Chapter 383 – The Royal Capital Melunpios

Following Princess Elham’s guidance, I continued moving the Sirius along the river.

The river flowing below had narrowed considerably when it merged with another river coming from a different direction.

Thanks to this, the water volume seemed to have increased beyond its original state. While this area was indeed a dry region, it didn’t appear that the capital’s residents would suffer from water shortages.

As we approached the royal capital, I began to notice people traveling along the riverbank. Caravans. Patrol soldiers. People moving between settlements.

Some among them occasionally noticed the Sirius, but since we were flying at a considerable altitude to avoid causing disturbances during travel, they seemed to only tilt their heads in curiosity.

Once we arrived at the capital, we would need to dock the ship anyway, so there was no need to hide our presence now. Acting suspiciously would only invite distrust. It would be best if the people of Baharzad simply heard rumors of a flying ship as casual gossip.

“It’s coming into view. Mernpios.”

In the direction Princess Elham pointed, the full panorama of Mernpios, the royal capital of the Kingdom of Baharzad, spread out before us. They seemed to have channeled the river inside the outer walls, as greenery was visible throughout the city.

They appeared to be farming along the riverbanks too. Perhaps because it was a major river, there was even a dock. They likely used the river for domestic transportation.

Houses with brick walls and stone-paved streets. Waterways ran throughout the city.

The residential houses also had a different atmosphere compared to Verdgar.

The palace in the city center—spread across a small hill—was similarly distinct. Theoreme Castle in Termwills had a vertical, upward-reaching feel, while this one spread horizontally across a wide area. Several gardens and detached palaces existed within the castle walls.

…Indeed, even individual buildings featured architectural styles not seen in Verdgar. The palace, made of white stone, still gave a magnificent impression.

In the central part of the grounds, I could see a large building with a round dome-shaped roof… Was that where the king resided?

“I’ll go show myself to the soldiers in the watchtowers. I also need to inform them about the conspirators.”

Princess Elham said this and stood up to head to the deck.

Here too, the method of entering the city from the air was what you might call standard. We needed the soldiers in the watchtowers to signal us with flags or something similar.

“From what I can see, the docks appear quite spacious. Since this ship can also dock on water, I’ll head there instead. Please convey that.”

“Understood.”

“We should probably go greet them as well.”

Saying this, Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana followed.

“Then I’ll join as escort as well.”

“Thank you, Sir Elliot.”

Elliot and Mercedes accompanied them.

Princess Elham’s escort unit was also aboard the Sirius, but considering there were actual conspirators among them, it felt more reassuring for us to handle Princess Elham’s protection ourselves.

I lowered the Sirius’s altitude until the watchtower soldiers’ eye level was about the same as the deck’s height, then approached.

Looking at the deck through the crystal panel, I saw the soldiers were wide-eyed at the sight of the Sirius, but when they spotted Princess Elham on the deck, they responded with salutes.

Princess Elham seemed to be exchanging words of appreciation with the soldiers before introducing Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana. The soldiers’ expressions stiffened momentarily upon hearing their titles, and they saluted again.

After exchanging a few more words with the soldiers, Princess Elham returned to the bridge.

“They say they’ll notify the palace. Everyone, welcome to Mernpios.”

Saying this, Princess Elham smiled and bowed.

“Yes. Then let’s prepare and wait at the docks.”

I slightly raised the Sirius to cross over the outer walls and moved toward the docks along the riverbank.

We needed to let Dahl and the others off the ship and prepare them for handover.

We promptly docked the Sirius at the docks and decided to unload the prisoners from the second cargo hold. To avoid unnecessary commotion, we decided to cover their heads, leaving only air holes. In the ensuing bustle, we retrieved Ambrum from the cargo hold and repackaged the vice-commander who had been swapped out back into the stone box for unloading.

We had the Aqua Golems carry out the prisoners and stack them like cargo.

Simultaneously, Rosemary and the others used Levitation to float the dragon carriage fixed to the deck and lower it onto land.

“…Hmm. It’s certainly warmer than Verdgar, but… not as much as I imagined.”

After lowering the dragon carriage and catching her breath, Rosemary, who had been looking around the docks, murmured. Perhaps finding the foreign scenery novel, Marlene, Seraphina, and Sheila were also looking around together.

“It does seem less hot than I expected, indeed.”

“In Verdgar, chilly days become more frequent around this time… but this might actually be more comfortable.”

“Indeed. It seems light clothing will suffice.”

Auria nodded at Grace and Ashley’s words.

In Verdgar around this time, you’d need to wear fairly thick clothing. In Mernpios, long sleeves might feel slightly warm depending on the situation, I suppose?

“The hottest season has ended, so now is a comfortable time of year. Since this area is along the river and the air isn’t dry, those from Verdgar might not feel too much discomfort.”

Princess Elham explained. I see.

“However, mornings and evenings get quite cold, so please be careful. The sunlight can be strong at times, and it’s dry… so it might be better for everyone to cover their skin as well.”

Hmm… Would a veil be necessary? If we head southwest, it would undoubtedly get even hotter, so it wouldn’t be wasted… But I have Tephra’s Blessing too, so I’ll observe the situation.

While we were talking, the unloading of prisoners finished, and a group of soldiers, apparently dispatched from the palace, arrived at the docks. The moment they saw Princess Elham, they all knelt on one knee and spoke.

“Welcome back, Your Highness Elham. We received reports from the watchtower soldiers about conspirators within the escort unit and hurried here.”

Princess Elham nodded quietly and spoke.

“First… as you can see, I am unharmed. With the assistance of honored guests from Verdgar and Silvatoria, I was able to overcome the crisis. The conspirators and Kahar’s assassins have been captured alive by these individuals and are confined within those stone boxes.”

She pointed at the stacked stone boxes as she said this.

“To think…”

The captain and soldiers’ eyes widened.

“I must now bring my lifesavers and Baharzad’s most important guests to the palace. You are to transport the conspirators and assassins to the appropriate location.”

Princess Elham announced this clearly and confidently.

“Yes, ma’am!”

The captain nodded and began giving orders to the soldiers. The soldiers started dividing up and carrying the stone boxes away from the docks.

…Well, that should suffice for the prisoner handover.

“Then, we’ll entrust the guarding of the Sirius to the Demon-Slaying Knight Order.”

Elliot said quietly, watching the prisoner unloading from the corner of his eye.

“Thank you. Then, please take care of it.”

“We’re off, Brother Elliot. Please be careful.”

“Ah. You be careful too, Ashley.”

The Demon-Slaying Knight Order, Ignis, Lavigne, Ambrum. Then Lindwurm, Saphir, Corulis and the others would stay behind on the Sirius.

Corulis and the others appeared on deck and waved toward us as a send-off. We waved back too. I could see Alpha as well. When our eyes met and I nodded, Alpha nodded back. Good.

Well… the Sirius’s defenses should be quite substantial. We can monitor the situation on the Sirius side through Familiars and Communication Devices, and we can stay in contact, so we should be able to handle most situations no matter where problems arise.

Princess Elham boarded the dragon carriage. We got into the welcoming carriages and headed toward the palace.

The cityscape—perhaps because wood was valuable—had many buildings with stone window frames and brick roofs. Although the country had experienced turmoil, the markets showed considerable liveliness… and I could see smiles on people’s faces. I spotted a fair number of soldiers patrolling the streets… but they didn’t seem to be feared.

“The city’s people… seem relatively peaceful, don’t they?”

Claudia narrowed her eyes at the scene.

“Yeah… I guess the area around the capital is relatively stable.”

This scene probably didn’t represent everything, and they likely had various hardships, but it seemed King Baharzad was governing effectively.

Soon, the dragon carriage and our carriages passed through the palace gates and entered the gardens. Fountains, hedges—all well-maintained and truly splendid. As I admired the gardens, the dragon carriage and carriages came to a stop.

“From here, vehicles cannot proceed further.”

The coachman said. We all disembarked from the carriages and proceeded deeper into the palace grounds on foot. Another wall and gate stood within the grounds, and beyond them, the central massive building came into view. This was… extravagant in a different way from Theoreme.

“Please proceed further inside.”

Urged by Princess Elham, we entered the palace’s central interior through the front lined with huge columns. Inside, a truly magnificent scene unfolded.

The walls and ceiling were entirely tiled… with diverse decorations. The patterns drawn in cobalt blue tiles gave a very cool impression.

“This is… quite splendid indeed.”

“The Kingdom of Baharzad is a nation with a long history, after all.”

Old Sigmund grunted in admiration, and Valentina caught her breath. Charlotte was blinking rapidly. She probably didn’t leave the Sages’ Academy much. Well, the Academy’s towers were quite impressive from a magician’s perspective too… but this palace had a different orientation.

“My apologies. The palace avoided being caught in the war even during the kingdom’s turbulent period.”

Hmm… If things had gone poorly, the tiles might have been stripped away and looted.

“This is the audience chamber.”

Then, Princess Elham stopped before large doors. The king was probably already waiting. As we arrived, the doors opened inward, revealing the figure seated on the throne at the far end.

A man with a mustache, wearing a decorated turban. He had dignity but didn’t appear very old. He looked considerably younger compared to King Melvin or King Eberhart.

…He has a katana scar on his cheek. He gives the impression of having been through some fierce battles.

Together with Princess Elham, we proceeded deeper into the audience chamber and all made formal greetings according to protocol.

“Elham Baharzad. I have returned.”

“Hmm. As an envoy of friendship and guide, you have truly done well. Honored guests, you may raise your faces.”

Urged to look up, my eyes met the king’s.

“Honored guests who have traveled the long distance to come here. I—We are Farid, King of Baharzad. We have already heard how you rescued Elham from her predicament. First, as a father, I must thank the guests. And… I must apologize for my poor judgment. It seems our country’s circumstances and my personnel choices have caused you trouble.”

King Farid said. Just now… he almost said “I,” didn’t he? Partly because he’s young, but he gives the impression that kingship doesn’t quite suit him yet.

That said, rather than a prince or royalty… yes, he has the atmosphere of a battle-hardened general. They say he stabilized Baharzad… but with King Farid, I can’t help but feel he personally stood on the battlefield.

“We have also heard rumors from Verdgar. Our nation owes a debt to Verdgar. We must welcome you with the full might of the kingdom.”

Then King Farid grinned, showing white teeth in a smile that was quite un-kinglike.