The City Of Adventurers

I had intended to indulge in a mere short nap, but by the time I opened my eyes, the sky outside was dyed in a brilliant crimson twilight.

Furthermore, a remarkably soft sensation registered against my head and cheek. It was a distinctly different texture from the cushions of the carriage seat.

“Good morning. Did you manage to sleep well?”

Misa spoke, her face leaning in slightly to peer down into mine.

“M-Morning.”

At that exact split second, the true nature of the sensation clicked in my mind. My head was resting squarely on Misa’s thighs.

“Wait… just how long have I been using your lap as a pillow?”

“Let’s see. I believe it started a few minutes after you initially drifted off, My Lord.”

Based on her calculation, I had been cradled on a lap pillow for quite an immense chunk of time.

“I am so sorry. Your legs haven’t gone completely numb, have they?” I apologized, hastily pushing myself up into a sitting position. They say that the head is the absolute heaviest part of the human anatomy, after all.

“You don’t need to fret about that boundary at all. Hana-san and I took turns switching places, you see,” Misa replied with a reassuring smile.

“Are you serious? Thank you so much, you two. I feel like I managed to secure an exceptionally magnificent sleep thanks to your efforts.”

Despite the fact that they had routinely switched places beneath my head, I hadn’t managed to wake up even once.

“You appeared to be comprehensively exhausted, My Lord. Please ensure you refrain from pushing yourself too hard,” Hana added, her voice laced with genuine concern for my physical well-being.

“Well, things have admittedly been quite a frantic blur of complications lately.”

With that settled, we resolved to secure lodging for the night in the next transit town. Despite encountering that completely unexpected golem skirmish earlier in the day, we had successfully breached our designated milestone for the evening without a single further issue.

The following morning, we executed our departure well before the sun had fully scaled the horizon. Based on all logistical coordinates, we were highly anticipated to reach our final destination by this evening.

The moment we checked out of the inn, Rolf had the carriage prepped and positioned waiting for us.

“I am in your hands for today’s journey as well, Rolf.”

“Understood, My Lord.”

Offering a supporting hand to help Hana and Misa mount the vehicle, I stepped inside the compartment right behind them.

Once we cleared the town gates, the carriage advanced throughout the day without encountering a single problem. The vast majority of localized magical beasts routinely scurried back into the wilderness the exact split second I projected a faint wave of bloodlust.

“Lord Vim, we are right on the verge of breaching the perimeter of Heim, the City of Adventurers.”

Rolf’s announcement drifted through clearly from the driver’s box. We had managed to execute our arrival a bit ahead of our original schedule. Regardless of the details, I was immensely glad we had successfully arrived well before sunset.

As we breached the city parameters, the carriage cruised smoothly down the central thoroughfare. Gazing out through the glass window, I noticed that practically every single citizen on the streets was clad in distinct adventurer gear. It undeniably lived up to its legendary moniker as the “City of Adventurers.” Judging by the specific quality of their armaments and equipment, I calculated that the vast majority of the local demographic was comprised of novice and mid-tier vanguard units.

“We have arrived, My Lord.”

Answering Rolf’s announcement, the carriage jolted to a smooth, definitive halt. Peeking outside, a remarkably grand, sprawling estate loomed into view.

“This is the private estate of the ruling Lord of Heim. His Majesty explicitly commanded me to ensure you pay your formal respects upon arrival.”

“Understood.”

Vaulting down from the vehicle, I offered a supporting hand to help Hana and Misa dismount. Moving as a unit, we guided our steps straight toward the main entrance of the Lord’s manor, where the heavy front doors were promptly thrown open by an attendant the exact fraction of a second we stepped onto the threshold.

“Allow me to escort you, sirs. Right this way, please.”

With a polite bow, the attendant guided our party straight into the reception parlor.