staying.
Rod gazed at the ornate fountains and towering architecture, which rivaled the grand cathedral in Magnolia.
"Quite impressive. Is the magazine that rich?"
"Of course," Mira replied. "After all, Sosara has been the most popular magazine in recent years."
The two entered the grand hall, where they were warmly greeted by the staff.
A handsome waiter led them to their room, politely offering to carry their luggage.
Rod politely declined, fearing that the hotel might not survive if the waiter mishandled anything.
"Here is your room. Please keep your key safe. If you encounter any issues during your stay, don't hesitate to ask. I hope you have a pleasant stay."
The waiter gently opened the door, handed the key to Mira, and politely left.
Rod blinked. "One room?"
"Ah, the magazine wasn't aware I was bringing a companion, so they only prepared one room. What should we do?"
Mira put on a troubled expression, placing a hand on her collar, her voice becoming pitifully sweet. "Rod wouldn't take advantage of the situation, would he? Like... sneaking into my room at night."
Devious and dramatic.
Rod, the paragon of virtue, firmly set down Mira's luggage. "I'll go get another room."
"Just kidding, it's a suite. We can each have a separate room."
"I was just kidding too. This hotel looks way out of my league."
Mira sighed with a smile. "It's all Kana's fault. Rod isn't as fun as he used to be."
"How much do you enjoy watching people make fools of themselves?" Rod said. "In that case, maybe I should thank Kana?"
To be fair, Kana treated her guildmates like family, especially when she was tipsy, throwing her arms around everyone without a care.
At first, Rod found it hard to adapt, but over time, they became close friends.
Shy? Only if his head was buried in her chest—without the armor, of course.
"Rod? What are you doing?"
Mira placed her luggage in the room she had chosen and came out to see Rod checking the bathroom, kitchen, and living room.
"Looking for any surveillance magic crystals. Some creepy reporters might want to get the scoop on you."
"True," Mira admitted. Rod's vigilance as a bodyguard was truly top-notch.
They thoroughly inspected the suite but found nothing unusual.
Mira asked, "The celebration doesn't start until tonight. Should we rest a bit first?"
Rod glanced at the bag on Mira's hip and the sun hat in her hand. She clearly wanted to go out.
He stretched his arms. "I've been on the boat for a while and need to stretch my legs. What about you?"
Mira smiled. "It's rare to visit the capital. I'd like to do some sightseeing. Want to come along?"
"Of course. As your bodyguard, I'll follow your lead."
(End of Chapter)
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