第９０掘：堅牢の国 (Part2)
"Calm down, sister. ...Are you certain it was Shera and Kirue?"
Charl, who had been soothing me, confirmed with the soldier once more.
"Yes. I wish I could say it was a mistake, but it wasn't just me—the captain and the rest of the squad all confirmed it was Lady Shera."
"……That leaves no room for doubt. Where are that carriage and Shera’s group now?"
"Yes, ma'am. Since they were obstructing traffic, we have asked them to wait at the outer security garrison."
"Brother, what shall we do?"
As Charl sought guidance from our brother, he pondered for a moment before speaking.
"I see. It would be rude to leave them waiting, but there is also the matter of that mysterious carriage. Lowell, Higil, take a squad and go greet them. If the worst should happen, prioritize your own safety. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Father, are you sure about this?"
"Indeed. You have already grown into a fine king. You may take over now."
"No, I am still far too inexperienced. You two, be careful."
Upon hearing those words, Higil and I immediately dashed out of the conference room.
"Higil, how should we organize the formation?"
"Well, we can't afford to waste time. Why don't we take about forty members of the Royal Guard currently at the castle? For equipment, let's go with five mages, five archers, ten shield-bearers, and twenty melee combatants."
"Are you not going to specify the melee loadout?"
"We need to hurry. If it's the Royal Guard, they won't be outmatched just by using their own standard weapons."
"I suppose that’s true..."
With that, we set off to welcome Shera.
***
Side: Yuki
"Whew... 'Sturdy' is certainly the right word for this."
I stared up at the thick castle walls towering before me.
"What do you think? Isn't it impressive? It’s designed to withstand even a dragon's assault," Shera explained, looking delighted.
Three days had passed, and we had arrived at the Gartz royal capital right on schedule. Because I didn't have to drop off the Marauder along the way, we had made good time, which allowed me to properly explain the dungeon's benefits.
"Still, was it a mistake to bring the Marauder into the royal capital?"
"Hmm, I wonder? We want them to understand the importance of this vehicle, so I think it couldn't be helped," Ratz said, glancing at the Marauder.
Soldiers were surrounding the vehicle tightly; there was no atmosphere that would allow us to get anywhere near it.
"Well, any place would react the same way if an iron carriage showed up without any horses," Seraria remarked.
"That’s true. In reality, that vehicle is quite intimidating," Lulua added.
I wanted to say something to Lulua, but running over that troll was for the sake of human lives. Yes, the troll was the one at fault.
"I-I am so sorry!! I’ve explained the situation to an acquaintance among the soldiers. Please, wait just a little longer!!"
Kirue bowed her head, looking genuinely apologetic.
"Kirue, you don't need to apologize. If anything, this response is a passing grade for a soldier. They aren't letting in something they don't recognize. I can respect that."
"Indeed. We don't mind at all, so please don't worry," I added.
It was only natural. No matter how high-ranking the guests might be, anyone would be on guard if they arrived in something as mysterious as this.
"Yuki-sama, would you mind spending some time with me after the negotiations are finished?"
"Hm? Is there somewhere you want to go?"
"Yes. There is a beautiful spot within the royal castle that only my sister and I know about. I would love for you to see it."
"I see. That sounds like something to look forward to."
"Hehe."
I reached out and patted Shera’s head. She squinted her eyes, looking happy, and let me pet her quietly.
Just then, a thunderous tremor shook the ground...
"Wooooooah!! Shera, are you alright?! You man over there, prepare yourself—!!"
"Shera!! Your big brother has arrived! Mage squad, archers!! Target that man!! He’s a scoundrel for laying a hand on Shera!!!"
Oh, boy...
The Gartz side is having quite a lot of trouble.
And it seems Shera is very well-loved.