Chapter 313: Inside the Castle
“Next, we’ll tour the castle.”
“But isn’t access restricted to the public…?”
“It’s open for a special viewing.”
I cut in, echoing Orlando’s words with certainty.
“However, the visiting hours are about to end, so please hurry.”
Normally off-limits areas are now open for just thirty minutes, and entry is free! We’re increasing the number of operators to assist you. — It’s a classic tactic of infomercials to leave no time for contemplation.
It’s true that the time I asked Soleil to keep the gate open is almost up. I had actually planned to adjust our schedule by checking out the market and the under-construction semicircular theater, but I ended up stopping at various points that made me go, “Huh? Is that where we’re getting stuck?” and now we’re cutting it close.
“Oh!”
“So beautiful!”
“I wonder what’s inside there?”
The three of them gasp as they gaze up at the castle gate.
“Even the iron grille that blocks entry is beautiful…”
The old man remarks, and the three of them are entranced.
“Alright, alright, please don’t stop, keep moving, keep moving.”
The craftsmanship of the stone buildings is impressive, but the iron grille, adorned with gold by the goldsmith Austaniss, is stunning.
The iron grille is open during the day, with guards stationed. I remember the first time I saw it when I delivered a message to Soleil; I got to see it closed and from behind, so I understand the feeling. I was just as excited when I first laid eyes on the completed buildings.
The initial square is bustling with the resident craftsmen and external workers still busy with construction, so it’s anything but quiet.
Beyond the square, there are fields for siege provisions and livestock within the castle walls, adding to the lively atmosphere. The square, which also serves as the road to the castle, is designed to obscure views of the livestock shed and work areas with decorative walls and trees.
I can’t help but wonder how they transported those rather large trees here by small boat. They’re already planted, but they haven’t grown out as expected, so they’re still quite visible.
The once barren square is now lush with greenery. Charles mentioned hiring a few workers, and it’s clear they’re diligent.
The sounds of flowing water, faint animal calls, the ringing of metal being struck, and human shouts fill the air.
“I’m telling you it’s not right! Why can’t you understand?”
“The one who doesn’t understand is you. The gold embellishments you’re applying would stand out better with this rounded design rather than the sharp one.”
The voices belong to the goldsmith Austaniss and Washiku, the Earth Folk in charge of the blacksmithing.
“…That may be true, but it needs to match the existing building!”
Oh, Austaniss seems a bit flustered.
“Then let the building be altered.”
It’s an unexpected pairing of the flamboyant Austaniss and the rugged Washiku. Well, I suppose it makes sense professionally. But let’s spare the stonemasons from crying; changing the building is a bad idea.
We pass through the square within the castle walls and cross a bridge with a waterway. The second castle gate, resembling the pointed top of Las Lajas Church but painted white, stands before us, along with the stone bridge supports where water flows.
“How beautiful…”
“Alright, alright, keep moving, keep moving.”
I think it would be lovely to view this from the castle wall on the square side, but time is pressing.
“I’d love to take my time and enjoy this, but stopping here isn’t advisable, is it…?”
Orlando says with a hint of disappointment.
We’ll be seeing this almost daily soon enough, so it’s best to let it go for now. I urge the three of them, who keep wanting to stop, and we finally reach the floor where Soleil is.
Beyond the castle gate lies the stunning facade of the main building, the tower overflowing with water, and the intricately designed waterways. Above, a narrow waterway adorned with decorative beams connects the buildings.
Positioned to be warm even in winter, hot winds from the continent where dragons dwell occasionally blow here, cooling slightly as they cross the sea, but the temperature around Naruadeid rarely drops.
This island’s network of waterways cools the cobblestones and buildings, making it far more comfortable than Naruadeid. The area near the springs is particularly cold, further lowering the temperature. Those working in the castle can manage even with just a light jacket.
Still, it gets hot when you move in summer, and it’s just plain hot away from the waterways. The rooms near the roofs, away from the waterways, are probably sweltering. The tiles are a bluish-black, likely absorbing sunlight.
“Welcome!”
Auro appears with a cheerful smile. I sense he’s been waiting for us…
“You must be tired. I’ve prepared drinks and snacks for the young lady in that room, so please take a moment to rest your feet.”
As Auro speaks, a maid—probably human—smoothly captures Arina, charming her as she leads her away.
The old man stops Orlando, who was about to follow Arina, shaking his head silently. It seems he had an inkling of what was going on.
It’s only natural to find this odd. While Arina is small, is Orlando really okay? Oh, he probably thought it was strange. He just didn’t connect the dots on the “why.”
“You two will go to Soleil’s office.”
Auro says, maintaining his cheerful demeanor.