I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 173

I urged Lackey to take a bite of the ambergris, but unfortunately, it was a bust.

Considering he had eaten everything I gave him so far without suspicion yet specifically rejected the ambergris, he must have sensed something about it.

Did he possess some kind of unique animal instinct?

’Well, scent aside, the texture itself is pretty gross.’

Beyond just squishy, it was downright sticky.

I considered pushing a bit more, but when even Bbareumbo stepped in to stop me as if saying "that’s enough," I decided not to force it any further.

’For now, back into the bag goes the ambergris.’

I was storing the ambergris inside the subspace storage.

If left out in the open, all kinds of bugs, including ants, might swarm it.

Even though I had insect repellent, I couldn’t rule out the possibility of ants pushing past it.

It weighed very little, making it easy to store, but there was a drawback.

Dudungsil—

From some point onward, the Subspace Backpack had begun floating into the sky.

I was startled when I first saw it, but I could roughly guess the cause.

After all, the fish that consumed the ambergris had floated around in the sky as if glitched out.

It wasn’t strange at all that the Subspace Backpack containing the ambergris was floating into the air.

’Still, I’m glad it’s a Subspace Backpack so I can easily secure it.’

I tied down the gently floating backpack with a rope to fix it securely in place.

Setting the ambergris aside, losing the Subspace Backpack itself would be a colossal loss.

Occasionally, Wonmo showed curiosity and tapped it, but I had anticipated even that and tied it firm, so it didn’t budge.

’Anyway, a Flying Magic Tower, huh...’

Having toyed with the ambergris for a bit, I checked out the hot topic blowing up on the Gallery.

Apparently, just an hour or two ago, the symbol of the Iris Kingdom—the Magic Tower—soared into the sky.

A structure levitating into the sky was an unprecedented event, so the Gallery was flooded with posts about it.

Title: Not a lie. This is real.

(Picture of the Magic Tower floating in the sky)

(Video of the Magic Tower hovering in the sky with noisy crowds below)

(Video of the Order of Knights arriving and pushing back the crowd)

(Video of evacuated mages and scholars)

I live in the capital of the Iris Kingdom.

At first, there was an earthquake, so I looked to see what was going on, and the Magic Tower was gradually floating up.

I thought it was cool at first, but it was super dangerous because of debris falling as it went up.

Luckily, there weren’t other buildings right next to the Magic Tower, but if there were, a huge number of people would’ve died or gotten hurt.

The Knights Order came and cleared up the situation for now, but people are anxious staring at that thing.

└ Wow; What on earth is that? That’s not the Forest of the Four Seasons, right?

└ Yeah, it’s the capital of Iris Kingdom. And that’s the Magic Tower.

└ Why is something that belongs in the Forest of the Four Seasons happening out there?

└ What an end-of-the-world time. Protests broke out in El Dorado, and now the Magic Tower is floating in Iris Kingdom lmao

└ Did an invisible giant yank it out like pulling a radish from a field?

└ Applauding your imagination.

└ Excuse me, but how old are you?

└ Why ask about age?

└ Because it sounds like something my son would think up. FYSA, my son is 5 years old.

└ I’m 5 years old too. 35 years old lol

└ Holy fuck haha The tens digit is totally different haha

└ This is hilarious lmfao

└ Goo-goo gaa-gaa.

Even looking at the recommended posts, I could... make no sense of what was happening.

Even back on Earth, there were no structures floating around in midair.

It was a situation so astonishing that it was hard to believe until seeing it with one’s own eyes.

’Still, you can’t photoshop or edit stuff on this gallery.’

While Earth could create things bizarre to the point of marvelous with AI, this world couldn’t.

What you saw and heard with your eyes and ears was all there was. If editing were possible, the credibility of the Gallery would have hit rock bottom.

Even so, it was hard to easily digest the reality of that floating Magic Tower.

’Not like it has anything to do with me anyway.’

It felt like a story from another country altogether.

To make an analogy, it felt like hearing an earthquake hit Japan.

Most nations outside the Iris Kingdom probably felt the same way.

Still, I hoped it would be resolved safely without anyone getting hurt.

’By the way, could ambergris actually lift a building like that?’

The thought suddenly struck me. Ambergris had lifted the Subspace Backpack, after all.

Comparing their sizes, it made no sense, but it was worth focusing on the fact that it had levitated something in the first place.

’Nah. If that were the case, Allfather would’ve sent me a message.’

If that happened because of the ambergris? Allfather would have contacted me first.

But right now, there was total radio silence from Allfather. He was probably just swamped with research on the ambergris.

Let the Magic Tower handle its own business, and I’ll just focus on mine.

’It’s starting to get dark, so I should pack up.’

Since I planned to start my activities tomorrow, I tidied everything up.

My plan was to train tomorrow morning and head out for exploration again in the afternoon.

Where was I exploring? Near the areas I had already visited.This story is hosted at novelping(.)com.

Previously I traveled in a straight line, but now my goal was to thoroughly comb through every nook and cranny of those sectors.

Since there might be spots I missed without realizing, you could call it clearing the fog of war on the map.

Seeing Papa Raccoon consistently bringing back herbs, there had to be an area where herbs grew abundantly.

I could look for that place directly, or search for more mysterious substances like ambergris.

Now that I could control cold energy and the weather had thawed, I needed to move while I could.

Provided, of course, I had zero intention of going anywhere near the territory where the gorillas lived.

At most, I’d just watch what the pack of kangaroos was up to.

’Should I go do a quick scout?’

Come to think of it, the spot where the kangaroo pack hung out wasn’t far from here.

Which meant it wouldn’t be strange at all if they invaded my territory at any moment.

Any beast entering inside my fence without my permission was an enemy.

If they were human, we could resolve it through dialogue, but these were beasts.

I mapped out my plan, deciding to head over tomorrow fully prepared.

’Done everything I needed to, and now...’

Time to browse the Gallery. Gallery surfing is the absolute best way to kill spare time.

Soon after logging onto the Gallery, posts related to the Flying Magic Tower poured out in droves.

Though there were occasional posts about the El Dorado protests, the Magic Tower was still dominant.

I also preferred fascinating topics like the Flying Magic Tower over tiresome political posts.

[Come to think of it, isn’t the Imperial Succession Ceremony happening soon?]

[Who is Crown Prince Arnold, the next Emperor of the Messiah Empire?]

There were other posts besides the Flying Magic Tower. Stories about the Crown Prince of the Messiah Empire.

Honestly, that was one of the discussion topics that had been consistently popping up for days.

It had been buried by El Dorado news, but I had seen the Gallery abuzz over it earlier.

At the time, I had the issue with Lackey and was busy in various ways, so I couldn’t pay attention.

’If this were Earth, is it like a superpower changing its president?’

The Messiah Empire was a superpower. It didn’t hold the title of "Empire" for nothing.

Even so, it didn’t have much to do with me, but since it was mentioned so often, I clicked in out of boredom.

Title: Who is Crown Prince Arnold, the next Emperor of the Messiah Empire?

(Brief summary that Emperor Robert steadily managed domestic affairs)

...So Crown Prince Arnold will focus on diplomatic affairs going forward.

Recently, the movements of the Elves have been suspicious, and to make matters worse, protests broke out in El Dorado.

From Robert’s perspective, he handed over the reins at a pretty appropriate time, but I think Arnold needs to handle things well for the Empire to find its direction.

└ What’s Crown Prince Arnold’s personality like? Is he a rake?

└ Definitely not a rake. Just average, I guess?

└ Absolute Supreme Arnold Best: What is certain is that he is handsome and capable.

└ You’re Arnold, aren’t you?

└ Obviously him haha No one else would write a comment like that.

└ But it’s facts though... He really is handsome

└ I’m a noble, and every time the Crown Prince appears, seeing young ladies swarm him hits me with a reality check haha

└ Handsome aside, is he actually competent? Emperor Robert managed internal stability well, but we don’t know about that guy.

└ That’s why he has to prove his ability. Honestly, people call him a domestic emperor, but Emperor Robert was truly capable too.

└ Know what Emperor Robert’s greatest achievement was? Sponsoring Sword Master Ash lol

└ Totally agree lmfao Throwing a Count title at Ash when she had nothing, setting up her political foothold haha

└ What’s Ash up to these days? Didn’t she suddenly go into seclusion with no news?

└ There’s a rumor she found a man and got married?

└ That’s nonsense. I saw her out grocery shopping with her mom yesterday.

└ How did you see that?

└ Plenty of other people probably saw her besides me. Ash gets dragged out by her mom all the time.

└ Ah haha I saw that too lmfao Will she show up at the succession ceremony this time?

└ She probably will, right? It’s the event where the Emperor changes, after all.

└ Wild Grylls: Do people from other nations come to the succession ceremony too?

└ ??? What nonsense is this guy talking now?

└ Why would people from other countries come? Are they the Empire’s minions?

└ Grylls-ya. Unless they’re vassal states, people from other nations don’t visit.

└ Visiting basically means becoming a vassal haha

└ Unless visiting as an individual, foreign nobles visiting is practically non-existent.

Come to think of it, when a president was elected, foreign leaders sent congratulatory messages, but didn’t go in person.

’Did the Ming Dynasty and Joseon do that...? I’m not really sure.’

Either way, it didn’t have much to do with me.

Unless my name was floating around among the nobles, that is.

Outside affairs would be handled by outside people.

’They said nobles refrain from mentioning the Gallery because it’s linked to their private life, right?’

By the nature of online communities, even ordinary people preferred not to mention it.

Nobody wants the horrifying experience of someone suddenly asking, "You... watch/browse that kind of stuff?" one day.

They just wanted to keep their embarrassing private lives buried inside the Gallery.

"Kkyuu. Kkyu."You are reading on novelpi⁠ng.com, the official source.

As I was browsing through the Gallery, Wonmo nudged me with his front paws.

It looked just like a cat making biscuits, bringing a chuckle out of me naturally.

"Wonmo-ya. What’s wrong? Want to play again?"

"Kkyuuuu!"

Looks like he developed a taste for levitation.

But the incense was already used up. If I wanted to ask for more, I’d have to message Praise the Sun.

It felt a bit much to ask again, so I decided to use a different method.

"Heave-ho. This should do it, right?"

"Kkyuuuu!"

Deciding to make use of the gently floating Subspace Backpack.

Tied together with Wonmo, he floated around as if attached to a helium balloon.

Wonmo seemed pleased floating freely in midair as he drifted all around the cave.

Peo-eok!

"Kkyuuuuu!"

"Keueok?!"

There was an accident along the way, but since he was cute, I let it slide.

While Grylls was spending his days in peaceful bliss...

The Messiah Empire was in the midst of frantic preparations for the upcoming succession ceremony.

An imperial succession heralding a change of era. The imperial citizens each made preparations to catch a glimpse of the next Emperor’s face.

Commoners paved roads or prepared flowers for the influx of people, while...

Nobles acquired various fashion items for the party following the succession ceremony.

Especially from the perspective of the nobles, it signaled the birth of a new power structure, making them the busiest of all.

Making a good impression was essential for an easy future, so it was only natural.

"Mom! Do you know where my uniform is?"

"Why are you asking your mother that? You must have hung it up somewhere."

"You took it to do the laundry, Mom!"

And this was no different for Ash, the Sword Master.

Though she had been a commoner, the current Emperor, Robert, recognized her talent and sponsored her.

Although she had gone into seclusion, simply showing her face at this succession ceremony would be a huge help.

Showing that she was still on Robert’s side and would serve as a reliable ally to Arnold, the next Emperor.

The political acumen she had honed since her days as a commoner was meant for moments like this.

"Mom, I really can’t find it."

"What will you do if I find it?"

"Say ’I love you’?"

"Eui-gu. If you’re so good with words, at least use them right. Here."

Ash’s eyes widened in round circles. The uniform she couldn’t find anywhere just a second ago was now held in her mother’s hands.

Her mild awkwardness was short-lived as she stared at the wrinkle-free uniform and became lost in thought.

’It’s been a while since I wore this, too.’

Memories of receiving the uniform for the first time were still fresh in her mind.

Upon receiving the title of Count, she had also been assigned to the Imperial Guard.

Back then, factions trying to check her power were everywhere, but Robert had resolved them all.

Afterwards, hit by a massive reality check over the fact that she was past 30 and still unmarried, she went into hiding, though.

She inspected the uniform back and forth before slowly putting it on. Even though she hadn’t worn it in a while, it didn’t pinch anywhere.

Thanks to her constitution where she grew stronger just by breathing, she maintained a peak physical condition without separate exercise.

’Mm. Perfect.’

Ash gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

The room-bound unemployed bum had vanished without a trace, leaving only a dignified and dashing knight.

Thanks to the white trousers, her sturdy thighs stood out prominently, and the white-toned top gave her a crisp, clean image.

She felt like snapping a picture of this exact look and posting it to the Gallery. Style and beauty coexisted in harmony.

’Well, most people who wear this uniform are in great shape anyway.’

Originally, there was an overcoat signifying the Commander, but she was retired.

She inspected meticulously to see if there were any flaws.

After scrutinizing herself for a long while, one single thought crossed her mind.

’Ah. I don’t wanna go.’

It was her inner homebody’s desire speaking. A truly ironic situation where she didn’t want to go, yet had to.

She didn’t know how much she’d have to suffer there. Surely someone would bring up her return.

I’ll just wrap things up quickly and come straight home, she resolved.

"If you only walked around wearing clothes like that, men would be lining up... No, wait. Just bringing home any decent man would be more than enough..."

"..."

"Take this opportunity to find a suitable husband candidate. Otherwise, don’t even think about coming back inside."

"Ah, Mom!"

Whatever her accomplishments, to her mother, Ash was just an unemployed bum.

While Ash was bickering with her mother...

"Selena. Do you really have to go? Your health is still..."

"I’m fine. This is a good opportunity to show everyone that I’m perfectly healthy."

"Your father can explain things well. Your mother agreed on this as well, didn’t she?"

"No. Besides, I need to introduce Mary as well, don’t I? I am definitely going."

Starlight Lady, Selena, was also stepping up her preparations for the succession ceremony.

Unlike the Forest of the Four Seasons, which was like the quiet eye of a storm, the global situation was changing rapidly.