Looking at the massive city walls, I was reminded of a Japanese animation I watched in the past. The scale, crafted out of giant slabs of stone, was massive, towering over the people below at nearly 50 meters in height.

It seemed needlessly tall so it made me curious.

[Absolute Awareness].

After a moment, I discovered its purpose. I peeked into the capital's past and found something cute if that was the term I could use.

"Whoa," Melia was similarly in awe. "Why is the wall so tall?"

Smiling, I answered, "From what I've heard, it's because of the environment when the city was first built."

Built on a hill, the surroundings used to be nothing but swampland. Giant, mutated poison frogs were their worst enemies.

With no other choice, they had to build walls that the frogs could not jump over. They then coated their walls with a slippery substance, therefore preventing any amphibious jumper from entering.

There was an extra height included for the sake of staying out of reach of their tongues.

"Oh! My mother said that ancient cities needed to survive the frequent beast tides in the previous eras. Is the capital one of those cities?"

"...Huh," I was surprised.

I only looked at the original reason for its construction and I saw no beast tides. Only giant frogs.

After waiting for a few minutes, I invoked my gift again. This time, I briefly glanced over its lifetime.

There was a lot to see. The sheer number of historical events that took place either within or just outside these walls made me dizzy.

These walls have been standing for over a thousand years.

"That's insane," I muttered, glancing at Melia who was still marveling at the city we were gradually approaching.

I was tempted to look into the future, but such an action required a little more mana than simply becoming aware of its past. My mana reserves had increased from abusing my gift. However, I had developed an ever-growing dislike for the headache I got whenever I pushed way past my limits.

Sighing, I was content with the information I had for now. My brain was chock-full of this world's common sense, as well as the nitty-gritty details of the city before me.

It took me a few days, but I was proud of my knowledge. I was like an old street rat who had lived in the city for decades.

No, it was likely that I knew more than they could ever be aware of.

*** 

[Name: Aventine Tidea]

[Level: 1]

[Health: 20/20]

[Mana: 20/20 » 60/60]

[Gift: Absolute Awareness (???-Rank)]

[Physique: 2]

[Mind: 3]

[Spirit: 2 » 6]

"Hmm,"

I was still level one. It was a testament to my lack of combat abilities.

However, it was a conscious choice. I actively sat out of the many encounters we had on our way here. The knights could handle every beast in our way, so I had no desire to become an even bigger hindrance by acting like a youth desperate for recognition.

"...Aventine," A small voice called out to me, "Is this goodbye? Are we parting ways?"

I glanced at Melia who was clearly sulking. Her eyes were watery, clouding the usual sparkle in her gaze.

"Indeed this is goodbye," I placed a hand on Melia's shoulder. The light of the sun made her features all the more vibrant. "But only for now. Life has many twists and turns, so perhaps we might meet again soon."

Melia took in a deep breath. It seemed like she wasn't a fan of goodbyes. There was no need for [Absolute Awareness] to decipher the fact that it wasn't simply a willy-nilly personality trait.

"Will you come visit, at least?"

Smiling mischievously, I stifled my laughter, "Maybe~"

I received a glare in return.

However, I felt that this lifted Melia's mood a bit. With a long exhale, she dropped her shoulders in resignation.

"Haha, let's go say goodbye to our Sister Archisse," I said, leading her to the head of the caravan.

With my prior knowledge of Archisse's character, I was slightly relieved that she seemed to see herself as our older sibling. Perhaps the conversations we would have every night were a big factor.

Or perhaps it was because I was so used to having older siblings that I inadvertently treated her like one.

I didn't bother checking.

She had that gentle older sister vibe to her, after all.

It was good enough that she didn't see me as a target for her... fetishes.

I shivered.

"Ugh,"

Nope.

There were some things that I still regret gazing into.

***

"Oh~? Leaving already? Why not join us for dinner in the mansion? I guarantee the most delicious of meals for you, Melia."

Shaking her head, Melia seemed like a different person from earlier. "No thank you, Young Lady Archisse... I have to go to the academy as soon as possible. Otherwise, they might not accept me as a student. Aventine also told me that I have to report the attack on the caravan, though they might already be aware of it."

Looking at Melia acting all stiff, I once again found it interesting how big the divide truly was between commoners and nobles.

"...And I have a lot of things to attend to," I said with a smile.

There were treasures to be taken and <Skills> to be absorbed. I had to act alone from here on out. Otherwise, I would look very suspicious.

Gazing into our eyes for a moment, Archisse nodded.

"Very well. Although our time together was short, it was a fruitful one. You both have opened my eyes in many ways."

Archisse made a gesture, and Joseph came forward with a velveteen box.

"These are my family's crests. Take it as a token of appreciation for all the wonderful conversations we've had over the days. Use it when you whenever you want. I have great trust in your characters."

I accepted the token with interest. The image of a knight wielding a sword in both hands was crafted using pure gold. The crest was decorated with a wreath and a vast mountain range in the background.

It was an intricate piece, and it seemed to resonate with my soul.

With the formalities complete, Archisse waved us off.

"Goodbye, you two! Come and visit me soonest~"

***

There was a sense of liberation when one parted ways with others. There was also a lingering loneliness.

It was a beautiful feeling I had experienced many times in my travels around Earth. 

I stretched my back as I walked, weaving through the crowd and navigating the bustling magical city with ease. Even before my arrival, I had grown accustomed to the clean streets and gothic architecture prominent throughout the city.

Towering buildings with spires that pierced the heavens. Blocky mage towers that contrasted the gothic intricacies with its smooth black stones. The churches. The clock towers. The huge castle.

And the stained glass windows.

I adored the stained glass windows.

"How nice,"

It was indeed a beautiful city worthy of being a kingdom's capital.