The People Living in the Royal Capital

By the way, our previous carriage had been put in storage.

They said we could come pick it up anytime.

So now our trading company had two carriages.

With our customer base having expanded rapidly lately, I'd been considering a purchase anyway, so this was a godsend.

It might have been the best surprise I could think of right now.

As soon as we returned to the Kingdom and took care of business, we'd come back to retrieve it.

"You've been grinning this whole time… it's a little creepy."

"Come to think of it, you looked really happy when you bought your first carriage too. I guess it's a big deal for merchants?"

"Hmm. Oh, but you can't feel any vibration even when it's moving. I could actually sleep in this. It's spacious inside too, so I don't have to crouch down. I suppose that Emperor is useful for something."

I could tell everyone was excited about the new carriage in their own way.

We used it every trip, so of course they would be.

"Um, sir… shouldn't we get going?"

"Ah, yes, you're right. Let's depart."

I'd been checking the feel of it for so long that Orleans hesitantly pointed it out.

I cleared my throat and replied.

How embarrassing to show such a side of myself.

*　*　*

I urged the mules to move, and first we headed to the trading company we'd promised to visit.

We picked up the southern Empire tea they'd set aside for us.

When we loaded it in the cargo area, a pleasant aroma wafted up even though it hadn't been brewed yet.

It seemed like we'd have a long relationship with this trading company.

We departed the Imperial Capital and headed for the Kingdom.

A lot had happened this time too. Being nearly killed was troublesome, but here I was, still alive.

Maybe I had good fortune in bad situations.

*　*　*

The mules were moving faster than before.

With the carriage and its contents being lighter, their burden must have been reduced.

We could probably reduce how often we needed to rest them too. At this rate, we'd arrive much faster.

Because of the mountain of magic stones loaded inside, monsters approached but didn't attack.

With the larger cargo area, we could prepare meals while moving.

Truly everything we could ask for.

We barely needed to stop except when camping for the night.

Before I knew it, we'd crossed the border and entered Kingdom territory.

At this rate, we could casually visit the Empire whenever we wanted.

*　*　*

In just a few days, we returned to the city of Kassad.

If possible, I wanted to go straight back to the shop, stretch out in my room, and sleep. But I had to go to the Royal Capital and report to Princess Tianis about what happened in the Empire.

I felt reluctant about it, but if I put it off, she'd nag me.

I'd do my best, thinking of it as being for Anatia-san's sake.

I dropped off the tea leaves at the shop for now and instructed Kaimol, who I'd left in charge, to start selling them right away.

They'd be a bit pricey due to shipping costs, but they'd definitely sell.

I divided some as samples to bring with us and departed for the Royal Capital.

I told Azu and the others they could rest in their rooms if they were tired, but they all came with me.

How sweet of them.

Though when Azu told me "We're worried you'll get caught up in something again if we take our eyes off you," I reflected on myself a bit.

I wasn't going out of my way to get caught up in things, but I reconsidered that having Azu and the others with me gave me peace of mind.

*　*　*

The portal to the Royal Capital had been restored.

With the portal, moving materials and people was easy.

When we passed through with the carriage, we arrived at the Royal Capital.

Though we'd stayed in the Empire for a long time, it hadn't been long since reconstruction began.

Traces of magical damage remained here and there.

But there were also craftsmen working to repair it.

Some tenacious merchants had covered holes with sheets and resumed business.

The damage had been severe, but the people of the Royal Capital hadn't given up.

That feeling came through to me.

*　*　*

I bought some lamb skewers from a street stall.

The Imperial Capital's seasoning was good too, but Kingdom flavors were special.

The sweet and spicy sauce wrapped around the meat was delicious.

The stall owner was a young girl, and she thanked me for buying so much.

Apparently, this cleared out her inventory for the day.

I wanted to know about the Royal Capital's situation while we'd been in the Empire, so I chatted with her before meeting with Princess Tianis and the others.

According to the girl, at first she'd thought it was the end of the world.

Of course. Witnessing such a scene, anyone could fall into despair.

Her house had been destroyed, and she'd even considered taking what little money she had and leaving the Royal Capital with her younger brother.

But it was far too dangerous for two children to travel from city to city alone.

The Royal Capital was in chaos, adventurers couldn't be hired, and they didn't have the money anyway.

When she was at a loss, Princess Tianis had personally gathered people in the Royal Capital's square and reassured them.

At that time, she'd also promised various support including temporary housing and food distribution.

That apparently spread relief among the Royal Capital's residents, including the girl.

I was impressed that Princess Tianis really was royalty after all.

Good work indeed. It might have been Anatia-san's idea, but if this kept up, reconstruction would be swift.

This was extremely important for governing a city.

There were stories of flourishing cities being destroyed after a single incident spread unease and residents fled.

Princess Tianis possessed what was essential for a nation's leader.

The girl and her brother had then negotiated with a stall owner who'd injured his leg to cook and tend the stall in his place, earning money that way.

Her brother was apparently the cook.

She was quite a girl. I promised to buy from her again if I saw her and left the stall.

However, from what she said, it seemed the deaths of the royal family were still being kept secret.

Were they planning to suppress unease by announcing it together with Princess Tianis's succession to the throne?

*　*　*

We arrived at the royal castle.

We were able to enter immediately.

I left the carriage and had Alexia carry the box of magic stones.

Having an official position meant I no longer had to make appointments and wait.