Kays Translations

Chapter 31: The Capital City of Shanark

Lucius walked along the main street.

It was an unfamiliar journey.

Along the way, there were various small troubles: running out of underwear, ordering overly spicy food, staying in a cheap inn with noisy neighbors, getting involved with thugs on a dangerous street, being attacked by monsters on the road, and even being ambushed by bandits who targeted the carriage.

Nevertheless, looking back, the journey had been relatively smooth.

And today, 17 days after leaving home, after transferring carriages, Lucius finally arrived at the capital city in the eastern region.

"So, this is the capital city of Shanark."

The eastern streets had a slightly Eastern charm, to put it in simple words.

While the architectural style was Western, there was a hint of the East in the way courtyards were designed.

Perhaps it was the presence of bamboo and stone arrangements in the landscaping that gave that impression.

"Eastern streets are indeed different."

A thought suddenly occurred to Lucius.

Despite being in another world, there seemed to be similarities to his previous life.

The most prominent example was the language.

Although it was similar to English, just that alone, if we consider the birth of a different language system on a different planet, even linguists would be puzzled about the possibility of a coincidentally similar language.

The concept of nobility and social styles were also not exactly the same, but there were still similarities that could be felt.

Well, whatever.

Putting an end to the futile thoughts, Lucius shifted his gaze to the scenery in front of him.

Judging from the liveliness of the city, it seemed to prosper more than Baronedia, the capital city of the northern region. Large buildings crowded together in every available space, and there were many merchants. The streets were so crowded that one could bump into people while walking.

However, compared to the northern region, the security here seemed to be lacking. Lucius noticed people armed with weapons, walking around with a menacing air. Just one street away from the main road, there was a red-light district where prostitutes beckoned customers even during the day, and fights were happening all over the city.

"It feels quite chaotic here."

Feeling slightly oppressed, Lucius walked through the city, asking for directions from a few pedestrians, until he reached the city gate in the center of the city.

"So, this is the Lord's castle."

Lucius looked up at the massive gate.

The castle was even larger than the residence of Lord Strauss, the lord of the northern region. If there was a difference, it was that the castle itself was surrounded by huge walls, and its design seemed to prioritize warfare rather than grandeur and elegance.

Lucius approached the guards standing in front of the castle.

"I am Lucius Norris Dragon of House Dragon, the eldest son. I wish to have an audience with Lord Esta, the lord of the eastern region."

The guard glanced at Lucius briefly.

"Get lost, kid. The lord of the eastern region doesn't have time to talk to a child like you."

"Nevertheless, I have a royal decree that requires me to meet him."

"...If you keep spouting nonsense, I'll throw you in jail for a few days."

The guard's words were understandable.

For someone in a position of authority, there was only so much evidence they could provide to prove their identity. At most, they could show a letter of introduction or their appearance. Ideally, they should have brought retainers and dressed formally, but only wealthy families who could afford to bring their servants on a long journey were able to do so. As a poor noble, Lucius traveled in attire resembling that of commoners.

In this case, it would have been better if Lucius had at least gotten his father, Robert, to write a letter as a baron. Lucius realized this a few days into the journey, but his father was inexperienced and might have thought it was better for Lucius to learn from the journey in every aspect.

With no other choice, Lucius drew the sword at his waist.

"Then, with this sword..."

The guard, sensing something ominous, readied his spear.

Lucius unsheathed the sword from its scabbard and handed it to the guard.

"Is this the royal crest?! Why does a child like you possess it?"

"Is it enough as proof of my standing?"

Initially bewildered, the guard smirked when he saw the decorations on the sword.

"...This sword is suspected to be stolen. I'll keep it for now."

The guard took Lucius's cherished sword and sheathed it on his own waist.

"That would be troublesome. If it goes missing, I won't be able to explain to His Majesty."

The guard thrust his spear towards Lucius.

"Enough of your nonsense! Now get lost!"

—People in the eastern region are quite rough.

However, compared to facing a wicked dragon, Lucius didn't feel any pressure at all.

Lucius quickly moved to the side of the spear, stepped into the guard's blind spot, and reached into his bosom.

"What!?"

In front of the slow-reacting guard, Lucius drew the sword from his scabbard with a reverse grip.

He placed the blade gently against the guard's chest, right where his heart would be.

"Is this still considered stolen goods? I've been carrying this sword since I was three years old, so it should feel familiar in my hands."

After a pause, the guard, finally catching up with the situation, began trembling.

With just one move from Lucius, his life could be taken. It was natural for him to feel fear.

Taking the sheath from the immobilized guard, Lucius returned the sword to his own waist.

"...It seems there was a misunderstanding. I will guide you."

"That helps a lot"

Lucius smiles as he sheathes his sword.

After that, Lucius decided to wait in a separate room as ordered by the guard.

――Not yet

I had been waiting in a windowless waiting room for about four hours.

Nonetheless, he suddenly visited the eastern leader without sending an errand in advance. Just taking your time is a good sign.

When Lucius got up from his chair and stretched himself, the door suddenly opened.

On the other side of the door were many soldiers with swords.

"Lucius... Baron. Sorry for the delay."

Lucius has been given the title of baron by the king.

However, since he is not officially Baron Dragon, the soldiers seem to have hesitated about what to call him.

Lucius returned the greeting and more than ten knights took position around him, surrounding him from all sides.

It seemed that they were to escort him directly to the audience chamber.

Presumably, in case Lucius were to go berserk, the knights would restrain him.

Their faces were tense, as if transporting a dangerous criminal.

—Well, that's a bit hurtful.

Led by the soldiers, they climbed the stairs and entered a particularly large hall.

In the audience chamber, a woman in her forties sat on a higher seat at the back, surrounded by her retainers and knights who were waiting around.

The woman had her emerald green hair tied up.

Lucius stepped forward and knelt down.

"Lord Esta, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Lucius Norris Dragon."

"It seems you have some understanding of proper etiquette. I heard you are the son of rural Baron Norris. You must be quite proud, Lord Norris."

Lord Norris referred to count Strauss, the leader of the northern region.

The knights surrounding Lucius shuddered at the condescending tone.

Many of them scrutinized Lucius, examining his expression.

"Allow me to introduce myself as well. I am Reilintz Esta Windsor. Does the name Windsor ring a bell when it comes to the current head of the Esta Windsor family?"

"Yes, I am aware."

Lucius replied without raising his head.

"Now, then, those people are getting in the way of our conversation."

Lord Esta ordered the knights surrounding Lucius to step back.

It seemed that it wasn't Lord Reilintz who had sent the knights to intercept Lucius.

"L-Lord Reilintz... That's enough with the teasing."

The close aides, with a tense expression, admonished her.

Due to the different titles depending on the positions, it could be confusing, but as a person from the eastern region, Lucius needed to address Lord Reilintz with respect as Lord Esta.

In the middle name of nobles, there was a custom of using the middle name of one of the four major noble families that governed the region.

For example, in the case of Lucius Norris Dragon, Norris corresponds to that.

And when referring to the external title for the four major nobles of the northern region, it is Lord Norris, and when the retainers address them, they separate the middle name and call them Lord Strauss.

Even for an outsider, if they have a close relationship, they may choose to call each other by their names, but it is not the general etiquette.

Similarly, when Lucius, an outsider, addresses the four major nobles of the eastern region, Reilintz Esta Windsor, the correct title is Lord Esta, and the retainers call her Lord Reilintz.

Since Windsor is the last name shared by all four major nobles, it essentially indicates the king, but not many people bother to call the king Windsor King.

"Very well. As the head of one of the four major noble families, I have my reputation to consider. If you fear the wicked dragon and gauge the emotions of a child, you might as well choose death. You all might be involved, but it's an honorable death, so accept it with dignity."

Reilintz continued speaking with a dignified expression.

"My goal is to become a splendid baron like my father. It is meaningless to engage in power struggles between nobles. If I am granted permission to hold the ceremony, I have no objections."

Lucius predicted to some extent that he was not welcomed based on his conversations with his father, Robert.

"Power struggles between nobles, huh? Do you think there is any value in children like you competing against each other?"

"No, there isn't. Nobles are the sword and shield of the people in their territories. If I have that much value, it is enough."

Reilintz seemed slightly taken aback.

"...Hmm. It seems I may have tested you too much. Forgive me."

"Understood."

Reilintz seemed to be lost in thought.

"Well, Lucius, would you consider coming to the eastern region? Become the son-in-law of my family, work as a court noble under me. I can grant you a title higher than a baron."

The attendants and knights were in an uproar.

Usually, officers from any state are lining up to obtain titles.

In that situation, the Lord herself suggesting that an outsider should intervene is unheard of.

It is impossible not to be surprised.

"No, that is not possible. I have a duty to protect Silverheart Territory and its people."

Reilintz's expression showed a hint of irritation.

"Do you think you don't need such a connection with me?"

"A noble exists for the people. If one cannot fulfill their own duty, any connection with others becomes meaningless."

The atmosphere froze.

The faces of the retainers and soldiers trembled.

It seems Lucius made a mistake in his answer, and he regretted it a little, but it was already too late. Besides answering honestly, he didn't know how he should have answered.

"Kukuku... Hahaha!"

Suddenly, Reilintz couldn't contain her laughter and clutched her stomach.

"Lucius, a courageous person like you is born in the spoiled North Norris. It's funny, it hurts."

For the first time, a hint of irritation appeared in his red eyes that had been calm and composed.

"............Both Lord Strauss and my father, Dragon, are not spoiled."

Lucius sensed the reaction of the knights around him, and they all fled.

Everyone around him had disappeared.

"Good. I can let your words slide, but you can't tolerate anyone insulting your lord and father."

"If it is the truth, I shall accept it. However, what is wrong is wrong."

Reilintz seemed a little taken aback by Lucius's reaction.

"...Hmm. It seems I went too far. I apologize."

"Thank you."

Lucius bowed deeply and left the audience chamber.

Soon after, he received the letter of introduction from her attendant and descended to the castle town.

On the way, he noticed the guard who had taken his precious sword at the castle gate, trembling and cowering in a corner. When Lucius nodded slightly, the guard let out a cry and fled.

Lucius couldn't help but feel sorry.

Anyway, his first visit to the capital of the eastern region ended with a stay of just under one day. He received the letter of introduction from Lord Reilintz and headed to the city near Mount Kouron, where he planned to hold the ceremony.

Lucius boarded the carriage with enthusiasm.

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