The capital of the Argon Kingdom, Artisan.
After wrapping up matters in Dagun Village and arriving at the gate, we were immediately greeted with enthusiastic welcome.
“Welcome. The Argon Kingdom welcomes the delegation from Sirius Empire.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Therone Stella Sirius, Crown Prince of Sirius Empire.”
The soldiers guarding the gate stood in neat rows of two, looking sharp enough to make one’s heart race, but our esteemed Crown Prince took their greetings without a care.
If it were me, I’d probably die from awkwardness. Guess all that imperial training wasn’t for nothing, huh?
“Your Highness, your reputation precedes you. I’m Denes Burgard, in charge of this gate.”
“Hmm, I see. Sir Denes, not sure if you’ve heard, but we encountered some minor trouble before arriving here. Could you perhaps show us somewhere we can rest?”
Ah, news of it has reached us. Our kingdom sincerely apologizes for such an unfortunate incident.”
Denes’ expression darkened.
Theron showed no change in demeanor as he shook his head.
“It’s not something you need to concern yourself with.”
“I thank you for your magnanimity. We had prepared a modest banquet, but since Your Highness prefers otherwise, we shall guide you to your assigned quarters.”
“Much appreciated. I won’t forget your efforts.”
With a bow, Denes began leading us immediately.
As the carriage moved slowly, I looked around. The scenery wasn’t half bad.
Eil tilted his head and spoke.
“To think this is a kingdom supposedly under the control of the Heretics. Doesn’t look particularly strange to me.”
“Yeah, compared to the Empire it might be lacking, but this definitely feels like a proper capital.”
People stared at us curiously, making me feel like some kind of spectacle. There was plenty of foot traffic, and no one seemed particularly gloomy.
Considering what happened in Dagun Village, this peaceful sight made it feel almost dreamlike.
“One of two things, either they haven’t been fully taken over by the Heretics or they’re operating very covertly.”
“What if there are no Heretics?”
“Then what happened in Dagun was just a coincidence?”
“Not impossible…”
Though Eil did have a point…
“We’ll find out once we check the brothels.”
Though it felt a bit off to go straight there upon arrival, even a small possibility couldn’t be ignored. After all, we’d been blindsided too many times before.
Eil nodded readily.
“Still, best to visit at night. Not exactly appropriate during daylight.”
“True. Do brothels even operate in the daytime?”
“Dunno, never been.”
Well, given that both Eil and I were already fighting on the frontlines when most kids our age would start thinking about such things…
“There are establishments that operate during the day. More aimless people in the world than you’d think.”
“…How do you know that?”
Black Wolf replied nonchalantly.
“Worked there once. As part of my seduction training.”
“…”
I couldn’t close my mouth, feeling like I’d learned something I shouldn’t have. And I really didn’t want to know.
Black Wolf blinked innocently.
“Why so surprised?”
“…Ah, well, could happen. Given how…special your group is.”
Best suited for assassination and espionage work. Still, I wished he could understand how I felt hearing a close friend worked at a brothel.
Compared to my awkward silence, Eil opened his mouth freely.
“Did you get many customers?”
“Hey!”
Unlike my shocked reaction, Black Wolf shook his head calmly.
“Not popular as a water-dweller. Got the lowest rating.”
“If that’s the case, then it makes sense. It’s not easy attracting men, especially with your lack of social skills.”
“…You’re right, but now I’m annoyed. Can I punch you?”
“Would that be wise?”
Strange.
Was this topic always so casually discussed between them?
I couldn’t keep up with their conversation, showing my confusion openly.
Seeing this, Eil smirked.
“You’re wondering something, aren’t you? Don’t worry. Virginity holds more value than you think. Talented individuals aren’t mistreated. This guy probably just served drinks and chatted, right?”
“Right.”
Black Wolf nodded matter-of-factly while Eil shrugged knowingly.
“How do you know that?”
“Know a guy named Michael from the magic corps. Remember him? Big guy, dark-skinned.”
“The one who handled earth magic?”
Yeah, a quiet type, but accomplished quite a lot.
At my words, Eil nodded.
“Yeah. Turns out his family runs a fairly famous brothel. Picked up some info during night shifts. Something about calling nighttime workers ‘red threads’ and those skilled in seduction ‘green threads’, though my memory’s fuzzy.”
“You really know everything, don’t you.”
“Well, night watch can get pretty boring.”
“That’s true.”
Anyway, it was somewhat reassuring.
Not that I cared much what Black Wolf got up to, but brothels still…
Ultimately, this whole conversation turned meaningless as the carriage began slowing down. We’d arrived at our lodgings.
“Anyway, let’s discuss details later. Need to report to His Highness too.”
“Yes. Let’s see how nice Argon’s ‘hotel’ is.”
“Looks more like palace than hotel…”
Indeed, it was extravagantly decorated, practically indistinguishable from a royal palace.
“Our palace welcomes you.”
Ah, palace it is.
***
“Never thought I’d end up staying in a palace.”
Denes said this was special treatment because we’re envoys from the Empire. Though I didn’t expect them to house the entire envoy within the palace.
Either they trust us immensely, or…
“Could it be a trap?”
At Eil’s words, I nodded.
“Could be. If the Heretics control the kingdom’s leadership, this place would essentially be enemy territory.”
“Once inside the palace, moving freely will be difficult.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve got someone who can slip away alone if needed.”
“…?”
Seemed to notice my gaze, Black Wolf twitched his ears. Yeah, you.
“In case of emergency, count on you.”
“Understood.”
Terrifying as an enemy, but invaluable as an ally. Few in the world could detect Black Wolf’s divine power activation. And with Erias around, escape should be manageable if necessary.
“Still, giving us an entire wing of the palace is quite the honor.”
Eil looked around, impressed.
“This beats our estate, doesn’t it?”
“Even so, this is the inner court of a kingdom. Should be better than noble residences.”
“That’s just Commander’s ignorance. Our estate’s far superior to most minor kingdoms.”
Is that so?
Guess someone who’s only ever lived in the Empire wouldn’t know.
“Anyway, spacious is good. Enough for everyone to have private rooms. Let’s relax for now and deal with complications later.”
“True. Still recovering from this morning’s fatigue.”
Let’s lie down for a bit.
Knock knock-
Can’t even get some rest.
Sharing a glance with Eil, I gave a wry smile and opened the door. It was one of our guardian knights, not from Argon.
“His Highness requests Knight Allen’s presence.”
“Understood. Let’s go.”
Briefly replying, I turned to address the two.
“Rest up. I’ll be back soon.”
“Yes~ take care.”
Already sprawled on the sofa, Eil waved lazily. What a disrespectful brat.
“I’m coming too.”
“You rest. Might as well beat some sense into Mr. Manners over there while you’re at it.”
“…Got it.”
Preventing Black Wolf from following, I turned and followed the knight.
“Can I ask what this is about?”
“Nothing major. When visiting someone’s home, isn’t it proper etiquette to pay respects to the host?”
“I see.”
Means we’re going to meet the king of Argon.
Should be the fourth, Aragon IV, if I recall.
How long did we walk?
Spotted Theron with Erias nearby.
“Ah, you’re here. Let’s move.”
“Anything particular I should watch out for?”
“I’ll handle it. Just stay behind me. No need to bow. We’re representatives of the Empire.”
“Will keep that in mind.”
Proud words made me smile and nod. Meanwhile, Erias, who’d been waiting quietly, spoke indifferently.
“Shall we go if we’re done chatting?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
Exiting our assigned wing, we found a man with several soldiers waiting.
Short brown hair.
Thick eyebrows and blue eyes.
A long sword at his waist, the man bowed gracefully.
“Please follow me to the audience chamber.”
“Glad to have your guidance.”
The presence was impressive.
Glancing at Erias, I received a brief explanation.
“Commander of the Royal Guard. One of three masters.”
Now I understood what Erias meant before. Definitely strong, but not unbeatable. Someone of this caliber… likely could handle two at once.
“We’ve arrived.”
While contemplating how an actual fight would play out, we’d reached the audience chamber.
The commander gave a short command to the guards.
“Open.”
The guards loudly announced as they swung open the heavy doors engraved with intricate patterns – probably traditional Argon designs.
Compared to our empire where doors opened automatically, it seemed primitive but maintained its grandeur.
Following the opening doors, we stepped inside to see Aragon IV seated high on his throne in the distance.
“Greetings to our distinguished guests from the Empire. I am Aragon IV, ruler of this land.”
A middle-aged man with neatly trimmed beard, making an imposing figure despite signs of indulgence in food.
“Hello, I’m Sara, queen of the Argon Kingdom. You truly are as robust as rumors suggest.”
Upon hearing a voice beside me, I turned to see a woman with flowing pink hair.
And at that moment, caught a whiff of unpleasant energy.
Familiar yet unwanted… demon energy residue.
