“Is something the matter?”
“Ah, no. I was just thinking how amazing this gate is.”(renji)
“What, is this your first time in Ofan? Albana Magic academy’s front gate is really famous but even then it’s your first time seeing it?”
[Oi, now we’re being treated like we’re some country bumpkins.]
Since I was looking curiously at the huge gate, I was misunderstood as such. Answering the guard, I agreed to Ermenhilde’s words inside my mind. Well, it’s not exactly incorrect to say that I’m from some rural place. I did spend the past 1 year in exactly the remotest of villages.
Also, it’d be helpful for me too if I was misunderstood like this. It’d be a pain if they get uselessly suspicious of me after all.
“I’d been living a life not related to a place like schools, you see.”(renji)
“I see. Well, only rich ones can afford to go to such place after all.”
“Yes. Unfortunately, I have been living my life as an adventurer to meet my daily needs.”(renji)
“Ah, I guess that makes sense.”
From my outfit he seems to have judged me as an adventurer—a weak one that is.
I don’t know whether I should be happy or sad about it.
For the time being, my partner was deeply sighing inside my pocket.
[….How deplorable.]
“If you’re looking for a job, then you should go to the guild.”
“Yes, well, I have something to do at the academy.”
“—fuun.”
His gaze turned towards me as if looking at someone suspicious.
Well, I do look the part. My equipment was just a tunic and trousers. And just a mantle over it. I totally do not look like someone who’d have something to do at a place where nobles go.
Rather than equipment, what I’m wearing is more similar to casual wear. Rather than an adventurer, it’d be easier to believe that I was a normal citizen.
The only thing that was something like a proof of me being an adventurer would be the iron knife hanging by my waist. If even that was a long sword, the impression would have been much better.
My mantle was stained with the blood of goblins so I might look slightly more adventurer-like I hope.
“Is it a request?”
“No. An acquaintance of mine attends this school so I thought I sgould show my face since I came to Ofan during my journey.”(renji)
“An acquaintance?”
“Yes.”
[Wouldn’t it be fine if you just used the name ‘Renji’?]
Then, I’ll definitely be treated like some sort of fraud/swindler. That would definitely lead to them becoming overly suspicious leading to me being interrogated.
The result would probably be the same if I used the name of Souichi or the others, I can totally imagine it.
A nameless adventurer trying to get close to heroes. Maybe even a normal citizen. These dutiful guards would probably see it like that.
“So, will it be fine if I wait in front of the gate for a while?”(renji)
“….What, so you don’t want to go inside?”
“It’s a school for nobles right? It’ll only end up troublesome for me.”
As I shrugged my shoulders, I felt the guards relaxing a bit.
“So you understand that much.”
“I do have certain years of experience with my age after all.”(renji)
“Then, I don’t really have anything special to say to you. Just don’t cause a scene.”
Saying that, the guard returned to his station. ‘Sorry for the trouble’ I sent him away with a smile.
Seemed like a pretty frank guy to me.
[….I just can’t understand.]
“Get used to it. Unfortunately, I do not hold a special title like a Hero.”
There were very few people around the academy.
There were a few who were looking at the gate like me, and that was all.
Rest were the guards on duty. The giant stone wall dyed by the setting sun gave off a feeling of loneliness as well.
On looking closely, there were no weeds growing on the wall. I guess it’s being properly maintained.
[No matter how many times I hear it, I can’t get used to Renji’s formal way of speaking.]
“You’re being rude, as usual.”
Even like this, I do intend to maintain the least amount of formality necessary.
In fact, among the ones that traveled with me, wasn’t I the one tended to be the most wary of such things?
Even the youths, though they were cautious at first, but after getting used to us, lost all kinds of formality in their speech.
Only the guys in the age group of me and Utano-san kept this sort of decency in our way of speech.
The ones who didn’t mind it all were the school going children group. Getting excited due to going through something like getting summoned to another world, they were super happy.