For the first day in this world, Uta already had a clear goal: make his way to the Magic City of Alden, find the Great Sage Yukina, and learn if there was a way to return home.
(Someone who's lived for five centuries might know something. I'll ask her about the Demon King situation while I'm at it.)
As he left the diner, lost in thought, Uta accidentally bumped into someone.
"Eek!"
"Huh?" Uta blinked, looking down at the small figure sprawled on the ground.
It was a petite girl, and upon recognizing her face, Uta froze.
"Wait… aren't you the girl from earlier?"
The girl, startled and flustered, quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushed. She hesitated, then seemed to steel herself.
"Um… do you need a guide?" she blurted out.
"…A guide?"
"You're not from around here, are you? Your clothes look weird! And… and since you helped me earlier, I'll repay you by showing you around town!"
Uta blinked, taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm.
"This way! Over here! This is called Glory Street!" the girl, who introduced herself as Marie, chirped excitedly.
Thanks to her guidance, Uta found himself exploring the town. While he hadn't planned on sightseeing, it felt like a waste not to soak in the experience of visiting a new world—even temporarily.
Marie was a local, born and raised in the Faubnir Kingdom's capital. She seemed knowledgeable about the town and eagerly took Uta to popular attractions, including the famous Glory Street.
The broad avenue was paved with red bricks and lined with towering statues on either side, each figure gazing down imposingly at the passersby.
"See all these statues lining the street?" Marie explained, gesturing with both hands. "On the right are statues of our past kings. On the left are statues of heroes who fought for our kingdom."
"Impressive," Uta said, nodding.
"That one over there," Marie pointed toward the end of the street, "is the first king. Across from him is the Hero who defeated the Demon King five hundred years ago!"
"The Hero, huh… Interesting." Uta stepped closer to the statue of the Hero, tilting his head as he examined it.
The lifelike bronze figure portrayed a strikingly handsome young man, sword raised high in triumph. He radiated an aura of bravery and valor.
"…Doesn't exactly scream 'Japanese,' does it?" Uta muttered.
If the Hero had been summoned alongside the Great Sage, Uta assumed he might have been Japanese. But judging solely by the statue's features, it was hard to tell.
"The first king and the Hero worked together to defeat the Demon King and founded this kingdom!" Marie said enthusiastically. "This year marks the 500th anniversary of the kingdom's founding, so lots of visitors have come to celebrate!"
"A memorial year, huh? Still… things seem awfully peaceful. Hasn't a new Demon King emerged?" Uta asked casually.
"A new Demon King?" Marie blinked, tilting her head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"Huh?"
Her blank stare made it clear she had no idea what he meant.
(So, the general public isn't aware of the Demon King's return?)
The earlier rumors of a Demon King's invasion hadn't reached the common folk. Perhaps the royal family was keeping the information under wraps for now.
(The king's terrified reaction seemed genuine, though. The Demon King's resurgence wasn't a lie.)
"I guess I'll have more questions for the Great Sage," Uta muttered under his breath.
"What was that, mister?" Marie asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh, nothing. Thanks for showing me around—I really enjoyed it."
"I'm glad to hear that!" she said, flashing a bright smile.
But just as Marie beamed with pride, a loud grrrrumble echoed from her stomach. The noise was unmistakable.
"Ah…"
"Haha! Hungry, are we?" Uta teased.
"Eek! How embarrassing!" Marie's face turned bright red.
"How about we grab a snack? I can smell something sweet from that stall over there."
Without waiting for her reply, Uta gently steered the blushing girl toward a nearby food stall. The vendor sold baked treats—small dough balls coated in sugar and honey, their rich aroma wafting through the air.
"Dessert right after lunch? Who can resist?" Uta grinned.
"Um… are you sure I can have some?" Marie asked timidly.
"Of course! It's delicious."
Encouraged by Uta's reassurance, Marie took a bite of the sugary treat. Her eyes widened in delight.
"It's so sweet… and delicious!"
"Right? I think there's honey in it. Really good stuff."
Despite the sweetness, a shadow fell over Marie's expression. Her earlier excitement faded, replaced by a pensive, troubled look.
(Why does she look so guilty? She should be happy—it's just dessert.)
Puzzled, Uta decided to change the subject. "By the way, I'm heading to Alden tomorrow. I need to stock up on supplies for the trip. Do you know a good store?"
"Alden…? You're leaving town?" Marie's voice trembled.
"Yeah. Why?"
"I see… Well, let me show you where you can get what you need!" she said quickly, plastering on a forced smile.
Something about her reaction didn't sit right with Uta, but he nodded and let her lead the way.