I’ve Been Exiled, But I’m Alive and Well - Chapter 117 (Patreon)

After leaving the general store, we headed for the clock tower. I knew this beforehand, but there was no one trying to climb it, and it was quiet inside. As we proceeded inside, a pure white spiral staircase spread before us, it was the same color as the exterior.
The stairs were as steep as the last time I had been here, and a wry smile escaped our faces. Jed's cheek twitched at the unexpected sight, and he asked, "Are we going to climb up this?”

“We don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”
“No, I’m going up.”

Before I came here, I had thought that I could try again, but now that the staircase was in front of me, I wished that I had given up.
I followed Jed up the stairs with great enthusiasm.
It was easier than when I was a kid, but still dangerous.
The designer of the clock tower was Prince Blanche. I've met him before, but we've only said hello and never made small talk. So I've never had the opportunity to ask him why he had this tower built.

"It's a shame that no one climbs up here when it's so beautiful."

I agreed with Jed, who murmured as he gazed at the stained glass windows set into the walls.
The clock tower was built over a period of several years. Not only the exterior, but also the interior was quite elaborate. It's a shame that the staircase is not more managable to climb.

"The church is also a beautiful place, so people tend to gather there instead.”
"The church?”
"The Fantaine Church. You should go there sometime.”

The Fantaine Church is the largest church in the Principality and is located about thirty minutes' walk from the clock tower. It was built by the same person, and the interior is just as beautiful as the clock tower. You don't have to climb up there, and you don't have to pay an unnecessarily high entrance fee either.
It's no wonder it attracts so many tourists.
However, the fact that the later church is more popular makes me wonder if Prince Blanche, the designer of the clock tower, was not dissatisfied with it.
If he was dissatisfied, the tower would have already been torn down.

"Do you want to go with me sometime?”
"I’m sorry that I have to turn you done when you have invited me, but I decline.”
"You don't like the place?”
"I don't have a good memory of it.”

The last time I went to the Fantaine Church, it was His Highness Cyril who was with me. Not knowing that a future of being kicked out awaited me, I said to him, "It would be nice to have the ceremony here.” He laughed and nodded, and in fact, it was on the list of candidates during the wedding preparations.
It's a past I'd rather forget now.

“I see… I’m sorry I made you recall something unpleasant.”
“You did not do anything wrong. I should apologize for making you think you did.”
“Don’t mind it. Rather than that, are you not tired?”
“I’m fine.”

It was still a steep staircase, but not as difficult to climb as it could be. More than anything, I could see Jed enjoying himself as he climbed the staircase ahead of me, and it cheered me up.
He seemed to have a lot on his mind, but he always seems to be smiling. He's such a strange guy.

After climbing the staircase for over an hour, we arrived at the observatory.
I was instantly captivated by the expansive view.
The cityscape of Arburn, lit up by the setting sun, was glowing orange. The Fantaine Church, where many people repeatedly come and go, was full of sparkles, and the Nutre Castle, which rose further away, was beautiful and fleeting, captivating the viewers.
Only those who climb the tower without giving up will be able to enjoy this sight that will never be forgotten.
A smile appeared on my face spontaneously.

“It’s beautiful.”
“Y, yeah…”

When I looked next to me, my eyes met with Jed's reddened cheeks.
My cheeks started feeling hot too when I caught his startled expression.
My instincts told me it was too dangerous to continue looking any longer. I turned away and took another look at the cityscape of Arburn.
It was a sight I rarely get to experience, but I couldn’t focus on it.
I couldn't get Jed's expression from earlier out of my mind.

In the end, I ended up feeling strangely uncomfortable.

Next chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/55746927