Chapter 247 – First Day at Ville Zentra

First Day at Ville Zentra

The maritime nation of Vireocean’s capital, Ville Zentra, had a huge harbor. All sorts of vessels came and went—fishing boats, warships, merchant ships, among others. This might pose a problem during emergencies, but Vireocean’s powerful navy was headquartered next to the capital, effectively avoiding any sort of issues.

「Wow… Incredible.」

Sitting on top of the carriage, Hikaru couldn’t help but be moved by the scenic view as the vehicle passed through a hill. The sea glittered as sunlight reflected off its surface. Countless sailing vessels departed and docked.

The port was so enormous that a whole day wouldn’t be enough to walk from one end to the other. As a matter of fact, the entire coastline was the harbor. There were reefs out in the open sea, which prevented waves from forming near the port.

Ville Zentra was a city built on a flatland. From afar, however, it looked like the center was elevated. There was a simple explanation for this—the buildings at the center were just bigger.

The ruler of Vireocean—or rather “Supreme Leader” as they were called—lived in the biggest building around. The capital didn’t have walls, as it was surrounded by steep cliffs. A city that flourished on a plain—that was Ville Zentra.

「It’s unlike any other place I’ve seen before. This should be fun.」

Hikaru was already in a sightseeing mood.

The citizens cheered as Kaglai’s convoy entered Ville Zentra. They weren’t putting on a show; they seriously welcomed the emperor. Quinbland being in good terms with Vireocean was indeed true.

「Emperor Kaglai! Thank you for coming!」

A young, silver-haired man wearing silver armor arrived, carrying a gorgeously-adorned banner. He was already dismounted from his horse and kneeling down on one knee.

「Thank you for coming to meet me.」Kaglai said from his carriage’s window. He had moved to the most extravagant vehicle in the convoy.

「I will show you to the state guest house. Please grant me permission to ride a horse.」

「Permission granted.」

The young man got up, mounted, and brought his horse close to Kaglai’s carriage. There were three knights between him and the Emperor, however.

「Are you perhaps related to General Landon?」Kaglai asked.

「So you remember my father, Your Majesty!」

「Father… I see. You are the general’s son.」

「Yes, Your Majesty. My name is Luke Landon. I’m following in my father Gaspar’s footsteps and serving in the navy. As of the moment, I’m the commanding officer of the younger knights.」

「I see. General Landon was a kind man who treated me well.」

Kaglai and Luke were engaged in a conversation as the convoy proceeded onward. Hikaru was in a carriage behind the Emperor. He was surprised to find out Luke’s position despite being so young. Apparently, his father Gaspar was an admiral of the Vireocean navy, the nation’s pride. Unfortunately, he passed away due to an illness.

Kaglai sure has a lot of friends. It’s only natural I guess when you live that long.

They unpacked as soon as the convoy arrived at the guest house. Kaglai changed clothes and immediately made his way to see the Supreme Leader, attendants in tow. As the Emperor said, he really did delay his trip until the last minute.

When they arrived at the Supreme Leader’s residence—the biggest building in the city which looked like a mansion but was actually a castle—a number of extravagant carriages were already parked outside.

Hikaru looked at the banners. Ponsonia, Forestia… and I take it that plain-looking carriage belongs to the Church?

No one noticed Hikaru with his Stealth on. Slipping through the carriages, he stayed close to the wall while following Kaglai, not letting him out of his sight. He had his Mana Detection on at all times too.

Deeper into the mansion they went. After about ten minutes of walking, they finally arrived at their destination, a double-door. Beyond it was a room covered in red carpet. A balcony faced the harbor, warm light shining in through the window glass. Located on the seventh floor, the room had a commanding view of the harbor.

The round table at the center could seat ten people, but since only five people, more or less, would be seated, it shouldn’t be a problem. Aside from the table, there was no other furniture in the room, leaving a huge space—that should have been the case, at least, but right now a lot of people filled the room; civil officials, knights, among others.

Man, it’s really crowded in there. Looks hot too.

As Hikaru suspected, the window was left open to let fresh air in. Otherwise, it would get too hot inside. Hikaru watched the situation from the skylight above. The room was actually built like a penthouse, and the only way to get inside was through the mansion. As such, security was lax on the roofs.

「Queen Kudyastoria. I have been wanting to meet you.」

In full view of everyone, Kalgai greeted Kudyastoria of Ponsonia. News of the alliance of these two warring nations reached the other countries rapidly. This was actually Kudyastoria’s first meeting with Kaglai as she wasn’t allowed to participate in national politics. Kaglai approached her and held out his hand. She took it, shaking it firmly.

A sound of amazement came from the onlookers. Kudyastoria’s tense expression loosened a bit. It was difficult for her to take the initiative; this was her first big stage and she was still clueless, so Kaglai helped her out a little.

Thank you for the concern.

Do not mention it. We are allies, after all.

They seemed to be communicating with their eyes alone.

「Long time no see, Emperor Kaglai.」

「Ah, if it isn’t Queen Marquedo. You have not changed a bit.」

「That’s my line.」

Spirit Elves’ appearance barely changed with years, while Man Gnomes had life spans three times longer than humans.

This was the second time Marquedo and Kaglai met. Since Forestia changed rulers every ten years, not one had actually proactively engaged in foreign affairs until now. Usually, it was the head of each nation in Forestia that participated directly.

Now, Queen Marquedo herself came, something that Kaglai kept in mind. He sensed that something was happening in Forestia.

That’s the look of someone reflecting on a lot of things… Kaglai can notice even the smallest changes. He’s really fit to be a politician, Hikaru thought as he watched them from above. I’m guessing that person belongs to the Church.

A well-built man wearing a priest’s robe, who looked to be in his forties or fifties, was among them. He wore an overly serious look. Unfortunately Hikaru was out of range to check for the man’s name.

Lastly, there was also the organizer of the meeting.

「Kaglai! Shouldn’t you greet me first?!」

Long, red hair fluttering, the person walked briskly towards the emperor. For a ruler of a nation, they wore very casual clothing—a white blouse, black trousers that showed their body curves, and high-cut shoes. Except for the golden lace hanging from their shoulders, nothing on their body indicated their status in society.

「Ah, Supreme Leader Zylberstein. I am glad to see you doing well.」

「You can relax a bit. No need to be too formal.」

They appeared to be more or less thirty years old, their voice full of life. Perhaps that’s what made them look younger than their apparent age. Hikaru knew their name, but this was the first he’d seen the person.

Patricia Zylberstein, the Supreme Leader of Vireocean.

「Supreme Leader! We don’t have much time.」

She was about to embrace Kaglai when her retainer admonished her. Patricia frowned, but it was true that they had limited time.

「Okay! We have a lot of catching-up to do, but I want to cut to the chase for now.」

「Please wait a minute, Lady Zylberstein.」

「I told you to call me Patricia, Kaglai—」

「Supreme Leader, there are too many people here in this room. Are you going to ask some of them to leave?」

「I think it’s fine—」

Patricia glanced at Kudyastoria and Marquedo, who both nodded.

「This is the safest place in the whole nation! Only five guards… no, three guards per country will be allowed to stay in this room.」

The knights expressed their grievance, but refrained from complaining too much as it could be taken as doubting Vireocean. Reluctantly, the men left the room.

Hmm?

There were so many people that Hikaru failed to notice them before, but among those who left were three members of the Four Stars of the East. Only Selyse remained as part of Kudyastoria’s security detail.

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