Phew...
"I'm so stuffed..."
After leaving the restaurant, Shane rubbed his swollen belly as he walked toward the city center's city hall.
Honestly, compared to the barbecue, beer, and spicy crayfish from his previous life, even the best chefs in this other world couldn't hold a candle to a proper home-cooked meal.
But if you had spent three days in a forest monastery gnawing on black bread and drinking plain water, then the sizzling roasted ribs and steaming cream mushroom soup would feel like pure salvation.
Frieren, of course, felt even more saved.
Shane glanced sideways, watching the elf girl beside him gently pat her stomach, her eyes half-closed in contentment, basking in the spring sunlight as if she might melt from happiness at any moment.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
As expected, girls who love sweets are all adorable.
…
The city hall stood at the center of Gostan City, the heart that managed all affairs and kept the city running in order.
The moment he stepped through the entrance, Shane felt a slight discomfort, like a brief surge of static passing through his body.
The feeling lasted only an instant.
Confused, he looked at Frieren.
She explained, "This is magic that can identify demonic beings. Since some demons look almost identical to humans, they can easily blend into crowds by hiding their horns with clothing or magic. That's why major cities and fortresses set up this kind of magic at important locations."
I see.
Thinking back to the layered defenses they encountered last night, Shane immediately gained a favorable impression of the city's ruler.
A cautious ruler could minimize unnecessary casualties to the greatest extent.
"Hello, how may I assist you?"
A beautiful receptionist in a fitted black uniform approached them. She wore a gentle smile, her every movement graceful and composed. Even her voice and tone felt soothing, like a spring breeze.
Shane couldn't help but admire her. High-end talent indeed.
"Hello, my name is Shane. I was entrusted by Priest Beryl to deliver a manuscript."
As he spoke, he took out a wooden box and handed it over.
After receiving it, she glanced at the emblem, opened the box, and skimmed through the thick manuscript inside before nodding in satisfaction.
"You've both worked hard. This is indeed Mr. Beryl's notes."
"With this final analytical manuscript, the new magic he deciphered from the Scripture can officially begin testing and be recorded into the magic archives. I must say, Mr. Beryl is truly an exceptional priest. His research will surely influence future generations."
Shane felt relieved. The old man's lifelong work hadn't been in vain.
"To thank you both for your help, the city hall has prepared a small token of appreciation. Please wait a moment."
There's extra payment?
Shane was pleasantly surprised.
The receptionist carried the manuscript away. In the blink of an eye, she returned to her spot, the wooden box now replaced with a small envelope in her hands.
Her speed was so fast that Shane's eyes couldn't even keep up, leaving him deeply impressed.
But before she could hand over the envelope, an extremely frivolous voice echoed from the entrance.
"Who decided to seal off the Inverted Land? Hurry up and undo it for me!"
Shane instantly recognized the voice.
It was the same blond young master who had caused a commotion in the restaurant earlier.
Behind him were the same old butler and two maids.
With one hand in his pocket, he swaggered into the hall, deliberately stopping at the very center. He tilted his chin arrogantly and continued,
"This young master is going to conquer the dungeon. Whoever set up that barrier, remove it now."
Hearing his rude demand, the receptionist's expression didn't change at all. Her smile remained warm.
"I'm sorry, sir. The city is currently under lockdown. To ensure the safety of adventurers and guard against potential attacks, all exploration activities have been temporarily suspended."
"Then give me a special permit."
"I'm sorry, sir. The city hall's orders do not allow for exceptions. Please wait patiently until the restrictions are lifted."
"Then call the person in charge. I want to speak with him."
"I'm sorry, sir. Lord Ross and General Glux are both attending a city defense meeting and are unable to receive you. If you wish to meet them, I can schedule an appointment. The nearest available time is… four days later in the afternoon."
Watching their exchange, Shane was completely stunned.
Amazing. Truly high-end talent.
Faced with the blond youth's rudeness, the receptionist remained calm and composed, handling everything with ease. Every response was flawless, while the blond youth was already getting irritated after just a few lines.
"What's with all these restrictions? I think you're targeting me! Do you have any idea what I could do right now—"
Bang!
A loud explosion cut him off.
Before the young master could finish his threat, something suddenly appeared inside the city hall.
Three golem constructs, each over two meters tall, leaped down from the tops of the stone pillars, forming a triangular formation that surrounded him.
Shane was surprised. He looked up at the pillars and noticed that each one had four smaller golems perched on top.
There were four pillars in total.
That meant…
As expected of the city hall. The defenses were impeccable.
The receptionist still wore a gentle smile, her attitude as kind as ever. But the three golems in front of her radiated a chilling killing intent.
The blond youth was stunned by the sudden turn of events, his words stuck in his throat.
Fortunately, the old butler behind him understood the situation. He immediately stepped forward, shielding the young master while bowing slightly in apology.
"Please forgive my young master's unintentional offense. We will take our leave at once."
Hearing this, the receptionist smiled graciously and said nothing further.
She returned to Shane, handed over the envelope with both hands, and bowed slightly.
"This is a small token of appreciation from the city hall. Please accept it. Once again, thank you for your help."
In that instant, Shane felt a burning glare pierce into his back.
He didn't need to think to know who it came from.
Shane sighed.
Whether in his past life or this one, he hated dealing with troublesome people the most. He quickly accepted the envelope and left with Frieren.
However—
The more you tried to avoid trouble, the more it sought you out.
Just as they stepped out of the city hall and walked a few steps away, that irritating voice called out from behind.
"Wait!"
The blond youth appeared in front of them in a flash, blocking their path.
He ignored Shane and stared excitedly at Frieren, rudely sizing her up from head to toe.
"Are you the mage Frieren from the hero's party?"
"I'm the great mage Brug. Let's team up and conquer the dungeon together!"