Volume 9 - Chapter 23 – Reinhardt and Donald Meet, Then (1/2)

09-23 Reinhardt and Donald Meet, Then

April 19th. Reinhardt had stayed the night in the provincial city Astan.

It had been a rather forced marched from Tunsten which he had stayed the night before. Because of that the plan of his childhood friend and company commander of the third Imperial Guard force Matheus, who was guarding him, was to stay there for three nights before departure.

This was also because the city of Astan had their homeland Shouro Empire’s supply base in it.

“The soldiers also want to rest, so let’s stay here for three nights. After that will be a forced march so get plenty of rest.”

Matheus said and told Reinhardt of the plan.

After staying in Astan for three nights, early morning on the 22nd they would leave Astan. And then by hurrying all day they would arrive in the evening of the 22nd in the provincial city of Pororon where they’d spend the night. 23rd day would be the town of Ganeez, and 24th the border town Toskoshia. Then if they immediately get the permit to pass through on the 25th they’ll enter Shouro Empire.

“At the latest, we’ll be walking on our homeland on the 27th.”

Matheus smiled and said. Then,

“You probably know this, but absolutely don’t go wandering off on your own, got it? Even visiting a brothel isn’t allowed. You’ll be seeing Berthier in ten days, you know?”

He didn’t forget to warn Reinhardt. This was because he had heard from the butler Claude that Reinhardt had the bad habit of going on walks by himself.

“…I got it.”

Reinhardt looked disgruntled. But everything Matheus said was correct so there was no refuting it.

“The journey with Jin was fun.”

Reinhardt thought so while lying down on the bed.

The 20th day began.

His confinement didn’t change from yesterday. Despite the weather being fine, Reinhardt had to stay confined in his room.

He was sometimes vacantly looking out of the windows, and other times slumping down on the sofa. A maid saw the bored Reinhardt and,

“Excuse me, master, there’s something I heard earlier by chance.”

She told Reinhardt about what she had heard in the lobby.

“From what I understand, it seems that right now Celuroa Kingdom’s Royal Magi Craftsman, the esteemed Donald Carou Alpha, is staying in this city.”

“What!”

After hearing that, Reinhardt who was lying down on the sofa jumped up to his feet.

‘Alpha’. That represented the top position granted by Celuroa Kingdom’s manufacturing agency. Even though Reinhardt wasn’t yet acquainted with him, he of course had heard of the name.

“Hmm, I wonder if I could meet with him somehow?”

If he was to come here, there shouldn’t be any problems. Reinhardt thought so and called for the butler Claude, then discussed it with him.

“As you wish. For now, I shall go ask if it is convenient for the other party to visit.”

Although he didn’t know just how much authority the Celuroa Kingdom’s very own Honorary Magi Craftsman held, as Reinhardt was a diplomat they should at least be seen as equals.

Feeling excitement in his heart, Reinhardt waited for Claude’s return.

Then after nearly an hour Claude came back with good news.

“I have returned. The other party said that they will come for a visit this afternoon.”

“Ooh! Is that so! I cannot wait! Claude, Beth, Dory, please prepare to receive them.”

“Yes.”

Reinhardt issued instructions for the butler and the maids. Due to the lodgings he was staying in he couldn’t do much, but as the side extending the invitation he wanted to do the best he could.

While holding down the excitement he felt more and more Reinhardt passed the time.

＊　　　＊　　　＊

The person came accompanied by a golem.

He had a medium build and pure white hair. However, his blue eyes that seemed as if they were dreaming were filled with nothing but intelligence, and just a bit of madness.

“Nice to meet you, I am Donald Carou Alpha. Your invitation was an honor, Reinhardt-dono.”

“It is I who should say it is an honor to meet you.”

The two shook hands and exchanged brief greetings, and they first sat down at a table at Reinhardt’s suggestion.

“That’s a golem Donald-dono made, is it not?”

Reinhardt who had been impatiently waiting to talk spoke before the maids had brought tea.

“Indeed. It is number 457 which looks after me and my surroundings.”

The golem called number 457 was two meters tall. It was shaped just like a human.

Seeing it, a mutter leaked out of Reinhardt’s mouth unintentionally.

“Endoskeleton-type…”