Chapter 3 : Toward the Capital, Wiel

Out of noble habit, Ryuu began to observe Stingray.

(A tall beauty with flowing silver hair. There’s a knight’s soul dwelling behind that rational gaze. She’s a terrifying woman in more ways than one. Truly Silva’s daughter.)

Stingray had clearly inherited the blood of the hulking Silva; she was taller than Ryuu. A masterfully crafted rapier hung at her waist, giving her the aura of a seasoned warrior.

(A rapier means a speed-based combat style. But since she travels alone, she can probably use some magic, too. Maybe a Magic Knight type?)

Noticing Ryuu’s gaze, she shot him a sharp glare.

"Is there something on my face?"

"No, nothing. Sorry for staring."

(Man, I feel like she really hates me...)

This was the first time in his life Ryuu had been looked at with such suspicion by a member of the knighthood.

"Stingray, watch your tone! This is not a person you are permitted to address in such a manner. Remember your place as a member of the Ardren Knights!"

"Y-yes... My apologies, Lord Ryuu."

"Don't worry about it. I was in the wrong for staring."

Ryuu leaned in close to Silva and whispered, "Hey, Silva. Did I do something to piss Stingray off? If I did something in the past, I’d like to give her a proper apology."

"To the best of my knowledge, Lord Ryuu, my daughter has never met you in person before today..."

"Then why does she hate me so much?"

"I’m afraid even I cannot answer that."

"Some father you are."

"I have no defense... Perhaps I should change your escort. At this rate, she will only cause you trouble."

"I don't really mind. But let's just ask her directly."

Ryuu turned his gaze back to Stingray.

"If you really hate the idea, I don't mind if we switch you out for someone else. Honestly, I was planning on going to the capital alone anyway, so it doesn't really matter who it is."

"No, this is my mission. I will accompany you without fail."

"...Well, alright then. Let’s get along, I guess."

"Yes. I look forward to working with you."

Ryuu said his goodbyes to his mother, his sister, and Sebas before leaving the mansion with Stingray.

"I’m off. I’m leaving Ardren in your hands."

"Make sure you let Stingray-san protect you!"

"Ryuu-niisama, come back soon!! I’ll work hard on my magic practice while you’re gone!!"

"Lord Ryuu, please don't follow any strange people."

By the way, Ryuu hadn't told his mother or sister the specific reason he was heading to the capital. Since he had a habit of taking long trips alone since he was young, everyone was fairly used to him being gone for a while.

(The mansion should be fine with Mom and Sebas there. It’s not like it’s a long trip. And Rena seems motivated to practice her magic.)

An hour had passed since they left the mansion, but Ryuu and Stingray hadn't spoken a single word. Both were mounted on their respective horses for the journey. Stingray’s mount was a partner she’d traveled with for years, and she handled it with ease, but Ryuu wasn't falling behind in the slightest.

Ryuu turned to his horse. "Axel. Can you keep going?"

"Whinny!"

"Got it. Stingray, how are things on your end?"

"I am fine as well."

"Understood."

Just when it seemed the conversation would remain strictly professional, Stingray spoke up.

"Lord Ryuu, may I ask you something?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"That horse... it’s a monster, isn't it?"

"Yeah. He’s a Senrima."

"I thought so. Have you obtained permission from the Adventurers Guild?"

"Of course. Don't worry."

Whenever one employed a monster, permission from the guild was mandatory. However, since the Empire’s guild had quite a few tamers, it wasn't a particularly rare occurrence.

Stingray furrowed her brows.

(A pureblood horse-type monster should cost at least a thousand gold coins. I’m sure he just used his wealth to buy it. He’s just like every other noble, throwing around money and power. He’s exactly the type I despise.)

"I feel like you’re misunderstanding something, so I’ll explain just in case. I found Axel in the forest while he was being attacked by monsters and was near death. I helped him out, we bonded, and then we signed a familiar contract. Right, Axel?"

"Whinny!"

"My apologies. I had assumed you purchased him."

"How would I have that kind of money? Our family is famous for being incredibly poor."

"Is that so?"

(By commoner standards, they’re still considered incredibly rich, though.)

Since Stingray had been living a traveler's life for years, she was out of the loop regarding Ardren’s current affairs. She’d had zero interest in noble politics since childhood, focusing entirely on her combat training. That was part of the reason Silva had suggested a different escort.

Currently, the two were riding across a vast meadow.

".................."

—In silence, of course.

Even Ryuu was starting to feel the awkwardness. Just as he was about to strike up a conversation...

"Lord Ryuu, goblins."

Three goblins appeared ahead of them.

"Yeah, I see them. Can you handle it?"

"Yes. Leave it to me."

(It galls me to be ordered around by this man, but a job is a job. Patience, patience...)

Stingray skillfully maneuvered her horse, guiding the goblins so they stood in a single line. And then, the moment arrived.

"Hah!"

With a single thrust, she pierced through all three skulls.

"Oh... impressive. Your positioning and your rapier skills are both top-notch. As expected."

"I am honored."

(Tch. Being praised by a pampered brat who’s never put in a day’s work doesn't make me happy at all. At least have enough strength to handle a few goblins yourself. Just because you have a pretty face, you think everyone’s gonna pamper you... It makes me sick.)

Since turning in goblin ears to the guild would earn a small bounty, Stingray dismounted and began slicing the ears off the corpses. During her time as a traveler, these small earnings had been quite important. She was a C-rank adventurer herself.

"Heh... you’re pretty good at harvesting, too."

For a split second, Ryuu’s face was inches from hers.

"!!"

(Ugh, that startled me! Seriously, his face is the only thing he’s got going for him...)

Stingray hid her reddening cheeks and climbed back onto her horse. They resumed their journey.

As she watched Ryuu’s defenseless back, she muttered internally.

(Why does Father respect a weakling who can’t even handle a goblin so much? Even I, who worked so hard, barely ever get praised. All I hear at home lately is 'Lord Ryuu this' and 'Lord Ryuu that.' It’s so irritating. Is being the Lord of Ardren really that big a deal?)

The mental insults didn't stop there.

(And this morning, he said, 'If you stay by Lord Ryuu’s side, you’ll understand soon enough.' I don't see anything good about this man. He’s the typical noble brat—no effort, no skill, just power and pride. He doesn't even compare to me and my C-rank status. Unlike him, I’ve been working hard my whole life...!!)

Stingray muttered aloud without thinking.

"Why won't Father ever acknowledge me...?"

"Did you say something?"

"No, nothing at all."

In short, Stingray was simply jealous of Ryuu because her father respected him so much. Furthermore, from her perspective, Ryuu was a noble brat with zero combat or intellectual capability who acted high and mighty simply because of his status. That only added fuel to the fire.

From Silva’s perspective, it was exactly this immaturity that led him to label her as "half-baked." Perhaps he had placed her with the master he trusted most specifically to correct her attitude...

Ryuu pretended not to hear, but her mumble had reached his ears perfectly.

(I see. A classic father complex. She’s jealous of me because her dad, who won't acknowledge her, is closer to me than her. I guess she feels like I stole her father. Plus, from her view, I’m a typical spoiled noble, so that probably pisses her off even more. Also... man, people with father complexes really do exist. First time seeing one.)

A guy with a sister complex shouldn't be talking, but in that regard, they were two of a kind.

◇　◇　◇　◇

The journey between Ryuu and Stingray continued without any major trouble, and they eventually arrived at the checkpoint on the border of the neighboring territory. A long line of merchants and adventurers stood at the gate, and the two joined the back of the queue.

There were essentially two checkpoints connecting the territories. One was managed by the Ardren family, and the other by the family governing the neighboring territory, the House of Margrave Grace.

Normally, they would have used the Ardren checkpoint, but to save time, they had to pass through the Margrave Grace checkpoint. It was a shortcut to the capital.

As a side note, the relationship between the two had shown zero progress.

It was finally their turn.

"Next, step forward."

The two were prompted by the Grace guards to remain mounted for their inspection.

"You there, boy. Your name?"

"Ryuu Ardren."

"Ardren... Could you be Lord Ryuu, the head of the Baron’s house?"

"That’s right."

"!?"

(Is it really that surprising? This is my territory, after all. I’m bound to pass through once in a while.)

The guard apologized with a forced smile. "Well, well. My apologies."

"Don't worry about it. Just give us the permit."

"Understood. Moving on... is the woman with you your attendant?"

"I am his escort, Stingray. I belong to the Ardren Knights."

"I see, I see."

After being grilled about their reason for entry and the duration of their stay, they were finally released.

As they rode down the highway, Ryuu was deep in thought.

"..."

"Lord Ryuu, is something wrong?"

"That guard... I think he was suspicious."

"Really? He looked like he was just doing his job."

"His attitude was strange for a Grace guard. It felt like... he was stationed there specifically to investigate me."

"And where do you think he was sent from?"

"Given the timing, it’s highly likely the Empress sent him."

(I hate to say it myself, but that famous Empress has probably already noticed my existence.)

"Excuse me? The Empress... sent someone for a local Baron...? Do you have any solid evidence for that?"

"No, just a feeling. It’s a hunch."

Stingray looked unconvinced. "I... I see..."

(Honestly, always saying such random things... The wise Empress Iris Astoria, who rules the massive Astoria Empire, would send a spy to Ardren just because they happened to win a war? There’s no way. Talk about self-centered. He’s completely delusional...)

In truth, that guard really was a spy sent by the Empress, but that was a secret for another time.

"By the way, I heard you were a big help during the recent war. I’m late in saying it, but thanks. Or rather, I should first thank you for coming back to Ardren specifically for the war."

"I only did what was expected of me."

Stingray asked something that had been bothering her.

"I heard that you fought hard in the forest yourself, Lord Ryuu. How was it, really?"

"It wasn't me. It was thanks to the Ardren Knights and the adventurers led by Hakurou. I just watched from the back."

"............"

(So he really was just idling around. And yet he let rumors spread as if he was the one fighting... I feel bad for his subordinates. I’m glad I joined the unit my father was commanding on the highway. A commander who does nothing but slack off is just a nuisance.)

"What is it?"

"No, nothing."

"I see."

Ryuu asked again. "...Do you really hate me that much?"

"Of course not. I take pride in being your escort."

(As if! Like I’d ever feel pride in this!)

They continued their journey in a tense atmosphere. They took breaks to rest the horses, but they never spoke about anything other than the logistics of the trip.

The Margrave Grace territory was famous for being a major wheat-producing region. A short ride revealed golden wheat fields stretching as far as the eye could see. Many travelers came just for this view. In fact, they passed many people along the way.

(It’s gorgeous.)

(Haaah. No matter how many times I see it, it’s beautiful...)

Their destination for the day was the most prosperous city in the Margrave territory—and indeed, in the entire region. Ryuu was operating on the theory that a big city would have good inns.

Stingray, who was experienced in traveling, didn't object, so his reasoning was likely sound.

They joined the line at the city’s main gate, underwent their second interrogation of the day, and managed to enter before sunset.

They found several promising-looking inns along the main street, but unfortunately, all of them were full. Refusing to give up, they finally found one with an opening. They left their horses at the stable and hurried to check in.

"Two rooms, please."

"I’m very sorry, but we only have one double room left..."

"Is that so? Then we’ll look for another—"

Before Ryuu could finish, Stingray cut in.

"Lord Ryuu. I don't mind sharing a room, so let’s stay here."

(I am absolutely not sleeping outside. I’ll just have to deal with this inn.)

"...Alright. We’ll take the double room."

"Understood. Here is your room key. Please enjoy your stay!"

Ryuu took the key.

(That’s unexpected. I thought she’d rather sleep outside than share a room with me... Maybe she doesn't hate me as much as I thought, even if she is jealous.)

They entered the room and set their luggage on the table. There were two beds, and the room itself was quite spacious. The fact that it came with dinner and a shower was a major plus. It was worth the price—or rather, it was a high-quality room for the cost.

"Lord Ryuu. Please, use the shower first."

"Thanks."

Washing before the master would be a breach of chivalry. Furthermore, Stingray had wanted to handle all the check-in procedures herself, but Ryuu hadn't budged. He hated being completely catered to.

"This is a great showerhead. The water pressure and temperature are perfect."

Ryuu was impressed by the high-level shower magic tool as he washed. After he finished, he realized something.

(Crap, I forgot to bring my change of clothes.)

—After a moment of agonizing.

Even if she was a knight, she was still a woman. It would be rude to make her rummage through a man’s travel bag. He had no choice but to wrap a towel around his waist and go grab them himself. He opened the shower door and strode back into the room.

"R-Lord Ryuu!?"

"Sorry for the sight. I accidentally forgot my clothes."

The moment Stingray saw Ryuu’s upper body, she was speechless.

"Uh........."

"Hm? What is it?"

"A-ah, no, it’s nothing..."

"Alright. I’m heading back in."

"Y-yes..."

The moment Ryuu closed the door, Stingray clutched her head.

(What was that... What the hell was that!!! All those horrific scars!!!!!!!)

Ryuu’s body was carved with countless old wounds. It was harder to find a spot without a scar than one with one. In one place, there were marks that looked like he’d been crushed by something massive. In another, long gashes as if he’d been shredded by giant claws.

Beyond those, there were numerous deep gouges that looked agonizingly painful. It was a miracle he was even alive.

The shock hit Stingray’s brain like a physical blow.

(I’ve seen many warriors with scars, but Lord Ryuu is on a different level. The size, the number... everything is in a different dimension.)

Stingray suddenly remembered something her father, Silva, had told her recently.

“Stingray, listen well. A true powerhouse intentionally hides their strength and lives in a way that no one will ever suspect their true power. You must never judge a person by their appearance or rumors. They blend naturally into the masses... those true masters…”

(No way... was that what he meant!?)

Only now did the true meaning of those words dawn on her.

Her mind was in a state of total chaos. And for good reason. The man she had looked down on due to her own misunderstandings and petty jealousy was a master among masters who had survived impossible battles. As a person, and as a knight, she had committed an unforgivable sin.

(What kind of life has Lord Ryuu lived in these past fourteen years... I can’t even imagine it... It’s too terrifying to even think about...)

Before she knew it, tears were streaming down Stingray’s cheeks. Whether it was out of shame for her own pathetic behavior or from imagining Ryuu’s past, no one knew.

◇　◇　◇　

When Ryuu finished dressing and returned to the room feeling refreshed...

"W-what are you doing... Stingray...?"

"I am deeply, truly sorry for my arrogant behavior! It was completely unbecoming of an attendant!"

For some reason, Stingray was performing a full dogeza right in front of the door.

Ryuu eventually managed to convince her to lift her head and sit on the bed.

"Look, just calm down and have some tea."

"Yes, excuse me... slurp."

"So, why the dogeza?"

"Because of my own selfish misunderstandings and jealousy, I treated you in a way that was unacceptable for an attendant..."

"Well, I kind of figured that part out."

"I am truly sorry! To atone for my crimes... I shall commit hara-kiri immediately!!!"

Ryuu desperately tried to soothe the woman who was suddenly spouting nonsense.

"Hey, stop that!! Besides, how are you even gonna do that with a rapier!! That sword is for stabbing, not slicing!!"

"Then I shall borrow Lord Ryuu’s katana!!"

"Don't try to use my favorite sword as a suicide tool!! You stupid, klutzy knight!!"

"Guh... Let go of my hand!!"

"That’s my line!! Let go already!!"

After a brief struggle over the sword, the battle was finally settled. The item in question was firmly gripped in Ryuu’s hand.

"Pant... pant..."

"Huff... puff..."

Once Stingray regained her composure.

"Alright. Sit straight. Seiza."

"Yes..."

"Do you know why I’m mad?"

"Because my attitude was terrible."

"No, you idiot. It’s because you tried to kill yourself over such a stupid reason. Value your life more."

"A stupid reason...? But..."

"Don't talk back. I don't care about it, so you don't need to apologize to anyone. As long as you keep accompanying me on this trip, that’s enough for me. Got it?"

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for your generous mercy."

"Good. It’s better when you’re honest."

(Even after everything I did, he calls it a "stupid reason"... How big is Lord Ryuu’s heart? Why didn't I realize something so simple until now? I want to punch my past self... Oh, this is so embarrassing...)

Ryuu sat back down on the bed.

"So, what kind of misunderstanding were you having? Be honest, I won't get mad."

"I thought you were a typical, arrogant noble brat."

"I see, I see. And?"

"I thought you were a spoiled prince who’d never put in any effort and just threw around money and power."

"Ouch..."

(She really did think all that...)

"I guess you really are a typical daddy’s girl, huh?"

"I-I am not!!"

"Your dad, who won't acknowledge you as a full-fledged knight, respects me for some reason. You were so frustrated by that fact you couldn't stand it. You felt like I’d stolen your father. Right?"

"I... you hit the nail on the head."

Stingray blushed in shame and looked down.

"By the way, when did you notice?"

"Around the Ardren meadows. You know, when we were attacked by those goblins."

"So, almost from the very beginning..."

(He truly is a terrifying person.)

"Forgive me for being blunt, but... may I ask about Lord Ryuu’s scars?"

"Scars...? Ah, so you changed your mind because you saw me naked. You were talking about effort and all that earlier."

"Don't say 'naked' like that! It’s just, well..."

"So you got excited seeing me naked."

"Stop it!! I didn't get excited at all!!"

Jokes aside, Ryuu took off his jacket.

"Aren't scars like this normal for a warrior?"

"Of course not!! I’ve never seen that many scars, even on an S-rank adventurer!! You wouldn't get that many even if you fought S-rank monsters every single day!!"

"Is that so? I usually wear long sleeves and never take my clothes off except for baths, so I’ve never seen anyone else's reaction."

"Wait, don't nobles usually have servants wash their backs for them?"

"Well, I was banished to the villa until recently."

"Eh?"

When he lived at the villa, his daily routine was to take a bath while Sebas was cooking, finish just as the food was ready, and then everyone would eat together.

"I guess I’ll have to start from there. I’ll explain the current situation in Ardren in a way that’s easy to understand, so have some tea and listen."

"Yes, I understand... slurp."

(That Silva. Stingray doesn't know anything about Ardren. Did he want me to educate her? He should have said so earlier.)

In the end, the conversation lasted until late at night, and the two eventually fell asleep where they sat. They had, of course, already finished dinner, their showers, and taken care of their horses.

The next morning.

"Alright. Let’s head out with a fresh start."

"Yes!! I will follow you anywhere!!"

"Whinnnnny!"

A high-spirited, beautiful knight had officially joined the team.

◇　◇　◇　

The two crossed the vast Margrave territory and passed through the checkpoint once again.

"Grace wasn't bad."

"I agree."

"We’ve made good progress so far, but the journey’s just beginning..."

"The Astoria Empire is one of the three largest nations on the continent, after all."

Unfortunately, passing through the Margrave Grace territory didn't mean the capital was just around the corner. Since this territory was—as its name suggested—on the empire's frontier, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the real journey started now.

Unlike the previous day, their conversations were lively. The reason was obvious.

"It was ten times more prosperous than Ardren."

"A Margrave in the Empire is equivalent to a Marquess. If it wasn't that prosperous, I’d be worried as a citizen."

"Since we’ve absorbed Manntester and can hold our heads a little higher, maybe we should start a war with Grace next."

"Eh?"

"I’m joking. We’d be crushed instantly."

Empire noble ranks started from Baron, then Viscount, Count, Marquess (equivalent to Margrave), and Duke. Above them were the Imperial Family, Grand Dukes, and the Emperor.

Ryuu and Stingray crossed mountain ranges, forded great rivers, and passed through massive forests. They occasionally encountered low-rank monsters or bandits, but Stingray made short work of them every time.

While they had to camp out on some nights, the two had bonded quite a bit, so they didn't face much hardship. Or rather, it might be more accurate to say Ryuu had graciously forgiven and accepted Stingray’s previous outbursts...

And then, finally, they reached the end of their journey.

"So that’s the Imperial Capital, Weal... It’s way too huge..."

"I stayed there for a few months once, but it’s still an overwhelming sight..."

(Man, I missed this place. Good old Weal.)

Before them sat a fortress city so massive that "huge" didn't even begin to describe it.

Imperial flags flew along the defensive walls, which stood over twenty meters high. Beyond them, the Imperial Castle—the residence of the royal family—loomed over the city. It was a sight truly worthy of the capital of the great empire.

"Good job, Axel."

"Whinnnnny!"

Since the most noble family in the Empire lived here, the background checks for entering the city were far stricter than anywhere else. The gates of Weal were divided into commoner and noble sections, so naturally, the two lined up for the latter.

Usually, nobles entering these gates used extravagant carriages, so the two from Ardren stood out for all the wrong reasons.

"Who are they supposed to be?"

"Looks like a young master and his attendant."

"Probably some country bumpkin nobles."

"They should have just lined up with the commoners instead of trying to save face."

The whispers were constant.

"We’re really standing out, aren't we?"

"Being stared at this much makes me a little shy."

"Please take this seriously..."

When it was finally their turn, as expected, the guards were suspicious.

"Um... forgive my bluntness, but are you truly members of a noble house?"

"Hang on, our family crest should be here somewhere..."

Ryuu reached into his item bag and rummaged around.

"Found it. This is the one."

"This crest... House of Baron Ardren. My apologies."

"Don't worry about it. I’m used to this."

"I don't think you should be..."

The two finally entered the city walls.

"The Adventurers Guild and Merchant Guild headquarters are here, right?"

"Yes. There are B-rank and higher adventurers and famous merchants everywhere."

"You’re registered as an adventurer, too, right, Stingray? What rank are you?"

"I’m just registered on the side of my knightly duties, but I’m currently C-rank."

"Eh... if you were serious about it, you’d probably be B-rank by now, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, likely."

"That’s amazing."

"Hehe, it’s not that big a deal~"

This female knight was a total pushover.

Since they weren't scheduled to receive the Elixir until the day after tomorrow, they followed Stingray’s guidance down the main street to look for an inn.

"That’s the Adventurers Guild headquarters."

"It’s huge..."

"And that’s the Merchant Guild headquarters."

"Huge..."

Ryuu’s vocabulary was failing him; every building was colossal. These were the headquarters for all guilds within the Empire, though the global headquarters for all guilds on the continent was located elsewhere.

They turned off the main street into a road lined with inns. Since Weal saw visitors from all over the continent, the number of inns was staggering. Inbound tourism was a major source of revenue for the Empire.

"And this is the inn I used to stay at."

Stingray pointed toward a small but clean and cozy-looking inn. You could tell the owner cared about the place just by looking at it, which usually meant it was reliable.

"Alright, let’s stay here then."

"Understood. I’m on good terms with the owner, so leave the check-in to me."

"Got it. I’ll wait outside."

Stingray went into the inn alone.

(Well, at least we made it to the capital. Time to take a breather.)

As he stood there petting Axel, he saw a young girl running down the street toward him. He watched her, wondering why she was in such a rush, when...

(Wait, isn't she gonna crash right into me?)

Just as Ryuu tried to step aside, the girl adjusted her course.

"I’ve been waiting for you!! My Prince!!"

—And then she leaped right into his arms.

"Eh?"

(What? Why is a mysterious beautiful girl hugging me right now? She’s got the wrong person, right?)