Re: Zero The Great Sage

(A/N: How about some chapter comments? Just to make it a bit livelier?)

...

{3rd Pov}

Before arriving at the bustling city of Altenberg, Subaru, along with Gloria and Beatrice, parted ways from Emilia and Reina. In preparation for their covert entry, Subaru's group took on the appearance of ordinary commoners, deliberately dressing in modest attire to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Beatrice, however, found herself in a rather unfortunate position—she had to reside temporarily within Subaru's spiritual core. It wasn't an ideal situation, but she at least had the company of other spirits, though most of them had taken to slumber within Subaru's soul, conserving their strength and focus for the pursuit of becoming Great Spirits. Their silent presence was a strange comfort to Beatrice, even if it meant she couldn't interact them.

Not to mention just being inside Subaru made her feel warm and not alone.

Subaru himself donned a simple grey shirt and black pants—plain, practical, and deliberately forgettable. If not for his exceptionally handsome face, the rare color of his black hair and the equally uncommon shade of his eyes, he could have passed off as an ordinary background character in the city's daily life—a mere mob in the crowd.

But Gloria? She had a way of standing out, even when attempting to appear modest. Though she refrained from choosing overly lavish clothing, her outfit still highlighted her elegance and commanding presence, drawing the eyes of anyone nearby.

Her dress was a rich wine red, hugging her form in a style reminiscent of a noble's corset gown. The design boasted golden trimmings that adorned the waistline and skirt, subtly emphasizing her graceful figure. Her sleeves were puffed and pure white, creating a striking contrast with the deep red of her dress. A delicate golden brooch sat at the center of her chest, adding an ornamental charm to the ensemble. Atop her head was a white, ruffled headband—resembling something between a maid's accessory and a noblewoman's hairpiece.

A part of Subaru internally grumbled that, despite her efforts, the gold accents and the brooch made her attire seem a bit too extravagant for a commoner. Yet the slightly faded tone of her dress hinted that she wasn't a noble either—more like a well-to-do commoner or perhaps a high-ranking servant wearing her best garments for a special occasion.

"Fufu, struck by this concubine's beauty, Father?" Gloria teased with a light, flirtatious tone that only she could pull off so naturally.

Subaru chuckled in response, shaking his head with a small smile. "You certainly look magnificent, Gloria… Well, I suppose I'll let it slide. It might even work to our advantage. After all, attracting the sort of troublesome people we're hunting might just become easier."

Realizing that her flashy presence would likely ruin any chance of them blending in like unnoticed commoners, Subaru decided to adjust his approach. If they couldn't go unseen, perhaps it was better to draw attention—specifically from those with ill intent. Gloria's attire might just make her seem like a well-off commoner, the kind who flaunts their best on rare outings. That image might lure in exactly the sort of wastrels they were looking for.

Still, he didn't like the thought of strangers ogling his daughter. That fact alone made him slightly uneasy. Unfortunately he cannot gouge the eyes of everyone eyeing his daughter.

Suddenly, Gloria reached out and took his hand, guiding it between her ample chest with a warm, affectionate smile.

"Father, considering your plan, my usual manner of speech might be… a bit too eccentric," she said thoughtfully. "So, this concubine has decided to assume a more fitting role. What do you think about pretending to be a young couple for the time being?"

Subaru blinked in surprise at her sudden suggestion but ultimately shrugged. "I suppose that's fine. It could help us avoid suspicion."

Gloria's face lit up with delight, her smile stretching from ear to ear. Though it was just a ruse, she fully intended to play her role to perfection.

"Very well then, honey," she said sweetly, altering her tone slightly as she leaned in with a sparkle in her eyes. "Let's not keep the city waiting."

Subaru was momentarily caught off guard by how naturally she adapted her manner of speech, but he quickly composed himself and accepted the act as part of their cover.

As they approached the city's entrance, they joined a short line of wagons and travelers standing before the gates. The city of Altenberg loomed ahead, modest in scale but still lively. It was home to approximately five to six thousand inhabitants—a far cry from the massive capital or the other major cities, each teeming with populations nearing one hundred thousand.

The city walls were just over a meter in height, a paltry barrier when compared to the towering fortifications of the royal capital. They seemed more symbolic than defensive, offering only a token sense of security.

From the moment Subaru and Gloria arrived at the gates, they became the center of attention—especially Gloria. Her otherworldly beauty couldn't be masked, no matter how simply she dressed. Eyes followed her wherever she walked, and even in a line of strangers, she stood out like a star among candles.

As they reached the checkpoint, one of the guards immediately took notice. His gaze lingered a bit too long on Gloria, then shifted to Subaru with a disbelieving expression that practically screamed: 'Why does he get to be with her?!'

The second guard, at least, kept his composure. Clearing his throat, he addressed them in a professional tone. "Ahem. State your names and your reason for entering the city."

Without a word, Subaru reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin, offering it discreetly to the questioning guard. The man glanced at it, smirked knowingly, and nodded in understanding.

"Let them through. Special entry," he said casually, motioning them forward.

As the two guards exchanged chuckles—already daydreaming about the alcohol and meat that the coin would buy them—Subaru maintained his calm expression. Internally, however, he was less than impressed.

Gloria sneered in her mind, her opinion of the guards dropping further with every second.

'These are the ones protecting the city? ' Subaru thought with a faint grimace. 'Looks like I'll have to do something about this situation later on.'

As they passed through the gates, the main road lay strangely clear—a rare sight. Subaru quickly realized the reason: the streets had been cleared in anticipation of Reina and Emilia's formal arrival, a procession that demanded both security and grandeur.

'Let's take a closer look at this place, Gloria,' Subaru said mentally, his senses sharpening. 'Let's see what life here is like from the viewpoint of the common folk.'

'As you command, Father,' Gloria replied in kind, her eyes glinting with intent. 'However… this concubine shall personally discipline those mongrels who neglected their duties so shamefully.'

...

Meanwhile, far from the city's modest streets, Reina's brows twitched uncontrollably as she tapped into her Divine Protection to observe Subaru from afar. A growing irritation bubbled within her. Just what did she witness? That girl shamelessly took advantage of her position as Subaru's self-proclaimed daughter and his contracted spirit.

How dare a mere Great Spirit take such liberties with her Lord in her absence!

Though Reina had already steeled herself to accept Subaru's mysterious and elusive lover—whose origins she could not yet trace—she had firmly resolved that no other woman would get close to her beloved unless they had proven themselves worthy in every possible way.

Unacceptable, she fumed internally, her golden eyes narrowing with fiery resolve. Next time... I won't just stay for a day. No... I shall spend an entire week by my Lord's side! Her declaration echoed silently in her heart as she tried to wrestle down her jealousy and frustration.

Fortunately for Reina's current mental state, she remained blissfully unaware of the darkest secret—Subaru's other lover was none other than the Demon King herself: the Witch of Envy.

…

Elsewhere in Altenberg, Gloria and Subaru continued their exploration of the city, walking side by side through narrow cobblestone streets. The architecture here was humble yet charming; most of the houses had two or three stories and were constructed from a mix of sturdy wood and coarse-cut stone. The structures carried an old-world charm, slightly weathered but enduring, like the city itself—quiet, small, but not without its soul.

Their steps eventually led them to a local tavern. Subaru had deliberately chosen it, wanting to gain a sense of the city's undercurrents—by tasting its food and listening to the idle gossip of its people. A tavern, after all, was a place where secrets slipped between lips like wine from a cup.

As they pushed open the wooden doors and entered the lively establishment, a few heads turned to glance at them. Subaru, dressed plainly in grey and black, didn't garner much attention despite his striking features. His appearance, though handsome, was buried beneath the veil of simple clothing—just as planned.

However, when their eyes landed on Gloria, the atmosphere changed.

Her ethereal presence, the dignified way she carried herself, and the radiant beauty she possessed stunned several patrons into silence. Conversations paused. Cups lingered halfway to mouths. She might not have been wearing a noble's attire, but she certainly looked every bit the part.

Subaru and Gloria found two empty chairs near a modest table by the wall and sat down.

"Damn… she looks like a noble," a rough-looking demi-human muttered under his breath.

"If she was a noble, she wouldn't be sitting in a place like this," another snorted in reply, though the tone in his voice betrayed uncertainty.

Moments later, the tavern's hostess—a woman in her early thirties with a no-nonsense expression—approached their table and greeted them with a practiced smile. Her eyes flicked briefly between Subaru and Gloria, a spark of curiosity igniting within them.

"Good day to you, sir and madam," she said warmly. "Are you two a couple?" Her question was genuine, but her thoughts were running wild. With Subaru's dashing looks and Gloria's unearthly beauty, the two looked like a perfect pair—a match woven by fate itself.

Gloria smiled gracefully, clasping Subaru's hand in hers. "Indeed, we are husband and wife," she replied with natural elegance. "This is our first time visiting this city. We've come in search of work."

"I see," the hostess murmured, suppressing the tiniest sigh of resignation. Of course. All the handsome ones are always taken. Her gaze briefly flicked across the tavern to a group of men gawking like starved wolves, and she shook her head in exasperation. And I'm stuck with these buffoons…

"You lot!" she barked suddenly, turning her frustration toward the men whose eyes hadn't left Gloria. "Stop staring at the lady like that! You're making them uncomfortable!"

The scolded men looked away awkwardly, a few scratching their heads or pretending to be suddenly very interested in the wooden floorboards.

"Tch… seriously, this guy's so lucky," one man muttered under his breath. "To have a wife like that… if I had someone half as beautiful, I'd follow her every command without a word."

"Don't you have a wife?" another asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah, but she just nags me all day," the first man sighed, defeated.

The hostess, still standing near Subaru's table, clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Don't pay attention to them, sir," she said firmly. "They're just a bunch of idiots. If they give you any trouble, just call me—I'll toss them out myself."

Subaru gave her a respectful nod. "Thank you, Miss. That's reassuring," he said with a faint, appreciative smile. He hadn't expected such a reaction from a complete stranger, but it was a reminder that not all people were corrupt or careless.

As they waited for their food to arrive, more patrons filtered into the tavern. The lunch hour was drawing near, and with it came louder conversations and a livelier crowd. Subaru leaned back slightly, allowing his ears to pick up bits of dialogue around them, hoping to catch something of interest.

"I heard the Royal Candidate Emilia and the Sword Saint are in the city," said one man at a nearby table, his voice lowered as if sharing a piece of precious gossip.

"Really? Why would they come to a small place like this?" another responded, sounding skeptical.

Just then, the hostess returned, carrying a wooden tray. She carefully placed a pair of bowls filled with steaming vegetable soup and slices of coarse bread in front of them.

"Miss," Subaru said casually, choosing the moment to prod for more information, "there's talk that some important guests are visiting the city. Is that true?"

The hostess gave a small nod. "Yes, apparently one of the Royal Candidates and the famed Sword Saint are in Altenberg. No one's sure of the reason yet, but it's why the main road was blocked off this morning."

She glanced at them curiously. "You two are new here, right?"

"Indeed," Subaru replied smoothly. "We're curious about the affairs of the city, especially since it may become our home for a while."

While they spoke, Gloria sampled the soup, her expression neutral at first—then she gave a satisfied nod. "The seasoning is a bit mild," she murmured to Subaru, "but it's far from unpleasant."

The tavern buzzed with talk, the scent of food and ale growing stronger with every passing minute. Outside, the city lived on in its simple rhythm, unaware that beneath the surface, its newest visitors were anything but ordinary.

"Hmm… I have some work to take care of, so unfortunately, I won't be able to assist you personally," the hostess said thoughtfully, glancing between Subaru and Gloria. "However, I can arrange for you to sit with some familiar faces. They've lived here for a long time—they should be able to help you out."

"Oh, by the way," she added with a warm smile, "my name is Hilda. I'm the daughter of the tavern's owner."

Without waiting for a response, she raised her voice and called out to a middle-aged man seated a few tables over, surrounded by a handful of locals chatting and eating heartily.

"Hey, Berlord! These two are new in town—why don't you and your friends invite them over for a chat?" she suggested, her voice loud enough to be heard over the general hum of the tavern.

Berlord, a sturdy man with a short grey beard and the relaxed posture of someone who had seen his fair share of life, looked over at Subaru and Gloria. He gave them a once-over and shrugged with a good-natured smile.

"They're not familiar faces, that's for sure. New arrivals, huh?" he said, gesturing toward the open seats around him. "Well then, come join us. We'll show you the ropes around here and give you a proper introduction to Altenberg."

Berlord wasn't stupid—he understood right away that Hilda was subtly asking him to take these newcomers under his wing, at least temporarily. In cities like Altenberg, where the local customs and governance differed significantly from those of rural villages, newcomers often needed guidance.

People from larger cities usually managed well on their own, but those from the countryside—like these two were pretending to be—were often lost without someone to steer them.

Subaru and Gloria rose from their seats, and Hilda kindly helped them shift their food to the new table.

Subaru offered a polite nod. "My name is Theo, and this is my wife, Gloria," he said, introducing themselves under their assumed names. "We've just arrived in the city today."

As the words left his mouth, Subaru felt a twinge of embarrassment—this really was the kind of cliché one would read in a cheesy play. A supposedly wealthy man disguising himself as a commoner for some mysterious purpose? Still, in their case, it wasn't entirely baseless.

As the introductions concluded, Berlord and the others welcomed them warmly. Soon, the conversation turned to the city itself.

"Villages are one thing," Berlord began, leaning on the table with one arm as he spoke. "But cities like Altenberg? They work on a whole different set of rules. Everything's faster, harsher, more crowded. You'll need to be sharp, or the place'll swallow you whole."

As they continued talking, various opinions and local sentiments started to emerge.

"Honestly, a Half-Elf as a Royal Candidate? At first, we all thought it was some kind of twisted joke," Berlord said, shaking his head slowly. "Most folks here were stunned when the announcement came out. Me? I always thought Lady Karsten was the obvious choice."

"But things are changing," added another man sitting beside him. "Ever since Lord Zero—that's what people call him now—started defeating all those calamities… he's become a legend. When we heard Altenberg would come under his rule, most of us were relieved. If nothing else, we figured we'd be safer."

"The Royal Candidate, Lady Emilia, is visiting the city," another man piped in. "Even the famed Sword Saint is here. That's how serious things are now. All the bigshots are gathering."

Subaru listened carefully, subtly gauging the public's feelings toward Emilia. After spending some time with the locals, he could clearly sense the complex web of emotions swirling beneath the surface. There was still hesitation, suspicion, and even some prejudice. Yet, at the same time, there was a growing sense of acceptance—or at least tolerance.

The shift in perception wasn't entirely organic. Emilia's standing had improved largely because of multiple factors aligning perfectly. Subaru's own influence, Roswaal's political maneuvering, and Reina's indirect support all played a part. Not to mention Subaru's recent heroic deeds had done wonders for their image.

If even one of those things had been missing, the people likely wouldn't have accepted the idea of a Half-Elf ruler. Not in a world still haunted by dark memories of the past.

What made it even more interesting was the political evolution currently taking place. For the first time, the voices of commoners were being acknowledged in matters of national importance.

A thousand commoners' votes might only equal that of a low-ranking noble, but the very fact that the masses now had a say—even a minor one—was monumental. It represented a shift in power, a move toward a more inclusive system.

'Well, A country doesn't change in a day or two,' Subaru thought to himself, sipping from his wooden cup. 

As he ate, Subaru took mental notes on the state of common life. Up until now, ever since he arrived in this world, he had been surrounded by nobles, knights, and aristocrats. Lavish meals and soft bedding had become so routine that he barely gave them a second thought.

But now? Now he tasted reality.

The food set before him—while warm and filling—was completely different. The soup was thin but salty, containing a modest mix of vegetables and chunks of potato… or perhaps "tatoes," as they were called in this world. The bread, while not as hard as a brick, was certainly not soft. It was dry, slightly tough to chew, and had little to no flavor.

Guess it's too much to expect gourmet meals in a medieval city, Subaru mused grimly. No wonder spices were worth their weight in gold back in Earth's Middle Ages. Europe waged war just to get their hands on Indian spices. Back then, European cuisine wasn't really cuisine—it was just something to eat, to survive, and to… well, dump later.

After finishing their food and saying their goodbyes to Berlord and the others, Subaru and Gloria exited the tavern and stepped out into the sunlight.

'Gloria,' Subaru said telepathically, 'let's book an inn first. Then we'll split up and inspect the city separately. That way, we can cover more ground.'

'As you command, Father,' she replied with a nod, not questioning his judgment.

They made their way through a few winding streets and finally found a modest-looking inn catered toward commoners. It wasn't fancy by any means, but it was exactly what they needed for their cover.

The cost was ten copper coins for a single room—cheap, by noble standards. Fortunately, Subaru had come well-prepared. He had already exchanged currency earlier and carried ample change in both silver and copper coins.

As they stepped inside their room, the difference between this place and the inns they were used to in the capital was stark and undeniable.

Back in the capital, they had rented several interconnected rooms with a spacious lounge. The guest area had been fully furnished with luxurious carpets, elegant sofas, glass windows, polished tables, floral vases, and everything a noble heart could desire.

Here?

A cramped room with barely enough space to stretch out. One narrow bed meant for two people, a small wooden cupboard, and an old wooden floor. The walls and ceiling bore traces of dust and age, though the floor seemed reasonably clean. A small, cracked window allowed a peek into the alley outside—but that was the only source of light besides a dim oil lamp.

Subaru sighed deeply. 'The difference in lifestyle between nobles and commoners… it's huge.'

For a fleeting moment, he felt like one of those out-of-touch nobles who dismissed the struggles of the lower class without a second thought.

Gloria, thankfully, didn't complain. She simply looked around the room, then smiled faintly.

"To me, Father, the value of a place is not determined by its luxury," she said softly, "but by the hearts of the people who dwell within it."

And since Subaru will stay here, it would be no doubt a first class place to her.

Subaru gave her a nod of appreciation. That was Gloria for you—elegant in appearance, but sharp and steady in heart.

They decided to rest for a little while before heading out to begin their investigation in earnest.

The city awaited—and there was still much to uncover.

To be continued...

(A/N: I hope you liked the chapter.

Now give the powerstones so people can know that this fic has started uploading again.

Also, I hope you liked the details.

I often see people leave out the food, clothes, society, houses in the fanfics.

It helps to build the world, and to be honest this fic started as very fast-paced.

If I would have gone slow-paced I would have lost the interest, but now that we are at a part where I can expand the details of the story, I think it is fine.

Eh, some people are also complaining about Reina's jealousy. I guess as an Author I really find it hard to see the problems, seriously when you write something and unless it is SI you think everything is perfect fine and people won't be triggered at some parts.

It isn't SI, to be honest the character I am writing is something I want to strive to become.

A mature, realistic yet gentle person, still cold and cruel when needed.

Passionate, and somewhat goal driven.

But it is just a dream, I would like to be just myself, and see how it goes.

I won't suggest you becoming Noah, Neo or Arthur. It is cool because it is fic, you aren't heavenly defying handsome that women will fall for you, or are willing to stay with you forever, wake up to the reality.

Poseidon and Eren are acceptable, but we are living in modern society so eh.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!)