Chapter 312 – Guide to the Boundary City

After receiving the materials from the elders, we returned to Termwills.

“Well then, let’s go.”

Claudia’s teleportation magic activated, enveloping our surroundings in light. When the white light subsided, we found ourselves at the Termwilz Ritual Site.

Since Vinesdora is a city in the north, the temperature felt considerably warmer when we suddenly teleported to Termwills.

“So this is teleportation magic…”

This was Charlotte’s first time traveling via teleportation magic, so both the scenery and temperature changed in an instant. She looked around with considerable admiration. Teleportation magic had also come up in Gardinis’s stories, and she seemed quite impressed.

She appeared to be captivated by the ritual site’s spring, flower fields, and the flower fairies flitting about with Seraphina… but when her gaze swept around, it became fixed on the towering Theoreme Castle, and she wore an expression of surprise.

King Eberhart had returned to Silvatoria, but Old Sigmund and Valentina would remain in Termwills to continue deciphering, research, and development at the workshop and my house. Charlotte would join them, and we would proceed with inheriting the sealing technique in parallel.

“First, let’s put the items we received at home, then go out into the city for some shopping. I’ll give you a brief tour of the town then.”

“Understood, Theodore-sensei.”

…It seemed Charlotte had decided to call me “sensei.”

We were almost the same age, and it felt a bit odd to be called “sensei” or “master,” but she said that since she was learning the sealing technique, she wanted to clearly establish a teacher-student relationship regardless of age. Well, there was some logic to that, so I compromised with “sensei” rather than being called “master.”

Regardless of what Charlotte called me… I thought I’d buy some ingredients to welcome her. Old Sigmund and Valentina had been to the theater and hot springs since coming to Termwills, but they hadn’t gone out specifically to explore the town. This might be a good opportunity to show them around Termwills.

“Shall we go, then?”

After temporarily storing the items received from the Sages’ Academy in the hidden study, we headed outside. Since both Valentina and Charlotte had rarely been out in the city, let alone outside the country, I decided we’d walk this time to also serve as a city tour.

Marlene also seemed happy, perhaps because she didn’t often go out on her own. When our eyes met, she smiled at me.

“Termwills is divided into central, east, west, north, and south districts… each with its own characteristics. This Eastern District is one of the safer areas in Termwills.”

“Indeed, it’s a beautiful townscape.”

Charlotte nodded while looking at the Eastern District. The well-maintained cobblestone streets were wide with good visibility. The many solidly constructed buildings were probably characteristic of the Eastern District.

“Peresford Academy is down the street over there.”

“Ah, I’ve heard of the academy.”

“It’s famous. It’s often mentioned alongside the Sages’ Academy.”

“Shall we take a look on our way back?”

Since she seemed interested and was looking toward where Peresford Academy was located, I suggested this, and she nodded happily.

“Theodore-sama and I are also enrolled there.”

“If you think it necessary, you could attend. I have materials from the academy at home too. Next—over there are Brightwelt Workshop and Labyrinth Trading Company. Basically, you can handle most errands in this vicinity and the central district alone.”

Valentina and Charlotte hadn’t had freedom of movement until now, and just commuting between home and workplace would be dull. I wanted to avoid unsafe things like going out alone, but I should explain about safe and unsafe areas and what to be careful about.

We then headed toward the central area where the temple and Adventurer Guild were located.

“In the Western District, opposite the Eastern District, there’s the port and orphanage. From here, it would be on the other side of Theoreme Castle.”

“The orphanage is where Sheila and I were cared for, and Director Sandra and the staff are mostly kind people… but basically, the Western District—especially near the port—has poor public safety.”

“If you have business in the Western District and need to go, it’s better not to go alone. If you let me know, I’ll accompany you.”

Sheila and Irmhild said.

“Y-yes.”

“Understood.”

Charlotte and Valentina nodded with serious expressions. Hearing about the poor public safety seemed to make them somewhat tense. That said, the Western District had the Thieves Guild hideout… and if Sheila was with you, it might actually be relatively safe.

“The Northern District is more of a commercial area… I get the impression there are many shops there. You might go there often if you need something. This time, we’re going to buy ingredients at the market in the square in front of the temple, so we won’t go that far.”

“Then… what about the Southern District?”

“The Southern District has many artisans and workshops, and you see many Dwarves there. Perhaps because there are many Dwarves, I feel there are also many taverns.”

While the Eastern District was a quiet residential area, the Southern District had a somewhat rough impression.

Although it was an area where taverns thrived because of the many Dwarves… perhaps because Dwarves are exceptionally strong when it comes to alcohol, the public safety isn’t actually that bad considering the number of taverns. However, the southwestern area near the Western District does become more disorderly as human drunks increase.

“Then there’s the Central District. Here, there are many buildings with unique architectural styles, almost integrated with the labyrinth. There are many noble villas and wealthy merchant residences, and since soldiers patrol frequently, it’s among the safer categories. The square around the Moon Temple we’re heading to now is a bit different because people gather there.”

“From the temple, you can also descend into the labyrinth.”

“The market in front of the temple sells ingredients from the labyrinth, so it’s the place we use most often.”

Grace and Ashley added explanations about the square.

“Recently, a new theater and hot spring district were added.”

“The area around the ritual site we teleported to is the hot spring district.”

At Sheila and Rosemary’s additional explanations, Charlotte’s eyes widened.

As we walked toward the Moon Temple, unlike the relatively quiet Eastern District, it gradually became more crowded and lively. When we reached the main street, carriages came and went, street vendors spread their wares at the roadside—it was simply vibrant.

Seeing a higher proportion of different races like Dwarves, Elves, Lizardmen, and Hawkmen compared to other places was characteristic of Termwills. With adventurers added to that mix, it might appear quite chaotic to someone seeing it for the first time. Old Sigmund remained composed, but Valentina seemed somewhat unsettled, and Charlotte’s eyes were darting around in astonishment.

“I’d heard it was a large city… but it’s quite different from Vinesdora.”

Charlotte murmured her impression. Vinesdora could also be called a major urban area, but somehow it gave an overall orderly impression.

“Perhaps so.”

“Hey, Theodore!”

Just as we arrived at the square while exchanging words, a voice called out from the crowd.

Looking in that direction, I saw it was Auria who had called out. Smiling while waving her hand, she ran over from across the street. Somehow, it looked like the excitement of a child spotting a friend in town. Not that I’d tell her that.

Justia, Dominique. And Forestbird seemed to be accompanying them as escorts.

“Good afternoon. This is Auria-san, the Adventurer Guild Master of Termwills.”

After introducing Auria, I introduced her companions as well. The surprised expression when I introduced Auria was… well, perhaps unavoidable.

“Hello, Theo-kun.”

“Isn’t it unusual for you to be out walking?”

Lucian and Robin from Forestbird said.

“Good afternoon. I was giving my grandfather and relatives a tour of the town.”

“Is that so? We were asked to provide a little escort to the front of the theater.”

Fitz said. The front of the theater… that would be the stall selling shaved ice, carbonated drinks, and cotton candy. This probably meant Justia and Dominique had accompanied Auria on her outing.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Monica from Forestbird, an adventurer.”

“I am Siegmund Willcloud.”

Old Sigmund bowed quietly. Valentina and Charlotte also introduced themselves.

“Grandfather… so that would make you Lisa’s father, then?”

“Oh, you know my daughter?”

“Indeed. I was looked after by the Guild during my adventuring days. There were many adventurers saved because Lisa was there.”

Auria smiled.

Hmm. It seemed I could hear stories from a different perspective than Rosetta’s. Old Sigmund would want to hear about Mother, and since I planned to make dinner lavish to welcome Charlotte today, having more people might be better. Maybe I should invite Auria and the others over.

“Today, we’re out shopping to welcome Charlotte… How about coming over to my house later? You’ll probably have to wait in line for quite some time at the stall in front of the theater, right?”

“Oh ho. I’ll go. Definitely!”

Auria nodded immediately with two affirmative responses. Well, if she came to the house, carbonated drinks and such would be unlimited. Though it felt like the Guild Master’s dignity was being traded off in return.

“Hmm. In that case, I must fetch that thing from the Guild.”

“Ah. That one, huh…”

She must mean the skull staff Mother made. It had no practical use, but it seemed to be Auria’s favorite. Well… Old Sigmund and Valentina already knew about Mother’s sense, so it should be fine.