Chapter 17

The City of Exra-shapel.

The legendary hero, Emperor Carolus the Great, who received revelations from the ancient gods to save humanity, drew the holy sword and waged war against the heteromorphic races.

It was the city where he, along with his twelve knights, drove out the heteromorphic races that oppressed humanity and finally became emperor, holding his coronation.

With the establishment of the Kal Ros Empire, Exra-shapel became its capital. Over the long history of the empire, the city underwent endless expansions, becoming the most bustling metropolis and a massive fortress in the empire today.

The towering triple-layered walls surrounding the city had not allowed a single invasion in 800 years, symbolizing the unchanging authority of the empire and humanity.

Passing through the city gates happened late in the evening.

The sun, which had settled on the walls, had long since disappeared beyond the horizon as if fleeing.

The silent night sky that followed began to cast shadows over the city, but the imperial capital still shone brilliantly, as bright as the morning sun.

That radiance was a testament to an unyielding will that would not bow to any oppression.

It was a great symbol of human pride.

White magical lights from the street lamps lining the city streets shone like starlight, and countless people strolled through the bustling night streets of the capital, spreading vitality.

The city that never sleeps. Another name symbolizing the capital, Exra-shapel.

—

“It’s quite late, so let’s head straight to the Marquis’s residence,” Nigel said, lightly tapping the carriage wall.

Before arriving in the capital, Nigel would open the carriage door or pull aside the curtain to speak whenever there was something to discuss.

However, once inside the capital, even a little exposure could be dangerous, so it was wise to be as discreet as possible.

“Do you have a residence in the capital? Ah, of course. A high-ranking noble like the Marquis would naturally have one.”

An unused luxury residence.

Marquis Ludwig, responsible for the eastern front, usually doesn’t leave Randenburg.

But as a high-ranking noble, he would occasionally need to visit the capital, even if he didn’t want to. It would be awkward to find lodging or rely on the imperial palace each time, so the residence was likely a villa prepared for such occasions.

So, we’ll be staying there for a while.

Remnant Academy is a boarding school, but I heard there’s still about a week left before the entrance ceremony.

“Yes. It’s not a very large residence, but one where the Marquis stays temporarily whenever he visits the capital. Since the Marquis is currently in Randenburg, there won’t be many servants, but you’ll be able to relax and perhaps even take a warm bath.”

That sounds good.

The musty smell was becoming as familiar as an old friend.

After spending every night outdoors, I can see why having a spirit user in your party boosts morale in games.

They must handle laundry, baths, and drying, no doubt.

“A hot bath. I’m looking forward to it.”

With a slight smile, I tapped the carriage door twice to signal departure.

“It should take about ten minutes to reach the residence. If you have any luggage to carry, it would be best to prepare it now.”

Nigel returned to the driver’s seat and began guiding the carriage along the gravel-paved road.

—

As if they had been informed in advance of the Randenburg family’s carriage arrival, bright light seeped through the countless windows adorning the front of the residence.

Shadows flickered on the whitewashed exterior walls.

Though described as not very large, it was a rather splendid mansion that could comfortably accommodate at least forty people.

Two wolf statues stood guard on either side of the main gate, and beyond the ornate iron bars, a vast lawn stretched out.

The road cutting through the center of the garden was paved with neatly trimmed marble, reflecting the moonlight and shining brightly. In the middle of the road, a lion-adorned fountain continuously sprayed water.

This is a small temporary villa…? Then what were the houses I knew before…?

The marquis’s castle was several times larger, but it was surrounded by hard, dull gray stone walls, giving it the feel of a ruin, so it didn’t feel particularly grand.

In contrast, this place exuded a refined and luxurious elegance, reminding me of the power and weight behind the title of the empire’s border lord.

Even the Golden Flower Palace wasn’t this grand. Well, that place wasn’t properly maintained, with its dried-up garden and dusty corridors, and only my bedroom was somewhat decent.

Nigel, who had stopped the carriage in front of the main gate, got down from the driver’s seat and approached the wolf statues.

As if there was a magical device to announce arrivals, a group of servants soon emerged from the residence.

Glancing at them, Nigel unlocked the main gate and swung it open wide.

The iron bars scraped the ground, emitting a growling noise.

…Don’t they usually wait for the servants to arrive and open it…?

Well, it’s not my problem. Nigel has been doing strange things diligently for a while now.

With the gate opened by Nigel…

She approached the carriage again.

“Princess Ha-shal-leur, it’s almost time to get off. Are you ready?”

“Yeah, I’ve got everything I need to carry. The servants will handle the rest.”

“Yes, then we’ll head into the mansion.”

Nigel, holding the reins, led the carriage as they walked towards the inside of the mansion.

Following the clattering sound of hooves, the carriage wheels left two trails on the marble floor.

—

“Welcome to the Randenburg family mansion, Princess Ai-shan Gi-or Ha-shal-leur, and Sir Nigel.”

Upon arrival at the mansion, an elderly man with neatly combed-back white hair greeted us.

“Quite an impressive mansion. I should thank Marquis Ludwig later, pass that on.”

I sheathed my sword at my waist, got off the carriage, and greeted him in return.

Dressed in a black tailcoat and wearing a monocle, he seemed to be the butler managing this mansion.

Well, if he weren’t the butler with that appearance, it would be a plot hole.

“I will convey your message, Princess.”

The old man bowed gracefully in gratitude.

Behind us, the noise of servants busily unloading luggage echoed.

Princess, huh? Not a fan of the title, but unlike Nigel, it’s only for a week, so no point in making a fuss.

From their perspective, they’re just trying to be as polite as possible.

“You must be tired from the journey. Shall I show you inside the mansion now?”

“Yes. Above all, I’d like to take a bath, no need for any attendants.”

“I’ll prepare it right away. Please follow me.”

The old man gestured to a maid, instructing her to heat the bathwater.

The maid, glancing at me, seemed slightly startled but then turned and headed down the hallway.

Probably her first time seeing someone from the Ka`har tribe.

Watching the maid disappear, the old man turned back to me.

“Your clothes will need washing, so I’ll take care of that. What about the rest of your belongings?”

“Nigel will handle it. Ask him.”

I pointed to Nigel, who was instructing servants to unload the carriage.

Since the items provided by the Marquis are managed by Nigel, it’s best to leave it to the expert.

It’s not like I can distinguish between necessary and unnecessary items just by looking.

So, I’ll leave it to Nigel today, rest a bit, and get a detailed explanation tomorrow.

“Hmm, then we’ll handle that part as Sir Nigel suggests.”

After speaking, the old man gave some instructions to the maids and then returned to me.

Seeing the maids heading towards Nigel, they were probably instructed to help him with the luggage.

“So, is everything settled now?”

“Yes. I’ll guide you to the annex. You can unpack your belongings in the bedroom there and use the adjacent bathroom.”

A hot bath, it’s been so long.

Full of anticipation, I followed the old man to the annex.

—

After finishing the bath, I lay down on the bed in the center of the annex bedroom.

The warm bathwater had soothed my body, and a deep fatigue began to set in.

Perhaps the fatigue had accumulated unnoticed during the stifling carriage journey.

Staring blankly at the ceiling patterns, I pondered the future that lay ahead.

There’s about a week left until the academy entrance ceremony.

Will I be able to adapt well?

Anxious, I found it hard to fall asleep.

—

The next morning, the imperial court announced that the Empire had signed a peace agreement with the Ka`har, recognizing them as a quasi-human race.

The capital, Exra-shapel, was shaken by shock and confusion.

Everyone who heard the news doubted its authenticity at first, and upon confirmation, were horrified.

Since the construction of Berengeiria, the Ka`har had rarely crossed the eastern border, but their fearsome reputation and brutal tales were already widely known.

Amidst this, rumors spread quietly beyond the borders that the Ka`har princess had already arrived in the capital and was set to enroll in the academy as a special student.

Some were intrigued, while others were filled with rage, gripping their swords.

Meanwhile, I was too busy learning swordsmanship from Nigel to pay attention to the rumors surrounding me.

With the entrance ceremony just around the corner.