Chapter 42: Celestial City

A little while later, Miriel came out of the bathroom, fully dressed. She had changed out of her pajamas into a neat outfit suitable for going outside.

"Okay, let’s get you ready too!" she said cheerfully.

Liam raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"Monsters and magical beasts aren’t allowed to roam freely inside the city unless they’re registered or properly marked," Miriel explained, pointing at him.

Liam looked at her in confusion.

"What does that have to do with me?"

Miriel took out a small scarf and held it toward him.

"Here. Wear this."

Liam frowned at the scarf.

"Why would I wear something like this?"

Miriel sighed and placed her hands on her hips.

"Just think of it as a fashion accessory. You don’t want people staring at you or, worse, attacking you, do you?"

She pointed at his small Evil Eye body.

"Wearing this will let others know that you’re a tamed or contracted monster. It’s the standard protocol for all monsters and magical beasts allowed inside the city."

Liam fell silent for a moment.

’Now that I think about it, she’s right.’

He examined the scarf before finally taking it.

It was black with silver patterns running along its edges. A small silver emblem was embroidered near one end, displaying the words Rivermoon Academy.

"Finally!" Miriel said with satisfaction.

She approached him and reached for his neck.

"Come here. I’ll put it on for you."

Just as she was about to wrap the scarf around his neck, Liam spoke in a cold tone.

"Put it on my neck, and I’ll make you wish you were dead."

Miriel froze for a moment before quickly changing direction. She awkwardly tied the scarf around his right arm instead.

"Well, it doesn’t really matter where you wear it, as long as it’s visible," she explained.

Liam glanced at the scarf on his arm and nodded.

"Much better."

After making sure the scarf was properly tied around Liam’s arm, Miriel headed toward the door.

"Come on. Let’s go!"

Liam followed her out of the room.

As they walked through the girls’ dormitory, Liam glanced at the scarf on his arm.

’I feel like dog,’ he thought sighing as he walk behind her.

The two soon reached the main corridor of the hostel. Several female students were walking around, and quite a few of them noticed Liam.

"Hey, Miriel! Is this your contracted monster?"

"He’s so small and cute!"

"Wait, what kind of monster is he? I’ve never seen one like that before."

"How did you manage to form a contract with him?"

A few girls gathered around them, looking at Liam with curiosity. Some even bent down slightly to get a better look at his small humanoid body.

Miriel smiled and answered their questions.

"Yes, he’s my contracted monster. His name is Liam."

"His name is Liam? That’s unusual!"

"Can he understand what we’re saying?"

Liam looked at the girls but remained silent.

’Why are there so many questions?’

He wasn’t particularly interested in dealing with a group of curious girls, so he simply followed Miriel.

After answering a few more questions, Miriel finally managed to leave the hostel with him.

The moment they stepped outside, Liam found himself looking at a large and bustling city.

Miriel turned toward him.

"Welcome to Celestial City!"

She pointed toward the distant buildings and began explaining.

"Celestial City is divided into three main areas: the Outer District, the Inner District, and the Central District."

She pointed toward the surrounding streets.

"The Outer District is the largest area. Most ordinary residents, merchants, and commoners live and work here. You’ll find markets, shops, restaurants, residential areas, and all kinds of public facilities."

Then she pointed toward the taller buildings in the distance.

"The Inner District is more exclusive. It’s mainly occupied by nobles, wealthy families, and influential organizations. There are also several important institutions located there."

Finally, she pointed toward the enormous structures at the heart of the city.

"And that’s the Central District. It’s reserved for the royal family and the most important members of the kingdom. The royal palace is located there, along with several other royal establishments. Ordinary citizens aren’t allowed to enter without proper authorization."

Liam listened carefully.

’Three districts, huh?’

He looked toward the distant Central District, where several magnificent buildings stood above the rest of the city.

’This place seems quite interesting.’

"Let’s start with the Outer District," Miriel said. "It has plenty of interesting places to visit, and the street food here is really good too!"

Liam nodded.

"All right. Lead the way."

Miriel smiled and began walking down the street, with Liam following closely behind.

The streets of Celestial City were much busier than he had expected. Merchants stood outside their shops, calling out to passing customers, while people moved between the various stalls and buildings.

There were also several carriages pulled by magical beasts. Some were carrying passengers, while others were transporting goods.

Liam looked around with interest.

’This place is quite lively.’

The architecture was also different from anything he had seen in his previous world. Most buildings were constructed from white stone, with blue rooftops and silver decorations. Some were several stories tall, while others had magical symbols engraved along their walls.

He even noticed a few floating signs displaying advertisements for shops and restaurants.

"That shop sells magical equipment," Miriel said, pointing toward a nearby building. "And the one beside it specializes in potions and medicinal items."

Liam glanced at the shops.

"Do you come here often?"

"Sometimes. The academy is quite close to the Inner District, so we usually visit the Outer District when we have free time."

As they continued walking, Miriel suddenly stopped in front of a street stall.

"Ah! This one!"

Liam looked at the stall.

It was selling several kinds of grilled meat skewers. The delicious smell coming from the stall attracted quite a few customers.

Miriel turned toward him.

"Do you want to try some?"

Liam glanced at the skewers before looking at her.

"Okay"

Miriel smiled and ordered a few skewers.

After receiving them, she handed one to Liam.

"Here."

Liam took it and examined the grilled meat.

’Well, I might as well try it.’

He took a bite.

The meat was tender, with a slightly smoky flavor and a delicious seasoning.

"Oh, this is pretty good."

Miriel laughed.

"See? I told you!"

Liam continued eating while looking around at the various stalls.

’Celestial City seems like a pretty good place. I wonder what else they have here.’