Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1992: Touring the land

Despite the minor snag caused by my question about the royal family's relic, the banquet wrapped up in an upbeat manner overall.

They had numerous desires directed at me, after all, so it wasn't like they'd resent me over this matter.

Moreover, I hadn't pressed the topic forcefully, allowing it to fade from memory without much fuss.

Thus, my initial day in the Solar Kingdom drew to a close.

As the second day dawned, it came as no surprise that they wouldn't let me be.

Right at sunrise, a group had gathered, eagerly awaiting my emergence from the chamber they'd assigned to me.

They'd initially pushed for me to stay in the castle as honored guest royalty, yet I declined to stir up any inconvenience, leading them to arrange this estate instead.

Peering from my quarters, I spotted the crowd lingering beyond the manor's entrance.

I couldn't simply brush them off, forcing me to confront them eventually.

Yet my opening words caught them off guard completely.

"Your majesty, might you restate what you just mentioned?"

No matter how often they requested a repeat, my resolve remained unshaken.

"I wish to explore the territory and witness the attractions firsthand."

Everyone surrounding me shot puzzled glances my way, though they grasped that no arguments would sway my decision.

My demeanor stayed relaxed, yet my gaze held unyielding determination.

Still, they lacked any real grounds to object, even if the urge struck them.

I wasn't demanding access to hidden sites or anything extreme—just a simple journey through the Solar Kingdom's domains, a freedom granted to any ordinary traveler.

Several aristocrats attempted to lure me to their estates or steer me toward grander spectacles, but I turned them down and stuck to my plan of viewing the local wonders.

In the end, they relented with no other option.

The issue lay in their apparent reluctance to grant me any solitude.

I'd anticipated this twist, so I braced myself for their company along the way.

Since nothing in my itinerary required secrecy, their presence didn't truly bother me.

The real irritation came from their persistent nudges about the barrier topic. Though aware of the need for restraint, one or two inevitably overstepped in such discussions.

Luckily, my skill at tuning out nobles had sharpened considerably over time. Frequent encounters with them had taught me to dismiss their prattle outright.

Status disparity silenced any potential backlash from them anyway.

Following some travel, we reached a village close to the capital.

Thanks to the nobles' lead, our path there proved smooth, with no locals daring to approach.

The villagers naturally cowered at the sudden arrival of so many elites. Some appeared terrified that abductions might follow.

Such fear suggested these nobles had pulled stunts like that previously.

My brief dealings with them convinced me they were prone to such acts. However, intervening wasn't my role here.

I possessed the power to act, but my visit served a specific purpose.

Inwardly, I offered silent apologies to the afflicted and vowed to investigate upon my return, though immediate action eluded me now.

Eventually, only the village head stepped up to greet us.

Complete avoidance proved impossible, and as the designated representative, he alone bore that duty. His expression, upon approaching, betrayed a fatalistic acceptance, as if dooming himself for the community's sake.

He seemed convinced escape was impossible.

Upon reaching us, the village head's initial move was a deep bow.

The nobles treated this as routine, showing no surprise at his deference.

To them, such subservience from common folk felt entirely expected.

For me, however, the scene hinted at deeper undercurrents.

For the moment, I simply stated, "Village chief, would you guide us through your village? I'd like to explore the attractions nearby."

"Sights?" The village chief murmured in baffled tones upon hearing this, snapping alert at the nobles' stern stares.

He understood such matters lay beyond his humble station to ponder.

His sole task was to provide the requested tour.

"Certainly, I'll guide you through our village's highlights." The village chief replied, forcing a grin onto his features.