1223 Arrival ① ~ Castle of the Ancient Capital ~

At dawn, the next day - the eighteenth day of the black month - the journey progressed smoothly.

She left Mudona's mansion early in the morning and headed north on the road. Hermes and Odifia wanted to ride in the car that was being run over by the people around the forest.

“If you go north for about half a day from here, you'll enter the northwest road, which was opened about 10 years ago under the leadership of Banam.”

As the guide, Vermes was extremely competent. It seems that the map of the continent has been input into Nokimi's head.

“To get from Banham to Genos, it must have been a shortcut to this main north-south street. So the Bannerm broke new ground... planning a trade with Genos, and we were struck by an attack. It must have been the ultimate in mindlessness for the people of that time.”

“The trade with Banam was considered to be to the detriment of Count Turan's family, and that's what happened. Was Cycléus unappealing to Fuwano and Mamalia in bananas, even though he was perverse in his quest for rare ingredients?”

“Even more than that, I was afraid that Fuwano and Mamaria, which support the wealth of Count Turan's family, would be devalued.... probably Sylle, not Cycléus. If you believe Cycléus' testimony, it seems that all those who planned the evil deeds were Syler.”

That's what Vermes said, and I believed that testimony. Cycléus' sin was that he could not stop his brother's atrocities and enjoyed the ease of life that came from his wickedness. Even though it was also a great sin, the content of the sin should have been different from that of Siluel, who was actually in charge.

About half a day later, when the guard hunters switched positions, the road to the northwest turned up, as Vermes said. From the stone road that leads straight to Kiki, the unpaved road branches off. As I moved to the sandy ground, the vibration of the seat felt a little softened.

Hmm, even though it's finally past Jomtien, it feels kind of cool at night, doesn't it?

When Rimi-Lew expressed his doubts, Vermes gave her a precise answer.

"As expected, the people around the forest are also sensitive to climate change." This area should be called the boundary of the Sun God. ”

I can't do it because I want to, right?

“Yes, it's been named that way because it feels like the sun is softening from the north. The temperature doesn't change so much, but the skin of people living north and south of the border is somewhat different.”

Speaking of which, Wellhead and Vermes are just as white as old Asta!

Having said that, Rimi-Lou tilted her head adorably.

"Huh? But even among the nobles of Genos, I feel that the female crowd is just as white..."

“It probably hates being burned in the sun, and it's applying the sap of Panam to the skin. That's how the people of the South protect their skin, and that culture must have spread to Selva. Even if you are a living Genoese people, it seems that if you use the sap of Panam from an early age, you will maintain the whiteness of the northern humans.”

"Hmmm! So, are you painting Yumi and Roy with Panam's jewelry too?" And maybe Sams, Yumi's dad! "

“No, it's not uncommon in Selva for nobles to use Panamanian sap. I wonder if they are drawing the blood of the people of the North? Lord Melfried should not have used Panam's sap either, but since his mother was born Abouf, she seems to have white skin.”

"Ah, I see!" I think I've heard that Sams was born somewhere else! In the station town, there are also people with white skin! "

“Yes, because Genos is a fast-growing place in the last 200 years or so, there are probably many people who have moved from the north.”

We had no choice but to get bored just because we were riding with Vermes. Vermes was very knowledgeable anyway - and more energetic than usual. Vermes was in a good mood for a chat, and his appearance did not stop calming my heart.

The Totos car marched smoothly even after stepping onto the northwest road - when the area was finally getting dim, it was told that it had arrived in Banam.

When I get out of the car like last night, there are a lot of soldiers around. However, this time, we saw people wearing armor with different designs from Genos and Jagal. These are Banam soldiers with bright crimson colors on their armor clasps and belts.

It seems that this place is already inside the walls, and behind us stands a stone wall that is many meters high. The orange light moving slowly around the sky is probably a patrolling soldier. Even in the castle town of Genos, I've seen a lot of sights.

And in front of me, a few dozen meters away, there stood a huge black shadow.

This must be Banam Castle, the lord's home. Although the details could not be seen because the evening was getting darker, it seemed to be a slightly different silhouette from that of Genos Castle.

Orange lights also illuminate the giant shadows, and you can see the shadows of the elongated spires on the left and right. It seemed like we were standing on the stone square in the vestibule of Banarm Castle.

"Thank you for all your hard work." From here on, I will guide you. ”

And, a person wearing something like a gown rather than an armor came out here with a gentle smile. An elderly man with a somewhat thin moustache and a classy moustache. It was a long time ago, but this person was also supposed to be a member of the mission that frequented Genos along with Wellhead.

Guided by the person, Genos' party headed to the entrance of Banam Castle.

The silhouette of the castle was different from that of Genos Castle, but it was not changed in that it was erected on high ground, first climbing a wide stone staircase. The two doors that appeared at the end of it opened their mouths like monsters.

Anyone who didn't belong to the warlords would keep their swords here. As well as the faces of the hunters and [Guardian] on the edge of the forest, I handed over the fine dagger of Gerd once given by Arvach and the others, and Pratica handed over the coat containing the poison weapon.

Then, stepping inside the castle, it was as dark as the outdoors. Although candlesticks were lit all over the walls, they did not illuminate all the vast corridors.

Moreover, the gray stones peeled off the walls and feet, and no beautiful decorations were seen. However, the enormity of the stone pillars supporting the ceiling somehow creates a piercing of the ruins. I didn't want glamour, but it was heavy and majestic, and I had a natural spine.

Besides, it feels colder in this castle than outdoors where a lot of people were holding torches. Even if it's not as hot as on a rainy night, it doesn't look like it's going to be too hot in a long-sleeved outfit. It seemed that the female crowd at the edge of the forest, who were dressed in light clothes, would actually want another piece of clothing.

Please wait here for everyone around the forest, the [Guardian], and Gerd's Pratica.

And we'll be pushed back into the hold. According to the example, he cleanses himself in turn.

In the meantime, the impression of the corridor did not change significantly. After all, the stone walls and floors are basically peeling, and there are flowers on the floor. Although it was brighter than the corridor, it was about the same amount of light as the inn in the station town, rather than the castle town of Genos.

(In other words, it saves fuel such as oil.)

Banam is not as rich a land as Genos - the words of Vermes came to my mind on the way.

The other faces are not as loud as they were last night, and they are somehow solemn. With that in mind, it was Platica who snorted.

"As your mind tightens, you calm down somewhere. This is the ancient capital, isn't it?"

"Hmph" answered Ei = Fa, who was right beside me.

"Indeed, it seems very different from the castles and palaces of Genos." We may be more familiar with it. "

Are the people around the forest familiar?

"Hmm. We don't have the habits to decorate the house... it's dark at night." Even at night, in a bright room as bright as day, it was difficult to get used to. "

It is true that other people have settled down, but they never seem to have bad emotions. And it was Camua-Josh, who gave the voice of a laughing voice.

"I didn't set foot in so many castles, though." Genos, which is said to be second only to the capital, and the ancient city of Banham, which is 500 years old, may be quite extreme. I'm sure Algrad's royal castle has both elements. "

"Hmm. Camua-Josh hasn't set foot in the royal castle either?"

In response to Ziza-Lou's question, Camua-Josh shrugs his shoulders, “Of course.”

"There's no way a nobleman like Royal Castle would be able to set foot in such a way, let alone I'm the one who draws blood from the north." What about you, Zashma? "

"Even the people of the living west are invited to the royal castle with the [Guardian] style." In the first place, it wasn't the castle but the palace that the King of Selva told us about. "

"Oh, yes, it was. The Seven Palaces of the Royal Capital! The royal family was talking about the Holy Silver Lion Palace."

I see. I heard that the [Guardian] gets permission in the King's City, but it's not like he's going to face the King.

If we were to be worshipped by His Majesty the King, I guess we would have served such a great sin by giving so many martial arts.

Having said that, Camua-Josh laughed gently.

“Whatever it is, the opportunity to set foot in an ancient castle is unlikely to be that way. It's exciting to be standing in the same place and breathing the same air as the people 500 years ago. Even so, it was worth the unworthy invitation."

And this time, Rudo-Lou said, "Hmm?” he exclaimed.

"But Camua-Josh went out to Banam and pulled a nobleman named Wellhead, right?" At that time, you didn't set foot in this castle? "

“That's right. No matter how many letters of introduction Melfried gave us, we don't walk through the gates so easily. After waiting all day in the castle town, I was finally allowed to see you outside the castle."

“I see. I heard that Wellhead is the bloodline of the side stream, but it's still in that format.”

Next up is Ghazlan-Rutim's turn. And Camua-Josh turned his back, and all the time turned to the speaker, and said, This is the left side.

"Well, since Lord Wellheid is the son of the current owner's younger sister, it may even be his mother's younger sister who is referred to as the direct line." Even so, it doesn't detract from the lineage of the Marquis, and the right to inherit the title can be revealed in seventh place. "

Seventh place? Wasn't that the sixth place before?

"Oh, Ghazlan-Rutim is quite a memory!" In the last two years or so, the current owner's first son has given birth to a new child, and Lord Wellhead has been able to bring down one. "

The aristocratic sequence is completely unfamiliar to me, but I'm sure Wellheid will be the head of the Marquis's family, which is almost zero. Even on the edge of the forest, the situation where the child of the parent's sister inherited the seat of the parent was unlikely to be visited.

”But... considering that it's a bloodline that has been going on for 500 years, it seems like a lot of stories.”

And Ai-fa murmured, and it was a very low voice, and Camua-Josh did not react. Instead, it was Platica who turned to the purple eyes alongside Ei = Fa.

500 years, is your bloodline strange?

Hmm. I don't think it's surprising that you serve the Lord of Gel anymore.

"Yes, the clan of Guerrer has existed since the birth of the Kingdom." However, the details of the time of the sorcery, the letters, because they did not exist, are unknown.... if so, is everyone in the same position, different? "

"Hmm? What is the same position?"

"We, here, exist. If so, the human being's bloodline continues from the moment of birth to the present day. From the time of royalty, nobility, and the kingdom, we have only written down the names of our ancestors, and the ancient bloodline is the same for everyone. I don't feel the big difference."

Ei = Fa opened her eyes wide and opened their mouths.

"I see... you're brilliant, Pratica."

"Well, what is it? I suddenly smile, I feel cowardly.”

And Pratica leaves her blood on her black cheek with a grim face. Ei = Fa's gaze at Platica was very gentle.

"You're right, everyone is in the same position." What matters is whether or not you behave in a way that suits your current position. Of course, a house with a long history generates the corresponding pride and responsibility... even if I don't know the name of my grandparents, I won't take the name of the Pharaoh's house lightly. Thanks to you, I feel like I've been able to reconfirm what I take for granted. "

"Ai-Fa, from the very beginning, is proud. I'm not ashamed, I'm not ashamed."

"Why would you be ashamed if I laughed?" Even though you're wise, you're not sure. "

Even Ai = Fa said to me, "Don't laugh at me with such a cute face." I'm sure the behavior of others looks good. For the time being, I didn't want to be kicked in the legs, so I decided to enjoy the cute figure of Platica with Ei = Fa without tapping on the extra mouth.

In the meantime, a maid and a maiden name finally arrive between them. I'm sure that person has been guiding the purified aristocrats. Like last night, we were divided into men and women to cleanse ourselves.

The bathhouse is still a steaming bath full of steam.

However, it does not smell like wormwood. Besides, although the stone walls and floors were kept clean, they were unusually black, and I could not help feeling the incredible age.

Even so, Asta gets daunted every time she sees it.

And Camouflage-Josh, whose golden brown hair was soaked with steam, laughed relaxedly. This was the first time I had seen him naked because he had been cleansed away last night.

"You're so tall that you can only change one fist with me." It was almost the same as Ai = Fa before.

"I = Fa should be growing up." However, it looks like I had a stretch. "

"Yeah. I guess Giba meat is nutritious after all." While Late is in Genos, you should eat a lot of Gibba food. ”

"I should be tall enough for my age." Camua is just too big. ”

Late laughed a little, but her eyes seemed a little unwilling. This would have been more insensitive to Camua-Josh. Adolescent boys are still concerned about their stretch.

"Was Late 13 years old? Well, that's certainly not petty at all. By the time I was 13, I think I was even smaller."

Late has also grown rapidly in the past two years, and it was about time to reach 160 centimeters. At this rate, it seemed that the average height of the people of the West could be exceeded.

Besides, Late had a boyish and lavish skeleton, but she had a surprisingly supple muscle attached to her. I'm sure this was the result of my training as a [Guardian]. Surrounded by the majestic nakedness of the hunters on the edge of the forest, it was supposed to be a big story that they did not seem to be at all vulnerable.

And Camua-Josh.

He was very skinny and looked even more bony when he was naked - but still, he didn't have any impression of being fragile. Somehow, you can't imagine that the bones themselves are so thick that you have a tight body without a piece of flesh.

Besides, Kamua-Josh had yellowish-white skin similar to Late's, but his torso and feet, which were not normally exposed to sunlight, felt even more white.

Sturdy skeletons, white skin - is it the blood of the people of the North?

Well, I don't care about that kind of story. Whatever it was, Camua-Josh had a different kind of tough flesh from the hunters around the forest, and it seemed even more convincing than the reputation of being a power comparable to Donda-Ruu.

As we walked out of the bathhouse, we were cleansed - this time, a new outfit was being prepared.

However, it is not so gorgeous. Selva-inspired or jaguar-inspired, it's a loose, long-sleeved trench coat and leggings. Although it was quite stylishly embroidered and the shades were not plain, it seemed that it was superior to Xiao Niang's service, and it was sewn with a solid fabric that seemed to have high thermal insulation.

"What, then I have to change my clothes here?" Well, it's not a cramped outfit, though. "

We put our sleeves through the costume, starting with Rudo = Luu, who gave us such an impression.

When I finished changing my clothes, only one person was dressed differently. Only Ji-Mahm was prepared with Selva-style clothes.

"I'm sorry." Banam didn't have the right outfit for someone with such a fine figure, so we quickly prepared a simple outfit. I hope you'll forgive me. ”

My niece, who was looking after the change of clothes, hangs her head in a seductive manner.

There were many people who had a fine figure of 180cm over here, but Ji = Mahm was the only giant who seemed to have about 195cm. Ji = Mahm, who looked elegantly appropriate to his physique, said "I don't care" in an irrelevant manner.

"If you can't wear the hunter's clothes and necklace, then you can wear whatever you want." I don't want to complain about your intentions. "

"Thank you... if you wish, please put on the necklace"

"Hmm? Is that a permissible act?"

"Yes, there is no reason to forbid wearing ornaments..."

Then, all the people around the forest would wear fangs and horn necklaces. If I were not a hunter, I would wear thirteen proud gifts from the people of the Luu family.

Huh. The hunter's necklace in the castle costume is quite chic.

Zashma laughs amusedly as she looks at our situation. He used to wear a lot of decorations with him, but apparently he doesn't wear them here. Besides, it was quite fresh to expose my short hair without rolling up something like a turban.

Then, after the reconvening, we will be guided to the restroom.

After waiting there for a while, the women also met. What you were wearing was a beautiful and clear dress. And as if it were a match, you also wore a Giba necklace.

But... as if against this Ji-Maam, there's only one other person wearing a different outfit.

It was my beloved patriarch.

For some reason, Ei = Fa was wearing the same men's jacket and leggings as we were.

"The costumes of the ladies seemed difficult to move, so I asked if there were any other costumes." After explaining that I was a hunter, and that I had no sword, I was happy to prepare my outfit. "

Ai = Fa said that with a sacrificial face.

Well, it's true that the costumes of the ladies are long skirts, and the hem is a lot sagging, and it's shaped like it's impossible to open your legs. Is it also a workmanship for thermal insulation? The one-piece outfit was not uncommon in Genos, but the long sleeves and solid fabric made it feel very different.

Nevertheless, it was unusual for Eifa to complain about the prepared costumes. I wonder if you're more nervous than usual because you're from another hometown. And neither Ziza-Ruu nor Dali-Sauthi would blame Ai-Fa for his deeds.

"Hmm. If you dress like that, you'll look more and more like a fellow countryman in the woods."

Instead of blaming Ai-Fa, Dari-Sauthi said so. It was Pratica who cast such words. She was wearing the same costume as the women around the forest.

However, she is not a Giba necklace, but rather a fine ornament of jewelry and silverwork. She, the people of the east, was the ornament she wore. Still, as Dali-Sauthi said, Platica was completely blended into the forested crowd. Although there was a slight difference in skin color, the people of Gerd, the family of the hunters, had an atmosphere similar to that of the people near the forest. Moreover, because her everyday clothes were dressed for men, the appearance of a feminine skirt was very fresh.

"As a people of Gerd, I am proud and proud.... but I'm honored by Dalí-Sauthi's words."

And Pratica frowned tightly, and her cheeks blushed again. A lovely look when she tries not to spill her emotions.

All the other crowds are clinging to each other with a crushing face. However, after all, the younger Rimi-Lou and Soutie's youngest sister were not able to hide their exaltation. The dense atmosphere and dimness of Banam Castle will make you feel even more inspired to feel that this is an alien castle. It was the same for me.

So the door was knocked on, and a woman came in and said, "Excuse me."

I thought he was the guide's maid, but he was hiding his face from the invisible material Vale. Moreover, it seems to be wearing something like a large shoulder strap and hiding the costume and ornaments beneath it. I was suspicious, but the lineup of hunters seemed calm, so it didn't seem dangerous.

"I'm sorry to bother you." Before I show you to the cafeteria, say hello-- "

And that person is looking at us from behind the veil.

His eyes were wide open as he captured Ei = Fa's bold figure.

"Ah... maybe you're Reina = Luu...?"

Hmm? I'm the patriarch of Fa, a man named Ai Fa.

"Reina = Lou, it's me," said Reina = Lou.

The mysterious woman, who hurriedly turned her gaze back to you, stared at Reina-Lou like she was eating in.

”You are... Reina = Luu, aren't you?”

"Yes, what can I do for you?"

Despite Reina = Lou, who responded calmly, Ziza = Lou came forward without a sound. However, the woman only stared at Reina = Lou, and did not want to give the other people eyes.

As a woman of the people of the West, she must be quite tall. It was somewhat smaller than Ai = Fa, so it seemed to be close to 170 centimeters. However, it is a very lean place, and it is a place with a good posture, such as Malfira = Naham.

The room is dimly lit and the Vale is deeply covered, so the facial expression is not too obvious. However, even as a people of bananas, it was pale, and it was clear that they were not just maids because they felt elegant from a little standing behavior.

"I am Reina = Luu's brother, and Ziza = Luu." Is there something urgent you need to do for my sister, Reina? "

When Ziza = Luu called out like that, the woman stood up in a hurried state.

"... I'm sorry. We'll be in the cafeteria shortly, so please be patient.”

The woman turned her back, but she did not take her eyes off Reina = Lou until the last moment.

When the door was restored, Ziza-Lou looked down at her sister with thin eyes, like a thread.

"I wonder who that was." Does Reina have any idea? "

"No, the Banam missions were all men, so there should be no women who knew me."

"Sure enough, that person looked like a stranger to Reina." When that happens-- "

Ziza = Luu grabbed her mouth and Georg = Ziza said, "What is it?" I hurried.

"If you have any idea, you should speak up." He seemed to be the daughter of a powerless nobleman, but he seemed to be looking at your sister with calm eyes. "

"Hmm. I wish I was mistaken... but I heard that the Wellhead of the Banam Marquis used to inspire Reina."

Ziza-Lou's words immediately made Reina-Lou's face red.

"Oh, that's Rudo's mouth." I have never been disrespected by Wellheid. "

“Hmm. Not only that, I hear that Wellheid was tough on Riheim's attitude, which used to be obsessed with Reina. Therefore, I also thought that Wellheid would not go insane--"

"Ahh, but if my daughter at the wedding with Wellheid were to tell me such a story, I'd be worried all the time, and I might even want to worship Reina's sister's face."

Rudo-Lou, who was putting his hands together behind his head, said so in a calm tone.

Reina = Lou, who was back in her complexion, lowered her eyebrows in a state of embarrassment. And the other people exchanged bewildered faces with the opponent beside them.

"It looks like you finally smell trouble after coming here." But, well, as long as Wellhead's nobility isn't disturbed, there's nothing wrong with it. ”

Georg-Zaza said so, and Sphila-Zaza agreed with her ruthlessly, "That's right."

“If the Welheid nobility had left Reina-Ru behind, it would be impossible to call it a wedding feast. And before that, you shouldn't feel like having a wedding with someone else.”

Hmm. If that Wellhead nobleman knows as much as Laylis does.

When Georg = Zaza slapped her extra mouth, Sphila = Zaza reddened her face and pulled her sturdy shoulder.

So we waited for the start of the dinner with a little anxiety that suddenly came down.