Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital
Early the next morning, we quietly departed the Royal Capital through the North Gate.
Even so, as we walked through the city, we were approached by several people who came to see us off. Among them, it seemed that His Holiness the Pope and the current Saint were discreetly present as well.
Within the kingdom, it was already impossible to avoid special treatment, but I couldn’t help but wonder how things would be in the northern Empire. After all, the moment I was granted the title of Count, I could never expect to be treated normally again.
The highway leading north from the Royal Capital was slightly narrower compared to the southern road. This was likely due to the fact that it led into the Empire, designed to hinder the advance of a large army in the event of an invasion.
Currently, the Empire had ceased its expansionist policies and was focusing on internal affairs, and its relationship with the Vermilian Kingdom was not particularly bad. In fact, due to the prolonged rebellions in some regions and the increasing damage caused by the Kin of Twilight, the Empire had even proposed a temporary non-aggression treaty.
We reached our first destination, the fortress city of Cassina, in five days. Of course, this was possible because we were a party of high-ranking adventurers; normally, it would take nearly three times as long, as Mariane had mentioned. Along the way, we passed through several villages and one medium-sized city.
Now, as for the border city of Cassina, while it didn’t match the scale of the Royal Capital, its walls appeared to be as sturdy, if not more so, than those of the capital, giving it the air of a frontline fortress. It was only natural, as it would serve as a military base in times of emergency.
In front of the castle gate, travelers, adventurers, and caravans were lined up, waiting to enter. As a Count, I was able to use the entrance designated for nobility, allowing us to enter Cassina without delay.
“Being a border city, it certainly has a unique vibrancy,” Karma remarked as she looked around.
As she said, the streets were bustling with citizens, merchants, and travelers, rivaling the liveliness of the Royal Capital.
Stalls lined the streets, selling various foods, some of which I had never seen before, giving the town a distinctly border-town atmosphere.
By the way, the foods that caught the attention of Larni and Shizuna were being eagerly purchased and stuffed into my Item Box. It seemed they intended to snack on them during our journey.
“We’re not being approached here, are we, Soushi-sama?” Freinir noted.
“Perhaps people don’t know us well enough yet. That’s a relief,” I replied, but even so, we were a conspicuous group, and it was unavoidable that we attracted some stares. Naturally, there were many who gawked at Geshura, the half-human, half-snake among us. Occasionally, I noticed some individuals watching us with caution; perhaps they were from the Empire. It seemed that the Empire was a land where the Kin of Twilight frequently appeared, so it was understandable that they might be wary of Geshura. Still, the fact that no one caused a scene was likely due to our calm demeanor as we walked with her.
We stopped by the Adventurers’ Guild, but nothing unusual occurred. Mariane went inside to contact the guilds in the Royal Capital and the Imperial Capital.
“The Grand Master has been eagerly waiting for you,” Mariane said as she returned from the back room.
“I apologize for keeping him waiting. Though it seems we still have quite a ways to go before we meet in the Imperial Capital,” I replied.
“Indeed… I hope that’s the case.”
“Hm? What do you mean by that?”
“Considering the Grand Master’s personality… No, never mind. He shouldn’t be too idle at the moment.”
“With the matters concerning the Demons and the situation with the Kin of Twilight, it seems he won’t have much time to spare for us.”
“That is absolutely not the case. He mentioned that Soul’s Guidance is his top priority.”
In any case, there was nothing more to discuss at the guild, so we continued walking north along the central street. Our destination was Count Karman’s residence. As I was a Count and Soul’s Guidance was regarded as a hero in the kingdom, it was only proper for me to pay my respects to the local lord, Count Karman.
The Count’s mansion had the appearance of a fortress. Surrounding it were barracks and training grounds, giving it a distinctly military atmosphere.
When I spoke to the sentry in front of the sturdy, practical door, a man claiming to be the steward soon appeared from within.
I had only intended to make an appointment for a meeting today, but the elderly steward immediately ushered me inside the Count’s residence.
I was led to the reception room, which, as expected, was furnished with mostly practical items. It reflected both the city’s status and the character of the Count.
After a while, I was called into the Count’s office alone.
As I walked down the hallway, I noticed a man standing in front of the room. He had a rock-like physique, short, dark brown hair, and a stern face. He appeared to be in his forties, clad in light armor, and was clearly a seasoned warrior.
“Count Okuno, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Finbul Karman, the one entrusted with this borderland,” he said.
“It is an honor to meet you, Count Karman. I am Soushi Okuno. Though I hold the title of Count, I am, in reality, just an adventurer,” I replied with a bow.
Count Karman broke into a hearty laugh, slapping my shoulder jovially. “Ha ha ha, I see you are indeed as the King described! My apologies; I should have come to the reception room to greet you, but I heard that Count Okuno had quite a few companions with him. I took the liberty of having you come here instead. Please forgive my rudeness.”
“Given that I arrived unexpectedly, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet you at all.”
“There’s no need to be so formal. Although I am called a Count, I originally left home to become an adventurer. Whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate, I was allowed to inherit the title of Count, and here I am. To be honest, I envy your position as a noble Count.”
As we exchanged pleasantries, Count Karman led me into the room and gestured for me to take a seat.
Once the Count sat across from me, the steward prepared some tea. It seemed there were few servants around.
“According to His Majesty the King, Count Okuno has been quite active in the Royal Capital. It is surprising to hear that a Cardinal from the Arshuram Church caused a commotion, but to have resolved it without any damage is remarkable. Could you share the details of that incident with me?” he inquired.
“Of course. I will share everything except for what I have been instructed to keep confidential.”
As I detailed the incident regarding the Ceremony of Saint Succession, Count Karman listened intently, stroking his chin as he pondered.
“I never imagined such a thing would occur in the Royal Capital. Just when the war had finally settled down, a Cardinal would succumb to greed…”
“Perhaps it is precisely because the war has ended that such things can happen,” I suggested.
“Hm, that is a valid perspective. The Arshuram Church has helped many through their charitable acts during the war. There is a church in this city as well, and in times of crisis, we may seek their assistance. If such an organization were to become corrupt, it would be the common folk who suffer first. In that sense, Count Okuno’s achievements are significant.”
“That may be true… but I merely brushed off the sparks of trouble.”
“Perhaps that is what makes one a hero—turning away the flames that threaten the nation. Moreover, I hear you have even conquered an A-class dungeon in the Royal Capital. As someone who has attempted it several times, I would love to hear about that experience.”
And so, our conversation unexpectedly turned into a lively discussion about adventuring, causing my companions to wait for quite some time.
Finally, he advised me, “You are more talked about than you realize. When the Empire hears that a rumored hero is coming, they will respond accordingly. However, the Empire has a tendency to look down on neighboring countries. Some may have heard rumors about you and be suspicious of your strength. Please be cautious.”
With that, we took our leave from the Count’s residence.