Chapter 419 – The Boundary City in Late Autumn

“That is Theoreme Castle. The royal castle created by the labyrinth, correct?”

“Created by the labyrinth…”

Though Theoreme Castle’s majestic form was visible in the distance, we still had some way to go. After finishing preparations for disembarkation, I decided to explain various aspects of Termwills’ different districts to Princess Elham and the others.

About Theoreme Castle. The characteristics and facilities of each district spreading east, west, north, and south. About the labyrinth. And other various precautions – essentially the basic knowledge of Termwills.

Regarding the labyrinth, they would need to attend the Adventurer Guild’s training session before descending, but I planned to set aside time to discuss it in more detail later.

“—And the area we’re heading to now is the Western District with the port and shipyard. It’s one of the more dangerous areas in Termwills, so when going out here, it would be better to avoid walking alone. If you do go out, please let us know so we can feel more at ease.”

“Understood.”

Princess Elham, Forset, and Sion and her two companions nodded with solemn expressions. Marceska gives off an innocent impression, but when it comes to warnings and such, she seems to listen properly… Probably because forest exploration carries its own dangers. All three of them appear accustomed to exploration, but they must have gone through various hardships to reach that point.

“By the way, the shipyard, the Fire Spirit Hot Spring in the hot spring town, and the outer walls were all created under Theodore’s direction.”

“Created… them?”

At Sheila’s words, Sion blinked in surprise while Forset nodded.

“Magic Construction, I see. But this is truly extraordinary…”

As we were having such conversation, we arrived above the shipyard. Aligning the Sirius with the foundation, I slowly descended and landed.

“…Well, that’s about it.”

Now then, let’s disembark. There are still things like food supplies and water that need to be unloaded from the ship, so we have various tasks to attend to.

“Mmm… It’s quite chilly. And there’s a strange smell…”

After we all divided the work and brought the luggage out to the deck, Sion said while lightly rubbing her upper arms and looking around.

We’re facing the sea and it’s dusk, after all. The temperature seems to have dropped considerably. The smell of the sea must be new to them too.

“That’s… true. Perhaps because we’re close to the sea?”

“Yes, your coat.”

“Thank you, Marceska.”

All three of them put on their coats. They looked somewhat better off, but these were for forest exploration, apparently meant for insect protection rather than cold weather.

Using Wind Magic to block the sea breeze and Life Magic to adjust the surrounding temperature. This should make the perceived temperature quite different.

“Mmm… It’s warm. Thank you, Theodore.”

“Thank you, Theodore-sama.”

“…This helps.”

“It’s a great help, Theodore-sama. We’re rather unaccustomed to the cold, you see.”

Just as I received thanks from the three of them, Forset also expressed his gratitude.

“Not at all. However, you might want to prepare Magic Tools for the winter season. It’s going to get much colder from here.”

“Much colder…?”

It seems Forset isn’t good with the cold either. He looked somewhat embarrassed.

…Hmm. If I spend more time with Forset and Sion’s group, Tephra’s Blessing might take effect… but well, having cold-weather Magic Tools would make things easier for the time being.

Seasonally speaking, autumn is nearly over. Maybe I feel this more strongly because we were in the southern regions.

In contrast, Lavigne is full of energy. She’s sitting calmly with Seraphina on her head, but judging by how she’s wagging her tail vigorously, she might be happy about winter’s approach.

“Until we go shopping, we might be able to make do with some of my clothes.”

“That’s right. I have some clothes too.”

At Ashley’s words, Claudia also smiled and nodded. Marlene was vigorously nodding her head up and down too. We could also consider children’s clothes from the Labyrinth Village residents, but everyone seems to be in a cheerful mood. For Ashley and the others, dressing up Sion’s group might be enjoyable.

“Yeah. Well, let’s try to go shopping soon too.”

“Yes. Then we’ll make do with this for the time being.”

When we descended from the deck, several carriages had already arrived to meet us. They had sent carriages from the royal castle.

“Welcome back, Sir Theodore. His Majesty Melvin has instructed that if you appear tired, we should take you to the Eastern District. What would you prefer?”

So that means… if I’m tired, I can postpone the report until tomorrow. Well, the consideration is appreciated, but in any case, Princess Elham and the others will be heading to the royal castle, and it would be more efficient if I joined in for the explanations.

“Thank you for your concern. I’m not that tired, so I plan to go to the castle and make my report.”

“As you wish.”

The royal castle messenger bowed. Turning back to everyone, I decided to coordinate today’s remaining plans.

“I’ll take responsibility for the escort to the royal castle.”

“Thank you, Sir Elliot. I’d like to return as early as possible… As for unloading, we could postpone the smaller items until tomorrow perhaps.”

When I said this, Elliot quietly smiled and nodded. Camilla is probably waiting for Elliot’s return too.

“Then let’s at least unload the food supplies from the ship’s hold.”

Elliot gave various instructions to the Demon-Slaying Knight Order and actively moved about himself. I also mobilized Golems to help with that.

The Lindwurms also descended from the deck. They would be heading to the royal castle too.

Princess Stephania, Princess Adriana, Princess Elham, and Forset all seemed set on going to the royal castle. Since they’re all important figures, having the Demon-Slaying Knight Order’s protection is reassuring.

“Then… would it be alright if we take Sion-sama and the others home?”

Grace inquired.

“Hmm. That’s right. Well, could you return home ahead of us? Caduceus will accompany you too.”

“Thank you.”

Grace smiled.

“Can I leave the herbs and crops to you for now?”

“Yes. I’ll draw a Magic Array and treat them so they don’t wilt.”

Rosemary nodded while hiding her mouth with her feather fan. Good. Well, this is Rosemary’s specialty after all. I’ll leave plant-related matters to her.

“We plan to stop by the orphanage before returning to the Eastern District.”

“In that case, please take Lavigne with you.”

“That would be reassuring.”

Sheila and Irmhild headed to the orphanage. Lavigne would accompany them.

“…Hmm. I shall return to the Guild. It seems my ride is here.”

Said Auria. A pickup from the Adventurer Guild, then.

…Heather, wearing a cheerful smile, appeared to be waiting in a carriage parked some distance away. Hmm. Work might have piled up. Since she bowed cheerfully from a distance, I returned the bow.

Alpha descended from the deck.

“You’re free to come home or stay guarding the Sirius.”

The shipyard has soldiers stationed for security. When I told Alpha this, it nodded.

Once the unloading reached a temporary stopping point, everyone began moving to their carriages. Elliot, riding Saphir, led the wyverns flying in formation above the carriages, serving as escorts.

The Lindwurms headed to the Eastern District, escorting from above the carriage Grace was riding.

Corulis was also mixed in with the wyvern formation, serving as rear guard… but well, let’s not worry about that.

“Well done, Theodore.”

When we arrived at the royal castle, King Melvin had already come to the front of the guesthouse and greeted us with a smile as soon as we descended from the carriage.

Since I had reported we would return today. Given that it’s evening, King Melvin’s work might have finished. Or perhaps he made time to wait for us.

“I have returned. I report here that we have returned without a single person missing.”

“Nothing matters more than your safe return. Stephania, Princess Adriana, Elliot—you have all done well.”

“Yes!”

“May I present Her Highness Elham, Second Princess of the Kingdom of Baharzard, and Forset-sama, representative from Halvaronis, the hidden village of the Kingdom of Nahalbia.”

Princess Elham and Forset, introduced by Princess Stephania, each bowed and introduced themselves.

“Hmm. There must be much to discuss. First, let us settle down comfortably inside the guesthouse and talk.”

Saying this, King Melvin led the way into the guesthouse, guiding us inside.