Three days had passed since we buried the thieves alive.
We finally arrived at “Salso,” the town where the Stone Margrave resided… or so I thought.
“This is…”
“Not a town, but a fortress.”
With the sea at its back, Salso was entirely surrounded by a towering defensive wall, looking every bit like a fortified city built for war.
Was this a remnant of the days when they fought against the Dehauvalz Kingdom, or were they still harboring animosity, waiting for their chance?
“In any case, we won’t know until we go inside. Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
I told the coachman to drive on, and we passed through the castle gates, finally entering the town.
Then…
“Wow…”
Inside the high walls, the scenery was nothing like what we saw from the outside. It was a peaceful town with brick houses scattered here and there.
If it weren’t for the walls, it could easily be mistaken for a picturesque countryside village.
“This is different from the rumors.”
The rumors Sandra was referring to were, of course, slanderous tales based on the history of Norsemen invasions.
They said things like, “Norsemen are barbaric and eat people,” and “They have no culture and live only for their desires,” all of which were unbearable to hear.
I had heard those rumors before we left, and while I thought they were a bit harsh, I couldn’t deny that I was looking at them through slightly tinted glasses, considering they probably didn’t think well of us.
“Prince Harold, do not be deceived by the scenery and misjudge the situation.”
“Y-yes, I know.”
Monica never forgets to warn me.
I can be a bit naive, so I really rely on her for this. I’m grateful… I mean.
“W-what’s wrong?”
“…Prince Harold, I suggest you refrain from saying what you’re thinking out loud.”
Ah… I did it again, didn’t I?
Well, it’s the truth, so it doesn’t really matter.
“Hal really does say things unconsciously like that, doesn’t he… (muttering)”
“As Caz says.”
It sounds like they’re saying something, but I’ll ignore it. It’s probably just insults anyway.
“So, where is the Stone Margrave’s mansion…?”
“Ah, it’s straight down this street.”
“「「「「Eh!?」」」」”
A chubby middle-aged man suddenly appeared next to me, and everyone jumped back in unison.
I could understand myself, but for Sandra and Monica not to notice his presence…
“Wahahaha, did I surprise you?”
“W-well…”
“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Laertes Stone, the ruler of this Salso. I welcome you to this remote region, having traveled so far.”
With that, the chubby man… the Stone Margrave, bowed grandly.
◇
“Even so, for a member of Royalty to come to a place like this, it must be the first time in the history of the Dehauvalz Kingdom.”
We were invited to the Stone Margrave’s mansion and were sharing tea in the reception room.
Ah, of course, Monica has already tested the tea for poison.
“Is that so? Certainly, it’s quite a distance from Royal Capital Kaditt to this town, but it’s surprising that it’s never happened in three hundred years.”
I acted surprised, but looking back at history, it’s only natural that Royalty would avoid this place.
After all, they might be targeted for revenge by the Norse People.
“You jest. Prince Harold, you are surely aware of the history between the Kingdom and our Norse People.”
“A-haha… yes, of course…”
I could only give a wry smile at the Stone Margrave’s gleeful remark.
“So, what brings you to this town?”
The Stone Margrave’s expression changed to a serious one, and he peered at my face.
Perhaps, given the past, he thought we might bring disaster to this town of Salso.
“Well… actually, I’m attending the Royal Academy with my fiancée, Sandra, and my maid, Monica, starting this year. I heard that your son is the same age as us, but he’s been refraining from enrolling due to illness. So, I was a little concerned.”
As I said that, I took a sip of tea.
By mixing truth and lies like this, the Stone Margrave wouldn’t be able to read my true intentions.
Also, if it’s true that Ulysses’ son is ill, the Margrave wouldn’t think anything of it, but if the illness is a lie, he should show some kind of reaction.
Now… what kind of answer will he give us?
“Wahahaha. To think you would come all this way for such a thing, even I am surprised.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. But if I were to answer honestly, my son is not suffering from any illness.”
I didn’t expect him to reveal the truth so easily.
If what he’s saying is true, then that new student I met might really be Ulysses’ son.
“…Prince Harold, may I ask you something? Did you come here to confirm my son’s condition with the intention of taking him to the Royal Capital by force? To use him as a hostage to control me?”
The Stone Margrave narrowed his eyes and directed a sharp gaze at me.
He had the spirit to fight if necessary.
“Of course not. If I may say so, I have no interest in the disputes of past history.”
“Then…?”
“I’ll be frank. I met Ulysses Stone himself on the day of the entrance ceremony.”