Ch. 68 - Touring the Holy City

White walls, which appeared to be coated with plaster or stucco, lined both sides of the street, with beautiful flowers and lush greenery adding color to the scene. Shops filled with colorful clothes also lined the road, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.

"It's like a blank canvas splashed with paint. I wonder if it’s the pure white buildings that create this unique atmosphere," I murmured.

Ayle nodded happily. "Yes! It's beautiful, isn't it? It even smells delicious, and everything is so lovely!"

"The Holy City is known as the Pure White City. By the way, the Cote Highlands is called the Water City. Aoi-sensei, you should definitely visit the Cote Highlands…"

"Oh look, there's the famous Bande over there. It's fried chicken sandwiched in bread, and each shop has its own unique seasoning. It's really interesting."

"Hmm, wait, Liz. Don't stray too far."

"Oh, sorry, Strass-sensei."

The students were completely in a field trip mood. Strass and Eliza kept an eye on Ayle and the others, while Cote and Shenley quietly talked and observed the cityscape.

At the front, Crown was guiding us and providing information about the city.

"Do you see those pointed roofs? The three buildings with pointed roofs are run by the Magicians' Association. They sometimes have rare magic books and items. Foreign merchants also do business there, so even top researchers from the country's Magic Research Institute go see them occasionally."

The tour mainly focused on topics related to magic, but there were some useful insights. Well, the students seemed to have lost interest in Crown's explanations, but they were still enjoying the city's atmosphere.

"Can I buy that?"

"Sure, but do you have enough money?"

"I have enough if it's just baked bread."

When I saw Liz and Bell captivated by the fragrant bread at a stall, a question popped into my mind. "Is there any problem with currency? Do you have Maple Leaf Holy Empire's coins?"

Everyone turned to look at me, and even Crown stopped to look at me.

"Did I say something strange?" I asked, puzzled.

Eliza answered on behalf of everyone. "Well, almost two hundred years ago, the Five Great Nations issued a common currency. To avoid disadvantages in trade, most smaller countries also use the common currency, so it's accepted everywhere."

"Oh, I see. I didn't know because I've never been out of the mountains." I nodded, understanding her explanation. It seemed similar to the common currency in Europe.

"Well, if you haven't been to other countries, it's understandable not to know. But still, it's surprising how little you know about common sense despite your extensive magical knowledge," Strass said with an exasperated expression.

"Is that so?" I always considered myself a common-sense person, but being looked at strangely by everyone made me uneasy.

"By the way, if a currency is used worldwide, wouldn't the country in charge of minting make a significant profit?" I shifted the focus from my common sense to the currency minting situation.

Cote shrugged, looking troubled. "The common currency is minted by the royal families of each country. There's a special magical imprint on the coins, and only the Five Great Nations—the Verted Kingdom, the Grandsands Kingdom, the Karvan Kingdom, the Maple Leaf Holy Empire, and the Bushmills Empire—manage and produce them."

Among the familiar names, one of the Great Nations was not mentioned.

"Is the Cote Highlands not involved in minting?"

Cote looked even more troubled. "The Cote Highlands elects its representatives, so there's a risk of information leaks if they mint the special imprinted coins."

"I see. If anything, I think the country that elects representatives is more trustworthy than royal families that are chosen by bloodline for generations when it comes to corruption and collusion."

After answering, I turned to Liz and Belle. "Then, shall we buy baked bread for everyone? I'll come along."

"Aoi-sensei too?"

"Oh, then I'll come too!"

"Shall I buy some as well?"

As I took out my wallet and started walking, Ayle, Shenley, and Eliza joined me, and before I knew it, all the girls were heading towards the food stall.

"Aoi-sensei, which flavor would you like?"

"I prefer something sweet."

"Then this berry one is good!"

"I think the maple one is better…"

In no time, I found myself part of the girls' group, chattering away.

Enjoying the delightful scent of freshly baked bread and the surprisingly complex flavor of the sauce, we savored our time touring the Holy City, feeling like I was on a school trip once again.

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