“The royal capital is coming into view, sir.”
I was called by the old man and looked out the carriage window at the royal capital.
A large river ran alongside a vast city that sat majestically beside it.
The royal capital featured the royal castle and large mansions surrounding it, all encircled by city walls.
Beyond the city walls, the townscape stretched out further, with various buildings mixed together in a chaotic manner, paying no mind to convenience.
The architecture resembled that of an old European town.
“That’s the royal capital, huh…”
The capital of the Duke of Baltia was sizable, but this city was even larger.
I had a general idea of what it would be like from books borrowed from the church about the kingdom’s history, but seeing it in person really brought its scale into perspective.
“It’s huge.”
“Yeah… I’d say it’s about three times the size of ours.”
As we discussed our impressions of the city, the sound of horses approached. When I looked ahead to check, a cavalry unit blocked our path.
The leader of the cavalry dismounted and raised his voice.
“I presume you are the Duke of Balthia and Count Waivarl! I am Viscount Paul Norden! I have come from the royal capital by royal decree to escort you!”
“…Ah. I am Gilbert Gad Waivarl, the count. Please lead us to the royal capital.”
“Understood, leave it to me.”
With that, we were guided by the cavalry as our convoy began moving forward.
I felt like I had heard that name before… Oh, right. The wine I drank recently was from the Norden Viscount’s territory. They’re part of the Crown Prince’s faction.
Soon, we entered the royal capital, and its interior was even more intricate than it appeared from the outside.
However, perhaps to avoid excessive complexity, the road leading to the royal castle and the noble district was relatively straightforward, though still winding at times.
When we arrived at the gate that protected the royal castle and the surrounding noble district, the gate was opened without any inspections, allowing us through. As expected of the royal capital, the city walls and gates were impressive. The walls were about six meters tall, and the gate was made of iron and quite thick.
Once we passed through the gate, the scenery changed to a neatly organized cityscape.
Each building was grand, the roads were straight, and the people passing by were well-dressed.
Since we didn’t own a residence in the royal capital, we were taken directly to the royal castle.
The royal castle was large, and though it was my first time visiting, it felt oddly familiar.
Ah… It’s similar to the castle in our own capital. Of course, the scale is entirely different.
After entering the royal castle and getting out of the carriage, we were escorted to a room.
As we walked, we attracted curious glances from other nobles, which left me a bit weary.
“Well then, please rest here until the banquet begins. If you need anything, please inform a maid.”
“No, there’s no need for a maid. We have her with us.”
I pointed at Mimi.
Viscount Norden briefly glanced over, and I could sense disdain in his eyes.
“…Understood. There are guards outside, so please call if you need anything.”
I nodded silently, and Viscount Norden left the room.
By the way, my father was assigned to a separate room. I dismissed the maid, but we might still be under surveillance.
I collapsed onto the sofa.
Two weeks of traveling by carriage… I’m seriously exhausted…
