Peak Between Two: Mushoku Tensei

-Luciel Greyrat-

The city we arrived at was Rikarisu, a settlement built within a massive crater.

According to the stories I'd heard, this was the oldest demon city, once the home of Demon Empress Kishirisu. The ruins of her former castle still stood at the city's center, a silent testament to the passage of time.

Right now, we were stuck in a long line waiting to enter the city. Despite being a demon city, it was bustling and well-developed.

As we waited for our turn, I glanced at Ruijerd and asked,

"So, do they charge an entry tax? Do you have money, Ruijerd?"

Ruijerd gave me a blank stare before nodding slightly.

"Don't worry, I have enough money to get us inside."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And where did you get it?"

Ruijerd answered casually, "From some bandits who tried to rob me."

I blinked, then let out a small chuckle. "Oh, those poor bandits."

Ruijerd simply nodded without a hint of expression, as if it wasn't even worth discussing.

Hearing our conversation, Norn and Aisha turned to Ruijerd, their faces filled with shock.

Aisha stared at him with wide eyes. "So… they tried to rob you, and they ended up losing their own money instead?"

Ruijerd nodded. "Yes."

Norn swallowed hard. "I suppose that was to be expected…"

I held back a laugh. Yeah, no surprise there.

Any bandit foolish enough to target a Supred should be prepared to face the consequences.

At last, we reached the front of the line, ready to enter the city.

The queue moved slowly. From where I stood, I could see Rikarisu's city guards—demons in light armor, dressed more like street thugs than official enforcers.

A bad feeling crept up my spine.

"Be careful," I whispered to Ruijerd. "Something's off about these guards."

Ruijerd turned slightly to glance at them, his expression serious. "What do you mean?"

I observed how they handled the incoming travelers. Several people left their conversations with the guards looking upset, some even grumbling loudly.

Near the gate, a demon merchant was arguing with one of the guards.

"What do you mean the entry fee has doubled?! I've been coming to this city for years!" the merchant shouted angrily.

The guard—a large demon with bluish skin and glowing yellow eyes—chuckled. "New rules. Pay up, or you're not getting in."

The merchant gritted his teeth before reluctantly handing over more money.

The guard pocketed the coins with a smug grin and waved him through. "Alright, go on in."

I narrowed my eyes.

So, this was just blatant extortion.

I turned to Ruijerd. "Looks like they're scamming people. We need to be careful."

Ruijerd nodded. "Do you want me to intimidate them?"

I shook my head. "No. We'll negotiate. But since I don't speak the demon language, you'll have to do the talking. I'll guide you from behind."

Ruijerd hesitated slightly. "I'm not good at talking…"

I smiled. "Don't worry. Just follow my lead."

Finally, it was our turn.

The same large demon guard from earlier grinned as he spotted us. His eyes immediately locked onto Ruijerd.

"Oi, you. Haven't I seen you before?" he asked in the demon language, his tone filled with suspicion.

Ruijerd remained silent, waiting for my instruction.

I whispered quickly, "Answer calmly. Just say you're a traveling adventurer escorting these children."

Ruijerd gave a slight nod before repeating my words in the demon language.

The guard narrowed his eyes. "An adventurer? And you're bringing humans? Hahaha… now this is interesting."

His gaze shifted toward me and my sisters, his expression calculating.

"You humans have to pay extra. Your entry tax just tripled."

Hearing that, I immediately felt annoyed.

I whispered to Ruijerd again, "Ask him where it's written that the tax has increased."

Ruijerd turned to the guard and repeated my question in a serious tone.

The guard looked slightly startled, as if he wasn't expecting to be questioned.

"It's a new rule!" he snapped. "We don't have to write it down!"

I smirked. Just as I thought.

I leaned closer to Ruijerd and whispered, "Tell him that without written proof, this is just extortion. If they insist, we'll speak directly with the city officials."

Ruijerd relayed my words in a firmer voice.

The guard's face shifted.

He hadn't expected Ruijerd to counter him with logic.

I continued, "Add that you know some high-ranking people in the city from your past. If they push this too far, they might lose their jobs."

Ruijerd repeated it with his usual serious tone.

The guard fell silent.

His eyes darted toward his fellow guards, as if seeking backup. But none of them spoke up.

Finally, he clicked his tongue in irritation.

"Hmph… Fine! Since you're so insistent, just pay the normal fee and go in."

I suppressed a victorious smile.

Ruijerd handed over the correct amount, and at last, we were allowed entry.

As we passed through the gates, I let out a small sigh of relief.

We had avoided unnecessary trouble without resorting to violence.

Norn and Aisha looked up at me in awe.

"Kakak… That was amazing!" Aisha said, her eyes sparkling.

Norn nodded. "I thought we were going to fight, but we got through with just words."

I grinned. "That's the power of negotiation."

Ruijerd glanced at me with newfound appreciation.

"You're quite skilled at this," he admitted. "I never thought to handle things that way."

I chuckled. "Well, now you know. Sometimes, fighting with your brain is better than fighting with your sword."

Ruijerd nodded thoughtfully.

Though he didn't say much, I could tell he was thinking deeply about what had just happened.

With this small victory, we finally stepped into the city of Rikarisu, ready for whatever came next.