Chapter 98: His Majesty's Paws

These are the rocks blocking the road. Guilty Hades should be able to handle them.

These are the rocks blocking the road. Let's try attacking them with Guilty Hades.

Nice! Now we can travel on.

...What's up, Velette? Why'd you stop everyone?

All this marchin' through unknown territory must be tirin', yeah? Why don't we take a quick breather? Wouldn't wanna overdo it.

Aww! Yer so nice, Miss!

Isn't it a bit early for that? We just started...

Yeah, and we've been riding Guilty Hades most of the way. I'm not tired at all.

If anyone's tired it would be Kamlanage. You feeling alright?

I'm totally fine. It doesn't take much concentration to just move around.

Might I suggest we wait to take a rest until we've arrived in Torlutan?

Argh! You people just don't get it! Listen up! Ya can't go underestimatin' the wilds. Ya wanna die of dehydration?! Take it from a fieldwork pro, It's time to rest!

Exactly! Miss is always right! Usually!

Alright, alright... We'll take a quick break here.

The wonders never cease in this world. There are entire cities of people who don't exist in our own...

...Along with high-speed trains and giant robot warriors to pilot. I'd really like to know more about how they're made. Maybe Vares can help...

You're not actually going to try and make one for yourself, are you?

...Forgive me, my prince. I overstepped my bounds earlier.

You have nothing to apologize for. All of this business with the imperial family has been a bit sudden for me. I actually prefer it when you drop the formalities.

...Heh. That's good to hear. Speaking like a proper noble has never really been my strong suit. Just don't charge me with treason if I accidently slash you once or twice in the heat of battle.

I won't. I can't imagine you'd ever make such a mistake in the first place.

How's everything look in Baruoki, Feinne?

Grandpa and everyone else are doing just fine! They've got Darunis to protect them, so there's nothing to worry about.

I'm glad to hear that. I was getting a little nervous after being away for so long. Baruoki is my second home... I can't wait to see everyone again once this is all over and introduce them to Korobo.

Yeah! They're gonna love him!

It was really weird meeting a version of myself from another world. I can't believe my dad became a weapons engineer and I'm a pilot.

A weapons shop owner and a hunter became an engineer and a pilot...

I'm not detecting any major discrepancies!

They're TOTALLY different!

I for one would be delighted to encounter myself in another world. An excellent opportunity to arrange a friendly duel!

I wonder if you're human in this world, Cyrus? Now that I think about it, that might be kinda creepy...

I think we've rested long enough. Shall we get going?

What's the big hurry?

Why don't ya take a swig o' this and relax fer a while.

Huh? What's in it?

Just a tea I brewed up from some local herbs.

That was me, actually!

Local herbs? Like, from the side of the road? Is that even safe?

Hahaah! Who do ya think yer talkin' to? I've survived out here by hunting and gathering for ages!

How rugged...

Well I for one am thankful to have a hot cup of tea in a place like this. I salute you, madam.

Yeah, I guess we might as well enjoy it.

I'll pass. If we're planning to stay for a while then I'll try and sleep for a bit.

Unfortunately I am incapable of drinking tea, so I will have to pass as well.

I thought ya might say that, so I went ahead and whipped up a special tea oil just for you!

How thoughtful of you! I will mark this act of kindness as important data!

We're gonna need to head out as soon as we finish drinking.

...up!, Wake up!

Ngh... Huh?

Was I asleep just now? That's weird, I wasn't even tired...

That's not the half of it, Aldo. Take a look around.

Huh?

Uhhh... Where's Guilty Hades?

We don't know. We were all asleep, just like you.

Korobo woke us up, but...

...By the time we got up it was already gone.

WHAT?! Did somebody steal it?! Did anyone see who it was?!

...Wait. Where's Velette?

She wasn't here when we woke up.

Korobo saw everything. Velette ran off with the Nullgear, capsule and all.

Why would she do that?!

I'm so sorry! I couldn't stop her all by myself...

Damn it. This is what we get for trusting someone we just met.

She was heading in the direction of Torlutan. We need to hurry up and follow her trail.

Yeah, you're right. Let's go.

So this is Torlutan...

The villagers called it the "city of pleasures", right? It's certainly unique.

Yeah. Reminds me a bit of Eeza.

Well, the first thing we need to do is find Velette. She couldn't have gotten far.

Yeah, let's start by asking around.

First time in Torlutan? Lemme give ya some advice. Keep your head down and don't attract any unwanted attention from Gemlazar.

Gemlazar?

His majesty, King Gemlazar, heir to the founding family of Torlutan.

You see that ostentatious looking building towards the center of the city? That's Gemlazar's "palace".

The king's palace, huh?

This place is kinda seedy looking for a king...

That's 'cause he's not a real king. But money can buy a lot of power and influence around these parts, and nobody's got as much money as Gemlazar. I guess it pays to be a loan shark.

The king is a money lender?

Heh. Doesn't sound like the kind of guy you'd want as your enemy. This might be more fun than I thought.

He seems to have a little too much time on his hands lately, so don't be surprised if he comes knocking. Just keep your head down and everything should be fine.

Hm?

I guess this world has regular cats, too... I saw one in Entrana, as well.

Wh-Whoa!

Maybe it's not as normal as I first thought!

Hey, did you happen to see a human woman go by here?

Huh? A human woman?

Yeah. She hangs out with a talking teddy bear. She's hard to miss.

Oh her? Yeah, she's pretty famous around these parts.

I guess she'd have to be...

I haven't seen her today, but you can usually find her around the palace grumbling about her debts. Did something happen to her?

No, it's nothing like that. Thanks for the info.

Yeah, thanks.

We've learned a few things after asking around.

It sounds like the city is controlled by a wealthy miu named Gemlazar.

Right, and it seems like he's the owner of that mansion in the center of the city.

The money lending business must be booming.

Didn't Velette mention something about being in debt?

There is a high probability that this Gemlazar is Velette's lender!

You think that has something to do with her stealing Guilty Hades?

It's pretty obvious. She's going to try and trade it to this "king" to erase her debts.

That would be a disaster! We've gotta stop her!

Yeah, we need to get over to Gemlazar's palace as soon as possible!