“Well, as much as we’d love to stay, it’s time to return to Al-Flare.”

After enjoying two full days of sightseeing in the royal capital, we are finally heading back to Al-Flare.

Our initial objectives—teaching how to make a compass and negotiating to have outdoor shop products placed in the royal capital—were successfully accomplished for the time being. As for maps, the monster encyclopedia, and the plant encyclopedia, we will decide based on future circumstances and inform the royal capital’s Adventurers’ Guild Master, Ruhail.

As for our other goal, obtaining a Full Potion, we couldn’t purchase one this time, but we now have a rough estimate of the cost. The outdoor shop is close to reaching level 5, and once we can sell new products, the money should naturally start accumulating.

“It was so much fun, Tetsuya-nii! I want to come back to the royal capital again!”

Fia’s bushy tail wagged vigorously as she spoke with a bright smile. It seems she had a great time in the royal capital.

“Yeah. Next time, it’d be nice if you could come with your mother.”

Fia’s mother, Rea, was too busy with work to join us this time. Hopefully, she can come along on our next visit. Yesterday, we bought souvenirs in the royal capital for Rea and the people who have helped us in Al-Flare. I hope they’ll like them.

“It had been a long time since I last visited the royal capital. It was really fun. Thanks for bringing me, Tetsuya.”

“No, if anything, I should be thanking you for coming along as our escort.”

There weren’t any major problems during our stay in the royal capital this time, but who knows what might happen on our next visit? That’s when Lilia and the others will come in handy. After all, I still have zero combat ability.

“This was my first time visiting the royal capital, and I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much, Tetsuya.”

“Yeah, I never thought I’d get the chance to come here. Thanks, Tetsuya.”

“You both always help me out, after all.”

It’s good to see that Angel and Dolph had fun in the royal capital too.

That said, our accommodation expenses were covered by the royal capital’s Adventurers’ Guild. Given how expensive the cost of living is here, it wouldn’t be easy to bring all our employees here frequently.

“I’m glad everyone enjoyed their time in the royal capital.”

“Please, visit anytime. While we can’t offer accommodations like that inn, next time, we’ll host you at our party house.”

“Berna, Ferry, we’re truly grateful for everything. We’d love to take you up on that offer next time.”

It seems Berna and Ferry have a party house in the royal capital. The rent here must be outrageous…

Apparently, it’s big enough to accommodate all of us. Next time we visit, we should take them up on their invitation. Though, for now, they’ll be escorting us back to Al-Flare anyway.

“Hey, Tetsuya-kun. So, you’re heading back to Al-Flare now? I’m glad I made it in time.”

“Ruhail, thank you for coming all this way.”

Just as we were finishing up loading our supplies in the garden of our high-end inn, the royal capital’s Adventurers’ Guild Master, Ruhail, arrived.

“I wanted to report that there’s been some progress on that matter.”

“That’s amazing. You’ve already made progress?”

She must be talking about the compass. Have they already found a way to create one using a specific mineral and lightning magic? She really works fast.

“Yes, at this rate, we should have a prototype soon. I’m glad we made progress before you left. Also, here’s a little souvenir from me. Enjoy it with everyone when you get back. And give some to Rizac as well.”

As she spoke, Ruhail handed me a large package, about 50 centimeters in size. Since she said to eat it, it must be some kind of food.

“Thank you very much. We’ll enjoy it when we get back. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us regarding the compass.”

“No problem. If I could be of any help, that’s good enough for me. Personally, I’m rooting for you, Tetsuya-kun.”

The women in our group tilted their heads in confusion, not understanding what we were talking about, but this was about the introduction she arranged for us at the best magic tool shop in the royal capital yesterday.

“Berna, Ferry. Make sure you stay on guard and protect Tetsuya-kun and the others.”

“Of course, leave it to us.”

“You got it.”

Berna and Ferry responded enthusiastically to Ruhail. With these A-rank adventurers by our side, the return trip should be no problem.

“Lilia, it was great seeing you doing well after so long. I was too busy this time to talk much, but next time you visit the royal capital, let’s catch up properly.”

“Yes. I’d love to when I return.”

Apparently, Lilia had known Ruhail since her time in the royal capital. They must have a lot to talk about. He seemed busy this time, but next time they can reminisce at leisure.

“I’ll be looking forward to it. Well, I won’t keep you any longer—”

“Nice to meet you, Ruhail! I’m Lange, a B-rank adventurer!”

Just as Ruhail was about to leave, Lange suddenly called out to him.