I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 81: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 20

Episode 81: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 20

We hastily finished our preparations, just as Glenn said, and headed straight back to the royal capital.

Madoka looked incredibly upset. Though not easily, I convinced her that it couldn’t be helped since the king—no, His Majesty—had personally requested my presence.

Madoka probably wanted to make her case directly, but that would definitely be disrespectful. Not to mention, causing any problems in front of His Majesty would be a disaster. So I had to put my foot down on that.

…Though I didn’t mention it to Alicia and the others, the Appraisal had already shown that bringing Madoka along would cause various problems. So I hadn’t planned on taking her from the start.

“Well then, we’re off.”

“I’ll leave things to you, Glenn.”

“Madoka, make sure you keep leveling up.” 

With those parting words from Alicia, Yuria, and myself, the carriage set off from Granzawall.

—

For me, this is the first time since coming to this world that I’ve set my sights on a city other than Granzawall. Since I’ve always wanted to live freely, I’m trying to see this as a bit of reconnaissance… Otherwise, my stomach would be in knots from the stress.

“Sigh… Hey, Alicia, do I really have to meet His Majesty?” 

“It’s a royal decree, so there’s no avoiding it.” 

“After all that confidence earlier, are you nervous now?”

“Of course I am! It’s His Majesty, His Majesty you know!? The King of the Adelreed Kingdom! …Aren’t you nervous, Yuria?” 

I asked, turning to Yuria, who casually joined the conversation.

“I mean, I’ve met with King Gozef of the Shriden Kingdom several times before. After having face-to-face meetings with a king who you’re not sure is an enemy or ally, you kind of get used to it.” 

“…Is that really a good thing?”

“Not at all. Though, for this particular meeting, that experience might come in handy.”

“…I see.”

King Gozef, huh. I barely remember him since I only saw his face on the day we were summoned, and then I was promptly banished. He had open hostility toward me. So maybe compared to that, I shouldn’t be too nervous about meeting the King of Adelreed, who’s likely friendlier.

“Well, getting nervous this early isn’t going to help much. For now, why not enjoy the new sights, Maki-san?”

“You’re right.”

Our group for this journey consisted of the initial party of me, Alicia, and Yuria, along with Glenn and four adventurers from the party Sturdy Shield, serving as our escorts. The Guild Master had chosen a discreet and reliable group, and they were professionals who carried out their duties without prying into our business.

“…Oh, I just thought of something!”

“What is it?” 

“Since we’re on the way to the royal capital anyway, wouldn’t it be a good time to level up—”

“No!”

“…You didn’t even hesitate.”

“No! For so many reasons, it’s a terrible idea!”

“But I need to defeat 50 Bullfangs to reach level 5! I want to knock out as many as I can—”

“Maki, stop being selfish!”

“…Yes, ma’am.”

Ugh, but I really want to level up. I want to contribute more than just Appraisals!

“—Um, is everything alright?”

“Ah, yes. I’m sorry for raising my voice.” 

“—No problem, as long as everything’s fine.” 

The voice came from Rayria Blitz, the leader of Sturdy Shield and the coachwoman.

The other three members were riding horses, guarding the left, right, and rear. Hearing our repeated shouting must have made them concerned. But once Alicia reassured her, Rayria withdrew quietly.

…Yeah, we can’t exactly chat freely. If they overhear too much, we might end up making Rayria and the others uncomfortable.

Exchanging glances with Alicia and Yuria, we all let out a small sigh of relief and decided to quietly enjoy the scenery for a while… well, mostly just Yuria and I.