Kays Translations

Chapter 7: The Capital Klauffendam

The group, having stayed in the town at the entrance to the forest to rejuvenate, finally set foot in the Klauffeldt territory on the morning of the fifth day. This, in essence, meant stepping into the forest.

The road into the forest was so well-maintained that it was hard to believe it was inside a forest. In terms of size, it might even be wider than the wetland road they had traveled.

"This road is meticulously maintained because it's frequently used to transport magic tools. Ironically, instead of the town, merchants invest in the road leading to the town," 

Annamarie explained with a bitter expression. This road seemed to be a kind of bypass road leading to the industrial area.

"But I find this road very pleasant. Where I come from, there were hardly any trees. The air is clean, and it gives me a sense of peace,"

 Isamu expressed his genuine thoughts. While the journey so far had taken place in untouched nature, there was something desolate and devoid of vitality about it. However, this forest was different; it was brimming with life.

"Hehe, I'm glad you like it," 

Annamarie's smile finally returned to her face, which had been somewhat lacking in spirit since yesterday.

During their journey, they encountered a lone Forest Boar, but the experienced Felix and the others easily defeated it. Furthermore, it seemed that the combat abilities of Orihime were finally blossoming, as she worked in perfect coordination with Felix and others, displaying her abilities brilliantly. So far, the defeated monsters had mostly been buried, but now that they were nearing the capital, the spoils of the prey they defeated in the forest were being dismantled and carried as materials. 

"We've got quite a good souvenir," Rudolf said.

"...I feel like Orihime has gone somewhere far," 

Isamu muttered, seemingly lost in thought.

The aforementioned Orihime was curled up on Isamu’s lap as if nothing had happened, diligently grooming herself. When Annamarie and the others noticed this, a voice came from outside the carriage.

"Klauffendam is in sight! At this rate, we should arrive before evening!"

Isamu, who had returned to his senses, looked out the window and saw the city suddenly appearing in the middle of the forest.

"Amazing..."

He was so awestruck that he couldn't help but say it. As they approached, the full extent of the city became apparent.

The city spread out in a bowl-like shape, and the idea that it was the "place where a star fell" that Annamarie mentioned was likely true. It seemed that they had built houses on the south-facing slope of the crater created by a meteorite or something similar, arranging them like a staircase. It reminded Isamu of Cappadocia, which he had seen and admired on a television program.

"Klauffendam's buildings are unique; they have entrances built into the slopes and rooms carved into the rocks."

Indeed, that seemed quite efficient. It eliminated the need for foundation work, pillars, and roofs. While the sunlight and ventilation might not be great, on closer inspection, there were small skylights that probably took care of that.

Annamarie addressed Isamu, who was watching with shining eyes. 

"Do you like it? People with no appreciation call us 'cave dwellers' and the like..."

"Yes, I liked it as soon as I saw it! You don't need to pay any attention to people who make fun of you for that."

Isamu responded promptly.

While answering, Annamarie, seeing that Isamu’s gaze was fixated, couldn't help but chuckle. 

"Hehe, yes, you're right. It's best to just ignore them."

Annemarie says, looking genuinely happy and with teary eyes.

After that, they didn't encounter any monsters, and as planned, they arrived in Klauffendam as the day began to wane.

Whether the lookout noticed or not, when they reached the large gate, dozens of knights clad in identical armor lined up to welcome them. Furthermore, two figures were visible in the middle of the line. Of the two, the elderly man who was not wearing armor approached and spoke.

"Welcome back, Young lady."

"Sven, thank you for your efforts during my absence. Is everything the same?"

"Yes, nothing in particular. I have summarized the details in a report, which I will present to you later."

"Understood. How is my father?"

"He's not in any grave condition. He's able to sit up in bed and eat properly."

"I see. It's a relief. Well, I will be heading to report to my father now."

"Very well."

After their conversation, she turned to the other armored man. 

"Diluc, thank you for the welcome. You seem well."

"Of course. Young lady, you haven't changed either, have you?"

"No, I'm healthy, as are all of us. Felix and the others protected us well. Please ask Felix for the details of our journey."

Then, after a moment, she spoke to the knights lined up neatly behind her. 

"Thank you all for your efforts in guarding during my absence. Thanks to you, I was able to travel to the royal capital with peace of mind. I appreciate it."

In response to Annamarie's words, they all saluted smartly. Their expressions were filled with happiness.

"Well then, let's head to the mansion. Felix, I'll ask you to continue guarding all the way to the mansion."

The group, having finished their greetings at the gate, continued through the gate by carriage and entered the city.

"Once again, Isamu-sama, welcome to the Capital Klauffendam!" 

Annamarie cheerfully welcomed Isamu with her brightest smile so far.

As they passed through the gate on the south side of the depression's edge, the carriage continued along a road built one step down along the outer perimeter.

"This road is what you might call the main street. It's the widest road on the top tier. The Lord's mansion is just on the opposite side of the gate, so we'll be circling around like this,"

As Annamarie described, the road had quite a wide width, allowing carriages to easily pass each other. The road that curved toward the north side of the depression seemed to gently slope upwards. It was quite unusual that there were buildings only on the outside, on the right side, of the curve.

The group had been welcomed by the knight order at the gate, and they received a warm reception from the residents beyond the gate. Being the lord's daughter and a beautiful woman, Annamarie seemed to be quite popular.

"Young miss---!"

"Annamarie-sama!"

People of all ages, both young and old, crowded the street to catch a glimpse. Isamu was secretly worried they might fall off the cliffside.

Annamarie, on the other hand, was accustomed to it and was currently sitting on the coachman's platform, smiling as if in a triumphant parade.

Isamu remained hidden in the carriage because his presence was still being kept secret. According to Rudolf, there would be a formal introduction to the townspeople later. Wanderer in Ethersia were seen as a kind of hero or idol, coming from another world and possessing special powers.

Since the specific powers were rarely discussed, they weren't necessarily seen as heroes based on their abilities. However, they had a mascot-like popularity. Isamu couldn't help but wonder what it would be like when he was presented to the public.

While he was silently worrying, the carriage continued to move, and after about 30 minutes, it finally came to a halt. They must have arrived at the lord's mansion, as the man called Sven from earlier was speaking from outside.

As the gate closed, the noise finally disappeared, and the surroundings fell silent. Isamu was thinking about how quiet it had become when the carriage stopped, and the carriage door was knocked.

"Please…."

Rudolf, who was also on the carriage, responded, and the door opened, revealing a smiling Annamarie.

When Isamu stepped down from the carriage, Annamarie bowed once again.

"Isamu-sama, welcome home from your long journey! Welcome to our home!"

She said this with a smile, and behind her was a mansion constructed with a combination of stone and wood.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter