Life as an Adventurer with the Banished Marquis' Daughter - Chapter 16: The Banished Marquis' Daughter Becomes an Adventurer, Part 2

Chapter 16: The Banished Marquis’ Daughter Becomes an Adventurer, Part 2

In the Kingdom of Orcula, within the Marquessate of Makikomarklo, lies the city of Hecatai, protected by dual barriers.

After crossing the border, it took us three days to reach our destination, Hecatai, with Erika.

Hecatai, as its name suggests, is a city encased in two layers of protective barriers, making it look like a fortress. 

It is a crucial city for national defense in the Marquessate. However, the Kingdoms of Faltar and Orcula are allies.

The Marquessate itself does not border the Kingdom of Faltar.

The Marquessate of Makikomarklo is not defending the nation from humans but from regions known as the Demon Territories.

“I read about it in books, but seeing it in person is quite something.”

Erika remarked as she gazed at the barrier surrounding the central part of the city.

Behind us was the barrier we had just passed through.

It’s a unique sight to see one barrier inside another.

The atmosphere of the city itself is distinctive. 

The proximity to the Demon Territories means there are monsters around, making it a workplace for adventurers.

Thus, Hecatai is as famous for its dual barriers as it is for being a city of adventurers.

It’s rare to see a place filled with armed commoners everywhere.

A proper noble would probably feel uneasy at this sight, but unfortunately, I’m not exactly a proper noble, so it doesn’t bother me much. 

In the Kingdom of Faltar, no other city gathers this many adventurers in one place.

The reason there are no Demon Territories within its borders is because the occurrence of monsters in the Kingdom of Faltar is not very high.

However, more powerful monsters tend to appear there, but let’s set that aside for now.

In the Kingdom of Orcula, which has Demon Territories, things are different. The Demon Territories spawn all kinds of monsters in large numbers.

Due to the presence of Demon Territories, the frequency of monster appearances is high even within the territory.

If the monsters from the Demon Territories are left unchecked, the territories themselves will expand.

Fortunately, powerful monsters rarely emerge from the depths of the Demon Territories, but weaker to moderately strong monsters seem to overflow from them.

Naturally, the kingdom cannot leave such creatures unchecked and deals with them using knight orders and other means.

However, the kingdom cannot focus solely on monsters; it must also prepare for invasions from other countries and maintain public order, which keeps it very busy. 

Thus, it became difficult for the kingdom alone to handle the monsters, leading to the creation of the Adventurers’ Guild.

Yes, it is said that the first Adventurers’ Guild, now present in various countries, originated in the Kingdom of Orcula. 

Furthermore, its headquarters is located here in Hecatai.

So, we arrived in this city, where residents casually walk around carrying swords, spears, and axes— a sight that would make a proper noble dizzy.

The house prepared by the chancellor for us was a small but comfortable-looking home. 

Despite its size, it had a garden and a fence.

By noble standards, it’s considered small, but by commoner standards, it’s an average or slightly better house. 

Looking at the neat and tidy houses in the neighborhood, it seems like a safe area.

Personally, I have no complaints, but what about her?

After all, she is the daughter of a marquis.

If she says, “I can’t live in such a shabby house,” it would be a bit of a problem.

It’s not that we can’t live in a mansion. If needed, I could ask the chancellor to arrange one, though not immediately.

But doing that would defeat the purpose of this whole charade.

The church probably doesn’t expect the chancellor to provide no assistance to his daughter, but it wouldn’t be good if she lived a carefree and lavish life after being exiled.

For the church, stripping Erika of her noble status and exiling her was a punishment.

So, we want to avoid any risk that might make the church change its mind.

Now, what should I do if she says she doesn’t like it?

While thinking this, I looked at Erika’s face in front of the house gate. She looked at me and smiled.

“It’s a nice house, Shin.”

I didn’t expect that reaction.

“I realized it for the first time when I saw the house.”

What? I asked with just a look.

“That I’m no longer a noble, but a commoner, free, with an uncertain future and nothing to become.”

Her eyes lit up with passion.

Ah… it was the same look I had seen many times at the academy. 

Back then, it was from the side; now, it’s from the front.

“It’s like the stormy sea on a dark night.”

“Are you anxious?” 

I asked, already knowing the answer.

“No, because I have a reliable companion on this journey.”

She replied, reaching out her hand to me.

“Will you enjoy this voyage with me?”

“With pleasure.”

I said, taking her hand in mine.

“Young man, could you give me a hand with the luggage?”

Merseja said, looking exasperated as he unloaded the bags from the carriage.