Chapter 19: The One Who Rules the Kin of Twilight – 05
The next day, upon arriving at the Imperial Castle, I was given top priority in my audience, and I was able to secure His Imperial Majesty’s approval for my journey to Falcrum Territory.
“It is not within our rights to bind Lord Soushi’s actions,” he stated, but he also added, “However, it would be helpful if you could consult us in advance.” It seems that for any significant movements in the future, it would be wise to notify them beforehand.
When I handed over the “Communication Artifact,” even His Imperial Majesty was taken aback, his expression one of considerable surprise. “I believe Lord Soushi understands, but please keep this matter strictly confidential. It concerns the very nature of our nation…” His words faltered.
While His Majesty must have had various inquiries he wished to explore, his ability to conceal such thoughts was a testament to his wisdom as a ruler.
Of course, I also discussed my trip to Falcrum Territory with Princess Marishielle, but as expected, she informed me that she could not accompany me immediately.
Both Princess Marishielle and I were currently the top adventurers in the Empire, and it seemed they wanted to avoid having both of us leave the Imperial Capital at the same time. Naturally, I understood and had no objections to this.
“Perhaps the next time we meet will be during the battle against the Kin of Twilight. At that time, I wish to fight alongside you, Sir Soushi,” she said, leaning in close, her face almost touching mine. Immediately after, her cheeks flushed crimson as she hurriedly exited the Audience Chamber.
In any case, with this, preparations for our departure were complete. Although I had only spent a few months in the Imperial Capital, it felt like an eternity since my last journey. As someone who had always preferred to stay in one place, this change in sensation was quite intriguing.
On the day after tomorrow, we gathered in front of the entrance, ready for our journey.
Three of the servants, including Milgret, came to see us off. Of course, they would be looking after the house during our absence. By the way, their salaries were automatically paid through the Adventurers’ Guild’s account, and I was still amazed at how well this system was organized.
“Master, everyone, please take care and have a safe journey,” Milgret said.
“Please take care of the house while we’re gone,” I replied, and with that, we set off in a rather casual manner.
Now, while this was a typical journey, even as nobles, our hearts remained those of adventurers, and we naturally chose to travel on foot.
I had considered traveling by carriage, but we would need at least three of them due to our numbers, which felt excessive and would require too much preparation, so I abandoned the idea. I was eagerly awaiting the completion of Geshura’s research on her makeshift automobile.
We walked through the streets of the Imperial Capital toward the castle gates. Thanks to my victory in the Martial Arts Tournament, the presence of “Soul’s Guidance” was already a spectacle, and our mere walk drew attention. However, as I was a count, no one dared to approach or speak to us.
“With all of us walking together, everyone is definitely watching us. It’s normal to stroll around in groups of two or three, but this is a different story,” Larni remarked, her excitement evident after such a long time without travel.
“It’s because Lord Soushi has become too famous. Not only did he win the Martial Arts Tournament, but he also thwarted the schemes of some dubious individuals and crushed that gigantic demon, all of which many witnessed,” Shizuna replied, her tone equally buoyant, while Sakurahime nodded in agreement beside her.
“If Princess Marishielle had joined us, it would have been even more chaotic. In that case, walking through the streets would have been quite difficult,” Larni added.
“While the legendary adventurer that Larni speaks of is impressive, it can be a bit troublesome. Lord Soushi seems unfazed… or perhaps not,” Shizuna observed, noticing my expression.
Being treated as special might have been delightful in my youth, but as I grew older, it became a source of discomfort. I knew that getting used to such treatment was not a good thing.
As I pondered this, Karma gave my shoulder a light pat.
“Well, there’s no point in worrying about that. It’s much more meaningful to think about what lies ahead. By the way, is there any delicious food in Falcrum Territory? Do you know, Mariane?”
“Since it’s a northern territory, the food situation isn’t very good. However, due to the cold climate, there seems to be a lot of alcohol available,” she replied.
“Oh, then there might be some good drinks there,” Karma mused.
“However, almost everything is gathered here in the Imperial Capital. I doubt there’s anything better than what we have here,” Mariane added.
“Ah, now that you mention it, I had forgotten that this is the largest city on the continent,” Karma said, and I found myself momentarily taken aback by her words.
From my perspective, even the Imperial Capital, despite its grandeur, did not seem overwhelmingly large. The splendor of the Imperial Castle was indeed on a level I had never seen in my previous life, but the size of the buildings was not so outrageous.
Somewhere in my mind, I had unconsciously assumed that there were cities even more developed than this Imperial Capital. It was a stark reminder that I was indeed someone from another world.
As I chuckled to myself, Freinir looked up at me with a curious expression.
“Sir Soushi, is something the matter?”
“No, I was just reminiscing a bit. It struck me how far I’ve truly come, and it felt oddly amusing,” I replied.
“I would love to hear stories about the old days. You rarely speak of your life before becoming an adventurer,” Freinir said, her eyes sparkling with interest.
“Was I? But there’s not much to tell. I was just a person who worked and returned home, over and over again,” I replied.
“Your diligence has not changed at all since then, has it?”
“Diligence… I suppose that’s one way to put it. I was just doing what I had to do. There were many people like that around me,” I said.
“I think that’s a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Or am I mistaken?”
Freinir tilted her head in confusion, and Larni gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder.
“Well, Frei, if everyone were like that, it would be suffocating. It’s the variety of people in ‘Soul’s Guidance’ that makes it enjoyable,” Larni explained.
“Is that so…? I do think ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is fun, though,” Freinir replied, her brow furrowing slightly.
“There are serious people like Soushi and Freinir, and then there are more carefree folks like me and Karma. That balance is what makes it the best,” Larni continued.
“I’m not as carefree as you think! I was a leader, after all,” Karma retorted.
At that, Larni poked the wine bottle hanging from Karma’s waist.
“You only became carefree after you stopped being a leader. You’re still a sub-leader, so get it together!”
“Okay, okay. But if Princess Marishielle comes, I might just step down from being a sub-leader. Then I can be even more carefree,” Karma replied with a grin.
“Having two sub-leaders shouldn’t be a problem. Considering our numbers, that might be the best approach. If necessary, we can split into three teams,” Sfenia interjected, her tone firm. Shizuna nodded in agreement.
“Indeed. With the princess joining us, we will have a total of ten people. Splitting into teams of five is fine, but considering I can command three spirits, we might need to divide into three teams,” Sfenia explained.
“Yes. And if Soushi-san goes all out, no one will be able to approach him. It makes sense to have two sub-leaders to allow Soushi-san to move freely,” Shizuna added.
“I see. So, Lord Soushi would lead one team. If the enemy has a large number of fighters, that might indeed make it easier to maneuver,” Sfenia concluded. “What do you think, Lord Soushi?”
“I think Sfenia and Shizuna’s ideas are excellent. In a large-scale battle against the Kin of Twilight, the likelihood of me charging in alone is high. It was the same in the battle against Mecalinan. I feel guilty that I might not be able to act as a leader on the battlefield, but…”
At that moment, Mariane shook her head.
“No, ‘Soul’s Guidance’ consists of all upper-tier adventurers, but even so, Lord Soushi’s power is unparalleled. It is only natural to adopt a strategy that maximizes our greatest strength.”
“That may be true… But the only reason I can give it my all is because everyone is with me. That’s something I must say,” I replied, feeling a bit sentimental as Freinir looked up at me with the eyes of a lost puppy.
Perhaps she felt that her own strength was unnecessary after the flow of our conversation.
Larni and Sfenia noticed this and exchanged warm glances between me and Freinir.
Sakurahime, nodding along, said, “Your humility and thoughtfulness, Lord Soushi, are the hallmarks of a true warrior. I must learn from you as well.”
I felt a slight itch at the back of my mind from her words.
As we continued our conversation, we approached the castle gates of the Imperial Capital.
There, we spotted Jaze leading the “Polar Drake” group. Dressed for travel, they too seemed to be setting out on a journey.
In all likelihood, they were headed north. After all, the north was the site of the decisive battle, where participants of the Martial Arts Tournament and other prominent adventurers would gather.
If possible, I wish for everyone to come through unscathed… but when it comes to war, such hopes often shatter. As for me, I must do everything in my power to protect my comrades. With that resolve rekindled in my heart, I cast my thoughts toward the endless skies of our journey.