The Ultimate Sage Who Faked Incompetence and Was Disinherited Just Wants to Enjoy His New Life! - Episode 32: The Rules of the Royal Capital

Episode 32: The Rules of the Royal Capital 

The escort request I accepted was to safely deliver Sancho-san and Count Hauzinha to their respective destinations in the royal capital. Sancho-san’s destination was the Sancho Trading Company branch in the capital, while Count Hauzinha was headed to his townhouse. 

Sancho-san had been transporting goods from the commercial city of Everan to the royal capital. Among them were magic stones he had acquired in Colibri Town a few days ago. The magic stone from the Water Dragon I defeated along the way was also included. 

I had no choice but to leave the handling of the massive magic stone to Sancho-san. He seemed confident in his ability to sell it… Naturally, a portion of the sales would be paid to Sancho-san. He initially refused, but I somehow managed to persuade him to accept it. 

“This is where we part ways, Sancho-san.” 

“What are you saying, Fel-san? We’ll be seeing each other again very soon.” 

“Oh, is that so?” 

It seemed that this was only a brief farewell. Well, that made sense—I’d have to go collect my share once the magic stone was sold. 

After getting Sancho-san’s signature confirming the completion of my escort duty, we parted ways. And I headed to Count Hauzinha’s townhouse next. 

The carriage we were riding in steadily made its way toward the central castle. 

I wasn’t sure how it happened, but we had ended up riding in Count Hauzinha’s carriage. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for mere adventurers like us to ride in a noble’s carriage. But I couldn’t refuse. 

The carriage passed through the second layer of the city walls. 

The once lively cobblestone streets grew quieter, and the clothing of the people walking by became more expensive-looking. It seemed we had entered the district where the nobility resided. 

“Everyone’s wearing such fancy clothes. Should I dress up too?” 

“I think you’re fine just as you are.” 

Right now, Lilia was wearing pumpkin pants under her skirt. Since those pants were designed to be seen, there was no issue if they were visible. 

However, the other outfit she had learned about from Sancho-san’s wife, Lady Petra, was just a frilly skirt. If she wore only that, her underwear would probably be completely exposed. 

Lilia usually flies in the air. If she wears a skirt, her underwear would be visible. I didn’t know what kind she wore. But if it was anything like that lingerie from the other day, it would be a disaster. I didn’t want anyone else to see it. 

“Really? Then I’ll just stay like this.” 

“Yeah, that’s for the best. You already look cute as you are.” 

Count Hauzinha watched our exchange with a warm smile. 

…I still wasn’t sure what he was thinking. If Sancho-san had told him that we were the “mysterious healer” from that time, then this treatment would make sense. But that didn’t seem to be the case. 

“Um, is it alright to let Lilia remain visible like this?” 

“Ah, don’t you know, Sir Fel? This country’s law states that ‘no one is allowed to lay a hand on Fairies’ at all.” 

“What?! Doesn’t that mean I’m in trouble?” 

Count Hauzinha laughed heartily. 

“Sir Fel, you and Lady Lilia have a contract, don’t you? Then there’s no problem. Besides, looking at Lady Lilia, she clearly isn’t being forced to stay with you. If anything, you two look like lovers.” 

“Wha—!” 

“Lovers?!” 

Lilia and I locked eyes in shock. I couldn’t believe that was how people saw us. I guess it was obvious from the way I kept feeding her. 

“Haha… So, there’s no issue at all. Just continue as you are, as your true selves.” 

It seemed there was no need for Lilia to hide. That was a relief. But I was surprised to learn that Fairies were legally protected. I wondered if someone had once mistreated a Fairy and suffered severe consequences—after all, if Fairies got serious, they could probably cause natural disasters. 

Looking out the window, most of the people I saw were humans. Occasionally, I spotted an elf or a beastkin. But they were rare. 

Just as I had felt in the commercial city of Everan, even though this was a multi-racial nation, humans were at the center of everything. The nobility was probably dominated by humans too. I had expected this, but it was still a bit disappointing.

Now that I think about it, most of the people on the magic ship were also humans. There were a few beastkin among the crew. But that was about it. Maybe there’s a disparity even in that area. Even in a country that promotes diversity among races, it seems like inequalities between species can’t be completely avoided. That said, it still seems much better than other nations. 

As we talked, it seemed we had arrived at Count Hauzinha’s townhouse. A large mansion appeared before us. The estate also had a garden as vast as the mansion itself. It showcased the immense wealth behind it. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how much it would cost to secure such a large plot of land in the noble district of the royal capital. 

The iron gate opened, and the carriage moved forward. I had assumed our escort duty would be completed at the gate. But apparently, that wasn’t the case. In fact, it seemed like we had completely missed our chance to get off. 

Count Hauzinha’s mansion was built with light brown bricks. They gave it a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

We stepped out of the carriage in front of the main entrance. At some point, a line of servants had gathered. Seeing such a sight again after so long brought back unpleasant memories. 

“Hey, Fel, pull yourself together.” 

Lilia lightly slapped my cheek. I turned forward and followed Count Hauzinha. 

“Welcome home, Master.” 

“Mm, thank you for managing things while I was away.” 

A man who appeared to be the steward greeted him on behalf of the household. Though his hair was slightly graying, his sharp, energetic response suggested he was a capable person. 

“These two are Sir Fel and Lady Lilia, my lifesavers. Be sure to treat them with the utmost respect.” 

“Yes, sir!” 

The servants answered in unison. 

Things were starting to feel a bit unsettling. My plan was to get Count Hauzinha’s signature confirming the completion of our duty, head to the Adventurers’ Guild in the royal capital, and then find a recommended inn to stay at. 

“Um, Count Hauzinha, we should be going soon…” 

“Sir Fel, that won’t do. You must stay at my estate for a while. After all, you are the hero who defeated the Water Dragon. The king will undoubtedly summon you.” 

“I figured as much.” 

“Yes. You will likely receive the title of Dragon Slayer.” 

“Dragon Slayer…?” 

I had always thought that only the protagonists of legendary tales received such a title. I never imagined that I would one day earn it myself. 

“That’s amazing! Maybe you’ll even reach Platinum rank!” 

“Almost certainly. There’s no way someone who has slain a Dragon would remain at Gold Rank.” 

Count Hauzinha gave his firm endorsement of my rank promotion. It felt like things were progressing much faster than I had expected. I wasn’t sure if I was lucky or unlucky. 

No one would normally consider being attacked by a Dragon as “lucky”. The outcome just happened to turn out well this time. I could only hope I wasn’t cursed with misfortune.