Volume 6 - Chapter 19 – To the Capital (1/2)

06-19 To the Capital

“Everything is going as planned.”

“Uh huh, I hear this time some interesting folks are participating too.”

“Indeed. I’ve heard that ‘Schwarz Ritter, ‘Tauros’ and ‘Ceres’ are taking part.”

“Hm, the golem of that Stearina who rejected our cooperation, huh. That too will be a brief entertainment.”

“If this operation is a success, we’ll be able to immediately grow stronger.”

“Not if. It’s when.”

“Right.”

＊　　　＊　　　＊

As planned, Duke Blue’s, Earl Kuzuma’s, Earl Guarana’s and Reinhardt’s groups departed from Blue Land.

On the first day, they stayed overnight in the town of Verbena. Since they left on the afternoon, they couldn’t travel more than about 20 kilometers.

The night was peaceful as even Earl Guarana didn’t cause any problems.

The next day was rainy.

They headed towards the provincial city of Streal. Around this area was where the highway turned to earth, with spots with potholes here and there, and muddy because of the rain, so progress was slow.

“Heeey, can’t you go any faster!”

Today the vanguard was Earl Guarana’s group of carriages, from one of which he lodged a solitary complaint.

“Even without hurrying so much, we’ll make it there plenty before dark, though.”

Reinhardt muttered with a strained laugh. This time, Jin was riding in Reinhardt’s carriage along with Reiko.

Incidentally, Beana was the one riding together with Elsa in her carriage.

Apparently they found a mutual understanding in detesting Earl Guarana and hit it off. Not just Reinhardt, but also Earl Kuzuma helped the two avoid attracting Earl Guarana’s attention.

In the afternoon, the rain had stopped, and just like Reinhardt said they arrived at Streal while the sun was still up. It was a lively city, although not as lively as Blue Land.

Duke Blue’s party stayed overnight in the feudal lord’s mansion that served the purpose of a guest house, Earl Kuzuma’s and Reinhardt’s groups in a Streal noble’s household, and Earl Guarana stayed in the highest class inn around.

“I’m pleased that you could come, Earl Kuzuma, Reinhardt-dono. And is that Miss Elsa too, welcome.”

The one who said so and came go greet them was the noble living in Streal, Viscount Grieri. He was a young man with light brown hair and who gave off a friendly impression.

With his solid physique, when he stood next to the tall and thin Reinhardt he seemed especially reliable.

“You must be the Magi Craftsman Jin. And this is?”

As he asked he turned towards Beana. Beana was flustered,

“Ah, I-I’m Magi Craftsman Beana, and I’m indebted to Earl Kuzuma.”

“Oh my, you’re a Magi Craftsman too. Isn’t that something. Well, why are we here standing around and talking, please come inside.”

He left the guiding of Jin and Beana to his butler, and to the Earl and Reinhardt he said,

“Please, make yourself at home.”

And played the part for the guide by himself.

“Well, it’s like a normal noble’s”

Jin said.

“I don’t really know what you mean by normal though.”

Beana said.

The two had been guided into a single large room.

“By the way, I wonder if this room is meant for just the two of us?”

By the looks of it, the room was about 10 tatami mats large, and there was only a single large bed.

“It seems so. Well, this kind of treatment must be because we’re little-known Magi Craftsmen.”

After that, Jin said,

“Reiko.”

Calling out for his Automata.

“Yes, Father.”

“Eek!”