CH 288

The official entrance and exit gate to Ruva was located on the eastern side of the Imperial Capital.

It was a huge chalk gate.

A high arch that wraps up from above.

The area beyond this gate was apparently called 3rd Division.

When they saw our arrival, several gate guards rushed towards us.

Upon showing the Special Class Certificate though, they seemed to judge that there was no problem right away.

It seems that they had been well-instructed for our arrival.

[A representative from the castle will arrive shortly. P -Please wait a moment.]

Being told as such, we were welcomed into the guardroom by the gate.

We were then directly taken to one of the rooms, while they left the door of the room not closed.

As I sat down in the chair offered to me and waited, I could hear the voices of the soldiers from within the room.

[So that’s the rumored……]

The sound comes from outside the room, coming from soldiers who are glancing at us through the open door.

The soldier standing nearby, perhaps bearing in mind his position, shows no sign of saying anything other than what’s needed.

[T- That’s Seras Ashrain huh…… I’ve never seen her in person……]

[Her beauty can’t even be compared to the copies of portraits and wanted posters…… The real thing is just unbelievably better.]

After the battle at the Anti-Demon White Castle, it became a well-known fact within the continent that Seras is a member of the Fly King Squadron.

It seems that her appearance is also known by portraits and wanted posters distributed in many countries.

Putting aside if we’re along the way, there’s no need to hide Seras’ undisguised face here.

Her presence would also prove that the Fly King Squadron here is the real deal.

[However, the other silver-haired woman…… is also beautiful.]

[A- As for the physique…… I think she’s more of my preference over Seras Ashrain’s……]

[Ohh, the silver-haired one just smiled and greeted me…….]

[……To be honest, that seriously made my heart flutter.]

Munin also hasn’t disguised herself.

As long as she hides her wings, no one but those in the know will think she’s one of the Forbidden Race.

She would need to reveal her true identity at the signing ceremony.

Thus, it would be better to have the people remember her face and make an opportunity to create a face pass for her.

[So…… Who is that Fly King to have two such beauties by his side?]

[Ashinto itself is said to have been a mysterious group with an unknown background.]

The only one who had kept his identity hidden beneath a mask is me, dressed in my Fly King outfit.

[However, it’s reassuring to know that they are on our Mira’s side.]

[Yeah…… Perhaps this battle really is as his Majesty said, blessed by the heavens.]

Information had circulated that the Mad Emperor had teamed up with the Fly King Squadron huh.

It’s highly likely that the Mad Emperor was the one who leaked such information around.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached.

[Thank you for waiting, everyone.]

The one who appeared was the counselor with the round glasses who was also at the negotiations.

I believe his name was……

[Introducing myself once again, I am Wright-sama’s Head Counselor, Hawk Landing.]

[It’s been a while, Hawk-dono.]

[We have been waiting for your arrival, Commander of the Fly King Squadron, Belzegia-sama…… and his Deputy, Seras Ashra———–]

Hawk’s words were abruptly cut off.

Seemingly frozen, he stared at Seras.

Thereupon, a blush slowly grew on his face.

A few moments later, Hawk repositioned his glasses, which has shifted slightly———–

[M- My apologies…… I’ve seen you before in the negotiations, but this is the first time…… I’ve seen your face……]

Speaking of which, Seras kept her face hidden at that negotiation.

The reason I had her wear a mask at that time was because I thought it would interfere with the negotiations if their attention was focused on Seras.

[Fufu, I understand you. When I saw Seras-san for the first time, I was also shocked like that for a while. I understand what you’re feeling very well.]

Munin followed up.

Giving her an embarrassed smile, holding some gratitude within it, Hawk’s face stiffened.

[And then…… the Diplomat from the Faraway Country, Munin-sama. Welcome to Mira’s Imperial Capital, Ruva. I welcome you all from the bottom of my heart.]

After giving his greetings, Hawk checked his pocket watch before turning towards us.

[Well then, allow me to guide you to the castle.]

Seemingly urging us, he indicated the door of the room with his hand.

[A carriage awaits outside. We will head for the castle in it.]

Prompted, we exited the guardroom.

The carriage parked nearby was large and magnificent, having a base color of a clean white.

It was decorated with silverwork in various places, and even the wheels looked somewhat luxurious.

The horses pulling it had white fur, and even the reins looked elegant.

At that moment, Seras brought Slei with her from the simple stables set up beside the guardhouse.

[I will not ride with you in the carriage, but will ride with you to the castle. Is that alright?]

Hawk looked at her, then towards the carriage.

[No…… I think Seras-sama escorting the carriage on the way to the castle would attract more attention than necessary. I don’t think it would be a good idea to stand out too much, so I’ll have the soldiers bring your horse back to the castle.]

He gently refused.

With that being the case, I told Slei to follow the carriage in her second form.

Then, I told Hawk that the horse would follow without any problem.

Hearing what I said, Hawk quickly glanced back and forth between the carriage and Slei……

[I understand.]

Hawk restlessly trotted towards the carriage.

Taking his place in front of the carriage, he put his hand on the door handle and waited for us.

[………………….]

[Belzegia-sama? Is something the matter?]

[No, I just thought it was a very fine carriage.]

Upon my words, Hawk smiled.

[You are important guests to our country. It’s only natural that we should provide you with a carriage of this extent.]

[You have my gratitude.]

Thanking him, Hawk opened the door for me.

[Welcome to the Imperial Capital, Ruva.]

In the center of the seat on one side, settled himself with a slightly slumped posture———-

[It’s good to see you again so soon, Fly King.]

——was the Mad Emperor.

Adjusting my posture as best as I could, I bowed as humbly as I could.

[For his Majesty to personally welcome us like this, I was surprised at how unexpected it is…… but more than that, it’s truly an honor.]

Thereupon……

[Compared to the reactions of the two behind you though…… It seems to me that you expected to see me in this carriage.]

The Mad Emperor lightly smiled, as if what he had been hoping had come true.

Because I was worried about how long it would be as a single chapter, and about how I also wanted to elaborate some stuff a bit more, I decided to split the next chapter into two parts. So, I will post an update again around 12mn.