Chapter 247

Translator: Kell | Editor: Weasalopes

First Day at Ville Zentra

The maritime nation of Vireocean’s capital, Ville Zentra, had a huge harbor . All sorts of vessels came and went—fishing boats, warships, merchant ships, among others . This might pose a problem during emergencies, but Vireocean’s powerful navy was headquartered next to the capital, effectively avoiding any sort of issues .

「Wow… Incredible . 」

Sitting on top of the carriage, Hikaru couldn’t help but be moved by the scenic view as the vehicle passed through a hill . The sea glittered as sunlight reflected off its surface . Countless sailing vessels departed and docked .

The port was so enormous that a whole day wouldn’t be enough to walk from one end to the other . As a matter of fact, the entire coastline was the harbor . There were reefs out in the open sea, which prevented waves from forming near the port .

Ville Zentra was a city built on a flatland . From afar, however, it looked like the center was elevated . There was a simple explanation for this—the buildings at the center were just bigger .

The ruler of Vireocean—or rather “Supreme Leader” as they were called—lived in the biggest building around . The capital didn’t have walls, as it was surrounded by steep cliffs . A city that flourished on a plain—that was Ville Zentra .

「It’s unlike any other place I’ve seen before . This should be fun . 」

Hikaru was already in a sightseeing mood .

The citizens cheered as Kaglai’s convoy entered Ville Zentra . They weren’t putting on a show; they seriously welcomed the emperor . Quinbland being in good terms with Vireocean was indeed true .

「Emperor Kaglai! Thank you for coming!」

A young, silver-haired man wearing silver armor arrived, carrying a gorgeously-adorned banner . He was already dismounted from his horse and kneeling down on one knee .

「Thank you for coming to meet me . 」Kaglai said from his carriage’s window . He had moved to the most extravagant vehicle in the convoy .

「I will show you to the state guest house . Please grant me permission to ride a horse . 」

「Permission granted . 」

The young man got up, mounted, and brought his horse close to Kaglai’s carriage . There were three knights between him and the Emperor, however .

「Are you perhaps related to General Landon?」Kaglai asked .

「So you remember my father, Your Majesty!」

「Father… I see . You are the general’s son . 」

「Yes, Your Majesty . My name is Luke Landon . I’m following in my father Gaspar’s footsteps and serving in the navy . As of the moment, I’m the commanding officer of the younger knights . 」

「I see . General Landon was a kind man who treated me well . 」

Kaglai and Luke were engaged in a conversation as the convoy proceeded onward . Hikaru was in a carriage behind the Emperor . He was surprised to find out Luke’s position despite being so young . Apparently, his father Gaspar was an admiral of the Vireocean navy, the nation’s pride . Unfortunately, he passed away due to an illness .

Kaglai sure has a lot of friends . It’s only natural I guess when you live that long .

They unpacked as soon as the convoy arrived at the guest house . Kaglai changed clothes and immediately made his way to see the Supreme Leader, attendants in tow . As the Emperor said, he really did delay his trip until the last minute .

When they arrived at the Supreme Leader’s residence—the biggest building in the city which looked like a mansion but was actually a castle—a number of extravagant carriages were already parked outside .

Hikaru looked at the banners . Ponsonia, Forestia… and I take it that plain-looking carriage belongs to the Church?

No one noticed Hikaru with his Stealth on . Slipping through the carriages, he stayed close to the wall while following Kaglai, not letting him out of his sight . He had his Mana Detection on at all times too .

Deeper into the mansion they went . After about ten minutes of walking, they finally arrived at their destination, a double-door . Beyond it was a room covered in red carpet . A balcony faced the harbor, warm light shining in through the window glass . Located on the seventh floor, the room had a commanding view of the harbor .

The round table at the center could seat ten people, but since only five people, more or less, would be seated, it shouldn’t be a problem . Aside from the table, there was no other furniture in the room, leaving a huge space—that should have been the case, at least, but right now a lot of people filled the room; civil officials, knights, among others .

Man, it’s really crowded in there . Looks hot too .

As Hikaru suspected, the window was left open to let fresh air in . Otherwise, it would get too hot inside . Hikaru watched the situation from the skylight above . The room was actually built like a penthouse, and the only way to get inside was through the mansion . As such, security was lax on the roofs .

「Queen Kudyastoria . I have been wanting to meet you . 」

In full view of everyone, Kalgai greeted Kudyastoria of Ponsonia . News of the alliance of these two warring nations reached the other countries rapidly . This was actually Kudyastoria’s first meeting with Kaglai as she wasn’t allowed to participate in national politics . Kaglai approached her and held out his hand . She took it, shaking it firmly .

A sound of amazement came from the onlookers . Kudyastoria’s tense expression loosened a bit . It was difficult for her to take the initiative; this was her first big stage and she was still clueless, so Kaglai helped her out a little .

Thank you for the concern .

Do not mention it . We are allies, after all .

They seemed to be communicating with their eyes alone .

「Long time no see, Emperor Kaglai . 」

「Ah, if it isn’t Queen Marquedo . You have not changed a bit . 」

「That’s my line . 」

Spirit Elves’ appearance barely changed with years, while Man Gnomes had life spans three times longer than humans .

This was the second time Marquedo and Kaglai met . Since Forestia changed rulers every ten years, not one had actually proactively engaged in foreign affairs until now . Usually, it was the head of each nation in Forestia that participated directly .

Now, Queen Marquedo herself came, something that Kaglai kept in mind . He sensed that something was happening in Forestia .

That’s the look of someone reflecting on a lot of things… Kaglai can notice even the smallest changes . He’s really fit to be a politician, Hikaru thought as he watched them from above . I’m guessing that person belongs to the Church .

A well-built man wearing a priest’s robe, who looked to be in his forties or fifties, was among them . He wore an overly serious look . Unfortunately Hikaru was out of range to check for the man’s name .

Lastly, there was also the organizer of the meeting .

「Kaglai! Shouldn’t you greet me first?!」

Long, red hair fluttering, the person walked briskly towards the emperor . For a ruler of a nation, they wore very casual clothing—a white blouse, black trousers that showed their body curves, and high-cut shoes . Except for the golden lace hanging from their shoulders, nothing on their body indicated their status in society .

「Ah, Supreme Leader Zylberstein . I am glad to see you doing well . 」

「You can relax a bit . No need to be too formal . 」

They appeared to be more or less thirty years old, their voice full of life . Perhaps that’s what made them look younger than their apparent age . Hikaru knew their name, but this was the first he’d seen the person .

Patricia Zylberstein, the Supreme Leader of Vireocean .

「Supreme Leader! We don’t have much time . 」

She was about to embrace Kaglai when her retainer admonished her . Patricia frowned, but it was true that they had limited time .

「Okay! We have a lot of catching-up to do, but I want to cut to the chase for now . 」

「Please wait a minute, Lady Zylberstein . 」

「I told you to call me Patricia, Kaglai—」

「Supreme Leader, there are too many people here in this room . Are you going to ask some of them to leave?」

「I think it’s fine—」

Patricia glanced at Kudyastoria and Marquedo, who both nodded .

「This is the safest place in the whole nation! Only five guards… no, three guards per country will be allowed to stay in this room . 」

The knights expressed their grievance, but refrained from complaining too much as it could be taken as doubting Vireocean . Reluctantly, the men left the room .

Hmm?

There were so many people that Hikaru failed to notice them before, but among those who left were three members of the Four Stars of the East . Only Selyse remained as part of Kudyastoria’s security detail