The journey from the capital of Ryntum, Bideford to Mezorin, the capital of Naharog took them five and a half days. Spending five days in the carriage literally bored him to death. He had nothing to do during the journey except for sleeping or watching the scenery outside. At times like this, he missed the existence of smartphones. This world simply lacked entertainment.
Luckily for both Theodora and Charlotte, they busied themselves with piles of fiction stories they brought along. Usually, the time they have doesn't allow them to fully submerge in the story. Their duties always get in the way.
They did offer him some books to kill time but all of them were written by him based on his memories. Both of them are not aware of it because he wrote under a pen name.
To name a few, he wrote about princess stories, horror stories and mystery stories.
Moreover, as a true weeb, he also rewrote many famous light novels he could remember. He naturally wouldn't remember every single detail but the storyline still sticks in his head pretty well.
Given their popularity on Earth, these books were well received by his citizens. It sparks a passion for literacy among his people. So far, many decent stories have been published using his stories as a reference. Some with their own unique twist and turn. This is what he is aiming for. Entertainment always started with writing before evolving into another form.
On the cloudy days of 30th October, they safely arrive at the vicinity of Mezorin.
Unsurprisingly, the entrance was packed with carriages. The sheer number of carriages trying to enter the city.
"Since when did this old man have so many acquaintances?" Riz was perplexed but simply told the coachman to stay in the line like everybody else. He doesn't raise a fuss about it.
It is understandable due to the size of Mezorin. Unlike Bideford, this city hasn't gone through any expansion and renovation yet. It stayed the same and the number of people it can hold is limited.
When he saw the messy Mezorin, his stomach churned. He could tell from the look, the city stinks without proper waste disposal procedure. At least, the path he is on is clean.
Thirty minutes later, permission was granted and the road was clear for his carriage to make a way. People stand on the side of the road with their hands waving at him. Riz doesn't hesitate to wave his back at them although he is a bit bewildered.
"What is going on right now? Why are we receiving this grand reception? Looking at the faces of these people, they don't look like they were forced to do this." Riz uttered the question that weighed his mind.
"Ahh!" Charlotte exclaimed.
"What? Do you know something?"
"I forgot to tell you. Count Naharog kind of influenced public opinion about us in a positive light. I let it be because I thought it would be beneficial for us. Forgive my negligence, milord." Charlotte looks dejected.
He dismissed Charlotte's guilt, "It's okay, Charlotte. You're not absolutely wrong about your decision. I think this may be the scheme from that old man. He tries to tie us together."
"Are you not going to do anything about it?" Theodora asked. She is afraid that Ryntum will be dragged into muddy water by Naharog.
Riz sighed, "We'll see... It's too early to make a decision yet. I need to gauge his intention first."
The carriage stops at the front of the luxurious brown brick mansion.
Unlike Ryntum's, it is not located on top of the hill but on a flatland. Without any protection whatsoever, the mansion is vulnerable in many ways. Even he who has no military education on Earth can think multiple way to raid this place.
If not for the ceremony and for maintaining the relationship between the two nations, he wouldn't come here at all.
The soldier opened the door and Riz stepped out of the carriage first. His eyes are fixed on the count, then they shift to the people around him.
Apparently, the count wasn't alone. His wife, two sons and two daughters are here as well. This is the first time he meets with the count's children.
"Good morning, Count and Countess. It is an honour to be received by you and your family." Riz gave them a modest greeting. He reached his hand out.
Count Naharog wears smiles and grabs Riz's hand. "The honour is mine, Your Majesty. Welcome to Mezorin. I hope you have a pleasant time during your stay here."
In the back, the countess and her daughter lift up the side of their dress and slightly bend their knee in front of him. While his sons made a slight bow.
The two of them walked into the mansion. By the number of people he encountered,
"Am I the last one to arrive, Count?"
"According to my list of invitations, you're the last for now. There are some people that I invited but don't send any response back. So, their attendance is uncertain, considering it is October now. Travelling here during this time can be a hassle. Some sent their letter saying they're going to attend but still haven't arrived yet. I could only be prepared in case they decided to attend."
"From your words, I assumed you invited a lot of people. I didn't know you had such a large circle of friends." Riz probes the old man.
"You surely jest, Your Majesty. Who would want to make a friend with a mere count like me? Most of the invitees are acquaintances I came to know. I indeed sent out many invitations but the rest is just me trying my luck. All in an attempt to gain recognition of the legitimacy of my soon-to-be-established kingdom." The count gives him a lengthy clarification.
Riz nods. He would be a fool if he took a single word from the count seriously. He decided to let the SIN agents do the investigation for him. "I hope you can introduce some to me, Your Majesty."
"I'm not crowned yet, Your Majesty King Rizieri. You can address me with that title tomorrow." Count response. Inwardly, he could barely control his excitement.
Their feet stop in front of the intricately decorated double-leaf door made of wood that he doesn't know. Judging from its look and count personality, he was certain it was expensive.
"This is where you and your ladies will be residing, Your Majesty. This is the largest room available in my mansion. It has two rooms connected by a narrow hallway, a balcony and a small-size living room. I hope your majesty enjoys your stay here." The count said.
"We will, Count. Do not worry." Riz waved his hand back and forth.