Leaving the academy was incredibly simple. After all, the campus was small. From the main castle to the gate took only ten minutes. Outside, the street was lined with shops catering to students. Beyond daily necessities, there were weapon and item stores—and plenty of eateries. Imet immediately wanted to pick one.
“Hold on. We’re heading to the commercial district first. I won’t eat here,” I said, pulling Imet back and hailing a large-looking carriage.
“But why not eat there? I tried it last time—the food was decent,” Imet asked in the carriage. I sat quietly in the center, eyes closed, ignoring him.
I firmly believed cheap meant low quality. I avoided low-end stalls. Imagine a lavishly dressed Angel sitting on a short stool eating stir-fried noodles—it’d look absurd. Even if I didn’t care, Mistflower and I represented the Divine Church’s image.
The commercial district’s northern gate area hosted many upscale hotels offering lodging. As the Imperial Capital’s main entrance, the north gate saw large groups: merchant caravans, foreign delegations, big adventurer teams. Their high spending power made this street lean toward luxury.
I’d dined at one excellent hotel before, becoming a repeat customer. I led the trio straight there. Wamoti Hotel stood at a prominent crossroads, its exterior glittering with gold and magic-enhanced light effects. Only a blind person could miss it.
“Uh… are we really entering this place? It feels like it’s for foreign dignitaries,” Imet hesitated first, unusually quiet. Liyue and Mistflower, both from humble backgrounds, showed less reaction. Liyue had likely visited such hotels with the Knight Order. Mistflower might have come with Bishop Corlmo.
“Oh, honored guests of the Breath of the Sun! Welcome, welcome! This way, please,” the slightly plump manager spotted the two Angels among us instantly. His eyes then caught the Teaching Emblems on the girls’ necklaces. Clearly VIPs. The doorman ushered us in warmly.
He seated us at a window-side four-seater and handed menus. “Take your time,” he said before leaving to order tea. I recognized him—we’d met during past visits—but he didn’t recognize my former self.
“These dishes… all cost over three hundred copper coins?” Mistflower gasped at the prices.
“Decent meals cost even more. A full meal here easily runs two to three thousand copper coins,” Liyue replied calmly, merely complaining about the cost. Knight Order life had broadened her horizons. Apprentice Knights earned a hundred silver coins monthly—one gold coin—but that barely covered armor. Hers was likely sponsored or a reward for valor.
I checked my favorite dishes on the menu and set it down. “Each of you pick two. My treat—no need to hold back.”
They hesitated, pencils trembling. They’d never ordered such expensive food. Perfect. I wanted this effect—using money to assert my authority, to show I was different from them. Serves you right for ditching me during swimming.
“Mistflower, you first. What do you like? Order your favorite,” I pressed. My main goal was learning her preferences.
“Me first? I don’t know how…” Mistflower scanned the menu anxiously.
“Go on. Order anything you like. They can’t start until you do.”
“Okay… but I can’t even read these dish names,” she said with a hint of grievance.
“Huh? Can’t read them? Fine. Tell me what you like—I’ll order for you.” Upscale hotels loved pretentious, overly poetic names.
“I like cakes and pastries. I never had them back home.” Mistflower preferred cake? Not a main course, but fine—great for occasional treats. I checked several pastries.
Liyue and Imet each picked one or two dishes too, but they barely understood the menu and chose the cheapest options. The result? Weird vegetable plates. Luckily, I’d anticipated this and ordered steak for each.
After serving, the beautiful waitresses lingered nearby. Imet’s group felt uneasy with attendants hovering. I dismissed them.
“Why did those girls wear Collars?” Mistflower asked, puzzled. Liyue frowned at this.
“Those are control magic devices. They’re slaves. Buy them to work—no wages needed. Cheap and obedient,” Liyue answered flatly. She clearly disliked slavery.
“Slaves? Why did they become slaves?” Mistflower pressed.
“Mistflower, they didn’t choose it. Debt dodgers, petty thieves, disgraced nobles, enemy nationals—they’re all lowlifes. Best keep your distance.”
Liyue spoke with disgust. Days ago, she’d treated Mistflower kindly, even calling her “Lady Mistflower.” Now, hostility filled her tone, amplified by her disdain for slavery.
“Earlier you said Collars mark slaves. So why does underclassman Lefur wear one?” Imet teased me with a grin.
“Th-this… it’s a gift from the Divine! I’m the Divine’s servant—wearing a Collar is natural. What of it?” My face flushed instantly. Lord Deseli had such a wicked sense of humor, gifting me a Collar that only worked when worn. I still hadn’t fully figured out its functions.
My outburst drew attention from nearby diners. They whispered below.
“Look at that guy’s luck—three beauties.”
“And all wear the Breath of the Sun Church’s Teaching Emblems. He’s latched onto big patrons.”
Annoying. I heard every word. Meddlesome busybodies.
