Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 07
After walking for another hour, we finally arrived at the castle gates.
Ahead of us was a large castle gate that seemed to exceed ten meters in both height and width, spanning a bridge over a moat that appeared to be about thirty meters wide. The heavy doors were wide open, and in front of them stood a line of over two hundred people.
It seemed that entry and exit to the Imperial Capital were heavily scrutinized, likely a necessity for a nation that had rapidly expanded its territory. According to Lady Dorothee Osaro, some regions still faced political instability.
Of course, we did not join the line but headed toward the entrance designated for the nobility.
“Well then, see you later, Soushi-san. Let’s meet at the martial arts tournament!”
“There’s a chance we might run into each other at the Guild as well. If that happens, I look forward to it.”
Unfortunately, this was where we had to part ways with the Polar Drake. They would be using the entrance for the general public.
As we approached the entrance, many curious gazes were directed toward our group of adventurers, a notably conspicuous band.
“What is that beautiful group of women? They seem to be adventurers, but…”
“That one is a High Elf. Could she be from Ardolf’s village…?”
“The quality of their equipment is impressive. They must be A-Rank adventurers, but isn’t their number a bit excessive?”
“Is that one part snake? I’ve never heard of such a race existing…”
“That person in the back—she’s the Grand Master of the Adventurers’ Guild, right? So that’s why they’re using that entrance. But I’ve never seen this party before.”
It was only natural to hear such whispers. In a world without smartphones, waiting can be the most tedious of experiences. Sharing interesting gossip is an essential pastime to pass the time.
“Please stop here. May I have your names?”
The guards at the noble entrance were quite impressive in their appearance. There were three men and women before us, and they all exuded an aura of former adventurers who understood proper etiquette.
“I am Soushi Okuno, Count of the Vermilian Kingdom and the leader of the A-Rank party ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ These are the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ and this is…”
“I am Dorothee Osaro of the Adventurers’ Guild. I believe you know who the Grand Master is.”
“We are aware!”
As Lady Dorothee approached, the three guards stood at attention and saluted. It seemed she was someone who could pass through without question.
“And regarding ‘Soul’s Guidance’ and Soushi-san, there should be instructions from above, correct?”
When Lady Dorothee confirmed, the leader among the guards saluted once more.
“We have received instructions from the Imperial Castle. Count Soushi Okuno and the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ are requested to proceed to the castle upon your arrival. A carriage will be here shortly, so please wait in the reception hall until then.”
“I will guide you. This way, please.”
Following the female guard, we passed through the overwhelmingly large castle gate and were led to a building right beside it.
This must be a facility for receiving guests. The interior and exterior were both luxurious, primarily in white, showcasing the might of the Empire.
In the waiting room, two attendants served us drinks as we settled onto the sofas.
“Are we really going to meet His Majesty the Emperor right after this?” Larni asked while sipping her fruit water, to which Sfenia shook her head.
“That seems unlikely. We will probably stay in the castle for a few nights to cleanse ourselves before the audience.”
“Oh, that makes sense. I definitely want to rest first, but I can’t help but feel uneasy in the castle.”
“I feel the same way. Honestly, I find camping in a tent more comforting.”
“Hehe. Camping with ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is no longer just camping. Once you get used to it, it can be far more comfortable than a mediocre inn.”
Lady Dorothee seemed to have fully embraced the ‘Soul’s Guidance’ style of camping. After discussing the lightweight bath, she immediately instructed the guild in the kingdom to procure one.
After about thirty minutes of waiting, we saw several luxurious black carriages stop in front of the reception hall. One of them was a cargo carriage for Geshura, but it also looked quite upscale. Each bore a crest combining a dragon and holly leaves—undoubtedly the imperial crest.
“The carriage has arrived. Please prepare to exit and come outside.”
Following the attendant’s instructions, we each boarded our respective carriages.
As I looked out from the carriage, the Imperial Capital revealed itself, boasting the largest scale I had seen since arriving in this world.
The carriage was currently traveling down the central avenue, which was wide enough for four carriages to pass side by side, with ample space for pedestrians. On either side of the street stood buildings exceeding five stories, and the quality and quantity of the shops were astonishing.
In this world, clothing is typically either custom-made or second-hand, but here, numerous stores sold brand-new ready-made garments. While there were some in Oz Country, the quality and quantity here were on a completely different level.
In my carriage were Freinir, Sfenia, and Lady Dorothee, and both Freinir and Sfenia were leaning out of the carriage, captivated by the sights.
Meanwhile, Larni and Shizuna in another carriage were likely excitedly pointing out delicious-looking restaurants.
Geshura might be eyeing the magical tools scattered throughout the streets. Besides the streetlights, there were many magical devices of unknown purpose set up along the roadside.
After a while, I noticed the street was gradually ascending.
We must be getting closer to the hill where the castle is located. The carriage slowed down slightly as we began to climb a proper slope. The road twisted in large switchbacks, and on the hillside, grand mansions exuding an air of nobility lined the way. The gardens were well-kept, and just gazing at them could easily consume a day.
As the carriage slowed further, the noble residences disappeared from view, and looking to the opposite slope, I could see the entire Imperial Capital spread out before me. Several main roads radiated from this hill, and I could see a moat with water flowing like a river. Everything was meticulously planned, and just witnessing this view made the journey to the Imperial Capital worthwhile. However, only a select few would be able to see this scenery. The top of this hill was not a place for tourists.
Before I knew it, the carriage passed through a magnificent garden and came to a complete stop. We had arrived at our destination.
A man, presumably a servant, walked toward each carriage and opened the doors.
“Thank you for your patience. Please disembark. I will guide you into the castle.”
We stepped out of the carriage and looked up.
Before us stood a castle so magnificent that it could only be described as overwhelming, a pure white structure that left no one indifferent.
As seen from afar, the central main hall rose about ten stories high, flanked by two five-story wings that spread out like wings. Six elegantly arched towers were symmetrically positioned, reaching for the sky.
It was a splendid and graceful architectural marvel that instantly conveyed the might of the Empire.
Freinir, who had just disembarked behind me, was equally mesmerized.
“This is a wonderful castle, Soushi-sama.”
“Indeed. It leaves me almost speechless.”
“I wonder what kind of people reside here.”
“We’ll find out when we meet them, but after seeing this castle, I can’t help but feel a bit intimidated.”
“I don’t think you should feel inferior, Soushi-sama. Your strength is unmatched on the continent.”
“Thank you. Hearing that from you, Freinir, puts me a bit at ease.”
As I gently patted her head, Freinir squinted her eyes and smiled happily.
I couldn’t show any embarrassing sides in front of her. Keeping that thought in mind helped me steady my nerves a little.
Everyone gathered after disembarking from the carriage.
In front of the castle entrance stood an elderly man who looked every bit the part of a butler, along with ten young female attendants. Even among the servants, they were likely related to nobility, as they were all exceptionally beautiful, as if they had been selected through an audition.
The elderly man approached me and bowed deeply with graceful movements.
“Welcome, Count Okuno, and the esteemed members of ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ I am Gunther Solberg, the head butler here. I will be your attendant during your stay, so please allow me to assist you.”
“I am Soushi Okuno, Count of the Vermilian Kingdom. Thank you for your warm welcome. I apologize for the sudden visit.”
Mr. Solberg raised an eyebrow for a brief moment, perhaps due to my less-than-noble manner of greeting. But as an adventurer, I could only hope for his understanding.
“His Majesty the Emperor has been eagerly awaiting your arrival, Count Okuno. However, I understand you must be tired from your journey, so please take a couple of days to rest in the castle. Now, let me show you to your rooms.”
We followed Mr. Solberg as he led us into the castle.