My Girlfriends Are Hardcore Yanderes - Chapter 137

Chapter 137: Troublesome
Thalia dealt mostly with adventurers, which gave her access to plenty of rumors. Since she wasn’t affiliated with the government running the city, her opinions were likely less biased.

She had also given him a map of the next capital and explained that the distance between the two capitals was vast and that the best way to travel was by airship.

Fortunately, this city had one, but he would need to wait two weeks for the next flight. Flying directly was also an option.

“Thank you for all the information,” Asher nodded and bid farewell after getting the information he needed.

‘For now, I should head to the Academy and talk to that sorcerer. I might learn something useful,’ he muttered to himself, recalling Arya’s words.

His priority was to create a working teleportation spell as soon as possible. This would be important in figuring out his next step to save Index from the void and eventually return to his old world to check on Lucy.

No matter how beautiful this place was, it felt foreign to him. He couldn’t bring himself to connect with the people here because his thoughts were consumed by the ones he loved.

Outside the shop, he hailed a carriage, which brought him to what seemed like a small port.

The city was massive, and traveling by carriage alone would have been inconvenient.

However, the hassle could be reduced by using the city’s canals.

The boats were equipped with crystals capable of releasing bursts of wind to propel them forward—a technology invented long ago by the collaboration of Dryads and Sorcerers.

The boat appeared small and simple, with a wooden design featuring decorative swirl patterns carved into its sides. Its construction blended nature and craftsmanship, giving it a slightly magical or enchanted feel.

At the rear of the boat, there was a tall, curved vine-like structure that supported a hanging lantern, possibly for illumination during nighttime journeys.

“I want to go to the Academy,” he told the ferryman, who gave him a quick glance from head to toe.

“That’ll be 10 silver, sir. The price is a bit high because there’s a 9-silver toll fee to use the canal that leads to the Academy,” the ferryman explained respectfully.

Asher handed over the coins without hesitation. Before leaving the shop earlier, he had made sure to exchange some of his gold for lower denominations.

Now he carried copper, silver, and gold coins, ensuring he wouldn’t stand out too much with only large amounts of wealth on hand.

And with that, the boat set off. It moved quickly, reaching a speed of around 40 kilometers per hour.

The wide, open canal ensured there was little traffic, allowing the boat to glide smoothly without delay.

This combination of speed and space was likely a luxury that only well-off individuals could afford, making the ride an exclusive experience for those with the means to pay for it.

‘According to Thalia, the tax in this place is off the chart—50%. That’s daily life robbery,’ he muttered, shaking his head. No wonder the royal family was filthy rich.

His home world also had taxes, but nothing compared to this.

Still, there was little anyone could do about it. People could try to move to smaller towns, but that came with its own dangers—like the stampede that devastated Ava’s home.

Worse, the capital sent no soldiers to protect these outlying areas, as they were deemed outside their jurisdiction. The royal family made it clear: pay the taxes, or risk facing the wilds on your own.

‘Greedy people are everywhere, no matter the world or race,’

Lost in thought, he noticed that as he moved deeper toward the base of the giant tree, the buildings became more impressive.

Eventually, they reached an area filled with individual mansions, each with vast spaces and stunning waterfront views.

The ferryman, noticing his curiosity, began to explain.

“This area is dedicated to wealthy merchants and other first-class citizens. It’s a very exclusive place, and the price of these houses starts at around 20,000 gold coins.”

‘20,000 gold coins, huh.’ His mind trailed off.

The amount sounded enormous, yet it somehow felt small to him. Perhaps it was because he knew he could earn it quickly if he really put his mind to it.

“How about those houses?” he pointed toward the structures sitting on the trunks of the giant tree.

The ferryman looked surprised. “Oh, those are reserved for the royal family and other important figures. No amount of money could buy those.”

“I see,” he nodded in understanding.

As they turned a corner and approached the base of the giant tree, he saw it.

A vast area made up of multiple structures, so big it looked like a city of its own. It was surrounded by a massive canal, giving the impression that it floated in the middle of a lake.

Different types of boats, varying in size, were docked along the water. Above, he saw small, wooden-like surfboards with sails, and people were using them to glide through the air.

The ferryman steered the small boat toward the pier, where a group of beastkin stood wearing white robes, each holding a piece of paper.

They were carefully taking notes of everyone who entered. One of them approached as they docked.

“Please state your business at the Academy,” a wolfkin with gray hair and a tall figure asked, with other beastkin standing behind him.

“I’m here to check on the academy. I’m a sorcerer,” Asher responded, expecting the usual respect.

However, instead of recognition, they sneered with contempt.

“Another one pretending to be a sorcerer? We had one just like you a few hours ago,” the wolfkin continued, his tone dripping with scorn.

“Just because you can cast a few weak spells, you think you can waltz in here and claim the perks and benefits? You’re just stealing the tax money from our citizens”

Asher remained silent, choosing not to engage.

The ferryman, sensing the tension, also didn’t stay any longer. He quickly turned the boat around, eager to avoid getting caught up in any trouble.

“I want to speak to someone with authority here,” Asher broke the silence.

He didn’t sense any powerful aura from the wolfkin, so there was no way the wolfkin was a sorcerer. It seemed more likely that he was either a worker or a student of the academy.

“Are you ignoring me? Do you know who I am? I’m from a noble family!” The wolfkin stepped forward, pissed off by Asher’s comment, his eyes flashing with anger.

But just before things could escalate further, another person interjected—a woman with goat horns, dressed in a black robe.

“What are you doing? Stop harassing our guest,” she scolded the students.

They all turned toward the woman, immediately recognizing her identity and stepping aside, aware of her reputation.

She was a well-known teacher and sorcerer of the academy, her presence commanding respect.

“I’m sorry for this incident, Sorcerer Asher Aurelius. They are young and foolish; I hope you can forgive them,” she said, bowing her head respectfully.

“You know me?” he asked.

“Yes, Miss Arya sent a letter informing us that a very capable and powerful sorcerer would be visiting the academy.”