Just like that, I spent a decade living as an adventurer. I felt like time passed in a span of a month... a week even. It may be because the growth of my body stopped when I reached the age of 17 in this world, that I perceived time differently.
After a decade, I was able to advance my adventurer rank to B. I'm now the highest ranking adventurer in the city, and because of that, I became popular among the public. I even got so popular that nobles sent invitations to me for marriage. I also gotten a bunch of proposals from other adventurers, some of them were good people, but most were tricksters who tried to use underhanded tactics.
Since I was a man in the past, I tried my best to protect myself from them, and I only gotten into relationships with women. The first woman I got into a yuri relationship with was Jessica-san... but because her bond with her party was strong, she came with them when they left the city to find success in a different part of the country. I was heartbroken, but I cannot do anything about it.
I heard some time later that their party have beaten a strong monster, and they were recognized by the king. At the moment, there are rumors of Gil becoming a hero for this kingdom. It seems there are also considerations of giving Senna the title of sage. It looks like they're close to achieving their dreams.
Speaking of dreams... another person just achieved his...
"Thank you everyone for coming..."
Standing on the stage inside the tall hall, Julian spoke. He spoke loud enough for everyone present to hear him. I was at the back of the crowd, and yet I was able to hear him clearly still.
"I'll be sure to make this city prosper, now that I have succeeded the role of my father."
Then he continues to recite his long speech. When it was over, everyone, including me, clapped our hands in unison.
Stepping down the stage, Julian exchanged pleasantries with the guests. Since I was not a noble like most of them, I did not bother myself to greet and talk to him too. I can do that later anyway.
"Here's your juice, Eria-sama," a servant handed me the juice I specially requested.
At the moment I taste the sweet flavor, I saw Julian and we exchanged stares. As it was before, he's able to see me in the crowd. With a nod and a unique gesture, he sent a message to me. Understanding what he wants, I left the hall and went to another room in the mansion.
I entered the room and welcomed Julian when he came in later. We were in the guess living room, together with the two maids who serve us drinks and food.
"I already went to the royal capital and dealt with the procedures... It's official now..." he nonchalantly said as he put a biscuit in his mouth.
"Congratulations, now you can order everyone in the city at your will. Fufu... isn't that what you always wanted?" I sarcastically chuckled.
"Heh... you say everyone, but that does not include you. You'd kill me if I try."
"Hm... You're right. I won't let anyone order me around, even if it was the king."
"I know," he replied and shrugged his shoulders.
Julian is about to turn 30, and yet, he was as good-looking as ever. If I honestly say so, he looks more cooler now than before. He looks more mature, he's taller and more muscular, and he changed his style as well. From looking like a spoiled brat, he now looks like what a proper noble should be. Although, his charm as a shoujo male lead never left.
"Guh..." he groaned as he laid his back on the sofa, "Everything went so smoothly and as expected... I somehow can't feel satisfied."
"Aren't you happy?"
"I am... but in the end, I feel like this position was just somehow given to me, without me actually doing anything to earn it."
It's not the first time he complained to me about the same thing.
"You did enough for the city... I think the people already accept you as their new leader."
Julian's eyes stared intently at me when I said those words. Then, he momentarily furrowed his brow and sighed.
"Then I'll believe you... it must be true if it's coming from you."
"That's right, I only say the truth," I confidently declared so.
"Hm..."
Again, Julian stared intently at me, but this time, his eyes were focused on my outfit.
"What is it?"
"I was just thinking... you've gotten used to wearing those kinds of clothes after all... was it the influence of those women?"
He's talking about the women I got into a yuri relationship with. It's not a secret to him, since he's always following me around.
"It's their fault," I reluctantly admit.
I wore girlish outfits even in my hometown, but after I got my independence, I preferred to wear men's clothing like I did in my past life. It's only after I got used being dressed up by those women that I finally accepted my fate to wear skirts and dresses.
"I guess I should give them my thanks?" he chuckled.
"You never change."
But then again, most men I got acquainted in this world look at me with the same perverted eyes. I already got used to it.
"It's night already... you should stay here for today. You can pick any room you want."
"Is that okay?"
"I insist."
After chatting for a while, the night was late already. The guests have left, and the noises in the mansion finally quieted down.
"Then, goodnight, Eria."
"Umu... thank you for letting me stay as always."
There have been a few times I stayed in this mansion before. Julian was generous enough to let me stay for free and choose any room I want. He even humored to let me stay in his room, but I know that won't do me any good.
"I'll meet you tomorrow."
"Umu..." I nodded and then left the room.