Chapter 12: In the Royal Capital – 06
“You are the ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ aren’t you? Yes, I’ve heard the rumors.”
Beside me, nodding in agreement, is the strikingly handsome young knight, Lord Harsivil, with his silvery-blue hair cascading down his back. Once an A-Rank adventurer and the third-ranking knight of the royal guard, he is currently serving as the head of the princess’s secret escort.
The spear he wields is clearly a masterwork made entirely of mithril, perfectly harmonizing with his imposing presence. It’s evident that he is no ordinary knight, yet when he speaks, his demeanor and tone are surprisingly gentle.
At the moment, I am acting as a replacement for the wheels of the carriage the princess is riding in. It’s a reenactment of when I helped the beastfolk merchant Gashi long ago, but the tension is on another level when it comes to the royal carriage. This carriage is a custom-made vehicle designed to withstand monster attacks, making it quite heavy. Instead of horses, it is being pulled by two six-legged bovine monsters.
“You are the hero who defeated a Kin of Twilight one-on-one, so it’s no surprise that anyone with keen ears in the royal capital would know of you. However, I never expected to meet the rumored Soushi here, nor did I think I would be in a position to receive such assistance.”
Lord Harsivil furrows his brow and smiles wryly.
In truth, we are technically guests summoned by the king. Considering that, having me act as a wheel replacement could reflect poorly on them, and there’s a chance the princess and her entourage could be reprimanded by the king. However, due to the princess’s urgent need to return, this situation has been deemed an exception.
“If rumors spread that the hero lent a hand out of consideration for the princess’s feelings, it would benefit me as well, so please think of it that way.”
“Haha. Those who seek gain rarely speak of it themselves. I can see that you, Soushi, are not that kind of person. In fact, I imagine you would prefer to avoid such rumors.”
“I can’t argue with that. To be honest, I would like to relinquish the title of hero.”
“Fufu, in this kingdom, defeating a Kin of Twilight is a rare feat, so that’s something you cannot escape. By the way—”
Lord Harsivil glances toward the back of the carriage.
There, following the royal entourage, are Larni, Sfenia, and Mariane. Meanwhile, Freinir is inside the carriage with the princess.
“—While Freinir is indeed remarkable, it seems that the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ are quite exceptional as well.”
“Yes, well, we came together by chance, but the members are rather talented. I’m grateful for their skills.”
“I just met you a moment ago, but I can understand why they would gather around you.”
Lord Harsivil squints slightly, but it feels like he’s praising me a bit too much for mere lip service. Perhaps he’s trying to gauge my intentions. Given his demeanor and the way he carries himself, he certainly has the air of a former nobleman, skilled in the art of subtle manipulation.
As we engage in this light conversation, the curtain of the carriage suddenly opens, revealing the princess, Margarot. Up close, she is an undeniable beauty, reminiscent of Freinir, but her gaze directed at me is somewhat cold—no, it’s quite frosty.
“It seems the princess is interested in you, Soushi.”
Lord Harsivil says this with a hint of amusement, but it feels like her interest is not of the positive kind.
“Aside from having a bit of strength, I’m really just an ordinary person. I suspect you’re more concerned about Freinir being with me.”
“Ah, I see. The princess likely views Freinir as a younger sister. Naturally, she would be curious about the company she keeps.”
Indeed, I’m just an ordinary man who happens to look a bit muscular. The fact that a former noblewoman like Freinir is with someone like me might not sit well with the princess. If she were with a young knight like Lord Harsivil, perhaps it would be more acceptable. It seems that even in this world, being an older man is a disadvantage.
As we continue walking, we come upon a small hill, and as we crest it, the scenery changes dramatically.
Before us lies a magnificent fortress city, so vast that even from the hilltop, I can’t see its edges. It’s a level of grandeur that would astonish even a modern Japanese person like me.
The dark gray, sturdy castle walls rise about fifteen meters high, with imposing watchtowers standing at intervals, giving off an air of sternness.
Beyond the walls, the cityscape unfolds, with buildings featuring white walls and orange roofs arranged in neat rows, reminiscent of the old towns I visited in Europe during my travels. Most buildings are three to four stories tall, and the uniform architectural style creates a sense of cohesion that feels almost like a work of art.
At the center of the city stands the royal castle, a stunning white palace that exudes a fantasy vibe straight out of a game.
However, upon reflection, the overall scale of this city is incomparable to those in my original world. Yet, the sheer overwhelming beauty of this place is undeniably superior.
“This is a magnificent view. The royal capital truly surpasses any city I’ve seen so far.”
“Indeed. The view from this hill is breathtaking, no matter how many times you see it. Ideally, having such a vantage point would pose a problem for defense, but—”
Harsivil replies to my observation with a somewhat sardonic smile.
“Now that you mention it, it does seem risky to have such a clear view of the city.”
“Of course, there are reasons for that. This location was undoubtedly suitable for establishing a city.”
I notice a large river flowing a bit further away, with vast farmlands stretching out beyond it. A city of this size requires significant agricultural output to sustain its population, making this land ideal for the construction of a royal capital.
As we descend the hill, the castle walls draw closer. The main road leading to the royal capital’s front gate is already about twenty meters wide, bustling with people.
Even though we are incognito, it’s clear that we are part of the royal entourage, and travelers, adventurers, and merchants alike bow their heads and make way for us. As a commoner, I can’t help but feel quite out of place.
Before long, we arrive at the front gate, where soldiers stand in neat rows to welcome us.
Beyond the gate, another royal carriage is parked. It seems to be a smaller model, perhaps intended for use within the city. Either way, it looks like my role as a wheel replacement ends here.
The carriage carrying the princess passes through the gate and comes to a stop at the designated area. An attendant approaches with a platform to secure the carriage and prevent it from tipping.
As I step away from the carriage, Lord Harsivil approaches and bows slightly.
“Thank you very much, Soushi. We will be switching carriages from here, so you’re free to go. Please show your summons to the attendants over there before entering the royal capital. Once the preparations for the audience are complete, I believe they will contact your inn, so until then, feel free to explore the capital.”
“Thank you. I will do just that.”
As I turn toward Larni and the others, Princess Margarot and Freinir step down from the carriage. From this angle, they truly look like sisters.
“Freinir, are you really not coming with us?”
“I’m sorry, Princess Margarot. I am now an adventurer, Freinir.”
“Why did you have to awaken your special ability? It feels too cruel to call it fate.”
“Please don’t worry, sister. Ever since I met Soushi, I’ve come to believe that this life is the one I’m meant to lead. If this is fate, I am grateful for it.”
“Oh, Freinir…”
The princess looks as if she might break down in tears, but then she straightens her posture and, for some reason, strides toward me with determination. Lord Harsivil seems to panic and tries to stop her, but she ignores him and approaches me, raising her delicate eyebrows as she gazes up at me.
I momentarily freeze, caught off guard, but quickly bend my knee and bow my head.
“You are Soushi, correct? What are your intentions regarding Freinir?”
Her voice carries a tone of reproach from above. Lord Harsivil is saying, “Princess, this is not appropriate in public,” but it seems he has his own struggles.
“Uh, Freinir is an invaluable member of my party. I hope to continue adventuring together as important companions.”
“What I want to know is not that. Are you perhaps considering making Freinir your wife?”
“Uh…”
Now that I think about it, Viscount Barius had similar suspicions. While I can understand the concern, it’s frightening that Freinir is whispering, “Soushi-sama’s wife…” which only adds fuel to the fire of suspicion.
“…No, I have not considered such a thing. There is a significant age difference, and our statuses are too different.”
“Is that so? Yet, it seems you have been quite affectionate toward Freinir.”
Ah, so that’s the source of her suspicion. Freinir probably spoke about me to the princess in her usual manner. It’s understandable that this would raise doubts. It’s clear to anyone that Freinir is dependent on me.
“Regarding that, considering Freinir’s circumstances, it’s only natural… I swear, I have no ulterior motives.”
“Men often say such things. However, it does seem true that you helped Freinir. Please do not forget your words just now.”
“Yes…”
I can hear Larni snickering behind me. However, I expected there would be some complications regarding Freinir once we were summoned by the royal family, but I never imagined I would be confronted by the princess.
If things go as they usually do, this won’t be the end of the troublesome events. It seems the royal capital is not a place that will be kind to my stomach.