episode_0070

Episode 70 Founding Festival (1)

The capital city seen after leaving the academy was quite a sight.

Various stalls lined up from the entrance, merchants tempting people with sights and smells, and curious customers dropping by. The scene itself exuded a festive atmosphere.

Of course, this is just the outskirts of the capital, so there isn’t much to see. To really have fun, you have to go to the capital’s streets.

Still, it wasn’t like the stalls weren’t attracting customers. They caught the eyes of students who had just come out to enjoy the festival.

Especially since they were filled with items that students would like. For example, things related to entertainment or love. It’s a time when they’re very interested in that sort of thing, so they would glance or check them out once in a while.

I didn’t pay any attention to that. Unless it’s a future told by a real astrologer, saint, or saintess, those things generally don’t work well.

Well, the students know that too, but some still buy things. That’s how desperate they are.

However, unexpectedly, Lana didn’t give those things much attention.

“Aren’t you interested in that kind of thing?”

“Huh?”

Only then did Lana turn her head towards the stalls. But she only looked for a moment before turning back to me and asking,

“Kyle, do you like fortune-telling?”

“It’s not that I like it, I was just asking.”

“That’s surprising. I didn’t know you believed in that kind of thing.”

“It’s not like that….”

Whether I said that or not, Lana smiled brightly.

“Then, do you want to try it? It’s okay if you want to, Kyle. But my grandfather told me not to believe in fortune-telling if possible. He tried it once a long time ago and got scolded badly.”

“Well, it’s not like I….”

I didn’t know Latral had such a past. Well, if you take away the fact that he’s Lana’s grandfather, he’s just an extra anyway.

“Hehe, then that’s a relief. My grandfather said fortune-telling is a waste of money. He said it’s better to buy something delicious to eat.”

Lana smiled brightly, as if she was amused by my denial. Well, I asked just in case, but if you’re not interested, it doesn’t matter.

“Let’s get out of here first.”

It was the way to the capital’s streets, so there were a lot of people. On top of that, there were students stopped in front of the stalls, making it difficult to pass, so people were packed even closer together.

“Where are we going?”

“I think it would be good to go to the fountain first.”

“I know a shortcut there!”

Lana instantly grabbed my hand and led me. If it were someone else, I would have shaken off their hand, but I followed her guidance.

However, moving wasn’t easy. As I said, the road itself was almost blocked by students. We kept bumping into people even with just a little movement.

Still, we managed to get out and arrived at an alleyway.

“Is this the shortcut?”

“It’s the fastest way to the fountain!”

The alley in front of us had a unique gloominess, but I didn’t feel any ominousness.

More than anything.

“It looks familiar. You must come here often?”

The path was twisted and complicated, but Lana’s steps were unimpeded. It was like she was taking a walk.

“Yeah! There’s a place I sponsor nearby. I’ve come a few times, so I know it well.”

Well, Lana is a noble. She can definitely afford to sponsor. Lana is more than capable of that.

While chatting, we reached the end of the alley, and the fountain was visible in the distance.

“We’re here! There are so many people because of the festival!”

“I know, right. There’s no room to step.”

The area around the fountain, which was 100m in diameter, was already crowded with people who had come to enjoy the festival. Just the people in front of us numbered over 500. It’s only the first day of the festival, but it’s a daunting sight.

“Don’t wander off and stay close.”

“I’ll stay close! But don’t worry. As I said yesterday, you hide most smells.”

There’s no need to bring that up, but… anyway.

“Hmm, where should we go first… Food? Or something to do?”

I pointed to the food street and the activity street. Lana looked at me and asked.

“Kyle, have you eaten?”

“Not yet.”

I thought I might eat snacks in between, so I deliberately didn’t eat.

“Hehe, I haven’t eaten either.”

“Then you must be hungry.”

“I am hungry. So… ta-da! I knew this would happen, so I brought this!”

Lana took out an old ticket. It wasn’t an ordinary ticket, and I could feel magical energy from the letters. And I was a little surprised when I saw the letters written on the paper.

“The Underwater Table? The one I know?”

“That’s right!”

Lana nodded in affirmation.

[The Underwater Table] is the most famous restaurant in the Empire. Its history alone is a whopping 400 years. It’s a place that has been with the history of the Tairan Empire.

However, a restaurant can’t be maintained with tradition alone. The taste of the food is as excellent as its history. It’s even praised as having a ‘heavenly taste.’

Because of its fame, people gather not only from inside the Empire but also from other countries. Because of this, it’s difficult to get a reservation.

“How did you get it? It’s famous for not giving out tickets.”

[The Underwater Table] doesn’t give out tickets separately. It’s always fully booked, and there are many visitors.

Of course, it’s not like they don’t give them out at all, but it’s difficult for us, who are still students, to get one.

“I took it from my grandfather’s drawer!”

“That’s stealing….”

“Shhh! If we’re quiet, no one will know…!”

Lana covered my mouth with both hands. I didn’t stop.

“Still, you shouldn’t take other people’s things….”

“Shhh! Don’t say it!”

As I continued to speak, she covered my mouth even more. I stayed still at her strong reaction. Only after seeing my true form did Lana take her hand away. Then she came closer and whispered.

“I didn’t steal this. My grandfather received it a long time ago, but he gave it to me to use.”

“Are you sure it’s okay to use?”

“My grandfather has eaten there a lot, so he doesn’t want to eat there anymore. So I can use it as I please.”

Lana puffed out her chest proudly and shouted. If she says that much, it must be okay.

“But Lana.”

“Yeah? Why?”

“Maybe you shouldn’t say that so loudly….”

Numerous gazes and attention were directed this way. Most of the people who heard Lana’s shout were glancing at us or whispering.

“Ah!”

Lana seemed to realize her mistake and quickly hid the ticket, startled. But that didn’t make things better.

“First, let’s run!”

I activated magic, grabbed Lana’s hand, and ran. And Lana, who was running alongside me, made a slightly tearful voice.

“Ugh, I made a mistake…. My grandfather told me to be careful.”

“Anyone can make mistakes. Just be careful next time.”

Even if I said that, the situation wasn’t good. I could feel several people chasing us in the crowded crowd. From ordinary citizens to adventurers and thieves like pickpockets. It was very diverse. The number was over 100.

As I said earlier, [The Underwater Table] is filled with customers every day without any empty seats. Not to mention on festival days. At this time, getting a reservation is as difficult as picking stars in the sky. So there are incidents where people give extra money to get a seat.

But someone has the right to use it anytime? At least on the festival day, its value is indescribable. That’s why we’ve become targets like this.

However, it wasn’t like there was no way to escape this situation at all.

“Lana, follow in my footsteps from behind. Can you do that?”

“Yeah, I can do it.”

I let go of Lana’s hand. And I put mana into my feet and took a step.

First, I spread the energy of the earth with the first footprint to create a foundation, and the second step is to put magic on top of it.

The third and fourth are the same. I unfold, combine, and merge them one by one. Sometimes mana, sometimes magic, sometimes the principles of nothingness. I build towards completion step by step, like building a tower.

All to shake off those thieves. Fortunately, Lana followed well.

After walking like that for a while, I took the last step and stopped. The formation was complete. Lana also stopped following me.

“Is it over?”

“Yeah. They won’t chase us anymore.”

They’ll wander around in the illusion for about 10 minutes before being sucked into a dream. Then they’ll be caught by the guards and rot in jail for a few days. Obstructing traffic during this period is a major crime.

“That’s a relief. I thought I was going to die from the smell….”

“Was it hard?”

“Yeah. There were too many bad people.”

I feel sorry for Lana, who has to live with that ability for the rest of her life.

Anyway.

We arrived at the food street and headed to [The Underwater Table]. We didn’t have to move for long. The restaurant was big and located near the beginning of the street. And we reached the restaurant.

“Is it because it’s a famous restaurant?”

“There are so many people, Kyle.”

A line that started from the restaurant entrance. It’s over 300m long.

The result of trying to eat there at least once makes me laugh. They won’t be able to eat no matter how long they wait. Maybe 100 people will get to eat?

But unlike them, we didn’t need to do that.

“Let’s go, Kyle.”

“Okay.”

Lana and I passed the waiting line and headed to the entrance. And as we were about to enter, a waiter came out.

“Thank you for visiting The Underwater Table. If you tell me the name you made the reservation under, I will guide you.”

“I didn’t make a reservation, but I have this.”

Lana took out the ticket and handed it to the waiter. Then sweat started to drip from his forehead.

“Could you wait a moment?”

His words were calm, but his actions were not at all. The waiter hurriedly ran inside. After a while, he returned with someone who appeared to be the manager. It was a middle-aged man.

“Welcome. I am William Herschel, the manager of The Underwater Table. Is it just the two of you?”

“Yes!”

“Please come in. I will guide you.”

He bowed deeply and led us. The waiting line whispered at our appearance, but we ignored them.

The interior of the restaurant was as unique as its reputation.

The floor and ceiling were reminiscent of the sea, and the tableware, candles, and small decorations seemed to be made by processing things from the sea.

It was truly a scene that made you feel the atmosphere of the sea. I hadn’t even eaten yet, but my eyes were already delighted.

“Wow… Kyle, look at that. Fish are floating around.”

“I know, but there’s no water.”

In addition, numerous fish were floating in the air. It wasn’t that they had installed an aquarium, but rather they had filled the restaurant with the energy of the sea and made them float.

“Hehe, is this your first time visiting our restaurant?”

“Yes! It’s our first time!”

“I see.”

Then he smiled.

“This is an honor. To think I would serve all three generations of the Heitald and Arden families.”

“Oh, I didn’t say my name….”

“There’s no need to be surprised. I gave that ticket to Latral-nim 30 years ago. And I’ve met Lana-nim’s father, so I just assumed she was his granddaughter.”

I knew the ticket was old for some reason. So that was the reason.

“And I think you know who the Arden is without me saying it.”

“Yes.”

We were guided to the VIP room on the 6th floor. It was the only room I saw that was empty while coming up.

“Is this room the only one that’s empty?”

“This is a private room for those who have a ticket. Even the imperial family cannot use this room without a ticket.”

He kindly answered Lana’s question. After that, he even pulled out our chairs and treated us kindly.

“Since it’s your first visit, I’d like to serve you a dish that I’ve selected at my discretion, would that be okay?”

“Yes, that’s fine!”

“Please do.”

“If there are any seafood or ingredients you can’t eat, I will reflect that.”

“I eat everything well!”

“I’m not picky either.”

Before preparing the food, he asked us various questions. William, who had finished his work, left and said.

“This room has the best view in our restaurant. You can look around until the food is ready, or you can do something else. The soundproofing is excellent, so no sound will leak out.”

I realized what he meant.

“Don’t make strange noises.”

“Hehe, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I’m just saying it’s safe to talk comfortably.”

He smiled like a grandfather and left the room. It was an obvious thing to say, but I let it go because his intentions seemed pure. I don’t know why the adults are so interested, unlike the students, but I wish they would just do it moderately.

Well, Lana didn’t seem interested in his words. She had been running to the balcony because he said the view was good. I also got up from my seat and headed to Lana’s side.

“Kyle. Look at the capital. It’s as pretty as the starlight at night.”

“Yeah. It’s pretty.”

The imperial capital wasn’t built simply. It was designed and built like the 6 divided streets. So magic is laid throughout the capital. You can see this well from the sky.

“Don’t stand, sit down and watch. It’s more comfortable.”

I operated the magic tool installed on the balcony. Then a chair made of mana was created. A table was also created so we could lean on it.

We sat side by side and looked outside.

“It’s a good breeze.”

“Yeah, it makes my body feel relaxed.”

The gentle breeze blows away the summer heat and cools the body. I had been moving my body anyway, so it was relaxing as Lana said.

“I want to sleep like this.”

“You can’t sleep.”

“Hehe, is it because I’m with Kyle?”

Lana smiled brightly.

We were silent for a while after that. It wasn’t that there was awkwardness. It’s just that I like this situation.

The scenery of the restaurant, the heat of the festival, and the tranquility felt within it. The three combine to give stability to the mind and body. Maybe Lana is quiet because she doesn’t want to break this atmosphere either.

After sitting there for a long time without any conversation, Lana opened her mouth.

“I wish Elheim unnie was here too.”

She sighed softly as if she missed Elheim, who had left yesterday.

“Lana. Do you like Elheim?”

“Yeah, I like her a lot!”

Lana smiled brightly just thinking about Elheim.

“Kyle wouldn’t know. How lonely it is to grow up as an only child. So I always wanted to have siblings. And I feel like Elheim unnie is like that. Like we grew up together.”

Hearing those words, I wondered if I should have sent her. But I can’t weaken my heart.

“Still, you can monopolize her like this. Just you.”

“Monopoly is good. How happy is it to have someone you like with you.”

Lana turned her head and smiled brightly. Then she looked forward again.

“You know, Kyle. People often misunderstand? They think I’m just a pure child. But that’s not true at all. I know everything there is to know. I know about the things you hide from me because you care about me. And Kyle….”

“Tell me.”

I said to Lana, who was hesitating. She opened her mouth right away.

“I know that you fought with unnie. I know that Chloe likes Kyle. I know that the princess and Luina sunbae are also interested in Kyle.”

“Is that so.”

“Yeah.”

Lana nodded in affirmation.

I actually thought she would have figured it out. In the novel, Lana monitored Evan as a summon. She may not be at that level right now, but she must be checking to some extent.

“But can you monopolize me there? Just me and unnie is already two. Of course, I won’t fight with unnie over Kyle, but I can’t guarantee that other people won’t.”

“I guess not….”

“I don’t guess, I guarantee it will be.”

Lana’s tone was certain. I didn’t bother to say anything else.

“But what can I do. The person Kyle Arden is that charming. And Kyle.”

This time, Lana got off the chair and grabbed my head with her hands to face me directly.

“I’m not a greedy woman. It’s okay if you have other women besides unnie and me. That’s the way of nature in the first place. I understand enough.”

Lana’s eyes were shining brighter than ever.

“So you don’t have to say things like that to be considerate of me. I’m not jealous. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m going to let you be taken by someone else. I’m going to make Kyle like me the most, no matter what.”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen. There’s Elheim.”

“Oh, I can’t help it with unnie. We’ve spent a different amount of time together….”

Lana pouted her lips at the irresistible words. Her appearance was so cute that I gave her a faint smile.

“Just kidding, just kidding.”

“Kyle is sometimes mischievous…. Huh?”

Then Lana looked at the room and was surprised.

“Kyle, the food is here! Let’s eat.”

“I didn’t know it would come out without saying anything.”

I thought they would come and explain the food since they were treating us like VIPs, but it was unexpected.

We left the balcony and headed to the table. On top of it was a small note along with the dishes.

The contents were an explanation about the food, and at the very bottom of the explanation….

「I thought it would ruin the atmosphere, so I sent it without saying anything. I hope you have a pleasant meal.」

Those words were written. Judging from Lana’s reaction, it seems like it was only written on my paper.

“Kyle, they said they’ll send someone when we’re done eating.”

Why are the adults so interested in the kids’ romance? It was like that at the academy too, but I wish they would just do it moderately.

Anyway, that’s that.

“It’s delicious….”

“It’s delicious!”

The food at [The Underwater Table] was so delicious that it reminded me of heavenly flavors.