Holy City Jerusalem

As Arthur stepped out of the carriage and naturally took Kei’s hand, they entered the market and were greeted by a scene unlike anything in Britannia. Stalls were set up everywhere, overflowing with the energy of bustling merchants. What stood out most compared to Britannia was the sheer diversity of people walking by.

Not just their clothing—there were also demi-humans like dwarves and elves, rare sights in Britannia.

“This really is amazing… Just like you said, Kei, it was the right choice to walk around!! Look over there! A dwarf is selling rare stones, and the music that elf is playing—I’ve never heard anything like it, even in the castle!!”

Seeing it all for the first time, Arthur couldn’t hide his excitement, pointing in all directions. In his previous life, he had taken no interest and simply continued on in the carriage, so this was all new to him.

And what about Kei, watching him…?

“It really is! Look, Lord Arthur, there’s even a play being performed over there!!”

She, too, forgot all about trying to act like a big sister and got just as excited as Arthur at the new sights. And it was understandable. Although she’d learned about Jerusalem from Marianne, that was all through words, and as a commoner, this was her first time even leaving Britannia.

At first, the escorting knights were stunned by the sight of the two enjoying themselves so openly, but they soon smiled quietly.

“Lord Arthur gives off a totally different impression now…”

“Yes, he seems more innocent than we expected… And above all, a romance between a maid and a prince… not bad. In fact, it’s lovely!”

Indeed, everyone in the castle already knew that Arthur had made a commoner, Kei, his personal maid, used healing powers on an orphan, and started promoting education. Their view of him was beginning to change.

So seeing him like this, even the two knights who once saw Arthur as distant were starting to feel close to him.

So much so that they even felt tempted to make small talk…

“Lord Arthur, if you’re interested in stalls, I recommend the meat skewers over there. They use a local delicacy called ‘Supreme Fowl,’ only hunted in the nearby forest—super juicy and highly recommended. Would make a perfect gift for the lady beside you.”

“Hey, Tristan…”

One of the knights tried to stop his colleague from whispering so casually to their royal charge—but it was already too late. And Arthur…?

“Is it really that tasty…? Since we’re here, I’d like to try it… Thanks, Tristan.”

“You… you remembered my name…?”

Tristan looked stunned as he watched Arthur smile and thank him. He never imagined a royal would remember the name of someone like him, just one of many guards. That realization warmed his heart.

If Morgan were here, she’d probably say, “Ah, a tactic to build loyalty by fostering closeness with the soldiers. Impressive.” Of course, that wasn’t the case…

Arthur may be naïve, but he was not a fool. He’d regretted not remembering Kei’s name at first, so now he made an effort to remember the names of those close to him.

So what was he doing now, this boy slowly learning and growing…?

“Hey, Kei, since we’re here, let’s try that meat skewer. They say it’s really good.”

“No, Lord Arthur. We have a banquet later. And someone of your status eating at a foreign street market… it’s not really advisable…”

“But it’s a bird you can only get here. They say it’s amazing.”

He was being quite insistent. In his previous life, he had been curious about skewers at the stalls, as Kei had once mentioned them. And now, hearing it’s exclusive to this place only fueled his excitement. Plus, he had noticed how Kei’s eyes sparkled when she talked about chicken.

It might seem like his mental age had regressed a little—but let’s just say that’s your imagination.

“Ugh… is it really that good…?”

Arthur didn’t miss how Kei’s eyes lit up at his words. She was likely trying her best to hide that she wanted it too, just to maintain her image in front of him.

And he, too, was starting to understand her personality.

“Come on, let’s just share one. Besides, I think you like this stuff too, right?”

“All right, you’ve convinced me. Let’s eat one together. But! You’re not allowed to skip anything at the banquet later.”

Yes… Arthur may be naïve, but he’s not a fool. He had recently learned that if he pleaded like this, Kei would eventually give in. Also… she was surprisingly weak when it came to food.

With Kei persuaded, he called out to the stall owner.

“One skewer… no, make that three. We’re here anyway, and you guys will want some too, right?”

“Ufufu, Lord Arthur, you’re so kind.”

“Really!? Thank you!!”

“Much appreciated. Tristan, you’re being too loud!”

Kei and the others smiled cheerfully at Arthur’s words. Of course, with Kei, it was pure kindness—but with the knights, it was more tactical.

If Morgan found out they ate at a market, she’d probably scold them for a lack of security awareness. But if they were all involved, no one would rat him out.

He was thinking like a total small fry. And considering his past life… he found Morgan’s scolding a bit—no, very—scary.

“Here you go, kid. Generous of you to treat your subordinates.”

“Ufufu, Lord Arthur is truly a kind person. Here you are.”

Kei accepted a skewer and, as if it were perfectly natural, brought it to Arthur’s mouth. Arthur, just as naturally, took a bite. He was already completely used to being spoiled.

“This is delicious!! Kei, you’ve got to try it too.”

Arthur let out a delighted voice as the meat juices overflowed in his mouth. Kei, smiling at the sight, also took a bite of her skewer.

“Alright, I’ll have mine now… It’s delicious!! It’s juicier than anything in the capital. The moment you bite into it, the juices gush out and it makes you feel so happy. Is this spice? The tingling heat really enhances the flavor of the meat!! This was definitely the right choice. Well done, Lord Arthur!!”

Kei launched into a full-on food review.

“I’m glad… makes me happy to see you enjoying it.”

He gazed at Kei with satisfaction as she happily munched on her meat skewer. Eating meat skewers with her at a food stall—something Arthur had once wanted to try in his previous life—was now fulfilled, wrapping him in a deep sense of contentment.

“Ah, your mouth is a bit dirty, Lord Arthur. Excuse me.”

“Wait, doing that out here is a bit embarrassing… Just hand me the handkerchief and I’ll do it myself.”

“This is part of a maid’s (big sister’s) job.”

“Is that… so…?”

Arthur, mouth dirtied from the skewer, had his face wiped clean with a handkerchief by Kei. Though he had doubts, he was quickly shut down by her response and accepted it.

The furigana for that term might be a little strange, but let’s chalk it up to imagination.

“Still, this place really is lively. Is it always like this?”

Feeling good after the delicious meat and checking off something he wanted to do with Kei, Arthur unusually initiated a conversation with someone. The stall owner, smiling warmly at a good customer, responded.

“Well yeah, that’s because this place is under the Church’s watch. The security is great, and even if something happens, the church folk will treat and help you. That’s why we all feel safe living here!!”

“Hmm… I see…”

The shopkeeper praised the Church with pride. Arthur, watching this, briefly wondered—what if he did the same things as the Church, would that earn him Good Deed Points?

“And of course, it’s thanks to the Saintess. Just knowing she’s around and can heal gives the knights peace of mind when they fight. I’ve heard the Britannian prince also has impressive healing abilities, but the rumors aren’t great. The Saintess is surely better.”

“……”

“Lord Arthur… please remain calm…”

As Arthur suddenly fell silent, Kei sensed a bad feeling and tried to soothe him, while tension rippled through the knights. Sure, he had changed—but they figured if he were insulted, that might be a different story.

In his old self, he definitely would’ve shouted. And even now, someone claiming the Saintess’s healing was better than his—something he was so proud of—wasn’t easy to swallow. It wouldn’t be strange if he lost his temper.

But contrary to their expectations, Arthur smiled.

“I see… sounds like the Saintess here is quite respected. But I wonder what would happen if everyone learned someone even more skilled at healing was right here.”

Arthur, still feeling competitive thanks to Kei praising the Saintess earlier, now flared with rivalry. A small-minded reaction indeed. But at the same time, hearing her reputation helped him reach a conclusion.

“If I do what the Saintess does, people will respect me even more. Fuhaha, let’s show this Saintess who’s better at healing!!”

To him, his healing abilities were a point of absolute pride. He never even considered the possibility of losing.

So, as written in the Good Deed Notebook, he thought that if he proved himself better than the Saintess through healing, the people of this country would come to rely on him like they do the Church or the Saintess. And if people came to him for help, he’d rack up Good Deed Points fast.

That thought alone brought a grin to his face. Of course, in reality, it was the deep-rooted trust in the Church that led people to rely on them—but Arthur hadn’t realized that yet.

“Listen, kid… I don’t know what got under your skin, but around here, it’s best not to bad-mouth the Saintess.”

“Huh…? I wasn’t bad-mouthing her. I just stated the truth—that I’m more capable.”

“We already know you’re amazing, Lord Arthur, so please calm down!! Ahaha, don’t worry about him.”

“But I can heal just as well as the Saintess… no, even better.”

As Arthur boasted without reading the room, Kei frantically tried to calm him down and pull him away—just as a new figure approached the stall, entirely unbothered by their loud, blasphemous remarks.

“Is that so…? So you’re even greater than the Saintess. That’s good to know. Shopkeep, the usual, please. I’ve got a tedious banquet today, so I want to treat myself to something I like beforehand.”

The girl gave Arthur a quick glance, then looked away uninterested and placed her order with the shopkeeper. Her face was hidden beneath a deep hood, but from her beautiful voice and the pointed ears peeking out, it was clear she was an elven woman.

“Hmm? You’re…”

“Oh! Welcome back!! Yes, I’ll grill it right up!!”

“Lord Arthur, let’s go!”

Using the pause in conversation as her chance, Kei tugged Arthur away and back toward the carriage. Arthur, meanwhile, was trying to place where he’d heard that voice before—until he noticed the shopkeeper dousing the skewer with bright red spices and let out a weird sound.

Could she even taste it like that?

Later, in the carriage, Kei gave him a stern lecture:

“Lord Arthur, we already know how incredible you are, so please refrain from speaking ill of the Saintess of this country.”

And with that, Arthur completely forgot about the elf.