Chapter 19 (1/2)
Suddenly…
Guided by the Prince, Squad Captain and the n.o.ble-like uncle, three knights (not the knights we were travelling with) followed behind me while pestering me to move faster.
I had to walk double the pace because of our large difference in height.
I’d like to be treated a little more like a lady.
I was desperately following, to top it off, I’m surrounded by tall men while walking (running), so because of that I couldn’t understand where we’re headed.
Fortunately, from the lit up surroundings, I see we’re currently travelling through a large corridor somewhere.
Could these lights be lamps? The flames weren’t flickering and the brightness was uniform which was unexpected. Has it been created by something like a Magic Tool?[r1]
While I was having trouble grasping the situation, we arrived at our destination.
Since walking through the long pa.s.sageway and climbing up two sets of stairs, roughly 20minutes have pa.s.sed. As expected, I was out of breath after jogging the whole way.
When I looked up, an extravagant and large set of double doors was before me.
I don’t know what’s happening or where I am currently, it should be time someone said something about the situation, even a little bit is fine.
「It’s Sedrim, I’ve just returned. Let me in.」
The prince called out while facing the doors, then the large doors opened from the inside.
After seeing the Prince glance around, he entered into the room beyond the doors.
The Squad Captain and the n.o.ble-like uncle subsequently entered.
While worrying about what to do, a voice behind me whispered「Enter」.
It’s inevitable even if I stand here, so I entered obediently.
Once I entered the room, the sound of the doors closing behind me was heard.
For the time being I approached the prince to escape from the large men which surrounded me, I was surprised while surveying the room.
「Prince, what is the situation?」
「A report on the completed bandit subjugation for father. This is necessary.」
The Prince was approached by a whisper, and so he answered with those words.
Before me with an appearance in their forties sat on an extravagant chair, probably a throne, dressed in extravagant clothing and the top of his head a crown was placed, a man growing a moustache.
On his right, formally dressed in armor and a helmet, a man with a grim air with a sword on his back. Around 50 years old?
On his left, was the n.o.ble-like uncle who travelled together with us from the carriage not long ago.
Next to him, a man with a staff dressed in a robe.
Furthermore, several men that seem to be n.o.bles are lined up to the left and right, on the sides of the walls formally dressed in armor and a helmet, with swords hung on their backs, several knights were lined up with spears in hand.
There were knights with similar appearances before entering the doors.
It looks like a scene of an audience room often seen in movies.
Why, why am I in such a place?
As I searched for an answer I looked to my side, the Prince and Squad Captain were kneeling.
「Your order for the bandit subjugation has been completed, I have returned just now.」
Saying so, the Prince and the Squad Captain lowered their heads.
While thinking ‘what’s up with that?’, I gazed at the one sitting on the chair at the centre, perhaps this country’s King. That person…
「Well done returning. Most importantly you’re safe. A
nd so, this girl is?」
He asked a question whilst directing his gaze at me.
…What a bitter voice.[r2]
「This person is Sakura Fujino. I was saved when I was in danger during the subjugation. I brought her here to be rewarded.」
The Prince answered.
Should I greet him too?
「Fumu, It seems the Prince has been under your care, I would also like you to accept my grat.i.tude.」
As I was thinking about this and that, the King said some brief words.
Bewildered by this interaction, the grim faced knight next to the King suddenly shouted.
「You! Kneel down! You are in the presence of the King!」[n1]
What’s with this all of a sudden. Suddenly being brought before the King without any explanation, the one who’s bewildered is me, even shouting at me without hearing me out, I’m a little irritated. Is this what you call a feeling of defiance? Arbitrarily declaring that just now, I want to oppose him. I’m self aware of my bad habit…
「I don’t mind. And so, as my grat.i.tude to you, is there anything you wish for?」
The King seems to have intervened.
Is he surprisingly open minded?
Since he’s waiting for my answer, I’d better reply.
「No, there’s nothing in particular that I want.」
If possible, I’d like to return to my original world, but even if I say that, it wouldn’t come true.
Besides, if there’s something I would take as grat.i.tude that isn’t too complicated, let’s see.
Quickly bring an end to this so I can go search for an inn.
「Uhm, Is that alright for me I wonder? I’d like to return soon.」
I heard the chime of the bell not long ago.
Judging from the time we arrived here, its 10 koku I think. So 8 o’clock at night, right? [n2]
It’ll be 8:30 if I can return to town right now, then I’ll have to quickly search for an inn.
I’m also hungry…
When I looked at the prince, he seemed somewhat troubled, watching me with a bewildered expression.
…Did I make a mistake?
However, even though the Prince is kneeling and I’m standing, our eye level is still the same.
Just how huge are you? Is it okay to pick a little bit off for myself?
「You! Kneel down! Lower your head! Are you a child that knows no manners?!」
The Grim Knight starts yelling again.
This is quite troublesome…