Chapter 162

Chapter 162

It took three days to get from Crossroad to New Terra by airship.

If you only considered the flying time, it would take less than a day, but because periodic landings for mechanical inspections and Magic Power recharge were necessary, it took that long.

I had to spend most of these three days seated.

The officers attended to me constantly, so there was no discomfort, but my back started to ache as we went along.

"Yawn... When on earth are we going to arrive?"

The initial excitement had long faded, and I now felt a desperate urge to arrive and face the dignitaries of New Terra as soon as possible. Lets land already!

I was killing time so pointlessly.

Just when I sensed that the airship was lowering its altitude, a grand view of an enormous city started to become visible through the window.

"Oh!"

I gasped softly and pressed myself against the window.

It was finally in sight.

The center of this world. The largest city on the globe.

New Terra, the capital of the Everblack Empire, revealed itself in all its overwhelming majesty.

***

New Terra.

A port city situated on an inland sea.

It was the hub of global trade and logistics, and the size of this ever-expanding city was already comparable to a small country.

I dont know much, but it seems tens, if not hundreds, of times larger than Crossroad.

Of course, this was a city you wouldnt see in the game. The games stage was strictly confined to Crossroad.

Even viewed from a distance, the city was far from ordinary beauty.

The turquoise sea waves crashed against the harbor of the city situated by the inland sea, breaking into scattered droplets that sparkled under the clear sunlight.

Fishing boats and merchant ships were busily moving in and out of the harbor, while carts were ceaselessly transporting goods from the harbor into the city.

Broad and neatly organized roads branched out in every direction, and countless people moved along them.

I thought the city would be dark and gloomy since the countrys name is Everblack.

It was not. Rather, it was a bright and dazzling city, the complete opposite.

Except.

"...!"

The royal palace situated at the citys center was fittingly black, in line with the nations name.

The dark towers of the palace, standing in a row as if swallowing light, came into view.

The airship I was on was flying toward that palace. I quietly muttered the nickname of the palace.

"Thornbush Palace..."

The other airships that were patrolling the skies of New Terra slowly made way.

The Royal Special Ship Alcatraz that I was aboard, along with its two escorts, gradually reduced speed and landed towards the palace.

***

Thud...!

The hatch opened, and I slowly stepped out of the airship.

"Ugh~!"

The air of New Terra, which I inhaled for the first time, felt warm.

It made sense, as summer was drawing near. It was natural for the weather to become so mild.

An old man, neatly dressed in a butlers uniform, was waiting at the landing pad of the palace.

The old man bowed respectfully as I approached.

"Welcome, Your Highness, the Crown Prince. I have been waiting."

"Ah, about that..."

"I am Alberto, the Chief Steward of the Royal Palace. It has been a long time."

Alberto.

One of the people Lucas had told me about.

A strict old man who managed the palaces domestic affairs. He had been doing this job since before I was born.

Oh, I need to greet him... How should I do it like Ash...

After a brief hesitation, I eventually yelled, perhaps a bit too freely.

"Heyyy~! Old man! Long time no see! Are you still active at that age? Dont strain your joints, retire already~!"

"..."

Silence ensued.

Most of them were portraits of Ash. Since hes royalty, he sure got painted a lot.

One frame was knocked over, so without thinking, I picked it up and placed it upright.

Huh?

In that frame was a portrait of young Ash, nestled in the arms of a woman.

The womans face resembled Ash quite a bit. Could it be Ashs mother?

Ash said his mother has already passed away.

Lucas refrained from mentioning anything further. There seemed to be something unspeakable, something deep he couldnt share.

...

Though she wasnt my real mother, an unsettling emotion stirred within me as I looked at her portrait.

I carefully laid the portrait back on the desk.

***

Restaurant. Dinner time.

Alberto personally served the meal, nearly spoon-feeding me like one would do for a young child.

Is this how royalty usually eats? Or is Ash a unique case?

I couldnt bear this the entire time I was at the palace, so I insisted on eating by myself. Alberto, moved to tears, wiped his eyes with a handkerchief.

To see Your Highness so grown-up... It is truly magnificent. This foolish Alberto has lived well until today...

Come on, even if its the royal child! If youve reached this age, you should be able to eat by yourself! Why are you moved by something so ordinary? Ive grown up, so enough with the fuss!

The meal was delicious.

My chef at the Crossroad was not bad, but the skill of the royal chef was on another level. Hmm, yum-yum~ yum-yum~.

During the meal, I had the chance to chat with Alberto and hear an unexpected piece of news.

A victory celebration party...?!

Yes. A celebration to commemorate the end of the war with Bringar Duchy.

Alberto looked at me with a slightly puzzled expression.

Werent you returning for this event, Your Highness...?

No, I didnt know. I had no idea at all. I was practically dragged back here.

The grand event being prepared at the palace was none other than a victory celebration for the war against Bringar Duchy.

The official reason I was summoned to the palace was to attend this party.

I incredulously stroked my chin.

The wars not even over, is it? The Dukes not captured, and guerilla attacks are still happening. And theyre holding a victory celebration party?

So thats what it is.

Externally, they must declare the war is over for some reason.

The atmosphere has been unstable due to the long war with an ally, and it must be remedied.

So they were advertising and preparing the event everywhere, and suddenly I trollingly declared support for the Bringar Duchy side.

From the perspective of the second prince, Fernandez, they hastily sent me support and brought me here so I couldnt interfere until the event was over.

I see how it works now...

Annoyed, I gestured to Alberto.

So whens the party?

Its a week from now. We scheduled it to coincide with the return of the first prince, Lark.

First Prince Lark Avalanche Everblack.

The general who held the empires military power, commander of the western front, and the undefeated knight who spearheaded the Bringar Duchy annihilation operation.

Ill be seeing the first prince this time, too.

Unexpectedly, it seemed all the royal family would gather together as if for a conference.

I swallowed dryly, feeling the situation growing beyond my control.

I hadnt intended to go this far. If possible, I wanted to meet only the second prince, Fernandez, and leave.

Well, think positively.

With many people gathering, the number of those willing to send support to the southern front would increase, too.

Whether its money, soldiers, or heroes, Crossroad always desperately needs support.

A party, though...

As I lifted the teacup Alberto brought me and savored its scent, I thought to myself,

I know nothing about party manners, am I going to be okay...?!

Well, whatever. If push comes to shove, Ill have to rely on Ashs reputation as a lunatic and break through!