Chapter 22: A Date, But Basically Just Learning About the World

Words : 1170 Updated : Sep 26th, 2025

Unfolding in Chapter 22 of "I Have a Military Shop Tab in Fantasy World": Chapter 22 - A Date, But Basically Just Learning About the WorldInigo leaned against one... Keep reading!

Chapter 22 - A Date, But Basically Just Learning About the WorldInigo leaned against one of the pillars near the Adventurer's Guild entrance, watching the evening crowd pass by as the city gradually dimmed under the twilight. The sky had turned a soft indigo, streaked with clouds catching the last of the sun's glow. Lamps were being lit all around, their gentle golden light flickering like stars scattered through the streets of Elandra. He checked the time on the wall-mounted sundial near the entrance. Elise's shift should've ended by now. Just as he was about to step inside again, the guild doors opened with a familiar creak. And there she was. Elise stepped out into the cooling night, her usual guild uniform replaced with a deep blue traveling coat that matched the calm hue of the sky. A white blouse peeked out beneath the collar, tucked into a modest but well-fitted skirt that ended just above her boots. Her blonde hair, no longer tied into the practical bun she wore behind the desk, fell to her shoulders in soft waves. Inigo blinked. She looked... radiant. Not flashy. Not overly made-up. Just naturally, maturely beautiful. And it hit him again—he was standing beside a woman clearly in her late twenties, while he was technically a senior high schooler before all this. Still, this was another world now. Maybe this was one of the perks of reincarnation. "You clean up well," he said, pushing off the pillar with a small grin. Elise chuckled lightly. "So do you. Though you still smell faintly of your recent endevour." "Occupational hazard." They began walking together, side by side, weaving through the lantern-lit streets of Elandra. "So," Inigo asked casually, "where's the best place in town to eat? I've got some silver burning in my pouch." "There are a few," Elise said thoughtfully. "But if you're asking for the best... there's a place just east of the Noble Plaza. Quiet, high-quality food, candlelight ambiance. It's a bit expensive, though." S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I just wiped out an entire goblin nest," he replied, patting the coin pouch at his side. "I think I can afford a nice dinner." Elise smiled, then gestured ahead. "Then let's go." As they walked, Elise brought up something she'd nearly forgotten. "Oh—before I forget. The Guildmaster wanted to see you. He's swamped this week with war contracts and delegation paperwork, but he asked me to tell you he'll be available next week." Inigo raised an eyebrow. "War contracts?" "There's tension brewing in the north," she said. "Border patrols getting stretched thin. Monster raids increasing. Nothing too serious yet, but it's putting pressure on the Adventurer's Guild system." Inigo stored the info away. Something told him that kind of detail would matter later. They arrived at the restaurant shortly after. It was a tall, elegant building tucked between a bookstore and a florist, its entrance framed by ivy-draped columns and a wrought iron sign that read La Ferrine's. Soft violin music played inside. Warm light poured through arched windows. The scent of roasting meat, fresh bread, and herbed butter drifted out with every opening of the front door. The interior looked like something straight out of a romantic medieval anime—arched stone ceilings, flickering chandeliers, and wood-paneled walls adorned with oil paintings of cities and landscapes. Waiters in vests and aprons moved between tables elegantly. They were seated near a corner window, away from the main crowd. A candelabra flickered between them. Inigo opened the menu and scanned the listings. Roasted duck with herb sauce. Braised beef in wine reduction. Garlic-laced mashed tubers. Buttered mushrooms and whitefish. He glanced at Elise. "Order whatever you want. My treat." She smiled and selected a warm stew and a honey-glazed bread plate. Inigo went with the roast beef and seasonal greens. As the drinks arrived—crystal-clear spring water served in silver-rimmed goblets—Inigo leaned back in his chair. "Mind if I ask a few questions?" he said, tone casual. "Still trying to get a grip on how this world works." Elise sipped her drink, then nodded. "Ask away." "First—how's the government structured? Like... is there a king? A council?" "Eldrath is a constitutional monarchy," she said. "There's a royal family—House Eldrath—but most day-to-day decisions are handled by the Central Council. Think of them like ministers, each overseeing a department: military, trade, magic, law, that sort of thing." "Interesting," Inigo murmured. "So the king isn't absolute?" "Not since the Purging War a hundred years ago," Elise said. "Before that, monarchs held complete authority. But too much power led to civil unrest. Now, the king's more of a symbol—and a diplomatic figurehead—while the council manages policy." Inigo nodded slowly. "What about magic academies? I saw those students earlier in the plaza." "There are three major academies in the kingdom. The one here in Elandra is the most prestigious. It's called Caelaris. They accept applicants twice a year." "Is it hard to get in?" "For most people, yes. You need a mana assessment, a recommendation, and to pass the trials." Inigo paused. "And if someone just wanted to learn—not necessarily graduate or rank up—but just understand magic?" "There are smaller training halls scattered around," Elise said. "And the Imperial Mage Department also offers independent classes. You don't need noble blood or fancy lineage for those." He took another sip of his drink. "So... not everyone has magic, huh?" She shook her head. "No. In fact, most don't. Magic affinity is something you're born with. It's like a sixth sense. You can train it if you have it, but if you don't, no amount of books or potions will change that." Inigo tilted his head. "And you?" Elise laughed softly. "No magic here. I'm one of the many who just rely on steel, skill, and a good night's sleep." He smiled. "You make that sound impressive." She met his gaze. "Because it is." They shared a quiet moment as the waiter returned with their food. The scent made Inigo's stomach rumble—it was everything he imagined: tender cuts of meat, seasoned to perfection, with just enough char on the edges. Elise's stew gave off a savory aroma laced with spices he didn't recognize. They ate slowly, talking between bites. Inigo asked more questions, and Elise answered with the patience of someone used to explaining things to travelers and greenhorn adventurers. "Oh—and one more," he added as dessert arrived. "Is there really a Demon Lord?" That made her go quiet for a beat. Then, softly, "Yes. And he lived off in the Abyss." "Abyss? What's the Abyss?" "You really don't know anything huh?" "Which is why I am learning," Inigo replied with a smile. "Very well—I'll try explaining it in a simple way."

Chapter 22: A Date, But Basically Just Learning About the World

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