After running for a while, we managed to come out on the main street. I look back, but it doesn't look like someone is chasing us.
We immediately slipped into the crowd of people on the main street and after advancing even more, we finally stopped at the edge of the street which far away from the entrance of back alley.
"For the time being, we can feel relieved arriving this far."
While feeling tired to the point I'm slightly short of breath, I looked at the young lady.
Just in case, I thought of running at a slower speed so that she wouldn't be left behind. And yet the young lady was leaning her back against the wall of a building and was so exhausted that she would likely to slump on the floor at any moment.
"I, I am sorry. I haven't been outside as much as possible..."
"Don't worry, it's fine. You should take a slow, deep breath and calm down first."
"Y, yes. Understood..."
While putting her hand on her chest, she breathed deeply and controlled her disordered breathing.
...Uh, just by taking a deep breath seems to make it shake.
Clueless that I was thinking such things, the young lady, who regained her breath by taking deep breaths several times (while shaking), turned towards me.
"Once again, thank you very much."
"You're welcome."
Although what I did was an impulsive act, it seems that my choice was not a mistake for her.
"So, Young lady. Can I ask about your situation?"
"Um... that is..."
"Oh, it's okay. I'm not thinking of forcing you if it's difficult to answer, okay?"
"Is it alright?"
"It's alright."
While it may be true that I saved her, it's another matter whether to go deeply into her situation.
After answering lightly, I brought up a topic.
"You left that place by getting caught on my momentum, but does the young lady have something to do with that place? Though I think it's better to stop it at least for today."
Such a young lady was setting foot into such a dubious place. I'm sure she got a serious reason. I was wondering if I had done something a little wrong, but---
"N, no. In fact... after getting lost, I just accidentally ended up in that place."
"... Eh, seriously?"
"Yes, seriously."
I reflexively asked again at her unexpected answer. The woman nods embarrassedly. I, who rashly became suspicious, have also became strangely embarrassed.
"Oh... Let me rephrase that. What will you do after this?"
"What will I do...?"
"What I mean is, do you have "somewhere to go"."
When she heard that, the woman awkwardly turned her eyes away.
Oi, wait a minute.
"... By any chance, were you wandering around without any place to go?"
"Rather, can I say that my purpose was to wander around without any place to go...?"
What kind of purpose is that!? I want you to understand my feelings that I wanted to include that tsukkomi. But if I say that, it will result in completely delivering the final blow to the young lady, so I endured just before it can slip out of my mouth.
After looking up at the sky for a moment, I regained my composure.
"Then, do you want to go with me for a while?"
"---?"
"Actually, I just arrived in the Royal Capital. I'm planning to do some sightseeing while strolling around the city, so how about it?"
"---! Please let me join you!!"
At my casual suggestion, the young lady smiled like a flower buds blooming. Please stop. Her smile is too divine that I'm having difficulty on looking at it.
"O, oh... alright. Then, do you wanna come with me?"
"Yes!"
I was agitated by the unexpected cling, but it's great that she looks delighted anyway.
Thus, the first day of my life in the Royal Capital was shifted from 'Charge to the Red-light District!' to 'Mysterious Beautiful Girl and Royal Capital Sightseeing'.
"Hee..... I was invited by a friend."
"We're not really close enough to be called friends, though. I don't even know why I decided to take you with me."
I walk alongside the young lady in the lively city. During that time, I talked about all sorts of things until I arrived in the Royal Capital.
The young lady gave responses on each and every one of my story and smiled interestedly. I don't understand well what's interesting about it, but it's great that I can make the young lady enjoy.
"--- But the Royal Capital is really lively, isn't it. Is it like this every day?"
In the main street, food stalls are lining in rows and street performers, who occasionally demonstrates their performances, are receiving applause from the surroundings. Some were listening carefully to the bard's story, while the others were giving applause to the tones being played on a musical instrument.
I'm amazed at the liveliness of the Royal Capital if there's this much enthusiasm every day. But, the young lady denied my thoughts.
"No, it is not usually as busy as this. These last few days are just special."
"By special --- you mean like festival?"
"... Yes. Actually, Pope-sama of the Fonia Church apparently made an announcement a week ago. He said, the 'Yuusha' chosen by God will come to this Royal Capital."
"Hee, Yuusha, huh... Wait, is it fine to carelessly advertise that matter!?"
I told stories about my travel until I arrived in the Royal Capital to the young lady, but I avoided anything related to the essential 'Yuusha'. It's probably unlikely that I could make her believe that I'm an acquaintance of the Yuusha and I don't think it was alright to spread it around carelessly.
... Oi, hold on.
If I'm not mistaken, this 'Pope' is probably the most important position in the church. Don't tell me the top position of the organization is the one who's taking the initiative in spreading around the news? Give me back my consideration.
"Recently when there are rumors of the Demon King's revival, anxiety is spreading in the hearts of every citizen. But, Yuusha-sama is someone who brings hope to this world. His existence itself gives light to the people's hearts."
Is it a strategy to deceive the anxiety of the people by revealing the existence of the Yuusha on a large scale? Then, is the lively street of the Royal Capital, that spreads out before my eyes, its result?
For me, this liveliness was godsend. Because I can enjoy it with a beautiful young lady next to me.
"Well then, why don't we enjoy ourselves to those food stalls?"
"--- Eh? ...Th, that's right, isn't it. We should might as well enjoy ourselves!"
For some reason, the young lady showed a surprised expression for a moment, but she immediately smiled. I didn't pursue it deeply.