Shopping, Pastries, Bathhouses

The battle at the Oma Royal Academy of Sciences was quite a spectacle.

Almost instantly, the news spread throughout the entire capital as if it had grown wings.

But soon the sounds of gunfire and artillery ceased.

The residents initially thought that those overconfident fools from Black Dragon City had been suppressed by the City Guard. But after hearing that one section of the academy's wall had been completely destroyed in the bombing, everyone realized that things were not so simple.

However, the city guards in the imperial city reacted strangely, patrolling and changing shifts as usual. There was no large-scale mobilization or any sign of emergency preparedness.

All departments in the capital were peaceful and harmonious, as if nothing had happened.

Apart from a few high-ranking officials in the empire who knew the inside story, ordinary residents were unaware that the Black Dragon City group was deliberately avoided by the princes due to the critical juncture of the change of imperial power.

The atmosphere of panic had barely spread throughout the capital before it had completely dissipated.

Since the high-ranking nobles didn't react strongly, the ordinary residents went about their business as usual.

The capital city remained orderly, but there were more topics of conversation during leisure time, including the legend of "Black Dragon City."

Rein and Ymir visited Ilubeck's family.

The old man's family was considered a prominent clan in the Oma Imperial Capital, a family of doctors. Although the family had fallen from the top aristocratic circles due to the "Prince Forbes incident".

But for the extremely wealthy and powerful, medicine is a profession that relies heavily on medical skills. Unless they are enemies, no one would deliberately target this group. With exceptional medical expertise, wealth is practically guaranteed.

The Ilubeck family operates several large and profitable hospitals in the capital, Rein visited one of their main branches.

Black Dragon City is developing rapidly, and its medical system needs a large number of professionals. The old man had previously sent a message back to the capital to explain the current situation in Black Dragon City to his family.

The old man's family wasn't at the top of Omar's power structure, and although they weren't entirely clear on the current political situation, they believed that any political upheaval or change of government would have little impact on doctors and hospitals.

In fact, business might even be better during a war.

In the minds of the people of Oma Imperial Capital, Black Dragon City is now almost synonymous with "flood monsters" and "remote countryside," and very few people are willing to leave their already affluent environment to move to an unknown place.

Most of the Neto family chose to stay in the capital, with only the old man's two sons willing to leave with their families and businesses.

Rein didn't insist.

Black Dragon City still needs time to grow.

But one day, it will shock the world. It will also let those who initially chose to "offer help in times of need" know what a wise choice they made.

After finishing their business, Rein and Ymir strolled leisurely down the street.

Upon arriving in the Oma Imperial Capital, they immediately went to the palace to visit the Old Emperor, and then encountered the incident from the Royal Academy of Sciences of Sciences.

Now that he finally has some free time, Rein wants to see the most prosperous city of this era and experience its local customs and culture.

It must be said that "Wussenbar" was indeed the most prosperous Mechanical City he had ever seen.

In terms of sheer liveliness, this place is in no way inferior to the megacities of my previous life on Earth. In fact, due to the concentration of population in the Mechanical City, the population density here is greater than any major metropolis in my previous life.

The residents of the capital city seemed to have become accustomed to all kinds of nobles, big and small.

In other remote territories, a low-ranking nobleman such as a baron or viscount could be greeted with utmost respect by commoners. Here, low-ranking nobles were as numerous as hairs on a cow, and even a random passerby on the street might possess a hereditary title.

On the bustling commercial streets, one can also see high-ranking noble ladies and young women accompanied by large groups of guards and servants.

Even when Princess Ymir walked down the street, she didn't attract much attention. While occasionally some residents recognized her and whispered about her beauty, that was about it.

With the legend Ymir by his side, there was no need to worry about safety, and Rein didn't bring any guards.

The two strolled leisurely along the bustling street like a young couple.

Shopping inevitably involves chatting.

They chatted for a bit about the development of Black Dragon City, but both of them found the atmosphere rather dull.

Rein then thought of having Ymir show him around the various shops in the capital, taverns, souvenir shops, geisha houses, and so on.

Now that they've arrived in the capital, the princess should at least show them the proper hospitality.

He had heard that the Oma Imperial Capital at the forefront of the times, and that all sorts of novelties from various territories could be found there.

But once I opened my mouth, I realized I had been overthinking it.

Ymir recognized the streets of the capital, but she knew nothing about the shops. She'd never been to geisha houses or taverns before.

At first, Rein didn't react and asked in shock, "You've never gone into a shop to buy anything before?"

He had a preconceived notion that someone who had lived in the capital since childhood should know everything about it.

But that applies to ordinary people, not to Ymir, the pampered Princess Oma.

"What's so strange about that?"

Ymir rolled her eyes at him and said indifferently, "My servants always prepared everything I needed before, so I didn't need to buy it myself. Besides, I'm not particularly interested in jewelry or anything like that. The court officials have provided me with enough for my daily needs, so there's no need to waste time wandering around. I do know two sword shops in the East City, but I guess you don't want me to take you to those kinds of places."

"."

Rein listened, his eyelids twitched involuntarily.

Sure enough, the emperor's carrying pole was made of gold.

He assumed that Ymir, being born in the capital, should be familiar with everything about it; but little did he know that it was actually normal for her not to be familiar with it.

It was only then that Rein realized that there was a significant difference between the lives of top nobles and ordinary people.

At this moment, Ymir seemed to have become somewhat interested and said, "If you're interested, I can accompany you for a stroll. It'll be good for me to get familiar with the place."

As she said this, a faint smile appeared on her beautiful face, which was always as cold and aloof as ever in front of outsiders. She then said something slightly sentimental, "I hadn't realized it until you mentioned it. This city where I grew up suddenly feels a bit unfamiliar. Why don't you take me to get to know it?"

Rein was somewhat amused and exasperated. "Okay."

A city lord of Black Dragon City, and a Prime Minister of Black Dragon City.

On ordinary days, when they are in the territory, one of them will definitely be cultivating, and the other will definitely be working in the city hall.

It's almost impossible to see a scene like this, where people stroll leisurely together.

Upon returning to the capital, Ymir always carried the cold aura of a Princess. This was a familiar and safe state for her.

In the past, Rein's impression of her face was that she was somewhat unapproachable, as if she didn't have any "acquaintances who could get close to her".

Now, he's become accustomed to Ymir's equally cold expression.

Make a joke when appropriate, and occasionally even put your arm around her waist to ease the tension.

Ymir would initially roll her eyes at him, feeling quite uncomfortable, but later she always felt helpless.

Because Lei's groping skills are getting more and more sophisticated, and his skin is getting thicker and thicker.

But as long as he wasn't seen in public, Ymir had gotten used to it.

After that, he was left to his own devices.

Perhaps it's a common habit from my past life when traveling: after visiting a place, I always feel compelled to bring something back with me.

The two browsed various shops, Rein planned to buy some "local specialties".

Bring some gifts for this lady, Mrs. Canossa, and that little girl Wudo.

Ymir was really indifferent to material things, or rather, having seen the best in the world, there were few things that caught her eye.

Rein tried to ask her what she liked, but she always said anything was fine.

Whenever I buy something for her, she always praises it and politely says "thank you."

It's not just that they're indifferent to external things.

To those who don't know her, this attitude could be described as extremely cold.

However, that's only on the surface.

After spending more time with her, Rein also discovered that Ymir actually had some "little habits" that didn't match her aloof persona.

For example, she likes to "steal" desserts.

It's called stealing food because Ymir loves sweets but doesn't want anyone to see it.

Aside from Rein, even her personal maids probably never saw her looking greedy.

After discovering her habit in Black Dragon City, Rein, he would occasionally buy some desserts to visit her during his breaks from cultivation.

As luck would have it, after walking a few blocks, we came across a shop with a sign that read "Miss Gwyneth's Court Pastry Shop".

Rein glanced at the shop and smiled at Ymir, "Wait for me here."

After saying that, he ran into the shop.

Upon seeing this, Ymir was taken aback.

Before long, they saw Rein come out leading a bag of desserts.

Before she even arrived, she could smell the familiar aroma of pastries.

Rein opened the package, took out a pink pastry, and handed it to Ymir, saying, "I heard that this 'Gwyneth's Peach Pastry' is only sold in this shop in Wussenbar; you can't buy it anywhere else even if you have the money."

Ymir looked at the familiar pastries in front of her and asked in surprise, "How did you know I like this?"

This is indeed her favorite pastry, one she's eaten since childhood.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to eat it since leaving the capital.

I was thinking of taking some with me when I came here, but I got busy and forgot.

Unexpectedly, it was handed to me.

Of course, she didn't know that the pastries she used to eat were bought from this shop.

Rein chuckled and said, "I asked the maids. They told me that a certain princess loves this kind of pastry and always eats several pieces. They also told me that the shop is at 66 Green Street."

"Gossipy."

Ymir spit out a mouthful of saliva, it was unclear whether she was blaming the talkative maid.

She glanced at Rein, a strange light flashing in her eyes, and said after thinking for a moment, "You're very thoughtful."

So, he came to this street specifically for this pastry shop?

That really shows their dedication.

"When Black Dragon City becomes more lively in the future, we'll open a few branches. Then you'll be able to enjoy pastries in Black Dragon City too."

As Rein explained his plans, he smiled and gestured to the hand Ryan had raised, "Want to try some?"

"Here?"

Ymir stared at Rein with astonishment in her beautiful eyes, her gaze questioning.

He'd practically handed it to her mouth; clearly, he wasn't going to let her take it with her hand.

Are you suggesting I eat it myself on the street?

But how can this be allowed!

At this moment, Ymir was struggling internally.

The inner turmoil made her feel as if she were facing one of the most difficult choices in her life.

Not to mention the etiquette instilled in her from childhood by court officials, such as the idea that it is impolite for nobles to eat on the street.

Is it really that inappropriate for a man to feed someone on the street right in front of you?

This was an experience she had never had before.

An "unexpected situation" that I had never encountered before.

This left the legendary expert somewhat bewildered, and a strange sense of panic washed over him.

She had never been so intimate with a man before, and no one had ever dared to do anything so outrageous to her.

In that brief moment of Ymir's distraction, Rein understood her gaze and said, "Oh, I almost forgot. It seems that your noble etiquette forbids eating in the street."

He muttered something under his breath, cursing himself for not thinking things through.

"Etc."

Just as he was about to withdraw his hand, he noticed a hint of hesitation in Ymir's eyes, but then, as if possessed, she quietly moved her face closer.

Then she parted her red lips slightly and quickly bit off a small corner of the pastry. Her expression was slightly flustered, and a blush flashed across her cheeks. She didn't dare to chew the pastry after biting into it, and swallowed it whole like a thief.

"???"

Rein suddenly looked at the pastry in his hand that was missing a corner, then at the pretty face in front of him, blinked, and looked at her incredulously.

This was also the first time he had ever seen Ymir in such a panicked state.

She has always given the impression of being methodical, aloof, composed, elegant, and a suave dandy.

Even when they first met on the Ice Ridge Wasteland, in that near-death situation, Rein didn't see much panic on her face.

Now, while eating a piece of pastry, she actually revealed such a girlish side of herself?

After thinking about it, Rein figured it was probably that his earlier remark about "you nobles" that had provoked her.

However, it seems to be a good thing.

Rein chuckled, "Want some more?"

A fleeting look of surprise crossed Ymir's face before she reverted to her usual cold expression. "I'm not eating."

"Oh."

Rein looked at the half-eaten pastry in his hand, feeling it was a waste to throw it away, but putting it back in the bag didn't seem right either.

So he simply put it in his mouth, chewed it, and swallowed it.

Yes, it tastes really good.

"."

Ymir was standing nearby, naturally noticed his actions. A strange look flashed between her brows, but she didn't say anything.

She couldn't remember exactly when it started, but this shameless guy became more and more audacious towards her.

It seems that his aura suddenly became very strong after he advanced to the Third Tier of the Transcendent.

Could it be due to the "Thunder Tiger Momentum"?

Ymir hadn't experienced it, and couldn't understand it.

After leaving the pastry shop, the two walked down the street again.

Seemingly because of what had just happened, both of them remained silent.

But a moment later, Ymir suddenly said something that seemed out of the blue, "It looks like your understanding of the fist intent has improved again."

"Yes, I have indeed gained some insights. But I feel like I'm still missing something."

Rein chimed in, then his eyes lit up and he grinned.

The two were already quite familiar with each other, and their mutual understanding made it less about what was said.

He understood, of course, that Ymir's words, though seemingly directed at his "invincible fist intent," were actually a jab at his thick skin.

Ymir, hearing this, had no temper and rubbed her temples.

The two wandered around the streets for a while longer, aimlessly.

A megacity with a population of over ten million cannot be explored in a short time.

As luck would have it, as they walked, they came to another very famous landmark street in Omar – the Bath Street.

The area where the Oma Imperial Capital, "Wussenbar," was located has abundant coal resources, so the huge Mechanical City has remained in this area for nearly twenty years without moving.

In addition to coal mines, this area also boasts abundant hot spring resources.

Because the Mechanical City burns large amounts of coal daily, a faint wisp of smoke always lingers in the air. To facilitate washing, public baths are common throughout the city, and this has gradually become a custom.

As one of the world's most trendsetting cities, Oma Imperial Capital also boasts the most open "bath culture." It's not boiler-heated water, but real hot springs.

Rein made no attempt to hide his intentions, pointing to the largest bathhouse and saying, "I want to go for a soak."

Ymir glanced at him, and couldn't help but suspect that this guy had planned this all along. She said indifferently, "If you want to soak in the hot springs, there are plenty in the palace too."

Rein said, "The 'Golden City Bathhouse,' a unique attraction in the capital, has long been renowned throughout the major human territories. I've heard that it offers an imperial experience. Now that we've come all this way, why not give it a try?"

Ymir looked puzzled. "What's so special about the emperor's enjoyment? It's just so-so."

"."

Rein's face twitched upon hearing this.

The shop's advertising slogans were very appealing to him, but to Ymir, the Princess had grown up in the palace, they held no appeal whatsoever.

He thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a try, and said again, "I want to give it a try."

"."

Upon hearing this, Ymir frowned slightly and remained silent for a moment.

She didn't find anything strange about it; soaking in hot springs is a normal part of life.

Thinking of those lurking figures on the street corner who had been watching them closely since earlier, Ymir's expression remained unchanged as she said, "Fine."