The grand city of Re-Estize was bustling with life as we made our way past the main gates. Despite being given a carriage by the Adventurer's Guild, our lack of noble status meant we had to disembark at the entrance and walk the rest of the way. Solution followed behind me dutifully, while Clementine strode ahead, leading us confidently through the cobblestone streets toward an inn she recommended.
The inn she chose, of course, wasn't some rundown hovel. It was a fancy place — tall archways, clean marble steps, and expensive decorations visible even from outside. Clementine had insisted. "If you're going to flaunt yourself," she said earlier with a grin, "you might as well do it properly."
As we turned a corner, the clatter of hooves and the gleam of polished wood caught my attention. A royal carriage, trimmed with gold and draped in fine silk curtains, approached. Even among the hustle and bustle of the city, the carriage commanded attention — the citizens respectfully moved aside to clear a path.
And then I saw her.
A beautiful girl with radiant golden hair peered out from behind the carriage's velvet curtains. Her blue eyes locked onto mine for a brief moment. Calm. Studious. Almost curious.
Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself.
The Golden Princess of the Re-Estize Kingdom.
Even though it was only a second, the connection was undeniable. She noticed me.
Mm, she's beautiful, I thought to myself, my eyes lingering on her delicate features. Of course, not as beautiful as Albedo or the girls from DxD, I mentally added with a slight shrug, but still, beautiful.
And best of all — Climb, that ever-loyal watchdog, was nowhere to be seen.
I smirked inwardly. It had been smart to remove him early on.
The carriage rolled past me, and Renner disappeared behind the curtain again, as if our moment had never happened.
"That was the Golden Princess," Clementine said, slowing her pace to walk beside me. Her voice carried a tone of amusement. "Seems like she noticed you."
I looked at her from the corner of my eye.
"Well, given that handsome mug of yours, it's no surprise," she added with a sly grin. "You're a walking disaster for the women around here."
I didn't need her to tell me that.
As we continued walking, I noticed how right she was. Noblewomen passing by paused to steal glances at me. Some even whispered to each other behind lace fans, while others, both noble and commoner, gave me dreamy, longing looks.
One brave young woman even tripped over herself because she couldn't stop staring. I almost felt bad for her.
What can I say? I'm handsome, I thought with a smug grin.
That was when the voice rang out in my mind, clear and dry as a desert wind.
"Stop being a narcissist, dear," Death's familiar voice said with a sigh.
I chuckled mentally, responding without missing a beat. "Hey, but I am handsome."
I felt a ripple of amusement from her, though she didn't answer again. Her presence faded back into the depths of my mind, leaving me with only the faintest echo of her exasperation.
Honestly, though — could she blame me?
In a world like this, where heroes and villains were marked not just by power but by appearance, standing out was an advantage. And I wasn't just handsome. I was a walking magnet for opportunity.
Solution, ever the composed maid, didn't comment on the attention I was getting, but I could tell she noticed. Her movements became slightly more possessive, subtly stepping closer to me whenever a particularly bold woman's gaze lingered too long.
Clementine, meanwhile, seemed to enjoy the spectacle.
"Maybe you should open a fan club," she teased, nudging me with her elbow. "Sign some autographs, pose for a few paintings…"
"Maybe later," I replied with a smirk. "First, we settle in. Then... bigger things."
Bigger things indeed.
Renner's brief glance told me everything I needed to know — she was curious. And curiosity, if fed correctly, could become attraction. Fascination. Obsession.
Getting close to her would be hard, I think, since she is a princesses and all.
And once I was close, the doors to Re-Estize's secrets would open for me.
From there... slipping into the Theocracy and stealing their World-Class Item would be within reach.
All according to plan.
"Anyway," Clementine said, stretching her arms behind her head, "you better be careful. A pretty face like yours? The princess might just kidnap you herself."
"Wouldn't be the worst outcome," I said lightly.
Clementine laughed.
The inn she led us to finally came into view — a tall, elegant building with wide balconies and sparkling chandeliers visible through the large windows. It was the kind of place nobles might sneak into when they wanted to slum it with a little privacy.
Perfect for my needs.
~~~
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