――The first to welcome Subaru and the others upon their arrival in the city was an imposing, towering outer wall that made them look up in awe.

“Yeah, the prison-like image I heard in the initial explanation is spot on…”

Having ceded the driver’s seat to Otto, Subaru peered out of the passenger car window and muttered to himself. Hearing his mumble, Beatrice, who was also peering out from below him, replied with a frown.

“That guy, Joshua, said it was picturesque, but it certainly doesn’t look that way to Betty. Instead of being relaxing, it looks rather dreary.”

“I agree. Well, the bridge and the gates are impressive and all, but still…”

Nodding at Beatrice’s sentiment, Subaru lowered his gaze, and the dragon carriage they were riding in was currently running across the massive stone bridge known as Tiglassie Bridge, leading to Pristella’s main gate.

If he stretched up a bit to look toward the horizon, he could see the glimmering surface of the water reflecting the sunlight. To Subaru’s eyes, it looked close to the ocean, but in a world where seas didn’t technically exist, it turned out to just be a river and lake.

“Originally, Pristella is a city built on a lake. The inner area within the outer wall has a bowl-like structure where the elevation decreases towards the center. Considering that the city itself serves as a trap, it’s only natural for water to gather in the middle.”

“So it’s like some kind of dangerous beast trap, huh? Emilia-chan mentioned something similar, but is that for real?”

“I’ve never seen the real thing myself, and I haven’t been told what they were really targeting. But seeing it in person, I believe there’s no mistake in that.”

Beatrice’s blue-tinted eyes were focused on the city gate beyond the bridge. Although the inside of the city was still obscured by the wall, perhaps she could somewhat envision what lay within. It was a mystery how detailed the Forbidden Library’s texts were in describing the world, but Beatrice’s deep insight often proved helpful.

“… Why are you petting Betty’s head?”

“Maybe it’s because I see Beako here. I want to pet you as much as time allows.”

“That sounds undeservedly insincere and unnecessary!?”

Still, she didn’t swat his hand away, and while continuing to pet her head, Subaru’s gaze shifted towards the lake visible beyond the railing. The gently rippling surface was so transparent that the bottom could be seen, and there were no signs of littering or environmental destruction anywhere in sight.

If this wasn’t just a section but a universal standard, it would indicate remarkable morality.

“Now that I think about it, even on the highways, I haven’t seen any littering or illegal dumping of industrial waste. Part of it might be due to the lack of excess material, but it’s impressive.”

“Especially in Pristella, there’s strict enforcement mandating the maintenance of scenery. There’s a simple entry inspection when passing through the main gate, but don’t display any weird enthusiasm and refuse the contents of the pledge, okay?”

Otto’s voice came from the driver’s seat after he overheard Subaru’s mumbling. When Subaru tilted his head and asked, “A pledge?”

“It seems like carriages with family crests are often exempted in the royal capital, but in Pristella, everyone must submit paperwork for entering and exiting the city without exception.”

Subaru nodded appreciatively at Emilia’s response, interpreting it as something similar to a passport or immigration check. He then pondered again about the sound of “pledge” and remarked.

“Could it be a piece of paper with self-geas-like powers? That pledge interacts with the Odo of the person it’s written for; the moment it’s broken, one could lose all functioning of the gate…”

“No way, that sounds terrifying… But it shouldn’t have such coercive power. It’s just a pledge saying I won’t do anything bad. Still, it keeps watch over one’s own conscience.”

“…If everyone were as strict with themselves as Emilia-chan, it would be peaceful.”

Subaru chuckled at the somewhat idealistic view Emilia presented. Nonetheless, he grasped that in fact, the pledge lacked any genuine binding power.

“Though there are strict laws dictated by the kingdom, in terms of city governance, the authority is largely held by the mayor or lord of that city. Therefore, Pristella has several aspects that directly differ from national law. The particulars should be clearly stated in that pledge, so don’t underestimate it and make sure to read it properly.”

“What a hassle. It’d be fine if Otto bro read it and just summarized it for me later.”

“That would mean you’ll never improve. Garfiel has a position too, so he needs to learn even just to skim over documents soon. You can’t just read your preferred books and keep accruing strange knowledge.”

“It’s not ‘strange knowledge,’ it’s a man’s romance. Right, Captain?”

“Ah, indeed.”

Garfiel, precariously balancing on the roof, extended his neck to join in. When Subaru nodded vigorously in response, Otto sighed while Emilia wore a smile, and Beatrice sighed in exasperation, shaking her head.

“Honestly, I can’t stand how childish Subaru and Garfiel are.”

“Seriously, leading you two isn’t easy, is it?”

How much could Beatrice agree with that sentiment?

Regrettably, Otto’s voice layered with sorrow and exhaustion seemed to resonate with no one else aboard the dragon carriage.

――Patrasche neighed, and everyone refocused straight ahead.

The main gate of Watergate City Pristella was nearly upon them.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※

The entry inspection itself ended up being surprisingly simple.

As Emilia and Otto had previously informed, the written document listed notices for entering the city and the compulsory city laws to be followed.

However, the contents were all perfectly reasonable enough that it was hard to deviate from them during normal activities; hence, one didn’t have to be overly determined to think, “I must comply!”

With a quick glance, writing down his name in a flurry, once permission was granted by the inspector, he simply walked through the main gate and was permitted entry into the city.

There was a brief flurry when Emilia announced her name and the entry inspector panicked, but perhaps they had also processed Anastasia, so it seemed they were speculating various things internally.

“Well, if two kids with royal succession rights gathered together at the same time, that’d certainly stir things up a bit.”

“However, it seems Anastasia had informed them beforehand, so it didn’t end up taking much time. It could have been Joshua or Mimi, perhaps.”

“Considering Joshua’s attitude, it’s plausible, but I don’t think Mimi would have a care.”

He just couldn’t believe that catgirl would have the thoughtfulness to even care about such things.

Not that she was selfish, but he struggled to find the right words.

“Because she’s cute.”

“Right, Mimi is cute.”

With that oddly persuasive statement, Emilia nodded in agreement. Subaru crossed his arms, coming to the conclusion that there was simply no other way to say it. Afterward, for some reason, as soon as he said that, Beatrice stepped on his foot.

While he was soothing the sulky Beatrice and passing the time, Garfiel and Otto, who had been delayed until the very end of the inspection, finally made it through the main gate.

“Good job. Why were you held up for so long?”

“It was Garfiel’s fault. I kept saying how important practicing writing was…”

“Garfiel, can you seriously not write?”

“It’s not that! It’s just kinda what you’d call avant-garde in a captain’s way; it’s like, whatever.”

In short, it meant he was so terrible at writing that it took a long time for him.

Even so, if that was the case, the inspector should have offered to write for him, but Garfiel’s pride might have made him refuse that help.

“Just a word of advice, learn from this and study. While I know you write letters to Ryuzu-san, they better be legible.”

“Hah, don’t make me laugh, captain. I’ve known that old lady forever. Even if I write with my left hand, she can read it.”

“That’s not showing you’re willing to improve at all!”

As he jabbed at the proud Garfiel, Subaru let out a sigh of relief.

Though Ryuzu, Garfiel’s grandmother, did not live in the Roswaal mansion, she currently resided with twenty-four replica bodies that shared similar origins with Subaru. Their purpose was to provide them with minimum personalities and knowledge, residing in several villages across Meisters Territory.

The authority over the replicas still belonged to Emilia and Garfiel, and as long as there were instructions from either of them, they could reach the replicas located far away. The objective was to utilize this as a means of transmitting small orders.

This was a proposal made by Subaru while Ryuzu took responsibility for the arrangements. Initially opposed by Garfiel, he seemed to have generally come to terms with it now.

Because of this, both Ryuzu and the replicas had now taken refuge in Araham Village. Once their education was completed, they would be dispatched one after another to various towns and villages.

“Feels just like some spy operation; it doesn’t sound good.”

However, treating them as mere tools without any roles or purposes felt distasteful. Perhaps this was pushed by Subaru’s own guilt from having once used them as fodder in a past loop.

“Subaru? The inspection of the luggage on the dragon carriage is completed, so let’s go.”

Emilia called out to the submerged thoughts, and Subaru hurriedly looked up.

He chuckled at her puzzled expression, then grasped the reins of Patrasche. The intelligent, pitch-black earth dragon seemed to sense his emotional burden, gently rubbing its snout against Subaru’s neck.

It was intriguingly comforting to him, despite the roughness of the texture.

“…Thanks, as always.”

Responding to the unspoken sentiment, Subaru stroked the firm scales. Patrasche huffed in response, and with that, he pulled the reins to lead them into Pristella.

Upon passing through the main gate, there was a river flowing between the outer wall and the city. They crossed the stone bridge laid over it, and once the inner gate opened, Pristella was unveiled.

“Whoa…”

Subaru couldn’t help but let out a gasp at the breathtaking scene stretching out before him.

This response was not limited to Subaru alone; Emilia and Beatrice, positioned on either side, were also visibly moved in their own ways.

Apologizing for having earlier described it as a prison, he now recognized the essence of the Water City.

When he first heard the explanation about Pristella, Subaru had envisioned a place akin to Venice, the Water City from his original world. And indeed, that initial impression wasn’t mistaken.

A circular city, with the outer wall constructed to form a round shape surrounding it.

Ignoring the scales of size, the internal structure resembled that of a stadium where sports events might be held. The outer periphery positioned higher, with a gradual descent towards the center, creating elevation changes.

On the terraced earth of each level stood stone buildings closely packed together, conveying an impression closest to the most Western-style street scene Subaru had ever witnessed.

Moreover, large watercourses intersected the city, with one particularly vast waterway – nay, a canal – dividing the circular city into quarters. Numerous small boats were seen gliding across the surface, causing Subaru’s back to tingle at the thought of a boatman.

A blue city, the Water City, Watergate City Pristella.

Its sound and name were unequivocally accurate. He could only be sincerely amazed at the view.

“Wow…”

Subaru couldn’t help but express his admiration, and none of the group disagreed.

As the inner gate swung open, a satisfied smile painted the lips of the gatekeeper witnessing Subaru and the others’ astonishment. Surely, everyone who visited here would react similarly to them.

And witnessing that reaction was undoubtedly the greatest reward for them in the performance of their duties. No doubt about it. They did well to prepare.

“I get it now. This really is something to behold. So, Otto wasn’t just blowing smoke after all.”

Garfiel, who had bouncing back faster than the rest from the shock, rubbed his finger against his nose. His excitement still simmered, faint blush coloring his cheeks.

A man’s romance; it resonated with something immense, shaking his heart at this “amazing place.”

“It is the hallowed ground of the God of Commerce, Hoshin, so I had hoped to see it one day, and this is a true feast for the eyes. It was worth picking this place for lodging.”

With that, Otto, standing next to him, looked ecstatic as he clasped his hands for some reason.

What he referred to as Hoshin’s territory reminded Subaru of the name “Hoshin of the Wasteland,” which he had heard a few times.

“Hoshin, that’s the one, right? The legendary merchant who rose from barren land to become a giant way back when.”

“There are a few differences, but you mostly got it. Hoshin traveled alone to western Kararagi, where development had barely started, four hundred years ago, and changed the economic foundation entirely through his own cleverness. He is a true hero.”

Being a merchant at heart, Otto’s eyes sparkled passionately as he recounted the legend of Hoshin.

Considering that it had now become one of the Four Great Nations, it made sense that the remarkable achievements of a man who laid its very foundations would continue to be talked about over the centuries.

“They say Anastasia took Hoshin’s name as a nod to that legacy.”

“I think that’s quite bold. It couldn’t be clearer in terms of spirit and aim, but everyone knows it, and thus everyone raises an eyebrow. For now, I think she’s producing enough results not to be overshadowed by that name.”

“If she genuinely seeks to avoid being overshadowed…then, snatching the throne of Lugnica would be the best way to go. She’s diligently pursuing her goals.”

Sincerely astonished, Subaru slowly detached his consciousness from the breathtaking scenery before him.

He reached out to stroke Beatrice’s head, still entranced by the Water City, and pulled on Emilia’s sleeve to draw her attention back.

“So, Anastasia and the others are waiting at the Water’s Feather Robe Inn, right? I don’t know where it is, but given the circumstances, it shouldn’t be a cheap place.”

“Yeah, that’s right. It seems the inspector had communicated with them, so I believe it’s a respectable establishment. Otto and the others heard about it earlier…”

Emilia’s words were met with nods from Otto, who nimbly leaped back onto the dragon carriage’s driver’s seat.

He then gestured toward the passenger car with his chin and said,

“I’ve scouted the route, so I’ll guide you all. Within this city, transportation by boat is preferred over dragon carriages, so it can’t be rushed. It would still be challenging for Natsuki-san to go quickly.”

“Thanks for saying the obvious. If it were just Patrasche on its own, it understands my intent just by looking at me without me saying a word. Right?”

When Subaru stared determinedly at Patrasche, the dragon averted its face from the wink, sounding almost like a sigh.

Bothered by the unexpected reaction, Subaru was slumped when Emilia patted his back comfortingly, and Beatrice took his hand, leading him into the dragon carriage.

“Well then, let’s depart.”

On the now-special rooftop of the dragon carriage, Garfiel announced grandly. With a wry smile, Otto guided the reins, and the dragon carriage set off at a leisurely pace.

Despite factoring in the incline, the pace was so slow it could be called crawling.

“However, looking from the window, there’re really very few dragon carriages.”

“Yes. Moreover, since the roads seem to prioritize waterways, the paths for pedestrians or dragon carriages are winding rather than straight ahead.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

As Emilia pointed out, due to the massive waterway cutting through the city’s center, the routes used by foot and dragon carriages naturally took a detour. It could feel inconvenient, but seeing small boats glide gracefully beside the sluggish-dragon carriage made it less so.

“By the way, the dragon carriage has ‘Windbreak Blessing’ and all, but does that apply to boats too? Like a capsizing prevention or sea breeze blessing?”

“I haven’t heard too much about it, but I’d say boats themselves probably don’t have any blessings. The rowers may definitely benefit from ‘Lake Blessings’ or ‘Waterway Blessings,’ though.”

“While not widely known, water dragons have suitable blessings. Like earth dragons, they’re basically difficult to be influenced by water.”

“Water dragons, huh? I’d definitely like to see one at least once.”

“Given the location, I think there’s probably one somewhere in the city.”

While answering Subaru’s curiosities, Beatrice, being an animal hater, didn’t seem to feel enthusiastic. She didn’t just harbor a strange aversion to Patrasche; evidently, she didn’t think highly of water dragons, either.

“If it’s a liger or something, you wouldn’t have a terrible experience getting to hold one, right?”

“I won’t die just because I don’t touch an animal, you know? Betty’s cuter than any of them, after all.”

“Competing over cuteness and animal qualities feels pointless…don’t you think that comparing them on their common ground makes them lose face?”

To Subaru, Patrasche seemed both cool and adorable. However, of course, the vectors of that admiration differed from the cute adoration that he held for Emilia, Rem, and Beatrice.

Beatrice made a dubious face at Subaru’s answer, but hearing the word liger, Emilia’s eyes lit up with interest, gazing at Subaru.

“I want to! I wonder if I could pet it if I ask?”

“You should’ve asked while Mimi was at the mansion. Emilia-chan, you tend to hold back in those situations.”

“Since it’s an important guide dog, I felt that I shouldn’t act selfishly. I haven’t touched Pack in a while, so I kind of miss that feeling of fur.”

It appeared Emilia held deep family affection for Pack, which was also quite evident; Subaru responded, “I’ll try asking,” and her face lit up joyfully, even starting to hum. Off-key.

Listening to her warm, off-key humming, Subaru propped his chin with his hand, gazing at the cityscape. Leaning against the window, he observed Beatrice, who was kneeling on the seat while peering outside. He struggled with whether to chastise her for her bad posture, when suddenly,

“Oh, Subaru! Perfect timing!”

“Huh? Oh—!”

Beatrice called out to him, and upon looking, he saw a shadow in the water gleaming—no, not a fish. This creature had a long, snake-like torso but boasted small limbs. A water dragon. Its slippery blue skin resembled that of a snake, but its head, as expected, had the unmistakable features of a “dragon.”

With sharp fangs framing a jaw and long whiskers reminiscent of catfish. Earth dragons brought to mind lizards scuttling on four legs, while the image of water dragons warmer resembled Eastern dragons—like one could almost call it Shenlong.

“But its face seems prideful and vicious.”

“From a human perspective, that may be the case. In reality, compared to earth dragons, water dragons are notoriously difficult to domesticate. Only when they’re newly born do they recognize their master after thorough care until they become adult dragons.”

“It’s no wonder it takes effort. Patrasche and I hit it off at first glance.”

“How is it that Patrasche is so fond of you? I can’t wrap my head around it.”

Subaru shared Beatrice’s confusion.

Originally, Patrasche had been employed at Crusch’s place, but by the time he borrowed it for the White Whale expedition, it had already developed a fondness for him. Reflecting on that moment when faced with “Choose your favorite earth dragon,” he’d indeed made the right pick, going with the fiercely expressive Patrasche.

In fact, there had been numerous incidents where they couldn’t have overcome challenges without Patrasche.

“Eh? But my Patrasche has a classier appearance, you know?”

“Since when did you start talking like Anne?”

Burning with an inexplicable competitive spirit against the water dragon, Subaru found himself in a verbal match. Suddenly, as if responding to his gaze, the water dragon turned its head toward them. Then, emerging above the surface, it let out a high-pitched wail.

Subaru inexplicably interpreted it as, “Hey, outsider, quit staring!”

“That jerk just mocked us! Now, I’ll—”

“――――!”

Determined to retaliate with a rendition of the loud, large beast he’d seen in the burnt-down mansion.

Just as he was gearing up to do so, a sharp and imposing neigh echoed toward the water surface.

It was Patrasche.

In response to the water dragon’s provocation, she sensed her master’s anger and returned the gesture. The meaning behind that shout was unclear, but the water dragon shrank back from Patrasche’s furious voice and presence, letting out a raspy cry before diving back underwater. With that, the water dragon sped off, leaving the small boat behind, which hastily accelerated. Subaru was left staring, speechless.

“W-What just happened?”

“—Natsuki-san, please don’t get Patrasche involved in weird things. I seriously want no trouble right now.”

From the driver’s seat, Otto’s voice rang out, clearly frustrated. In response, Subaru waved back lightly, before letting out a finger whistle towards Patrasche. Though he wasn’t deft enough to communicate merely through that, he intended to convey his gratitude.

“The water dragon’s pretty cool, but Patrasche is still the best.”

“…Well, I think that Betty is definitely cuter than that crude water dragon.”

Subaru exclaimed happily, prompting Beatrice to reluctantly agree.

The remainder of their trip unfolded without significant issues.

As they crossed the stone bridge over the waterway, Subaru casually recalled the scenery of the city visible from the main gate.

“By the way, it looked like the city was divided into four sections by the waterways.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Pristella is divided by that large central waterway, referred to in order as First Street, Second Street, Third Street, and Fourth Street going clockwise from the main gate.”

Upon hearing Emilia’s explanation, Subaru went, “Hmm,” scrunching his nose and added,

“Pretty boring naming. They should’ve come up with names akin to East Blue or something. Don’t you think?”

“I agree, captain.”

“Subaru and Garfiel’s tastes are irrelevant here.”

While the two clicked heads, Beatrice’s attitude was callously freezing. Caught in their exchange, Emilia smiled, raising her finger much like one would when imparting knowledge from books.

“It seems that each numbered district has different shops and workplaces, with residential areas concentrating mainly in the Second and Third Streets, which are further from the main gate. The ‘Water’s Feather Robe Inn’ we’re headed for is likely in the First Street, as it accommodates many travelers.”

“Then we should be arriving soon… well, it looks just about right.”

While passing time with their conversation, the dragon carriage that had been moving slowly started to come to a stop. It appeared they had arrived at their destination, as Otto, sitting at the driver’s seat, came around to the passenger side and reported,

“We’ve arrived safely. I’ll inform the staff to move the car and prepare for you, so just wait here… actually, no, it’s better to wait at the entrance.”

“Why change your mind? Is there something that would trouble you if we entered first?!”

“Definitely. If I run into Anastasia-san and then you show up only to be immediately reprimanded, it would be unbearable.”

Amidst Otto’s untrustworthy words, despite the presence of individuals with a history prior, no one could raise an objection. They descended the dragon carriage, carrying only their personal belongings, while Otto followed the employee who had come to guide them around to the back of the inn.

Watching him leave, Subaru stretched and finally turned his gaze toward the inn—‘Water’s Feather Robe Inn.’ And then,

“Now then, I wonder what kind of place this will be… huh?”

Surprise left Subaru’s mouth agape.

Beside him, Emilia tilted her head curiously, tapping her cheek with a finger.

“What an incredibly strange-looking building! I think this might be my first time seeing something like this.”

Although Emilia’s succinct observation resonated as equally accurate for Garfiel and Beatrice, only Subaru experienced a different impression.

And no wonder. Because,

“This is more of an inn than a hotel…”

With its flat wooden structure, sliding doors with glass panes.

With a hedge and a gravel path leading from the entrance, and a tiled roof, there was no chance of misidentifying it.

Amidst the exotic streets, the architectural concept felt far more incongruous.

On that day, Natsuki Subaru encountered the Wafu architecture known as ‘Water’s Feather Robe Inn.’

“Oh wow, you sure seem surprised. I guess it was worth making the effort to choose this place for our inn.”

While still in shock, they suddenly heard a gentle and cheerful voice.

Subaru, still taken aback, slowly turned his gaze in the direction of the voice—beyond the hedge, a figure leaned in to peer at them.

A white dress made of animal fur, accentuated with a striking fox fur collar. Since they’d already passed the cold seasons, the dress itself was thin, resembling a summer dress, yet the collar remained unchanged from the last time he’d seen her.

A petite figure with long, wavy lavender hair. The adorably smiling face bore a somewhat unfathomable quality in its pale azure eyes.

There could be no mistaking it; she was the person responsible for bringing Subaru and company here.

Anastasia Hoshin, personally welcoming them.

And then,

“It’s been a while. Thank you for coming all the way here today. Since you must be exhausted from your journey… how about we take our time and relax in your room before chatting?”

Before Otto could return, she had naturally taken the first move.

――Everyone on the scene could feel that without a doubt.