Chapter 247 (1/2)

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Chapter 247 – 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—fis.h.i.+ng boats, wars.h.i.+ps, merchant s.h.i.+ps, 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 pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed 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 s.h.i.+ning in through the window gla.s.s. 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 s.p.a.ce—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 partic.i.p.ate in national politics. Kaglai approached her and held out his hand. She took it, shaking it firmly.