Dark Noble 125

Chapter 125 Street Food Stalls

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Edited by: Kanaa-senpai

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 After leaving the hotel, I head out into the city with Lana. We didn’t take the shortest route from the station to the hotel, but instead decided to take a stroll. We’re heading towards the central part of the city.

 ”There are all sorts of museums and art galleries in the city center, right?”

 ”Yeah, that sounds like fun, Alba. I’ve heard there are a lot of foreign exhibits too.”

 As we chat, we make our way towards the bustling streets. The crowds grow thicker, the noise level increases, and the colors of the buildings become more vibrant.

 ”…Wow, there are so many people, Alba.”

 ”Yeah, it’s just as lively as the royal capital.”

 It’s summer break, so there are a lot of people out and about. The difference between this city and the royal capital is probably the street food stalls.

 ’Grilled Fish.’ ‘Grilled Clams.’ ‘Grilled Squid.’

 There are all sorts of seafood stalls. The smell of fish and sauce wafts through the air, making my stomach growl. If I were Japanese in my past life, it is inevitable that I will react to seafood.

 ”The smell is amazing. I ate at the South Central Station, but I’m already hungry again.”

 ”Me too. Should we eat?”

 ”Does Alba not mind eating at stalls like these?”

 ”On the contrary, I seem to be really interested. What about you, Ms. Lana?”

 ”I’m the same…”

 Lana looks up at the street food stalls, checking the signs. The colors are so vivid that we can see what’s available from a distance.

 ”How about that one?”

 ”‘Grilled Oysters’? That sounds great.”

 ”I’m also interested in the ‘Grilled Crab and Shrimp’.”

 ”Me too. Let’s go.”

 Luckily, there’s no one waiting in line at the stall. The uncle shop owner is grilling all sorts of seafood over charcoal.

 The shrimp are skewered and grilled to perfection, with a nice char on them. The crab is arranged on a plate, with the meat from the legs sticking out.

 It may not be the most elegant dish, but it looks incredibly delicious. Lana calls out to the old shop owner.

 ”Excuse me! We’ll take one of each, shrimp and crab!”

 ”Coming right up!”

 By the way, the prices are quite reasonable. For the two of us, it would be around 5,000 yen in Earth currency. The crab is a bit pricey.

 ”Are you two tourists?”

 ”Yeah, we just arrived a little while ago.”

 ”Ah, I see. We provide wooden utensils and spoons with our orders. If you don’t finish eating, please bring them back and we’ll give you a little refund.”

 ”Huh, that’s some great service…”

 ”No way, if we litter and get caught by the Vitz police, we’ll get slapped with a ridiculous fine. This place is different from others, they’re really particular about the scenery.”

 Lana nods with a “hmm” sound.

 ”That’s a great effort, isn’t it? Is it to protect the sea?”

 ”You’re a smart girl, that’s right. Here, we’re getting cooperation from tourists too. It’s been that way for generations, to receive the blessings of the sea.”

 The uncle puts shrimp and crab on a wooden plate, complete with a wooden fork, of course.

 ”Feel free to take it back with you, too. Many people do that as a souvenir.”

 The wooden plate and fork had a light red tint to them. Honestly, there’s no particular reason to take them back except as a memento.

 ”Thank you.”

 ”And, if you’re in Vitz… try going down the alley 2 blocks from here. There’s a fantastic art gallery that’s perfect for souvenirs.”

 I sensed a kind intention behind the uncle’s words, but also something else.

 ”For example, what kind of shop do you recommend?”

 ”Anything’s fine, but if you have the money and time… try the Blue Sea Art Shop. They’ll give you all sorts of advice.”

 I thanked the uncle, and we left the stall. We walked a bit down the street and found a bench.

 As we sat down, Lana puffed out her cheeks a bit.

 ”Alba, what were you looking for?”

 ”Huh?”

 ”Don’t play dumb. That shop owner isn’t just a normal pottery seller, is he? …I noticed it later than you, Alba.”

 I was surprised. It seemed Lana had seen through the shop owner’s suspicious behavior.

 Just as Lana said, the shop owner of that stall wasn’t just selling grilled shrimp and crab. He was probably selecting tourists and guiding them, but I didn’t know if it was for robbery or direct sales or something.

 Anyway, I decided to observe Lana a bit. The look on her face was one of concern.

 So, I decided to tell her the truth, at least partially. It was probably okay, and I could even mention Isabella’s name.

 ”…Before we came here, it was related to my family…”

 ”Your family…? That’s, um, a bit…”

 ”Don’t worry about it. There’s no danger or anything. I just want you to check out the souvenir shop.”

 At that, Lana let out a visible sigh of relief.

 ”Anyway, this isn’t the royal capital, so… I don’t know what we’re going to do, but it’s just a souvenir shop.”

 ”Is that… really all?”

 ”Yeah, I was looking forward to our trip together, Ms. Lana. That’s the real deal.”

 Saying that, I gently patted Lana’s head.

 ”…Then, okay. But when we go to the souvenir shop, I’m coming with you.”

 I could see a strong determination in Lana’s eyes. I wonder how she sees me.

 A student council member? A rich brat who’s been spoiled by money?

 A mysterious noble’s son?

 But somehow, I felt strongly in that moment.

 Maybe I’ve become a man worthy of Lana’s concern, a man she loves.

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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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