Vast and endless.
Grand and towering.
Splendid and beautiful.
The imperial capital was truly advanced. Even Yuri, who had only briefly passed through in a past life, was utterly captivated by the sight of the imperial city.
“So this is why they say if you have a child, you should send them to the Empire.”
Even the ordinary citizens passing by were dressed extravagantly. Compared to this, Briol’s capital must have seemed like a modest town.
The knights visiting the imperial city for the first time swallowed nervously.
In a low voice, Yuri warned them.
“Don’t ever show any sign of being intimidated.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Keep your shoulders back and chin up. We are from Briol.”
“Yes.”
“There should be someone here to meet us…”
As the group of strangers appeared on the imperial streets, all eyes turned toward them.
In a city where people took pride in their impeccable appearance, the sight of Yuri and her party—looking as if they had just returned from the battlefield—drew attention.
Yuri scanned the faces of the citizens.
Their guide, who was supposed to be waiting for them, was nowhere to be seen.
“Not here.”
The guide who promised to meet them carrying the Briol flag was nowhere in sight.
Yuri looked back at her group.
The journey from Briol to the Empire had been both awe-inspiring and grueling, and as a result, everyone looked utterly worn out. They looked no different from when they had been wandering the steppes with the allied forces.
Suddenly, a wave of sympathy welled up inside Yuri.
“To think they made me wait after all this hardship…”
It was pity—for herself.
Either way, they couldn’t just wait out on the street any longer. As she looked around, Yuri spotted a fairly large restaurant.
The doors were wide open, and tables were set up even outside, making it a suitable place to rest for a while.
“Let’s at least get something to eat there.”
“Yes.”
Leading her group inside, Yuri asked the owner for permission.
“We look a bit rough, so we’d like to sit outside. There are quite a few of us. Is that okay?”
“Of course. You must have had a long journey.”
The owner guided them to the outdoor seating and even brought over some feed for their horses.
Sitting down, Yuri felt some of her fatigue ease.
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“Not at all.”
The owner, with a freshly shaved head and a refreshing smile, handed Yuri a glass of ice water.
“It’s an honor to serve a prince.”
“You know who I am?”
“Just by the flag. The young man with black hair leading the Briol knights must be the third prince of Briol on this continent.”
“Thank you. I’ll pay generously.”
“Much appreciated.”
Yuri’s group took over the outdoor tables.
The owner quickly brought out food and drinks.
“You all must be tired.”
“Prince, you too.”
Sipping beer while admiring the dazzling imperial city wasn’t so bad.
Occasionally, passing citizens would strike up conversations. A woman approached Simon.
“Where are you from?”
“Briol.”
“Oh, the allied forces’ invitation?”
“Yes.”
“Heh, stories of the brave Briol knights are famous even here. Please enjoy your time in the imperial city.”
“Thank you.”
Simon scratched the back of his head and returned the greeting, only to be nudged in the ribs by Guiness behind him.
“Are you just going to let that go?”
“What do you mean?”
“Clearly, she’s interested in you.”
“Nonsense…”
“You’re hopeless.”
“She was probably just curious.”
“You’ve never been in a relationship, have you?”
“I have.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“I see.”
“And you?”
“Nope!”
They spent quite some time eating the Empire’s food and drinking its wine.
Still, the guide who was supposed to meet them never showed up.
A crease formed between Yuri’s brows.
“Whoever it is, I won’t let this slide.”
After asking the owner’s permission again, they settled outside once more. Then, unexpectedly, someone came looking for them.
Yuri recognized him immediately.
“Greetings!”
“You are…”
“Long time no see.”
“Sir Rayfio, right?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Good to see you again.”
“Likewise, Your Highness. Ha ha ha.”
“How’s Sir Graham doing?”
“Of course. He returned immediately after the battle.”
Rayfio Artem was the one who, along with Graham, had warned them of the orc ambush while Briol’s army was heading toward Valshard.
As a member of the Third Knights, he had often crossed paths with Yuri on the battlefield.
“There’s been a lot of talk in the imperial city about the arrival of the Briol knights.”
News traveled fast here, it seemed. Rayfio laughed heartily.
“But why are you all just sitting here? Why not head to your lodgings? You look exhausted.”
“Well, about that…”
Yuri explained the situation.
“The guide said he’d have everything ready at the lodgings.”
“May I ask who this guide is?”
“Who was it again…”
Laurent, standing nearby, answered.
“Probably a foreign student studying at the Academy.”
“Ah…”
The Empire boasted the highest level of education, centered around the national institution called the ‘Academium.’
The Academium covered all fields—swordsmanship, magic, history, administration—and accepted students regardless of nationality.
Because of this, students from many countries gathered here, and Briol was no exception; quite a few foreign students from Briol lived in the imperial city.
“I see. The Academium…”
Rayfio muttered, his expression less than cheerful.
“If you don’t mind, may I escort you? I’m uneasy knowing you’re waiting out on the street.”
Yuri almost nodded.
At that moment, someone came running up behind Rayfio, panting heavily.
“Haah, haah…”
Though he looked like he was about to collapse, his pace was actually slow.
“P-Prince…”
The young man, who looked barely of age, had disheveled hair and no spark in his eyes.
He stopped in front of Yuri, catching his breath, then bowed deeply.
“Sorry I’m late. There were some… complications.”
He smelled of alcohol, and his skin looked rough—like someone who had drunk heavily until late the night before.
Yuri’s keen senses even caught a faint scent of cologne on his sleeve.
“What’s your name?”
“Dale Evers.”
“Do you have a lover?”
“Huh?”
“Answer me.”
“No, I don’t…”
“Good.”
Yuri stood up.
“Lead the way.”
“Yes, sir!”
Rayfio looked worried as he stood beside her. Yuri extended her hand.
“Sir Rayfio, thank you for your kindness. Looks like the guide has finally arrived.”
“Yes. If any problems arise, please contact me anytime. I’ll help.”
“Thank you.”
“No, it’s thanks to you, Your Highness, that the allied forces succeeded.”
“It was thanks to all of us.”
“Ha ha ha…”
Yuri liked Rayfio. He seemed promising, especially since he hung out with Graham. Meeting him again confirmed he had good character.
After parting with Rayfio, Yuri followed Dale’s lead.
Dale explained various things about the imperial city.
“You’ll be staying at the Duforia Hotel. We’ve already booked a month in advance.”
“Good. I’ll pay separately.”
“No need, Your Highness. We pooled our resources to welcome you. Please make yourself comfortable.”
“We?”
“The Briol Association.”
Yuri’s pace slowed.
“The Briol Association?”
“Yes. It’s a group formed by Briol natives living here in the imperial city.”
It was a name she’d never heard before.
“Mostly students. Studying abroad can be tough, so they band together to help each other. Ha ha ha…”
Dale said the Briol Association was mostly made up of nobles with financial means, and they had prepared the lodging for Yuri’s group.
Yuri shook her head.
“I’ll still pay separately.”
“Your Highness, please don’t. We just want to support Briol in our own way…”
“Don’t argue.”
“Y-Yes, yes.”
“If you want to help Briol, don’t do it this way. Just focus on your studies.”
“Yes…”
Dale nodded sullenly. Though older than Yuri, he seemed somewhat immature.
Soon, they arrived at the Duforia Hotel on the outskirts of the imperial city.
The building was large and luxurious, catching the eye. The name ‘Duforia Hotel’ was written in elegant script on gold-leafed walls.
Dale grinned.
“This is one of the finest hotels in the imperial city. I haven’t even stayed here many times myself…”
He stopped mid-sentence, slapped his own mouth, then gestured toward the entrance.
“Well, let’s go.”
As Yuri’s group appeared, the staff guarding the entrance bowed politely.
“Welcome, Your Highness. We will ensure your comfort.”
All were well-built and wore swords at their waists, looking every bit like knights.
Dale whispered.
“The guards here are real knights. The hotel is run by a count of the Empire. Heh heh…”
“Impressive.”
Knights guarding a hotel—this Empire was truly something else.
Leaving the group in the staff’s care, Yuri entered the hotel.
Apparently, arrangements had been made in advance, as they were promptly led upstairs to their rooms.
Yuri had a room to herself, while the others were split into pairs or trios.
Once settled, Yuri called for Dale.
“Dale, thank you for your help.”
“No problem.”
“Make sure to be punctual from now on.”
“Sorry…”
“Any plans tonight?”
“No, none.”
“I want to take a walk around the imperial city tonight.”
“I’ll accompany you.”
“Thanks. Wait for me in front of the hotel later.”
“May I ask how many will be joining you?”
“Just me.”
“Huh?”
“You have a habit of making me repeat myself, don’t you?”
“N-no, not at all.”
Dale nodded.
“Understood. I’ll get ready. I’ll see you soon, then.”
“Alright.”
After greeting him, Dale headed down the stairs. Yuri tilted her head as she watched his retreating figure.
“Hmm…”
Laurent, standing beside her, asked, “He doesn’t seem like the typical Briol noble. Doesn’t sit well with you?”
“It’s not that exactly. There’s just something off about him.”
“Shall I look into the Briol expatriate association for you?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Yuri knew she had her flaws as a leader.
One of them was that she couldn’t rest until she handled things herself.
“Let’s get inside and rest first. Everyone’s been through quite the ordeal.”
“Hahaha, understood.”
“Are you sharing a room with Jared?”
“Yes.”
“Be careful. That guy’s a pain.”
“Uh…”
From past experience, Yuri knew Laurent was sensitive about his sleeping space. Though he was keeping it in check now out of loyalty, he was originally extremely fastidious and hated any noise nearby.
Maybe by the end of this journey, Laurent and Jared would have grown closer.
“Well, see you later.”
“Yes…”
Yuri closed the door and looked around the room.
The bed looked as soft as cotton candy, and every piece of furniture was adorned with gold leaf. The mirror on the vanity reflected the room perfectly, not a speck of dust in sight.
“So this is the imperial capital…”
She had felt it even during her brief stay in her past life—this city was truly prosperous.
Back then, she and Ekaterina had gone on secret dates, hiding their identities.
Lost in thought, Yuri suddenly snapped herself on the cheek.
“What was I just thinking…”
Shaking her head, she began undressing.
The bathroom was just as spacious as the room.
Perhaps prepared in advance for her, the bathtub was already filled with hot water. Steam rose thickly, blurring her vision.
She slipped in immediately.
“Ahh…”
It was a bit hot, but she managed with her mana method.
Feeling the fatigue of the long journey melt away, she murmured softly, like a sigh.
“This is what life’s about…”
Closing her eyes, she submerged herself fully beneath the water.
Unbeknownst to her, the bathroom door quietly opened, and someone entered—completely naked.