Seeker 295

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Chapter 295. Rumors Of The New King

The oasis city of Radaja, known by the epithet 'The City of the Desert', stands as the most extensive among several settlements scattered across the vast desert region adjacent to the western side of the Holy Kingdom. 

As its name suggests, it is a city developed around an oasis (though all desert settlements are formed around oases), serving as the capital city for the desert nation of Melge. 

In terms of size and population, it is much smaller compared to the capital cities of major nations. 

However, it flourishes as a hub for trade with the east, indicating reasonable prosperity. 

Recently, rumors have circulated about a change in kingship.

"Hey, cut the crap! What's with this outrageous entrance tax? It was about half of this the last time I came here." 

Volff-san, our employee, retorts as he confronts the gatekeepers guarding the city gate.

However, the two gatekeepers, men with tanned skin and attire typical of desert dwellers, merely sneer and show no interest in engaging.

"That's back in King Fahad's time, right? Tax rates changed after King Usman ascended the throne."

"Yeah, quit your whining and pay up."

"I can't accept this. Bring the supervisor. I want to negotiate."

"We are the supervisors here. If you can't pay the entrance tax, you won't be allowed in."

"Fine...! If we can't resupply here, our journey ahead will be difficult. Look down on us all you want."

Volff-san fumes in frustration while the gatekeepers smirk. 

Eventually, Volff-san pays the specified entrance tax and enters the city.

Although we are merely hired to help and cannot resolve this through force, we can only observe the situation. 

By the way, upon entering the city, we received a notification of mission accomplishment.

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Mission Reached the Desert City Completed!

All party members gain 70,000 experience points!

New Mission: Reach the Eastern Capital (Gain 70,000 experience points)!

Kazekazeoto levels up to 50!

Yuzuki Hotaru levels up to 50!

Current Experience Points:

Musou Daichi: 169,5904/1743010 (Next level: 47106)

Kodachi Kazane: 1574036/1743010 (Next level: 168974)

Yuzuki Hotaru: 1629651/1743010 (Next level: 113359)

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We earned 70,000 experience points for completing the location mission! Accepting Wolf's escort quest was our main objective. 

Finally, all of us have reached level 50. 

Just one more level, and we might unlock a new set of skills.

Back to the point...

"What the hell is going on! I heard about the new king's ascension, but doubling the entrance tax is hindering trade! King Usman is a fool!"

Volff-san having occupied a random tavern table, grumbles irritably after ordering food and drinks.

The three of us can only offer sympathetic smiles, troubled by the situation.

Volff-san's servants seem to share the sentiment.

Although Volff-san initially appeared cheerful, matters involving business interests seem to have gotten to him, understandably causing frustration.

Perhaps his significant complaint caught the attention of a serving girl who, after a while, discreetly offered some advice.

"Are you travelers? It's not wise to openly criticize the king like that. Many have been arrested for it."

"Arrested? You mean they've been taken into custody?"

When Yuzuki asks, the serving girl nods.

"Yes. Since the late King Fahad passed away and Prince Usman ascended to the throne, taxes have increased, making life harder for everyone. But those who openly criticized it got caught for various reasons."

"Hah! That's rich. They say that bastard Usman, the one who killed King Fahad, was actually Princess Lulu. That's definitely a lie! The bastard surely killed his own brother!"

A drunk at the counter raises his voice, seemingly having overheard our conversation.

The desert man, now thoroughly embarrassed and red-faced, receives a gentle reprimand from the proprietress across the counter, warning him that he might end up in jail.

The man, on the other hand, defiantly replies.

"Fine. I'd rather be executed than grovel to such a king. Don't you agree, proprietress?"

And proceeds to flatter her.

Listening to these exchanges, Kazane wears a weary expression.

"Ugh, this is getting sketchy, Daichi."

"Yeah, I know. But wait..."

I ponder for a moment.

Since trouble often leads to special missions, it might be worth getting involved for the experience points.

"I get what you're saying, Senpai. Trouble sometimes brings unexpected gains."

Yuzuki says, chuckling.

While it's uncertain whether a special mission will arise, it's worth considering such possibilities for leveling up.

After finishing breakfast, we temporarily part ways with Wolf and company.

Wolf plans to conduct some business and restock supplies in Radaja.

Departure is scheduled for tomorrow night, leaving us with a day and a half of free time.

Having walked throughout the night, we first take some much-needed rest in the accommodations arranged by Wolf.

We all wake up just before evening approaches.

Deciding to explore the town, the three of us leave the inn.

As we stroll through the city's alleys, we attract attention as obvious outsiders.

Seemingly viewed as easy targets, we are approached by the town's merchants one after another.

Among them...

"Hey, handsome gentlemen over there. How about spending some time with us?"

A dancer-like woman in revealing attire approaches us with surprising naturalness.

She emanates a scent of perfume and femininity unfamiliar to us.

"No thanks, we're all set for now!"

"Yeah, we already got Senpao covered. But remember, while doing it with Kazane-san and I are okay, one-night stands at every stop aren't allowed."

Kazane and Yumitsuki intervene blatantly, pulling the woman away from me.

With a disappointed "Oh well.", she leaves with a coy smile.

Kazane stands before me, adopting a protective stance, and leans closer to my face.

"You got it, Daichi? I've said it before, but cheating is not cool!"

"Uh, y-yeah."

Her face is so close. It's tempting to accidentally kiss her.

But I restrain myself. After all, I have some integrity.

"Senpai gets all up in everyone's business the moment he looks away. Kazane-san and I sticking close is a must."

Saying so, Yuzuki clings to my right arm.

While she probably means to act as a guardian, being embraced by such an adorable junior never fails to make me happy.

That's how it was while we wandered around town, enjoying our leisurely time.

Suddenly, a formidable group approaches from ahead.

Encircled by numerous armed warriors, a desert man wearing a crown is carried on a palanquin.

Beside him, three scantily clad girls, dressed in revealing attire, cling to him like attendants.

"It's... King Usman!"

"The king's passing through! Everyone, make way!"

The people on the street hastily move to the sides, bowing with one knee down in reverence.