Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 139: The First Outing

One noticeable absence was the perfume Theo usually insisted on for masking Damien’s scent. Today, he went without it, making him feel oddly more like himself.

To avoid drawing attention to himself, Damien opted not to wear the perfume that might give him away as an overly refined servant. However, Sebas had insisted that a perfumed servant would simply be seen as a groomed and presentable employee, blending in better with the elite setting.

Elyon, on the other hand, had swapped his usual flowing garments for a hooded outfit, the kind often associated with wizards in fantasy stories. The robe hid his distinctive ears and golden hair. By slightly lowering his gaze, Elyon’s stunningly beautiful face was also obscured, making the disguise surprisingly effective. While Damien thought the ensemble looked suspicious, Sebas didn’t raise any objections, so it was deemed adequate.

...

Once preparations were complete, it was time to depart. The carriage Theo had arranged was far simpler than the one Damien had ridden in previously, but the coachman was the same familiar face.

"Safe travels! Enjoy yourselves," Theo said as he waved them off. Then, with a sly smile, he added, "I happen to like sweet things."

Was that a subtle request for a souvenir? Damien wasn’t sure.

"If you get lost, head towards the royal castle," Leonide advised, pointing toward the towering structure visible even from here. "The noble district’s moat surrounds it, so you’ll find your bearings quickly. I’d prefer something everyone can share."

Damien glanced up at the royal castle perched on its hill. Its commanding presence made it an unmistakable landmark.

He made a mental note to pick up souvenirs for everyone.

"This," Sebas said, handing over a sealed envelope, "contains a list of the order and a promissory note. Deliver it to someone bearing the Steinholt Trading Company’s insignia. They’ll handle the rest. Oh, and if possible, I’d love to have some of that salty adventurer’s jerky again."

"Got it," Damien replied, taking the envelope.

As he climbed into the carriage and waved to the group seeing them off, the wheels creaked into motion.

And so began Damien’s first adventure—or, at least, his first real outing into the city.

...

The noble district was every bit as opulent as Damien had imagined.

The neighborhood consisted of grand stone walls and expansive estates. While Theo’s residence was undoubtedly impressive, it wasn’t the largest among them. Even the smaller houses were massive by Damien’s standards, boasting brick architecture and sprawling gardens that could easily engulf an average home back on Earth.

The streets themselves were wide and pristine, spacious enough for two carriages to pass each other comfortably. It was the very picture of wealth and exclusivity.

There was almost no foot traffic. Occasionally, a servant dressed slightly differently than those at Theo’s manor would walk by, but that was it. Damien realized that he and Elyon would have indeed stood out had they walked instead of taking the carriage.

As they rode along, Damien couldn’t help but marvel at the unique, luxurious designs of the houses. The scenery was so captivating that the ride passed quickly, and soon the carriage came to a gentle stop.

"Master Damien, we’ve arrived," the coachman informed him. "I’ll fetch the guide. Please remain in the carriage for now."

"Understood. Thank you."

To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, Damien followed Elyon’s lead, closing the curtains and keeping still.

After a brief wait, the carriage door was knocked on and opened.

"My apologies for the delay," the coachman said. "Your guide has arrived. Please step out."

Damien accepted the coachman’s hand and descended from the carriage, coming face to face with Cedran.

Cedran was dressed similarly to Damien, though he wore a cloak over his outfit, presumably to conceal the sword at his waist.

"Cedran!" Damien cried out, unable to contain his excitement. Without thinking, he threw his arms around the knight.

If this man hadn’t found Damien that day, what would have happened to him?

Actually, there was no need to wonder—he would have simply died.

Next to Theo, Damien owed Cedran a debt of gratitude he could never fully repay.

"D-Damien! Please, you’re attracting attention. Let go!"

He glanced around and realized Cedran was right. Several carriages belonging to nobles and their servants were parked nearby. People were staring at the scene Damien was causing by loudly embracing Cedran.

"My apologies," Damien said, stepping back.

"For now, let’s save the detailed greetings for later and move into the merchant district. It’ll be less conspicuous there," Cedran suggested, gesturing toward the bridge over the moat.

Damien nodded. "Of course. I’m sorry."

As the carriage had already been sent back by Elyon, Damien followed Cedran across the bridge.

Suddenly, Elyon reached out and held Damien’s hand—intertwining their fingers in what could only be described as a lover’s grip.

Was this kind of hand-holding universal? Or unique to this world?

Damien’s thoughts raced. Wait—what are you doing, Elyon!?

He turned to look at Elyon’s face, but the other man averted his gaze with a pout, clearly in a sour mood.

Wait... is he jealous? Damien realized, his eyes widening.

Oh no... oh wow.

It was endearing in a way Damien couldn’t deny. Smiling slightly, he tightened his grip, and Elyon responded in kind.

"Hmm... it seems the two of you are getting along quite well," Cedran said, observing them with an amused expression.

Damien’s face flushed with embarrassment.

"Yes, thanks to you, Cedran. If you hadn’t found me, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m endlessly grateful to you." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Lord Dalehaven has also been incredibly kind to me. I’ve been living comfortably without any real hardships."

Well, more than comfortably, Damien admitted silently. He often felt like he was living in a dream.

Of course... I still want to go home someday, he thought wistfully.

That desire hadn’t disappeared, but the longing wasn’t as sharp as it once had been. He found himself thinking of his old home less and less, especially as his bonds with the people here deepened.

"I’m glad to hear that," Cedran replied. Then, his gaze shifted to Elyon. "And this gentleman?"