Chapter 140

Even though I was granted the rank of chevalier—a single-generation, lowest-tier title—I find myself changing clothes with my attendants in a barracks dressing room.

It’s rather amusing. This, too, is life.

I’m still too young to live a stable and predictable life.

Sepia shyly held her clothes and hid behind Arnella and Noel.

“Don’t worry; I’m not interested in children.”

Mastema, being more developed than Sepia, is a special case.
In reality, I view Sepia more as a child I’ve taken under my protection.

“That’s an unusual outfit.”
“It is. It doesn’t resemble either the Empire or the Kingdom. If anything, it’s closer to the clothing from countries in the East.”

Arnella finished changing and showed off her attire.

It was a one-piece outfit with a deep slit below, paired with a mini carrot skirt to avoid revealing too much skin.

The outfit was practical for movement while still accentuating her femininity. Noel wore a similar outfit in a different color.

Standing side by side, Arnella and Noel created a vibrant, eye-catching scene.

“What do you think?”
“Anything would look good on the two of you.”

When Noel asked for my opinion, I replied truthfully. It wasn’t flattery—it was a fact.

I’ve seen many beautiful women, from commoners to nobles and royals. Among them, the former imperial princess Sanarie Ariès and Queen Rafa were particularly striking.

Yet, my two attendants are no less beautiful. Properly dressed up, they could stand alongside those two without being outshone.

“Thank you…”

Perhaps my straightforwardness embarrassed them, as both Noel and Arnella blushed slightly. Mastema, meanwhile, observed them curiously.

While someone with Noel’s figure could enhance her femininity with such an outfit, Mastema’s shorter stature gave her a less mature appearance.

The same applied to Sepia. However, with that outfit, if she floats in the air, the inside of her skirt might be visible.

Men’s clothing consisted of a simple shirt and trousers.

After changing, we exited the dressing room.

I thanked the soldier who had purchased the clothes and finally left the barracks.

It was a bit dusty inside, but now we could breathe fresh air again.

“This feels a little strange.”

Mastema fiddled with her skirt as she spoke.

“Well, we’re using swimsuits underneath for now. It can’t be helped.”
“Is that normal?”

Yes, proper undergarments weren’t available. It was likely beyond the budget.

We had to make do by wearing swimsuits. For now, removing them wasn’t an option.

“Food, clothing, and shelter are essentials. Without them, life is hard.”
“Indeed.”

With no monsters around, self-sufficiency outside wasn’t an option either.

Finding work in this city would be ideal.

I dislike causing inconvenience to my people.

As for tonight’s lodging, exchanging the remaining gold coins might suffice.

“For now, let’s look for an employment agency or something similar.”
“Then we’ll gather information. It seems we can communicate well enough.”
“Leave it to us!”

Noel and Arnella volunteered.

Indeed, they were best suited for information gathering.

I could manage if I controlled my expression, but it’s clear two beautiful girls would be far more effective.

Moreover, they could defend themselves and show restraint if needed.

“Fine, let’s split up. We’ll secure lodging and gather local information. Let’s meet… under that statue.”
“Understood. See you later.”
“Yeah. Regardless of your findings, return once it gets late.”
“Understood.”

In the city’s center stood a statue.

I hadn’t examined it yet, but it was probably of the local lord, Orbst.

I was surprised to find a lord with the same surname as me. It made me a bit restless.

After seeing Noel and Arnella off, I moved with Sepia and Mastema.

I worried our trio might draw bad attention, but my fears were unfounded.

The bustling residents seemed far too busy to notice us.

First, we needed to exchange the gold coins.

I had already asked the soldiers about the location of the pawnshop.

For Sepia, this might be a futuristic world, but where humans gather, pawnshops are bound to exist.

Unless the city practices strict isolationism, trade is inevitable, and converting goods to currency is a lucrative business.

With proper appraisal skills, losses are minimal.

I learned this from a pawnbroker while exploring ways to earn money.

Unfortunately, since it took considerable time, I switched to lending money to moneylenders and collecting interest instead.

The pawnshop we visited was a small store.

It displayed antiques and accessories, though the layout seemed haphazard and unprofessional.

“Welcome…”

The shopkeeper was a tired-looking old woman.

“I’d like to exchange this.”

I handed over a gold coin from the Empire of Ariel.

“This again? Coins from a defunct empire are bad luck, you know.”
“The Empire no longer exists?”
“That’s ancient history. A long time ago. Here.”

The old woman grabbed the gold coin and handed me paper currency in return.

This country uses paper money. Smaller denominations seemed to be the coins I had seen earlier from the soldiers.

“The gold content isn’t bad, but I can’t offer more. Other places would do the same.”

I wanted to hear more, but the old woman seemed unwilling to continue the conversation.

Forcing her to talk might cause trouble.

Although I wasn’t sure if the rate was fair, we needed lodging and food for the day.

It couldn’t be helped.

This situation reminded me of my early days as an adventurer.

“I understand. By the way, is there a cheap inn nearby?”
“What a strange customer. There should be a cheap inn over there. Now hurry along. Don’t get in the way of business.”

The old woman waved us off dismissively.

As we were leaving, she suddenly froze.

Her gaze was fixed on Sepia.

“What’s wrong?”

The old woman’s expression was one of disbelief, as if she had seen something impossible.

“She resembles… that person…”
“W-What?”
“No, the age doesn’t match. You startled me; I thought my heart would stop.”

The old woman sighed deeply, then returned to her usual demeanor, saying no more.

It seemed Sepia reminded her of someone, but…