When we arrived at the shopping district, I noticed how it was a complete contrast to the slums and the slave market. The area was brimming with life; countless stalls and shops lined every corner. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of street food, and each store showcased a variety of goods: weapon stands, blacksmiths hammering away, clothing boutiques, and jewelry shops gleaming in the sunlight. Merchants were eagerly promoting their wares, their voices blending into a vibrant chorus. From shops selling medicinal herbs and potions to stalls with kitchenware, and carpenters displaying finely crafted furniture, every kind of product could be found. Stables housed various horses, markets overflowed with fresh produce, and restaurants and inns invited weary travelers to rest and dine.
The shopping district was enclosed by sturdy walls with only two entry gates, both heavily guarded. I noticed patrols of guards securing the bustling marketplace, making it clear that this was the most well-protected area in the eastern region. This level of security highlighted the district's significance and the valuable trade that took place within.
"Henry-san, why is the shopping district so heavily guarded compared to other places?" I asked.
"Because the merchants pay taxes to the king in exchange for security. To protect the taxes, you must protect the taxpayers, Shinya-dono," Henry replied, cautiously observing the surroundings while standing beside Izabella.
"Are there any incidents here?" I asked, feeling quite safe due to the strict security measures. In such a well-guarded area, I thought we wouldn't be in any danger.
"Occasionally, there's theft or fights, but there hasn't been a murder in years," Henry said, his eyes still scanning our surroundings.
"Alright then, we should eat something before we start shopping. Henry-san, could you take us to a place where we can grab a meal?" I asked.
"Of course, Shinya-dono. There's an inn nearby that also serves as a restaurant. We can head there," Henry replied.
I nodded, and we made our way to the inn.
The inn's interior was bustling with life, filled with a diverse crowd. Dwarves, elves, humans, demons, and beastmen sat together, eating and chatting in a lively atmosphere. It wasn’t often that I saw such a varied group sharing a meal without tension. Conversations and laughter filled the air, creating a warm and welcoming environment.
As Eleanor, Mira, and I took seats at a table, Henry and Izabella chose a nearby one, continuing to keep a vigilant watch on the surroundings as always.
I was eating a dish called Dereka—a hearty stew made with tender chunks of venison, vibrant vegetables resembling broccoli, potatoes, and carrots. The broth was rich and flavorful but lacked the depth that spices could provide. The people of this world mostly relied on salt and a few basic seasonings. Spices, on the other hand, were a rare luxury—expensive and hard to come by.
The stew was filling, but I couldn’t help thinking that a pinch of pepper or a few aromatic herbs could have transformed it into something truly unforgettable.
Mira had ordered Piloka, a dish made of thinly sliced fish carefully seasoned with local herbs. The fish had been lightly grilled, its edges crisp while the inside remained soft and juicy. It delivered a refreshing and earthy aroma that complemented its delicate flavor.
Eleanor chose Vimoskus, a hearty soup filled with chunks of meat, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. The thick, steaming broth carried a rich aroma that suggested the ingredients had been slowly simmered. It was the perfect meal for a chilly evening, each spoonful offering both warmth and flavor.
"So, Eleanor... I never got the chance to ask—how did you and Mira-chan end up as slaves?" I asked, unable to suppress my curiosity any longer.
Eleanor paused for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. "Mira and I were running away from our father," she said.
Her answer surprised me. What could their father have done to make them flee from him?
"On the road, we were ambushed in the forest," Eleanor continued. "A band of bandits from various races—humans, beastmen, demons... I know how to fight, of course. I managed to kill a few of them. But then some of them captured Mira. I had to surrender to protect her. They put a collar on me that suppressed all my strength. Afterward, they held us captive to sell us as slaves. We were imprisoned for two weeks until you rescued us."
Her face was a mix of sorrow and relief, the pain of her past still evident.
"I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm glad I was able to save you and Mira-chan," I said with a gentle smile. Eleanor looked slightly embarrassed, her eyes lowering to the ground.
"Thank you again for saving us," she said softly. There was something about her that drew me in.
"Why were you and Mira running away from your father?" I asked.
Eleanor hesitated for a moment. "Well, there are two reasons. First, he was so controlling that he barely let us go outside; we were constantly under surveillance. We had no freedom," she said.
I was surprised. "And the second reason?" I asked.
"Because my father was going to force Onee-san to marry someone she didn't want!" Mira chimed in.
"Mira!" Eleanor gently scolded her, but Mira just giggled and took another bite of her Piloka. Eleanor crossed her arms and muttered, "I won't marry someone like that disgusting man."
"Forcing your daughter to marry someone she doesn't love is never a good decision," I said with a reassuring smile. "You made the right choice by running away. But why did you take Mira with you?" I asked.
"Because he was going to do the same to her," Eleanor replied.
"Now I understand. After coming here, did your father send anyone after you?" I asked, concerned for her safety.
"I'm not sure," Eleanor replied, her voice tinged with unease. "There are beastmen everywhere. I can't tell if they're spies or just ordinary people."
"I'll stay alert," I said, my tone resolute as my eyes locked onto hers. "I won't let anyone force you away."
Eleanor blushed slightly and looked away. "That's my story," she said. "Now it's your turn." Her eyes met mine again, this time with a sharp intensity. She looked serious.
Realizing there was no point in hiding it any longer, I gave in and told her everything—how I died and everything about being reincarnated in this world.
Eleanor and Mira were shocked when they heard my story. It took them a while to fully comprehend what I had said.
"But there's one thing I don't understand," Eleanor asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why don't you have any family?" Given that I had been reincarnated as a baby and had to grow up, it was a reasonable question.
"Luminara reincarnated me like this. I guess she didn't want to wait for me to grow up." I smiled faintly. "I look like my old self, just more muscular and with gray hair."
"How old are you, Shinya Onii-san?" Mira asked.
"Ah, I'm 18 now," I replied.
"That's great! Onee-san is the same age. I'm 12," Mira giggled and continued eating her meal.
"Will you return to your old world?" Eleanor asked with a sad expression. I could tell she didn't want me to leave.
"I sometimes miss my mother and my friends. I wish I could see them again. But here, I have new friends who care about me. Fidelis, Zenita, Mira, and..." I paused and looked into Eleanor's eyes. "And you..."
Eleanor's face turned red again, just like a ripe tomato. She tried to say something but was stammering. "You look really cute when you blush," I said in a soft voice.
"Stop making me embarrassed," she muttered. I could tell she was feeling uncomfortable. To ease the mood, I suggested, "How about we get you and Mira some clothes?"
"Yay! I want a cute dress!" Mira shouted, her excitement clear. Seeing her enthusiasm brought a smile to my face.
I looked at Eleanor, and she nodded in approval. I paid the bill and took them to a nearby clothing store, wanting to get something special for both of them.
In the store, Eleanor and Mira eagerly picked out a formal dress, two casual outfits, and two sets of pajamas. As I watched them giggle and chat sweetly, it was clear they were enjoying their time together.
Then I noticed Eleanor glancing at the lingerie section. Overcome by curiosity, I asked, "Would you like to buy some lingerie?"
"No, I don't need any! I was just looking," she responded quickly, but her eyes told a different story.
"Come on, pick whatever you want," I encouraged her.
"Well, since you're insisting," she replied, smiling softly. She picked out two pairs of lingerie: one bright red and the other a soft pink. I couldn't help but imagine how they would look on her.
Then she turned to me, her expression serious, and said, "I want to pick something for you, too." A strange excitement surged within me; it seemed difficult to refuse her confident demeanor. At that moment, I realized that her assertiveness had affected me more than I expected.
"How could I refuse when you're being this serious?" I smiled.
"Good," she said, maintaining her seriousness as she immediately went off to look for something else.
A short while later, she called, "Shinya! Come here!" Her voice not only grabbed my attention, but also conveyed the excitement she felt.
She was holding a blue and white suit, her eyes shining with anticipation. It looked nice, but I wasn't sure if blue would suit me. Without even asking for my opinion, Eleanor handed me the suit and gently nudged me toward the changing room.
When I put on the suit and stepped out of the changing room, Eleanor cried out, "Wow, you look so cute!" She and Mira were gazing at me in admiration. Her serious demeanor had completely disappeared, and it felt as if there was a little kitten standing before me.
"Do you like it?" I asked, my smile a little tense.
Eleanor nodded enthusiastically, her tail wagging with happiness. "Now try this one!" she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she handed me a set of pajamas. Gently, she nudged me back toward the changing room.
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When I came out wearing the pajamas, I was met with Eleanor's broad grin. "You look so cute, Shinya!" she shouted. It was a bit embarrassing to stand in front of everyone in pajamas, but her excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile.
"You'll buy both," Eleanor said authoritatively.
"As my lady commands," I said, bowing my head.
"Good boy, good boy," she said, patting me affectionately on the head. It felt a little strange, but there was something charming about our playful banter, and we both enjoyed it.
After paying for our clothes, we left the shop; the air was filled with warmth and a sense of camaraderie. Later, we came across a stall filled with rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and hairpins made of bronze, silver, and gold. The stones were set in various colors to enhance their beauty and value. They reminded me of the precious stones from my old world, like amethyst, sapphire, and ruby.
Eleanor's eyes sparkled as she admired the accessories, and a warm feeling spread through me. Seeing her so joyful made my heart race. I genuinely felt happy, and I realized that I always wanted to make her happy.
"Is there something you like?" I asked gently.
"This," Eleanor said, holding up a two-piece necklace featuring a knight and princess figures. I immediately understood that it was meant for couples.
"Ah, excellent choice, my lady," the dwarf merchant interjected. "These are made by skilled jewelers in Khaldorum," he continued. I knew that Khaldorum was the capital of the Dwarf Kingdom, but I didn’t know much about what it was like.
"Could you tell us about Khaldorum?" I asked the dwarf merchant.
The dwarf’s eyes gleamed with pride as he began, "Khaldorum is a vast underground city carved into the heart of the ancient mountains," he said. "It is known for its intricate architecture and impressive craftsmanship. It serves as a bustling center for trade and industry."
"It sounds like a fascinating city," I said with surprise. "I didn’t know dwarves had such a community. Who knows, maybe one day I'll visit there."
The dwarf merchant gave a proud nod. "You'd be most welcome. Khaldorum has much to offer to those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and rich history."
"Maybe one day I can go there," I said.
"Hahaha! If you do, don't forget to drink dwarf beer. It'll knock your head off!" the dwarf merchant giggled.
Eleanor, not taking her eyes off the necklace, asked, "Does this necklace have a story?"
"Yes, milady," the dwarf merchant replied, nodding. "This necklace tells the story of Lady Mirabella and her knight, Victus. The story begins when Lady Mirabella finds a soldier, worn out, battered, and injured, lying in the street. She takes pity on him and offers him her protection. Though her family opposes this, Lady Mirabella refuses to abandon him. With her support, Victus regains his former strength and abilities. Eventually, he becomes her loyal knight, always by her side, protecting her at all costs."
The dwarf paused for a moment, his voice becoming softer. "As time passes, they fall in love. The first to confess is Lady Mirabella. Victus kneels before her and shares his feelings. But just at that moment, her father witnesses their confession. The next day, he pretends to offer Victus a promotion and calls them both to meet him. While Lady Mirabella’s father acts friendly, he has always hated Victus."
The dwarf’s expression darkened. "He orders his men to capture Victus and tells the head guard to execute him. Just as the head guard is about to execute Victus, Lady Mirabella throws herself in front of him, becoming the target of the blow. She dies in Victus's arms, her last words being, 'I am not regretful for loving you.'"
As the dwarf continued, I felt chills run down my spine. "When Victus saw that Mirabella had died in his arms, he went absolutely mad. He begins to radiate a powerful aura, something beyond his control."
"How was he able to do that?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.
"Victus had a passive ability that gave him extraordinary power when he became angry."
"What’s the name of this ability?"
"The Fury of the Forsaken," the dwarf said seriously. A cold shiver ran down my spine, from my neck to my feet. That was my passive ability. I was curious about what it could truly do.
"What happened next?" I asked, eager to hear the rest of the story.
"Driven mad by rage, Victus kills everyone there, including Lady Mirabella’s father. Victus hears a voice in his head commanding him to kill everyone. After the massacre, Victus starts coughing up blood, his eyes and nose begin to bleed. He collapses next to Lady Mirabella and dies beside her in his last breath," the dwarf finished the story.
The story affected me in a strange way. The Fury of the Forsaken seemed far more dangerous than I had imagined. If I lost control, I could harm people. I looked at Eleanor. No, no, no, I could never hurt her. Just the thought made my chest tighten. I would rather hurt myself than harm her or anyone else. I am a paladin; my duty is to protect and save, and I cannot afford to fail. Not like this.
Eleanor decided to buy the necklace and carefully split it into two pieces. She gave me the princess part and kept the knight part for herself. Then, we walked towards the door to meet Fidelis.
As we walked toward the door to meet Fidelis, Eleanor suddenly stopped and turned to me, her expression serious.
"Shinya, if I ever get killed, will you kill everyone responsible?" she asked softly.
It felt as though a truck had hit me. I wasn’t prepared for this question—who could be? My mind raced, trying to find the right answer. If I said yes, she might think I was blinded by a thirst for revenge, consumed by anger. But if I said no, she might think I didn’t care about her enough. I was cornered.
"To be honest... I don’t know," I confessed, trying to avoid giving a definitive answer.
She grabbed my arm, her gaze locking with mine. This time, her eyes weren’t hard; they were filled with a kind of innocent fragility that had caught me off guard.
"I don’t want you to be drowned in anger or revenge," she said, her voice trembling. "Even if it’s for me, I don’t want you to get hurt."
A few tears slipped from her eyes. Slowly, I wiped them away with my thumb.
"Don’t worry," I smiled, hoping to reassure her. "I’ll never let it come to that."
But as the words left my lips, I wasn’t sure I could keep that promise. Still, I would do everything I could for her.
By the time we reached the door, Fidelis was already there, leaning against the stone wall with his arms crossed. As soon as he saw us, he stood up and approached with a relaxed smile.
"So, how was your day?" he asked.
"It was good," I replied. "We had great food and bought a few clothes."
Fidelis nodded, glancing at the bags we were carrying. Without saying anything else, we all walked back to the cathedral together.
"This is unacceptable!" Oscar’s voice thundered as soon as we entered the cathedral. His gaze landed on Eleanor and Mira, and his face contorted into a sneer.
"Oscard, this doesn’t concern you," Fidelis responded, stepping in with his usual protective tone. When it came to discussions about me, Fidelis always acted like an older brother, watching my back.
"This cathedral is not a sanctuary for these filthy animals!" Oscard spat, his voice filled with poison. Behind Eleanor, Mira had wrapped her arms around her and was sobbing silently. Eleanor's anger was evident; her eyes blazed with such intensity as she glared at Oscar that it seemed like her gaze alone could burn him alive. The aura around her had become hot and dangerous, like a volcano on the verge of erupting. It was clear why her father was known as the Flame Wolf of Destruction.
Before things could escalate further, I quickly stepped forward. "Oscard-sama," I began, keeping my voice calm despite the fury bubbling inside me. "These are my personal servants. I don’t think the Goddess would object." My tone was measured, but inside, I was boiling.
Punish him, punish him, punish him — a dark voice echoed in my mind. Since I’d learned Victus's story, I could feel the demon inside me growing louder, hungrier for revenge. But I couldn’t give in.
Just then, Zenita appeared, her arrival unnoticed by any of us. "Oh my, what’s all this fuss about?" she asked, her voice deceptively calm.
"Zenita, tell Shinya he can't bring these animals with him!" Oscar demanded with a mocking expression on his lips. As the disgust churned in my stomach, my hands balled into fists.
Punish him, punish him, punish him — the voice scraped at me again, this time even louder. But no matter how much I wanted to strike him, I had to hold back.
Zenita’s face darkened, and for the first time, I saw a real glint of seriousness in her eyes. "You know I'm not human either, Oscard. Still, the Goddess accepted me into her army."
Oscard shifted uncomfortably but didn’t step back. "But you’re strong. They’re just animals!"
"If you keep calling them animals..." Zenita’s voice lowered dangerously, and suddenly the air around her filled with raw energy. Her power flared, and in that moment, she was as terrifying as Eleanor. I could even feel the pressure of her invisible aura pushing against us.
Oscard’s courage faltered. "Fine," he muttered, taking a step back. "If anything happens, it’s your fault, Shinya." He said, and as his footsteps faded, the tension in the air slowly dissipated.
"Alright, who’s hungry?" Zenita asked cheerfully. Just moments ago, she had been on the verge of destroying Oscard, but now she was acting like nothing had happened.
"Zenita, what was that?" I stammered, still a little shaken. Her power had truly been terrifying.
Zenita suddenly pulled my head against her chest. "ah, Shinya-kun, don’t be afraid," she purred sensually. "I’m here to protect you." As I awkwardly tried to pull away from her grasp, I could feel the heat rising on my face.
"Thank you, Zenita," I replied with a nervous smile. But when I turned to Fidelis and Eleanor, I noticed their reactions. Fidelis’ grin was perfectly normal, but Eleanor... her smile was something else. It was the kind of smile that said, I will kill you. I gulped.
"By the way, congratulations on passing the healing test," Zenita continued, as I had completely forgotten to mention it to her.
"Thanks, Zenita," I smiled gratefully.
"Your next exam will be in three days. You’ll fight me," she added with a mischievous grin.
"Fight you?" I repeated, trying to sound confident. "That... should be interesting." I smiled too.
"Don’t think I’ll go easy on you," she said, her voice turning cold and almost threatening. "What Oscard saw today will be a child’s play compared to what I have in store for you."
Her words sent a chill down my spine. "Ah... wonderful," I muttered, feeling uneasy. Beads of sweat began to form on my forehead.
"Well, see you later," Zenita said, waving as she left.
It had been a long and exhausting day. After changing into the pajamas Eleanor had chosen for me, I noticed that Eleanor and Mira had also changed into their new pajamas. Eleanor’s face was slightly flushed, looking a bit embarrassed.
"You two look so cute," I said with a smile.
"Stop saying that, it’s embarrassing," Eleanor muttered, avoiding eye contact. Her face was as red as ever.
"Shinya onii-san is also very cute!" Mira chirped, jumping into my lap. I gently stroked her soft hair and felt my heart lighten with her happiness.
While I was playing with Mira, Eleanor quietly came over and sat next to me, crossing her arms and pouting. "Hmph," she grumbled. A moment later, she leaned her head toward me, clearly expecting something. I understood what she wanted and placed my hand on her head, gently stroking her hair.
With both hands occupied—one stroking Mira's head and the other Eleanor’s—I smiled at the synchronized, happy wagging of their tails. Their joy was so infectious that it filled me with warm contentment.
"By the way, Shinya, where are we going to sleep?" Eleanor asked. There was only a two-person bed in my room. There was also a small couch against the wall; it wasn’t very inviting, but I had slept in worse places. In my old world, when Inochi stayed with us, I always slept on the couch. Strangely, I had gotten used to it and slept better in uncomfortable places.
I looked at the couch and then at Eleanor, who was waiting for my response. "You and Mira can sleep in the bed," I said, pretending not to notice the faint blush spreading across her face. "I'll take the couch."
"You can't do that!" Eleanor grabbed my arm tightly, showing no intention of letting go.
"It's fine. Actually, I sleep better in uncomfortable places," I said with a reassuring smile, but my explanation didn’t convince her.
"No, we’re all sleeping in the bed," she insisted, her typical authoritative tone leaving no room for argument. I knew I shouldn’t resist, especially after seeing her angry earlier.
"Are you sure you'll be comfortable?" I asked hesitantly, but Eleanor shook her head firmly. Reluctantly, I accepted and we all laid down together. I was in the middle, with Eleanor to my left and Mira to my right. It felt a bit strange and made me uneasy.
"Shinya onii-san is so soft," Mira mumbled, holding me tightly as she drifted off to sleep.
Eleanor said, "Hmph, let me test it too," and before I could react, she wrapped her arms around me. Now, I was trapped between them, their warmth and closeness making my heart race. I knew Eleanor could feel it.
"Shinya, why is your heart beating so fast?" Eleanor rested her head on my chest, listening to my heartbeat.
Without thinking, the words spilled from my mouth: "Because it beats for you."
I froze. I hadn’t meant to say that; the words just slipped out. As my mind scrambled to explain the situation, I didn’t know what to say.
Eleanor blushed, but instead of embarrassment, there was a look of relief on her face. Before closing her eyes, she whispered, "Is that so?" and fell asleep.
As I gazed at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts, Mira had already drifted into a deep sleep, breathing softly and steadily. My heart, once filled with fear and uncertainty, was now at peace. Listening to the quiet breaths of the two beside me, I couldn’t help but wonder what else awaited me in this new life.
As time passed and I was on the verge of falling asleep, the depth of the warmth and security I felt intoxicated me. After all the hardships I’d faced in the past, I knew the value of this moment. I was stepping into a new life, one filled with new relationships and experiences for the future.
to be continued...