The Return of the Genius Ranker’s Myth Warehouse - Chapter 97

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 97
Chapter 97
Naturally, this was my first time entering the Imperial Palace of the Baltika Empire.
Though I had explored every map that existed in First, most of the terrain in Second had changed.
From that perspective, the Imperial Palace of the Baltika Empire was.
‘Truly befitting an empire that has swallowed more than half the continent’s territory.’
It exceeded my expectations.
No royal castle or palace I had seen in Second could compare to it.
Towering walls rose high, and elite soldiers stood in formation upon them.
The great gate of the Imperial Palace bore the symbol of the Baltika Empire—a golden dragon.
Within lay an Imperial Palace so resplendent and magnificent that it was nearly impossible to describe in words.
Of course.
“Screeeeeee—.”
“Landing shortly. Hold on tight.”
I had no need to pass through the City Gate.
The wyvern squadron flew directly over the Imperial Palace’s walls.
As we passed over the walls, my high Wisdom stat allowed me to sense something.
‘A protective magic circle?’
The fact that the walls had an opening didn’t mean there were no protective measures in place.
Though invisible to the eye, a massive protective barrier of some kind existed above the Imperial Palace.
Upon closer inspection, I could see that large, intricate magic circles were carved into the inner walls of the fortress, and the barrier seemed to be manifested through them.
Truly, the Imperial Palace.
At this level, it could probably withstand a dragon’s breath attack to some degree.
“Screeeee—.”
After landing in the clearing built for wyvern landings.
The Subjugation Expedition members were first transported to the medical ward.
After that, I was asked to wait for further instructions and was guided to my quarters.
‘The imperial standard really is different.’
Most of the lodgings I had used thus far were Inns.
When I had been dispatched to a Dungeon for a special request, I had used the temporary camps set up by the investigation team.
Though it was called rest, it was merely logging out for a certain period while lying in bed to reduce the character’s fatigue—so I had never paid much attention to the state of the accommodations.
“Here we are.”
A room so spacious it was difficult to believe it was a single occupancy.
Soft carpet lined the floor from the entrance, and soft lantern light illuminated artwork hung on the walls throughout.
The bed was large, and the expansive window with silk curtains offered a broad view of the Imperial Palace’s scenery.
“Should you need anything, please call at any time. I hope you rest comfortably.”
Though it was earlier than expected, I needed to eat and exercise anyway.
‘Perhaps I should rest for a bit?’
For now, I decided to lay my character down on the Imperial Palace’s plush bed.
* * *
After finishing a simple meal and exercise in reality, I logged into Second.
My logout time hadn’t been particularly long, and I’d accumulated considerable fatigue from the battle with the Orc Lord.
Yet after just a brief rest, my fatigue had completely recovered.
“Perhaps it’s because these are the Imperial Palace quarters—they’re quite nice.”
Not only had my fatigue recovered, but I’d even gained a minor rest buff.
I hadn’t expected much, but the Imperial bed truly seemed to be something special.
Knock, knock.
“Yes?”
“Mir. When would you like to take your meal?”
As I rose, a servant’s voice came from beyond the door.
My satiation was already beginning to drop, so I told them I’d eat now.
Whoosh—
An unexpectedly lavish banquet was laid out.
“We’ve prepared the appetizer as canapés. The topping is made from finely ground blue gem fish. Please dip it in the sauce beside it to your preference.”
From appetizers to soup, fish course, sorbet, main course, fruit, and dessert.
The table was filled with a full-course meal.
“How is it?”
“It’s delicious.”
Perhaps I wasn’t expressing myself well, but it truly was delicious.
I’d never tasted food like this even once in reality.
Suddenly, I understood why that famous chef from reality had closed his restaurant and started cooking in Second, and why cooking skill books sold for such high prices.
Since I’d already learned cooking skills from a skill book, I found myself thinking that from now on, instead of eating finished products stored in my warehouse, I might try cooking for myself.
“Luke, want some?”
– I would be grateful to partake, if you’re offering.
The food was so delicious that I began tossing appetizers to Luke in order.
Crunch, munch, crackle-crackle!
– Oh my, such luxurious flavors! Within this small morsel, all manner of seasonings and ingredients harmonize in perfect texture.
I couldn’t understand why eating a single canapé produced such commentary.
The servant listening flinched visibly.
Both fear and curiosity arose, but out of respect for the guest, they refrained from asking questions.
I found that convenient, so I freely shared the food with Luke.
My satiation could be replenished quickly anyway.
There was far more food than I could eat alone, so I had plenty to share with Luke.
“Is it good?”
– It tastes completely different from anything I’ve eaten before—truly the finest flavor.
“Want more?”
– Is… is that truly possible?
“Which would you like more of?”
– If it’s possible… the main course, perhaps…?
If possible, as the main dish…
“Could you prepare some more of the main course for us?”
“O-of course.”
The attendant who heard my request scurried away, and before long, returned with additional main dishes.
Perhaps worried it might not be enough, they brought along several other dishes besides the main course.
Crunch, crunch, crunch!
– Oh, the meat is so tender. And this sauce is truly….
I was able to feed Luke his fill of Imperial Palace cuisine.
I wasn’t sure how he was making such sounds if the meat was supposedly tender.
Judging by his reaction, if affinity increases were displayed as system messages, I imagined a notification like “Luke’s loyalty has increased by 10!” would have appeared by now.
“Thank you.”
“Not at all. If there is anything else you need, please call upon us at any time.”
“Ah, would it be possible for me to go outside now?”
“It is possible, but there are many restricted areas, so it would be difficult to find your way alone. I could guide you, or alternatively, you could accompany Lugard.”
“The Subjugation Commander?”
“Yes, Lugard also mentioned that he is resting, but you are welcome to call upon him whenever you wish.”
“Then please guide me right now.”
“Understood.”
I had no idea how much time remained before receiving my reward.
Since I couldn’t leave the Imperial Palace until then, I decided to accomplish what I could within it.
For that reason, the first person I sought out was Lugard, the Subjugation Commander.
“Mir, you’ve come.”
“Would it be possible for me to learn the Riding skill now?”
“Of course.”
Skill acquisition was my goal.
Riding couldn’t be learned from skill books—I had to learn it directly from a named NPC of the Rider class.
I couldn’t miss an opportunity like this.
“This is the Imperial Stables.”
Before being appointed Subjugation Commander, Lugard had worked as a knight in the Imperial Palace, or so I’d heard.
Because of that, Lugard navigated the Imperial Palace’s difficult passages as if they were his own home.
And so we arrived at the Imperial Stables.
That is, the stables contained.
“Neigh!”
Numerous magnificent horses waiting in readiness.
Truly, befitting the Imperial Palace stables.
By rank, they were all at least of “Superior” grade.
“Lunard, are you feeling better?”
“Neigh-.”
“Good to hear.”
Among the horses in the stables was Lunard, Lugard’s beloved steed, who had lost consciousness after being struck by the Orc Lord.
Now it seemed to have fully regained its senses.
The premium stamina potion had been well worth administering.
“Lugard, it’s been a long time since we’ve met.”
“Indeed it has, Luther.”
“Lunard’s mane still looks as lustrous as ever. Have you come to check on Lunard’s condition?”
“No, Mir… I’m here to use the Imperial Stables with a guest from the Imperial Palace.”
“A guest from the Silver Dragon Palace, I see. In that case, you’re welcome to ride any of the three rows of horses without owners.”
“Much obliged.”
“This way. I’ll show you around.”
The stable master, who appeared to be acquainted with Lugard, led us through the Imperial Stables.
From the outside, I’d mainly seen high-grade horses.
But stepping inside, I spotted even higher-tier steeds scattered throughout.
There were rare-grade horses aplenty, and occasionally even heroic-tier magnificent steeds.
Beyond the restricted sections, there were likely even more exalted breeds.
After all, this was the Imperial Stables of the Baltika Empire—the mightiest realm on the continent.
“Neeeigh!”
“If this is your first time, I’d recommend this one. It’s a docile creature that doesn’t discriminate between riders and responds well to commands.”
“I’d prefer something better.”
“You seem quite experienced with horses. Very well. This way.”
The stable master began to recommend the gentlest horse in the stables—
from my perspective, the one with the lowest level and rank.
Fortunately, Lugard stepped in on my behalf and sought out a superior mount.
We ventured deeper into the section containing the highest-tier horse permitted by my current standing.
“How about this one? A prized steed of the Baltika Empire—a Baltikanian breed. Spirited temperament, but all the faster for it.”
The stable master began explaining the horses.
But regardless of his words,
since entering this section, my gaze had been fixed on the horse at the very back.
The stable master noticed my attention and offered an explanation about that particular steed.
“You have a keen eye for horses. That one was the beloved mount of the former commander of the Golden Spear Knights, once called the greatest knight order in the empire.”
The former commander’s beloved mount?
How would I know such a thing?
My attention wasn’t captured by the Golden Spear Knights or the former commander.
It was simply that this horse—
“Though the bloodline has grown faint over the ages, this is a Dragonsteed breed, once called a dragon horse. A magnificent creature indeed.”
[ Dragonsteed ]
It was a breed I recognized.
A dragon horse, a Dragonsteed—they existed even during First.
Of course, it wasn’t identical to the Draconic Horse I remembered.
The Dragonsteed I recalled bore dragon scales and could even faintly wield Dragon Fear.
But this Dragonsteed had lost nearly all the characteristics of a true dragon horse.
Still, seeing a breed I’d witnessed during First filled me with a joy no other mount could match.
“It’s certainly the finest steed, but I cannot recommend it. Since the previous Knight Commander passed away, no one has been able to handle the Dragonsteed until now.”
Despite the stable keeper’s warning, I found myself drawn toward the Dragonsteed as if enchanted.
During my time in First, I rode many different mounts, but none I spent more time with than this Dragonsteed.
It was swift, possessed remarkable endurance, and above all, its magical resistance was so high that I could ignore most monster attacks when cutting through hunting grounds.
“There is a reason such a magnificent steed has descended to this place. It is precisely because no one has been able to handle the Dragonsteed.”
Standing before the Dragonsteed, I met its gaze directly.
The creature bared its teeth and snorted as if ready to unleash its breath at any moment.
“P-please be careful. If you get that close….”
Ignoring the stable keeper’s concern, I took another step toward the Dragonsteed.
This creature would not allow me on its back unless I won the battle of wills.
Just as it had been in First, I placed my hand on it, avoiding its sensitive reverse scales.
Without breaking eye contact with the creature, I drew closer to its side.
“Nrrrrgh-.”
“Th-the Dragonsteed!”
The Dragonsteed lowered its head before me.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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