Chapter 313: Castle Interior
「Let’s tour the castle next. 」
「Aren’t the commoners forbidden from entering the castle…? 」
「It’s currently open to the public just for now. 」
I cut Orlando off again, our voices overlapping each other.
「It’s just that the time set for the open house is about to end soon, so please hurry. 」
The usually restricted area is now open for viewing within the next 30 minutes and admission is free! We have increased the number of operators and are ready to welcome you — ‘Not giving folks enough time to think about it’ should be one of those home shopping ads’ tricks.
Anyway, it’s true that I asked Soleil to keep the castle open for a certain period of time, and it’s almost ending. I wanted to tour them around the market and show them to other places such as the semi-circular theater that was still under construction. However, they kept stopping at random places that made me think, ‘Huh? You’re fascinated with that?’, so we ended up barely just in time.
「Oohh. 」
「So pretty! 」
「I wonder how it looks like inside.」
The trio gulped in awe as they stared up at the castle gates.
「Even the iron grills that’s supposed to keep people away are so impressive… 」
Gramps and the other two were completely smitten.
「Yes, yes, move along now, please don’t stop walking, move, move. 」
The buildings painstakingly constructed by the stone masons are gorgeous, of course, but the iron grills, with some parts gilded by goldsmith Austanis diligently under pressu — ehem — was truly exquisite.
The iron grills are opened during daytime with sentinels guarding it. I, too, had been just like the trio the first time I saw the grills on my way to have a word with Soleil. I even requested the sentinels to show me how it’d look when closed and even inspected the latticework from behind. The edifice was no exception; I also took my sweet time just enjoying the view the first time I saw the finished building.
The plaza was also bustling at first with the comings and goings of the hired resident craftsmen and those who had been recruited from outside the island to work on the buildings that were still under construction.
We also have a farm within the castle aside from the square; it’s for self-sustenance in case of a siege. Livestock were also kept there so it’s quite noisy. Since the street leading to the castle also served as the public square, decorative walls were installed and trees were planted to block the view; people shouldn’t be able to see the sheds or workrooms because of the greenery and establishments.
Trees were planted already and they’re huge enough to leave you wondering how on earth did the people manage to transport them here, and on those tiny boats to boot. Still, the branches hadn’t spread enough yet; folks could still see the livestock and other stuff.
The previously dreary square was now covered in verdure. I hired a few more people to work under Charles, but the result was expectedly thanks to that hard working guy.
The gurgling water in the canals, the faint cries of the animals, the sound of iron being hammered somewhere, somebody’s angry yells —
「I already told you that it won’t work! Why is that so hard to understand!? 」
「You’re the one who doesn’t understand anything. Your gilded adornment highlights this rounded design here much better than with that spikey one. 」
The ones making a ruckus were goldsmith Austanis and the Earthfolk Washik who is incharge of smithing.
「… Well, I mean, that’s true, but even so, if we’re going to match the buildings that already exist, then the spikes should be the better choice! 」
Ah, Austanis seem a bit embarrassed by the compliment.
「Then just change those buildings. 」
The dazzling Austanis and the uncouth Washik, huh — what a strange pair. Ah, no, I guess it’s only natural given the nature of their field of specialty. Still, please don’t change the buildings, the stonemasons will cry.
We passed through the square within the castle walls then crossed the aqueduct bridge until we reached the second gate with towering white spires inspired from La Lajas Sanctuary*. Water poured from the stone-arch aqueduct bridge.
「Spectacular… 」
「Yes, yes, move along, move along now. 」
The scenery is far more beautiful if you climb the castle wall by the square and gaze at it from that angle, but we were pressed for time.
「We’d love to enjoy the view since it’s such a rare opportunity to do so… Is it not possible to stay here on the bridge for a while….? 」
Orlando-kun said regretfully.
You’ll get the chance to enjoy it everyday, so just give it up for today, okay? I urged the trio who kept on stopping ever so often until we finally reached the floor where Soleil was waiting.
Nalluahdid was originally warm even in the winter given the location, with hot winds occasionally blowing from the continent where the dragons reside. It’s a bit cooler when crossing the seas, but generally, the temperature on Nalluahdid and its surrounding islands rarely drops.
The network of flowing water running throughout the island cools the stone pavement and the buildings, so it’s far more comfortable living here than in Nalluahdid. The temperature drops further in the castle since it’s close to the source of the water which is cooler; folks working in the castle can still wear their coats and be fine.
Still, it’s still hot working during summer, and it can get hot if you move away from the water channels. Hmm, maybe the rooms near the roof would be too hot to enter? I chose bluish black tiles, and they seem to absorb heat from the sun.
「Welcome. 」
Grinning Auro appeared. It’s as if he was waiting for us all along…
「You must be tired from your trip. Please rest, we also prepared drinks and snacks for the little lady in the room over there. 」
The moment Auro said that, the maid — she’s probably a human — waiting by the sidelines stepped forward and took Arina away while humoring the girl.
Orlando was about to chase after Arina, but Gramps stopped him without a word while shaking his head. Seems like Gramps had caught on to what’s going on.
Well, it’s normal to think that it’s strange, right? Arina’s still little so it’s fine, but Orlando-kun, are you okay? Oh, right, he did think it was odd. It’s just that he didn’t think further about the “why” in what he felt.
「The two of you, this way please, I will lead you now to Soleil-sama’s office. 」
Auro said, his cheerful smile still plastered on his face.
Notes
T/N: Here are some photos to help you picture the aqueduct bridge leading to the castle. 🙂
Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
Tsujunkyo Bridge, Japan’s largest stone-arch aqueduct bridge
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I Got Transferred in the Middle of a Mountain
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