Chapter 68: Interlude (Leon Degrat 1)
“Well then, Leon, I’m counting on you.”
“Yes. I shall take my leave.”
The location was by the shores of the Five Connected Lakes, along the highway. Just half a day’s walk ahead lay Flatara City.
The envoy decided to send scouts to determine whether they could restock and take a break in Flatara City. The scout was Leon Degrat, the Guard Captain, mounted on horseback. Seeing him off was Agritend Luvania, the representative of the envoy.
“And you too, Zwanzig, please take care.”
“Understood.”
Zwanzig, a member of the entourage from Paraiso, volunteered for the scouting mission to Flatara City. She claimed that with her presence, they could also deploy a protective magic machine, a Golem.
Although Leon wished to avoid unnecessary risks, the combat capabilities of those from Paraiso were undeniably high. After all, they were accompanying him as a protective force, so he readily accepted her company.
“I don’t intend to linger, and I will return as soon as I confirm the situation. If all seems well, I will send a message ahead, but if I haven’t returned by dusk, please ensure that you do not approach Flatara City.”
“Understood. I will wait until noon tomorrow. Don’t die on me.”
“Yes. I have no intention of dying, especially with her accompanying me.”
Nodding, Leon mounted his beloved steed. Zwanzig climbed aboard her Golem, a smaller model stored within the massive Golem they referred to as Boki. While the length of her Golem was similar to that of Leon’s horse, it was more than twice as wide. With four sturdy legs, it resembled a spider with fewer limbs, resulting in a lower stature than Leon’s.
“Then, I shall be off.”
“Take care.”
As the horse galloped forward, Zwanzig’s Golem matched its speed. The Golem was remarkably silent, indicating its high performance.
However, Leon had only heard of Golems in tavern gossip.
The journey to Flatara City would take half a day on foot, but with the horse’s speed, they would arrive much sooner. While small magical beasts might appear around the outskirts of the city, they typically did not attack horses, so there was no need to worry. The real concern lay with bandits, but they often established their bases along the highways between towns, making them less of a threat, especially since trade with Iron Town and its surrounding territories had been cut off for over a year.
There was no reason for bandits to set traps on this side of the road.
As Leon pondered these thoughts while riding, the outer walls of Flatara City soon came into view. He signaled to Zwanzig, who was following behind.
“I can see it now, Zwanzig. From here on, please follow our plan.”
“Understood. If anything arises, I will await your instructions.”
Confirming her nod, Zwanzig pulled her hood deep over her head. Her striking appearance was likely to draw attention, so she aimed to avoid being in the public eye. Additionally, she wore goggles that covered her eyes, creating a rather unusual look. Combined with her hood, it would make it difficult for anyone to approach her, drawing unwanted attention in a negative way. Still, it was far better than letting the reputation of a beautiful fox-eared girl spread.
None of the envoy members had any trust in the local security.
It was a common belief among them that the moment anyone from Paraiso stepped out, kidnappers would swarm in.
The purpose of this reconnaissance was to confirm whether Flatara City had been devastated during their lack of information or if it had been overrun by bandit groups, ensuring that the worst-case scenarios had not come to pass.
“From what I can see, it doesn’t appear to be in ruins.”
“…Indeed. It certainly doesn’t seem to be desolate. There is smoke rising, so it’s clear that people are living here.”
Leon could indeed see several trails of smoke, likely from cooking fires. However, as far as he remembered, Flatara City had widespread use of magic stone-fueled stoves. The use of firewood for cooking suggested either a decline in the supply of magic stones or an inability to repair broken magical tools.
Neither scenario painted a positive picture.
“…I hope civilization still remains.”
Leon couldn’t help but murmur this thought. Zwanzig, who seemed to have heard him, briefly turned her face toward him but returned her gaze forward without saying anything. He hadn’t expected a response, so it was not an issue. However, he was surprised that she had heard him at all. Those fox ears were not for show.
(So, I can’t have private conversations in front of them…)
Leon thought to himself, but in reality, it was a much larger issue. If Kuravia Terek caught wind of this information, he would likely faint in shock.
Nevertheless, nearly all their conversations had already been overheard by those from Paraiso, so regardless of what happened, their responses would remain unchanged.
Leon and Zwanzig continued to guide their mounts closer to Flatara City. The outer wall was a simple structure, merely a mound of earth topped with wooden palisades.
Standing about three meters high, it was sufficient to deter bandits and small magical beasts from entering.
“There’s a gate on the right. Let’s head that way.”
“Understood.”
To the right, a closed gate came into view. Although there were no visible guards, it was understandable, as few people would be entering or exiting from this side. The concern was that if this gate was closed, they would have to search for an open one.
“…For now, let’s inquire.”
Deciding to let Zwanzig remain mounted, Leon dismounted his horse. He heard a metallic scraping sound and turned to see Zwanzig manipulating a metal weapon (which she referred to as a rifle).
“This? Just being cautious. Don’t mind me.”
“…Understood.”
Well, it made sense. There was always a possibility of being ambushed, so it was wise to remain alert outside the gate. However, once inside the city, it would be best to avoid any overt actions.
“Hey, is anyone there!!”
He knocked on the knocker attached to the gate and raised his voice. After two knocks, a loud metallic sound echoed from within.
“I hear you! I’ll open it now, just wait a moment!”
After a brief pause, the peephole creaked open.
“What’s this? You went out of your way to come to this gate…? There’s no prey around, is there?”
The face that appeared belonged to a man wearing a bandana with a distinctive dye pattern. Leon recognized it; it was a badge of sorts worn by the guards of Flatara City.
Leon felt a sense of relief. At the very least, it indicated that the security forces of Flatara City still existed. The internal situation remained unclear, but…
“No, I’m not from here. Are you familiar with Port Town of Terek?”
“…? No, I don’t recall hearing that name… Wait! Are you from another town?!”
“Yes. It’s the only town in our kingdom with a port, but you don’t know it?”
At Leon’s words, the gatekeeper’s eyes widened in surprise.
“A port! I’ve heard of that! …Wait a moment, I’ll notify someone… No, come on in! How many of you are there?!”
“I’m the advance scout. One other person is with me, along with a horse and a Golem. Is it alright if we enter together?”
“A horse and… a Golem? Ah, no problem at all. Let’s head directly to the lord’s mansion. Just a moment, I’ll open the gate.”
After a flurry of exchanges, one side of the gate began to swing outward. It seemed the gatekeeper was alone, so Leon helped him open it.
“Ah, I’m sorry. Thank you for your help. Normally, we don’t use this gate, so there’s only one of us on duty.”
“That makes sense. Don’t worry about it; I’m just doing my part.”
The gate was too heavy to fully open at once. Once it was about halfway open, Leon decided to enter.
“Alright, let’s go. Zwanzig, please follow me.”
Leon led his horse through the opening. Zwanzig nodded and urged her Golem forward. The expression on the gatekeeper’s face as he watched her and the Golem was quite memorable.