33 Sacred City, Ruphia

Unedited

When we were heading eastwards for three days, the Sacred City of Ruphia came into sight.

Just like Habartalt’s border, it’s appearance is based on white and gives off a somewhat holy atmosphere.

As expected of the capital city, the scale is huge, the road is wide, and the structures are also amazing.

The church was especially given a special attention, the beautiful buildings inside the city were all religious facilities. The name Sacred City isn’t just for show.

Even so the church on the roadside is on the smaller side and in the center of the city, a building with white walls is grandly standing shoulder to shoulder in line with the castle.

I heard that that is affixed to the main shrine. I’d like to look at it up close later.

The Sacred City also seems to gather goods(materials?), there are a lot of stuff being sold that I haven’t noticed at the remote town of Verna.

Oh, they have pepper, I want one~…. Uwah, that is expensive.

What is this, what do they mean a fistful of it costs two pieces of silver?

Looking closely, other foodstuff are also expensive. Aleph was also thoughtfully looking through the items.

[The price is still high even if we deduct the city’s fee.]

[You’re right, it might even increase some more soon.]

Ciel also thought about something with hardened expression. Ragna also agreed his hand on his chin.

[Fumu, looks like we need to confirm the situation of the prices as soon as possible.]

[What’s going on? Ah, could it be a group of monsters is coming?]

[Most probably. It’s certain that Refluo is closing in.]

Ciel answered my question.

[Although I’m worried how far the monsters have come but, we must meet with the Holy Emperor(Pope?) before that happened or else we won’t be able to see him for a while.]

Towards Aleph’s concern, Ragna presented his idea.

[Well then, why don’t we move separately? I will go to the guild right now to ask about the situation. Aleph and Rei should go to that person called the Holy Emperor.]

[I will also ask the residents and gather the supplies we lack. Let’s meet at the guild later.]

Ciel said and the Elf and the Dragon-kin walked in different directions.

[Yosh, let’s quickly get this done. Where is the Holy Emperor? Should we just head towards the biggest building?

I called out to Aleph who was left with me. Aleph hesitated then said to me.

[Rei, it’s too crowded around this place. In order for you not to get lost, that… your hand, can I hold it?]

Towards Aleph whose cheeks were lightly dyed red while holding out his hand, I was also drawn and held his hand while blus.h.i.+ng. It was wrapped in a warm hand.

[Well then, let’s go.]

[Ye, yeah.]

Waah~, whatisthiswhatisthis, so bittersweet. It’s like a date.

I climbed the stairs with Aleph pulling my hand.  It looks like the biggest building(apparently it’s called the Cathedral) located at the central district was built on top of a hill and you won’t be able to reach it without climbing continuously.

When I arrived in front of it and looked up, the building with the size of about 5-stories building had a majestic appearance.The white wall is basked with the sun’s light and is brilliantly sparkling.

The pillars engraved with delicate carvings don’t seem to get boring no matter how much I look at them.

Just when I thought we’re going to the Cathedral as we are, but it seems this place is the place of wors.h.i.+p and the Holy Emperor is in the castle.

Now that he mentions it, wors.h.i.+pers have been coming and going from the church since a while back. Come to think of it, there’s no way a Royalty will stay in a place where people come and go freely.

What, so he’s not here. I wanted to see what the inside looks like for a bit.

Aleph seems to be hurrying to the castle so I obediently follow.

The way to the castle of course does not allow free entrance like the Cathedral, soldiers are standing in fron of the gate.

Both the castle and the castle gate are pure white, the soldiers’ armors are also silver, so far it’s completely white that it went past the sacred ambiance and looks cold.

[Adventurers, huh, what do you want? It is prohibited from here.]

As we approach the gate, we were questioned by the gatekeeper. My muscles tensed from the intimidating aura.

[We wish to meet with the Holy Emperor. Can you take a look at this ring?]

[What is it?]

Aleph removed the chain hanging on his chest and presented it to the gatekeeper.

[Wh, is this real?]

[It’s only normal for you to doubt, I will prove it to you now.]

When Aleph put the ring on his middle finger, the blue stone mounted at the center indistinctly released a mysterious light.

[…Please excuse my rudeness! Please pa.s.s through.]

The soldiers sent us through the castle gate with a salute. A guide was arranged, he said ‘follow me’ and showed us the way courteously.

Aleph is walking through the castle confidently(unreservedly/boldly/imposingly?). The att.i.tude of the soldiers at the gate and that ring, and his appearance as if he’s used to places like this, just who on earth is Aleph? I so dying to wanted to ask.

The corridor is too quiet, it’s totally not an atmosphere to speak so I held myself back but, I’ll definitely ask him later.