Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital – 24
On the morning of the day after the day after, we set off from Gashera, heading north.
The acting lord had tried to keep us there until the lord returned, but we managed to convince him by saying, “We have urgent business in the Imperial Capital.”
While we did play a role in protecting the town, officially, we were merely fulfilling our duties as adventurers, and I felt uneasy about making too much of it. I understood that it was a wish that could not be granted, but still…
Now, regarding our next destination, Zanzagir Territory, it was said to be a week’s journey on foot for adventurers. Moreover, Miss Dorozitte would accompany us for part of the way, promising a rather enjoyable journey.
Despite the recent dragon incident, it seemed that news of its defeat had already circulated through the guild and the lord’s office, as there were quite a few people on the roads. The sight of travelers, merchants, and adventurers bustling about was almost indistinguishable from that of the kingdom.
After passing through several farming villages, we found ourselves on the seventh day since our departure.
We had already entered Zanzagir Territory, and by this afternoon, we were set to arrive at Zanzagilium, the capital governed by the Marquis of Zanzagir.
As we walked along the increasingly crowded road, I called out to Sakurahime.
“Hey, Sakurahime, what kind of relationship does the Zanzagir family have with the Dwarven village?”
“Essentially, the Dwarven village is treated as an autonomous territory within Zanzagir Territory. The Dwarves are highly esteemed as craftsmen, so various requests come in from both inside and outside the territory. Because of this, many merchants and noble associates gather, allowing Zanzagir Territory to engage in trade with them.”
“I see. So they recognize their autonomy in exchange for a share of the surrounding profits.”
“They have a strong artisan spirit and are indifferent to matters that do not concern their work. Conversely, the Zanzagir family has refrained from interfering with the Dwarves, allowing for a long-standing good relationship.”
“One might think that someone would try to monopolize the craftsmen for their own gain, but it seems that hasn’t happened.”
“Indeed, there was an instance in the past where a lord attempted to monopolize another Dwarven village. The Dwarves who disliked that situation came to the Zanzagir Territory, or so the story goes.”
“They’re a race with a strong sense of independence. Though, I suppose that’s common among many races.”
Elves and Beastfolk also have their own villages, and from what I’ve heard, they each enjoy a degree of autonomy. As we’ve already seen, the Elves have built cities that rival those of humans.
“My father and the current Dwarven village chief have a particularly good relationship, so I believe discussions regarding the creation of your mace, Soushi, will proceed smoothly. However, if you demonstrate your strength, the Dwarves will likely offer to craft it for you themselves.”
“That would be quite appreciated.”
“Hey, does that mean I can get my sword made too?”
Larni popped her head in from the side. She had been expressing her desire to have an orichalcum sword made, so it was only natural she would be curious.
“With your skills, Larni, there should be no problem. If possible, I would like to request a naginata as well, but I fear my current abilities may not suffice.”
As we chatted, a fortress city came into view across the road.
The sturdy walls, visible even from a distance, seemed to tell the history of Zanzagir Territory. It was said that Zanzagir once guarded the border with a small nation further east. After that nation was absorbed by the Empire, the capital became a crucial trade route with the east. Given that it also encompasses a Dwarven village, it’s easy to surmise that Zanzagir Territory holds considerable power within the Empire.
When I confirmed with Sakurahime, she explained, “The Zanzagir family originally came from a martial background, and with the Dwarven village and mines, as well as a thriving smithing industry, they are regarded as a territory that significantly influences the Empire’s military strength.”
Upon entering Zanzagilium, we had no trouble getting in thanks to Sakurahime’s presence, even without mentioning the name “Soul’s Guidance.”
The guards seemed a bit surprised to see Geshura, the half-human, half-snake, but upon hearing that we were from “Soul’s Guidance,” they quickly changed their demeanor.
The streets of Zanzagilium exuded an air of simplicity and strength. The stone buildings were neatly arranged with minimal decoration, and even the stalls along the streets displayed a sense of orderliness.
While the people passing by were not too different from those in other towns, about half of them wore clothing that had a somewhat Japanese feel to it. This was likely a reflection of the local culture, but it made me curious about the relationship with the similarly Japanese-influenced Oz Country.
“Mariane and I will stop by the guild before heading to the Zanzagir Marquis’s residence. Sorry, but could you please inform Sakurahime about this?”
“Leave it to me.”
“Then, we’ll see you later.”
With that, the guild’s Grand Master, Miss Dorozitte, and Mariane parted ways from our party.
We proceeded directly to the Marquis’s residence under Sakurahime’s guidance.
As we walked through the streets towards the central district, many people glanced our way. The locals, in particular, seemed surprised, likely due to the presence of the Marquis’s daughter, Sakurahime.
After passing through the second city gate and entering the central district, we arrived at the Zanzagir Marquis’s residence, which also bore the same air of simplicity and strength. Naturally, we passed through the gate without issue thanks to Sakurahime’s face.
There were about twenty people waiting to greet us.
In the center stood a middle-aged man dressed in a haori and hakama, next to a woman in clothing reminiscent of a kimono. There was also an elderly man who appeared to be a butler, along with several servants.
“Sakurahime, welcome back. Your letter mentioned that you faced various hardships as an ‘Adventurer of Salvation,’ but I am relieved to see you safe.”
The man in the haori and hakama was the first to speak. With his dark gray hair tied at the top and a neatly trimmed mustache, he exuded an air reminiscent of a samurai. There was no doubt that he was the Marquis of Zanzagir, Sakurahime’s father.
“I am delighted to see you again, Sakurahime. You appear to have grown much stronger and more resilient since you left this house.”
The woman in the kimono spoke next. With her elegantly styled gray hair and a gentle yet strong face, she clearly bore a strong resemblance to Sakurahime. She was undoubtedly her mother.
“Father, Mother, I apologize for causing you worry. I am still in training and am not permitted to return to this land, but I have come back for a specific reason.”
“Indeed. If what you wrote in your letter is true, then expressing gratitude is of utmost importance. No one will blame you for returning this time. And these are your companions, I presume?”
“That is correct. This is Soushi Okuno, who saved my life, and this is the party known as ‘Soul’s Guidance.'”
Stepping forward, I bowed in greeting.
“It is an honor to meet you, the esteemed Marquis Katsumaru Zanzagir of the eastern stronghold of the Empire. I am Soushi Okuno, an adventurer. Though I hold the title of Count in the kingdom, I wish to be treated as a mere adventurer during this visit.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Count Okuno. I am Katsumaru Zanzagir. My family and I are deeply grateful for your assistance in saving my daughter’s life. I would like to invite you and your party to rest and recover from your long journey at my residence.”
“I gratefully accept your kind offer.”
“I am Kaedenoha, Katsumaru’s wife. I have heard that my daughter, Sakurahime, has been in your care. I would be delighted to hear more about your esteemed party, as your reputation has reached us here.”
“Though I fear I may be a poor storyteller, I would be happy to share our tales if you wish.”
“First, please come inside. We have prepared rooms for you, so you may leave your belongings there.”
I let out a small breath, trying not to draw attention to myself, and stepped into the Marquis’s residence.
Having visited the royal castle numerous times, I was no longer nervous about entering a noble’s mansion.
However, this time I was dealing with a Marquis of the Empire. Moreover, I was a Count of the kingdom and the benefactor who saved his daughter’s life. The unusual circumstances made my stomach churn slightly.
It was only natural that Freinir looked up at me with concern as I rubbed my lower abdomen.