Nabeshiki I Parry Everything: What Do You Mean I'm the Strongest? I'm Not Even an Adventurer Yet! Volume 9

1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-1-7183-1144-2
Verlag: J-Novel Club
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: 0 - No protection

E-Book, Englisch, Band 9, 250 Seiten

Reihe: I Parry Everything: What Do You Mean I'm the Strongest? I'm Not Even an Adventurer Yet!

With an intense battle behind them, Noor and his companions finally reach Sarenza City. But no sooner do they enter the capital than they're confronted with hardships of another kind. A strained encounter with the locals is only the beginning, as the group comes up against a harrowing truth: In the largest commerce hub this side of anywhere, everything-and everyone-has a price.
Faced with the beating heart of the slave trade, Lynne grapples with her conscience. As a princess of a foreign kingdom, she must abide by Sarenza's laws, but how can she bear to permit the mistreatment of an entire people? A decision that could shake entire nations rests on her shoulders. And all the while, unseen enemies creep ever closer, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Nabeshiki

Weitere Mitwirkende

Kawaguchi

Li, Jason

Leseproben

Chapter 165: Sarenza, the Merchant Capital, Part 1

“We finally made it.”

Despite the strange bandaged man’s interference, we had reached Sarenza City none the worse for wear. The soldiers at the gate had seemed somewhat on edge from the commotion the massive sandstorm had caused, so it had taken Lynne a lengthy conversation and the provision of some kind of document for them to let us pass.

“Those guards sure had a lot to talk about,” I noted.

“Yes, their inspection took far longer than I’d anticipated,” Lynne said. “My apologies for the wait, Instructor.”

“It wasn’t any trouble. I passed the time just fine. It must’ve been pretty draining for you, though.”

“I’m just glad that we’re through.”

As our coach advanced into the city, I found myself shocked by the sheer height of the buildings. Those in the City Forgotten by Time had surprised me too, especially compared to what I was used to back at the royal capital, but these were on another level—and we were barely through the entrance.

Many of the passersby were dressed in clothes that suggested they were merchants. I supposed that made sense for the city of trade.

“This place is huge,” I remarked. “And the architecture’s stunning.”

“Do you really think so?” Rashid mused. “We’re still on the outskirts, you know. This district is considered part of the slums.”

“The slums?”

“Mm-hmm. Sarenza City is built around the Dungeon of Oblivion, which lies at its very center. Encircling it are the special ward, where only the truly affluent may reside, and the luxury ward, home to those deemed only relatively wealthy. Beyond that are the belt-shaped merchants’ ward—which one might call the backbone of the city—and the ordinary residential ward. Next comes the special ward of acquittal, where those guilty of crimes work off their sentences. The slums form the outermost ring—where we are now.”

“Wow. That’s a lot of divisions for one city.”

“As it stands, the outer wards are for the have-nots, who’ve been pushed away from the city’s center. The entrances are kept in good order, of course, but venture even a stone’s throw down the side streets and public safety takes a dive.”

“Is it really that bad?”

“The crime rate decreases the closer you get to the center, and the townscape becomes more beautiful. When all’s said and done, the slums are little more than a bulwark protecting the inner residents from sandstorms and desert bandits.”

“I see...”

Armed with my newfound perspective, I took a closer look down the side roads. In some ways, they reminded me of the royal capital’s old quarter—only with more litter and none of the canals. Was there really such a stark contrast between this outermost ring and the city center?

“There sure are a lot of people,” I said, turning the focus of our conversation elsewhere. “They don’t call it a merchant city for nothing—the streets are packed.”

“It’s the largest city on the continent, they say. Estimates of the permanent resident count hover around two hundred thousand, not to mention those coming and going for trade.”

“That many, huh? The buildings remind me of the City Forgotten by Time, but there’s something different about them that I can’t quite put my finger on.”

“The City Forgotten by Time sprang up naturally and gradually around the resort. That makes its layout a lot more haphazard than here in the capital, where everything was meticulously thought out. Personally, I much prefer the former.”

I was admiring the scenery to the sound of Rashid’s enlightening commentary when our coach suddenly entered an open space reminiscent of the royal capital’s plaza. A narrow road branched off from it, leading to what appeared to be a low hill.

“That sandy bump over there,” I said. “Is that...?”

“The Dungeon of Oblivion. From a historical perspective, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the heart of this country. This city was quite literally built by the golems unearthed from its depths.”

“You don’t say.”

Lynne had mostly stayed silent since we entered the capital, but our conversation seemed to catch her interest. “I see the very tip is aboveground. The same is true for the Dungeon of the Lost.”

Rashid turned to her with a smile. “Indeed, Lady Lynneburg. I am told the dungeon extends deep into the earth and what you see is but a fraction of its true size. Only a handful of privileged individuals have access to its depths.” He seemed pleased. “So, now that you’ve seen it, what do you think of Sarenza City?”

“Honestly, I’m surprised. I didn’t realize it was this developed.”

“House Sarenza is quite thorough about restricting the information that reaches countries we have no trade with. Make the most of this opportunity to take it in. After all, I assume you won’t be visiting often.”

“You’re right, though I like to make the trip again someday.”

“Nothing would please me more.”

Though Lynne still seemed a little wary of Rashid, her previous animosity had eased considerably. He appeared to have noticed and was, in turn, making an effort to be more amiable with her. As their conversation washed over me, I gazed absentmindedly at the view of the main street through the window.

Sometime later, we reached another guard checkpoint. From what Rashid had told me, I guessed it marked the boundary between the special ward of acquittal and the residential ward. Lynne entered another exchange with the guards, and we passed through without issue. The townscape became noticeably cleaner, and my eyes were drawn to a number of unfamiliar sights.

“Is that a shop of some kind?” I asked, gesturing toward one in particular. “Its entrance is massive.”

“It’s an artificial golem workshop.”

“Artificial golems? Like the ones you talked about?”

“If you’re interested, shall we take a quick look? My father didn’t specify a meeting time, so I doubt he’ll begrudge you a brief shopping trip.”

“Would that be all right, Lynne?”

“Of course. My clothes got a bit dirty in the altercation earlier, so I was thinking of stopping by an inn to clean up before we reach our final destination.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Rashid said. “Perhaps we should spend a night somewhere and wash off the dust of the road. It’s just good etiquette.”

“Do you think I could wander the town in my free time, then?” I asked. “There’s nothing I want to buy right now, but I’d like to see the sights.”

“As would I,” Lynne agreed. “May I join you?”

“Sure. If you don’t mind, that is.”

“Wonderful. Ines?”

“As you wish, my lady.”

In no time at all, we had parked the coach at a nearby station and alighted. But as we made our way to the golem workshop, Shawza stopped us.

“Master Rashid, I would advise against taking this road,” he said.

“Shawza? What’s wrong?”

“There’s some kind of quarrel up ahead. I believe it would be best to avoid getting embroiled in unnecessary trouble.”

“A quarrel?” Lynne repeated. “Sirene, did you notice it too?”

“Yes, my lady. I can hear arguing. I must admit...I’m a little curious.”

“Is that so?”

“Shall we heed Shawza’s advice?” Rashid suggested. “There are plenty of other workshops around. What do you think, Noor?”

“Hold on,” I said. “Someone’s collapsed.”

A closer look down the road Shawza had indicated revealed someone on the ground amid a crowd of people. I couldn’t quite make them out, but I recognized the collapsed figure as a beastfolk girl, much like Sirene. She was on her hands and knees while a man shouted at her.

“She’s clearly hurt. Why isn’t anyone helping her?”

“Noor, it’s best to leave things be,” Rashid cautioned.

“Why?”

“She’s a slave. And in all likelihood, that man is her owner.”

“What reason is that not to intervene?”

“She’s his ‘possession.’ The city’s laws state that he can do with her as he pleases. If you obstruct him, you could be penalized.”

“Is that really how things are here?”

“But...we can’t just leave her!” Lynne exclaimed, evidently distressed.

“Lady Lynneburg,” Rashid said, “I took you to be wise enough to respect foreign laws. Was I mistaken?”

“There’s a limit to what I’ll—!”

As we approached, the man continued to berate the groveling beastfolk.

“Useless incompetent. I paid good money for you! The old crone at the trading house said you were healthy and skilled, but it’s like you don’t even to work! I’m taking a loss here!”

“I’m sorry...” the girl choked out between sobs, her voice quavering. “I’m...sorry!”

The commotion had drawn a crowd, yet no one moved to help. From their smiles, I suspected some were there to enjoy the show.

“Your apologies are worthless,” the man spat. “Ugh. I signed the contract...