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The Hidden Side of the Imperial Capital – Part 01

The Quinbrand Empire, lying next to the Kingdom of Ponsonia, had a history rooted in its derivation from the kingdom.

Hence, they excessively regarded each other as foes and had long been in conflict. As the empire was modeled after the kingdom, its capital was named G. Quinbrand, similar to Ponsonia’s G. Ponsonia. They even shared the same titles for nobility. Daimon’s full name, Daimon D. Rosworth, signified his status as a Count.

“Oh… Is that G. Quinbrand, the imperial capital?” Hikaru, mounted on his horse, had arrived after a ten-day journey.

Rolling hills and woodlands stretched out, reminiscent of the kingdom, but dotted with more coniferous trees. The road they took was paved with cobblestones, leading them toward the imperial city in the distance.

Sparse homes slowly gave way to denser settlements. But the true entrance to the imperial capital remained further ahead, concealed behind walls that had stood for over three centuries, encircling the city.

Visible only from above, the walls formed an almost perfect circle, with hardly any imprecisions. The imperial capital, slightly larger than the area encircled by Tokyo’s Yamanote Line, astounded Hikaru with the knowledge that ancient technology once existed to precisely outline such an enormous circle and construct city walls—all of which Lavia had gathered from books.

Despite its considerable size, it paled in comparison to the sprawling royal capital in Ponsonia, reminding Hikaru of the kingdom’s vastness, even as it was recovering from recent turmoil.

“Hmm. Paula was just here recently, but it’s my first time in this city. I wonder what kind of books they have,” Lavia, riding on the same horse as Hikaru, said excitedly.

Hikaru chuckled. They didn’t come here to read books, but he wanted to check out the bookstores at least.

The imperial capital, older and more populous than the kingdom’s capital, promised quality entertainment.

Hikaru’s escort duty was nearing its end. He glanced ahead at the carriage. Leonie, accompanied by Galeicrada, had likely already met Queen Kujastria by now. Although Hikaru kept his interdimensional origins secret for the time being, he didn’t anticipate any issues if Leonie learned the existence of other worlds through the spell.

While it might lead to various complications if the Church were to become aware and actively attempt to bridge different worlds, Leonie would be bound by a duty of secrecy. Hikaru believed she wouldn’t be the type to break her vow of confidentiality, and even if the secret were to be revealed, the core knowledge of the magic was with Kujastria, making immediate unrestricted interdimensional travels unlikely.

Surprisingly, everything’s been going smoothly so far…

Daimon, the supreme commander of the frontlines, had stayed there, appointing a deputy to safeguard Luvain. The tense imperial soldiers, fearing a blunder on the Empire’s part, ensured they reached the city without encountering any significant problems or incidents.

Moreover, as if to showcase the Empire’s culture, the exclusive chef prepared and served exquisite meals to Luvain and Hikaru’s group. All in all, this journey had turned out to be unexpectedly comfortable.

“The imperial army is passing through! Make way!”

Guided by the army, Luvain’s carriage moved forward. Citizens gathered along the roadside to witness the unusual spectacle, perplexed by the unfamiliar flag.

To enter the imperial capital, people had to undergo quick checks of their belongings and identification, resulting in a queue. Hikaru and his companions, however, pressed ahead without waiting.

Passing beneath the steel lattice city gate, they ventured into the imperial capital. The blurred line between the exterior and interior was likely due to the vastness of the city itself.

Quinbrand, situated further north than the kingdom, endured heavy winter snowfall, so houses, constructed from bricks of various colors, featured steeply sloping roofs.

After roughly two hours within the imperial capital, they reached a mansion. It served as accommodation for foreign envoys, and while it was spacious, it was a plain building. One could easily imagine a grander residence if a head of state were visiting.

“Here is where you will stay. Please refrain from causing any disturbances.”

The deputy commander, who led their escort, had displayed hostility towards Luvain all throughout the trip.

“Please announce our arrival to His Imperial Majesty as soon as possible,” said a templar.

“Hmph.”

The deputy commander exhaled sharply, then left with his unit.

What that meant would become apparent in a few days.

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Spacious, but empty—that was the best way to describe the mansion.

This section, divided by walls, housed individuals of decent wealth and status. However, the mansion provided to Luvain had no servants. Cleaning staff came and went, but they were responsible for their own meals and comforts. Rather than a warm welcome for foreign guests, it felt like the Empire’s attitude was more along the lines of providing accommodations for those who showed up uninvited.

“They don’t seem keen on hosting us.”

“We may be enemies, but the guest is His Holiness, revered by many believers even in the Empire.”

“Let’s head to the capital’s grandest cathedral. No need to stay in a place like this.”

Luvain’s companions were irate, but he gently turned down their suggestion, explaining that causing a scene would only harden the Empire’s stance and disrupt the capital’s cathedral.

“Besides, this isn’t so bad,” Luvain said with a chuckle. “I’m looking forward to everyone’s field cooking.” Either he had no interest in gourmet food to begin with or he just lacked experience.

The Templars and the temple guards began discussing who among them was the best cook. There had been tension between the elite Knights Templar and the self-made temple guards, but thanks to Luvain’s fair treatment and the fact that they were all in this together with just ten companions, they had grown closer, forming tight bonds with five members from each group.

It would be pretty remarkable if this was part of this plan, Hikaru thought as he entered Luvain’s room.

Located on the second floor, the spacious room contained only one bed, an unlit fireplace, and a shoddily constructed writing desk. Luvain stood by the window, gazing at the imperial capital bathed in the evening sun.

“Oh, Silver Face. When you knock like that, it makes me feel lonely. It’s like walls form around my heart.”

“I’m pretty sure you’ve put up walls in there from the start, and they’re taller than any castle walls.”

Slightly exasperated by Luvain’s ability to crack jokes even in this situation, Hikaru stood on the opposite side of the writing desk.

“All right, my work as your bodyguard to the Empire is done.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Huh? Don’t you play dumb on me now. I mean the job to escort you to the Empire.”

“Typically, an escort’s duty is to ensure the client’s safety until they reach a secure location. If you were hired for an escort job to the mountaintop, would you disband at the peak?”

“…”

Hikaru had anticipated Luvain might say something like this, but he decided to push back.

“Once you manage to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Empire, you won’t need a bodyguard anymore.”

“I need protection not only from the Empire, but from other enemies as well.”

“Well, I knew you’d say that,” Hikaru sighed.

“You’re surprisingly cooperative at the moment. I appreciate that.”

“You want me around not to ensure a safe journey back to Bios.”

Luvain smiled, urging him to continue.

“Negotiating a ceasefire with the Emperor won’t be easy. If news gets out that you’re here, people affected by the Accursed Toxin might come after you. What you actually need is safety during your stay in the imperial capital.’

“Splendid. You’re as sharp as ever.”

“I don’t need your compliment. So, here’s the deal—my condition is to guard you until a ceasefire agreement is reached.”

“Of course, that’s acceptable,” Luvain responded immediately.

Hikaru couldn’t shake that sense of unease. He thinks that as long as a ceasefire agreement is reached, he doesn’t mind dying.

Driven by a sense of duty but disregarded life. He was difficult to talk with, but more than that—Hikaru was afraid of Luvain’s views influencing his thoughts.

Is this what happens when rationality goes too far?

“Well, then. I’ll go about freely.”

“Thank you,” Luvain said. “But meeting the Emperor might turn out to be surprisingly easy.”

Hikaru pointed at Luvain. “Choose your words carefully. Many people take the Pope’s words seriously. Your influence is greater than you think.” He then briskly left the room.

Staring at the closed door, Luvain smiled. “You’re the only one I can crack jokes with.”