The Villainess Who Was Dumped Got Married into My Family, a Mob Noble from the Frontier, and Turns Out, She's an Amazing Capable Wife? - Chapter 17: Arrived at the Capital

Chapter 17: Arrived at the Capital

We reached the capital city, Aether, straight from the neighboring territory of the Brave domain, which rarely gets mentioned in stories, by train.

Saying goodbye to Sebas at the station, I unexpectedly felt a strong sense of loneliness. 

Sebas, who had served the Brave family all his life since I was born and lost my parents, was like a father to me. 

The servants were like family.

It wasn’t supposed to be a farewell for life; I had planned to return home for a long vacation, but the feeling of homesickness crept into my heart, and I couldn’t hide my confusion. 

Thinking about it, Alicia, who had come to the Brave house alone, seemed much more mature than me.

“Heh, so this is the capital.”

I knew what the capital, Aether, was like from my knowledge of the game, but I had no idea about the details beyond the places prepared for events. 

So, seeing the capital with my own eyes was incredible.

First, a massive dome-shaped barrier, symbolizing the magical power of this great nation, caught my eye. 

This barrier, a masterpiece of the sage who founded the country, has protected the capital for a long time. 

To enjoy this peace and tranquility, people flock to live under the massive dome, and the capital boasts a population of over a million. 

“Isn’t the population density a bit too much?”

The buildings in the town below the castle were all densely packed and at least three stories high.

“That’s why everyone loves to travel.”

Alicia responded to my mumbled words. 

People in the capital often travel on holidays.

I had heard from Alicia beforehand that it was annoying how many nobles brag about where they’ve been.

I thought the story was spreading events all over the place just for the sake of plot, but it really feels suffocating here. 

“The noble’s area is spacious, but compared to the Brave domain, it feels incredibly cramped and unbearable.”

“Well, comparing anything to the Brave territory is a bit unfair.”

On our way to the capital, we saw the neighboring territories, you know?

It made me realize the Brave domain really doesn’t have much. 

It was a bit frustrating.

But still, who even designed this city, I wonder?

It’s unbelievable. 

Or maybe not?

Technically, this world is from an otome game, but it’s clearly a different world.

By enlarging the noble’s areas and the schools, ordinary citizens ended up being pushed to the edges of the dome, leading to this city layout. 

If there’s been a barrier ensuring absolute safety for ages, everyone would want to live inside, and it ends up like this. 

It’s twisted!

An indestructible shield is seen as a threat by other countries, so they conspire and wage wars as a way to let off steam, huh?

The consequences always end up somewhere.

“But well, it doesn’t seem boring.”

“That might be true.”

Going to the academy might be a hassle, but I was excited about being in a city from another world. 

Aside from being an otome game world, it’s still a different world, so why not go on an adventure to find delicious food from another world?

I quite like that, like B-grade gourmet. 

Right away, from the window of the carriage heading to the academy, I can see food stalls wafting out delicious smells.

“Skewers? They look tasty.” 

I wish we could stop the carriage and buy some, but it won’t stop for us.

“The food in the Brave domain was pretty good, too, wasn’t it?”

“Well, the food I eat often includes monsters that look totally unfazed.”

“Oh, right, I remember now…”

It’s truly a unique family. 

Some try to emulate it, thinking it’s the secret to their strength, but I wouldn’t recommend it. 

It’s just too weird. 

And not particularly tasty. 

If monsters were delicious, everyone would be eating them! 

Knowing which monsters are edible and getting used to eating them can increase your chances of survival if you ever get lost in the mountains, forests, or any monster-inhabited areas after losing a battle. 

Apparently, there’s been a lord of the Brave family who managed to survive by luck with this knowledge from who knows when! 

It’s a rather troublesome story, but since it saved me when I was young, we continue the practice.

“I’m also looking forward to dungeon classes.”

For some reason, there’s a dungeon inside this barrier dome, like an ancient ruin left by the sage of old. 

It’s used during practical magic classes. 

It’s one of those convenient dungeons where the protagonist finds themselves in a tough spot, and then a love interest appears gallantly to help overcome the challenges together. But a dungeon is still a dungeon, so I’m excited.

It feels like a childhood dream coming true.

“Fufu.”

Seeing me revert back to a childlike state, Alicia smiled.

“You seem to be having fun.” 

“Well yeah, but I’m not alone, see?”

Our school life is pretty much set in stone.

I mean, I’m a noble from a forsaken land, and she’s a lady whose engagement was called off.

It’s normal to expect scorn, and I’ve been ready for that for a long time. 

At first, I thought it would be hellish, but the girl sitting next to me, once considered a villainess, is actually just a beautiful woman. 

No matter what bad things anyone says, it doesn’t matter anymore. 

We’re just minor characters in this story, trying to live our school lives as we please, without getting involved with the main characters too much.

“If anyone bothers you, tell me, okay? I’ll handle it.”

“No violence, though. You’ve survived wars and even tied with a dragon, remember?” 

When she effortlessly showed me the collar, I obediently backed down. 

I guess I’ll listen

I thought about quietly dealing with any troublesome students, but if caught, I might actually end up wearing that collar.

“Ragna, as long as you’re with me, I don’t care what anyone says.”

“Alicia, I think you’re probably much stronger than me.”

“Fufu, that’s impossible.”

Well, maybe not in terms of physical strength, but in everything else?

It’s rare to find someone with a heart strong enough to endure hell, even among seasoned soldiers. 

I know that all too well.