Chapter 408: The Lord’s Castle

　The atmosphere at the Adventure’s Guild Graunewald branch where Tauro and his friends went to register was tense, but since they had plans for later, they quickly registered at the reception desk and left the guild.

　Once outside, we once again felt the atmosphere of the city.

　I had heard from my father, Count Graunewald himself, that it is a city rich in tradition and prestige, but that it is not closed off and has a spirit of welcoming new things.

　As Tauro and his party headed in the direction of the castle, the lord’s residence, they overheard an interesting conversation among passersby.

 “Did you hear? It seems that the lord has come up with a new agricultural policy?”

“Really?”

“I heard that they have obtained a number of new and very high quality seeds that have never been seen before. They are going to start growing them on a trial basis as soon as possible this season, and depending on the results, they are going to expand on a large scale starting next season.”

“Recently, farmers have had a series of good harvests, which has stabilized food prices for us commoners and made our lives more comfortable, but a friend of mine said that the prices have now dropped accordingly, so farmers’ profits are stagnating. It’s up to the lord to do something about it. I’m sure it will be a major reform that will make the farmers happy!”

　Two passersby are talking enthusiastically.

　Eh? Are you talking about the seeds I raised the other day? Isn’t it a little too early to make a decision ……!

　Even Tauro was surprised at the gossip he was hearing.

“To add to that, it seems the ones who obtained those seeds was the lord’s adopted heir.”

“Oh, really? I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the heir lately, but I wonder when he’ll be introduced?”

　Eh? Good things? Father, what rumor are you spreading about me?

　Tauro is walking around completely stance to listen in on the conversations of passersby.

“Even I don’t know that much. If rumors of an heir are spreading, doesn’t that mean it’s coming soon? It’s quite possible that the lord himself is spreading the rumors for that very reason.”

　

　This passerby seems to be in the know…

　Tauro listened, impressed by the knowledgeable nature of the city’s residents, but at the fork in the road, the passerby went off in another direction.

“Oh, how I wish I could have listened a little longer!”

　Tauro blurted out,

“Ha ha! Now that you’re meeting with your parents, why don’t you just ask them directly!”

　Ragune pointed out.

“That’s true, I guess? It can also be a great way to survey the residents’ opinions, right?”

　Tauro replies with a wry smile.

“Tauro-sama, you’ve even thought about things like that! I am impressed!”

　Zion was innocently impressed.

“Look, you three, we’re approaching the castle gates.”

　Ankh pointed to the wall surrounding the castle where the lord’s mansion was located.

“It looked magnificent from a distance, but it’s even more magnificent when you get closer.”

　Tauro is impressed.

　As we rounded to the castle gate, of course there was a gatekeeper to block our way.

“Who are you? This is the lord’s castle. It’s not a tourist attraction, so I’m going to ask you to refrain from going any further than this.”

　This was a natural reaction.

“I am here to see my lord, Count Graunewald. Please tell him that Tauro, the territorial inspector, is here.”

　Tauro wasn’t sure how far his badge would go, but he told him and showed his inspector’s badge to the gatekeeper.

“…indeed, the badge certifying an inspector contains the family crest of the Graunewald family, a scale, a pile of salt, and a sword… I don’t think they’ve been issued recently… But is this the real deal?”

　The gatekeeper said, staring seriously at the child, Tauro,

“Wait a moment. No, please wait! I’ll go and check with the higher ups!”

　He said and ran inside the castle, leaving the other gatekeeper to take his place.

“Leader, why don’t you just tell them that you are his son?  That would be quicker.”

　Ankh asked the most reasonable thing.

“Look, you know how the passersby were talking about the unveiling? I thought it might be best not to go around telling people about it until then.”

“Sure… Now that you mention it, it might be best to keep quiet for now. Oh? He’s back, huh?”

　The gatekeeper seemed to have called his superiors, and he had  several soldiers behind him.

“Are these the people?”

　A man who seems to be a superior officer checks with the gatekeeper.

“Yes, sir! This person have shown proof of his status as a territorial inspector!”

“Mm. Excuse me, but may I see the badge that proves that?”

　The superior officer treated Tauro, who was still a child, with great respect.

“here you are”

　Tauro presented his evidence to this older, more understanding superior.

“Indeed! This is the very proof of an inspector of the territory… Currently, there is only one person who has this… And, I can confirm that the person beside him is Ankh. Please pass through.”

　The superior officer, perhaps feeling uncomfortable saying any more, decided to personally guide Tauro and his group.

“Pops, long time no see.”

　Ankh calls out to his  superior officer at the gate.

“You’re getting to be as old as that old man!”

　The superior man, who seemed to know Ankh, countered his flippant remark.

“Wahaha! There’s no doubt about it! Leader, this old man and I have been on the battlefield together before.”

“…… It was a long time ago. My apologies. If Ankh is by your side, then you must be Tauro-sama, are you not? I’ve heard from my lord. He said he wanted to keep you a secret until the unveiling ceremony, and surprise everyone, but he’s also spreading rumors in the town to make people aware of you, so I’m glad you came without revealing yourself as his son.”

　The superior officer gave a slight bow as he walked.

　He then leads Tauro and the others into the castle hall.

“I’ve heard some vague rumors around the city. I haven’t heard any details, but I wonder what kind of rumors are spreading?”

“Stories of your heroic deeds as an adventurer, and your stand with His Excellency the Prime Minister in Reversi. My lord has happily told them so many times that I’ve memorized them too. Hahaha!”

　The superior officer laughed and led the way to the reception room.

“Please wait here. And Ankh, make sure you behave yourself in front of the lord, okay?”

　The superior officer gave Ankh a warning and left the room.

“You two get along well, don’t you?”

　Tauro makes fun of the good relationship between the superior officer and Ankh.

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