Chapter 568 – Holiday Sightseeing in Termwills

The next day. As planned, I went out sightseeing in Termwills with Grace and the others, Michelle, Lasnote, and the Grantios group.

First, we were to tour the Royal Castle, so we took a carriage there and met up with Queen Eldorene, Princess Stephania, and the other two.

“Good day.”

When I greeted the waiting group, the Queen and Princesses also broke into smiles and returned the greeting.

“Oh. Quite fine weather today, isn’t it?”

“Please take care of us today.”

“Yes. I’ll be serving as your escort today.”

We exchanged greetings in this manner. Corulis, Flamia, and Ramriya waved their hands, tails, and sand arms respectively in greeting, so I waved back.

“Hehe, good morning.”

For the Siren and Water Guardians, Corulis and the others were familiar faces they’d fought alongside on the Sirius. They were lightly petted, and Ortona also greeted them.

First was the Royal Castle tour… though, well… it’s visible from anywhere in the city. Even when viewing the interior, there are places ordinary people can’t enter. So this time, Princess Stephania would be our guide.

“That’s right… Well then, shall we head to the garden on the south side? Given the season, not many flowers are blooming, but…”

The south side—meaning the direction where the aqueduct is located. The water drawn from the southern mountain regions flows to Theoreme Castle, the heart of Termwills, before being distributed throughout the city.

A stone garden had been constructed in a sunny location. Water channels were laid throughout, with plantings, gazebos, an artificial pond, statues, fountains, and more—just the right size for a leisurely stroll.

“If it weren’t winter, you could see many more flowers here,”

Princess Stephania said, sounding somewhat disappointed.

“No, we can still see winter flowers. And it’s quite informative in various ways.”

The decorations on the gazebos and statues, for instance. Judging by how the architectural style resembles the city center, this too likely originates from the Labyrinth.

“After all, is this kind of architectural style derived from the Moon Capital?”

“Yes. There are similarities. Though some things may have changed since I descended to the surface.”

Claudia, who had been quietly gazing at the garden, smiled at my question.

“Now that we’ve heard Claudia-sama’s story, it makes sense. They say this pond has been here since before the aqueduct was built. Since water wells up from the bottom and the water level remains constant, they say it would be somewhat fine even if the aqueduct were destroyed.”

Rosemary said while lightly stroking the white railing around the artificial pond.

Ah, indeed. If it weren’t self-contained within Theoreme Castle, it probably wouldn’t function as a refuge from Magical Storm disasters.

“Interesting… but then, there must be a reason for adding the aqueduct later?”

“Because water is a lifeline. They say the Verdgar king of the time ordered its construction to prevent problems if the city grew larger in the future or if the pond dried up.”

I see. So even with a water source, since it’s Labyrinth-derived, they couldn’t be certain of its reliability. Considering Claudia’s circumstances and personality, it might be undue worry, but without knowing that background, it makes sense to prepare countermeasures in case the water source became unusable.

“That aqueduct itself is quite something too, with Purification Magic Tools installed and structural reinforcement through Magic.”

Princess Stephania smiled.

Yeah. Regarding the Royal Castle, there are many interesting stories you wouldn’t know from the outside.

Even so, we’re somewhat accustomed to Theoreme’s absurdities, but Queen Eldorene and the others, and Michelle, were wide-eyed. Lasnote, perhaps because she was born and raised in the Labyrinth or lacked comparison points, listened relatively normally but seemed interested.

After that, we toured the Guesthouse, the drill grounds square, and the Dragon Stable, wrapping up the Royal Castle visit.

When we stopped by the Dragon Stable, since Lindwurm also seemed bored, we brought it along. As part of the escort, it’s moving alongside Corulis above the carriage procession.

On Corulis’s back were Flamia, Ramriya, and Ortona equipped with a Levitation Magic Tool. Regardless of the surreal appearance, their escort capabilities must be considerable.

Exiting the city through the southern castle gate, we moved to the western district while viewing the aforementioned aqueduct mentioned by Princess Stephania and Rosemary. The aqueduct itself is a testament to high technical skill. Even more so if it’s not Labyrinth-derived. Hearing the detailed stories about the aqueduct makes it look different.

Now then. Next, we’ll tour the shipyard. Since the Demon-Slaying Knight Order members are resting, it was quiet, with only watch soldiers and Rosemary’s security Dolls present.

When we showed up at the shipyard, Alpha appeared from somewhere. The animal group, including Lindwurm, seemed to be sticking together and behaving quietly.

“So beautiful…”

“The Sirius, huh. Mmm. A splendid ship indeed.”

Lasnote muttered while looking up at the Sirius, and Queen Eldorene nodded.

“I also saw it before at Sir Elliot’s wedding. It’s an amazing ship. I heard it was created through technical cooperation between Silvatoria and Theodore-sama?”

“That’s right. The armor plates and levitation devices use Silvatoria’s technology.”

“Incidentally, Theodore built this shipyard too.”

When Sheila said that, Michelle and the Grantios group’s expressions stiffened for a moment… but perhaps because of the greenhouse and Moonlight Island, they nodded with admiration.

“That was incredible. So many large Golems came out…”

“It was quite a sight indeed.”

When Ashley spoke, Grace smiled and replied.

“Well, yeah, it was more like carving out the original terrain.”

I added that for clarity. Somehow… it feels somewhat strange that this, alongside the Royal Castle stories, would become tourist tales.

Since we were here, we also toured the Sirius’s interior and went on a sightseeing cruise around Termwills.

Regardless of the Grantios group, for Michelle and Lasnote, it was their first time on the Sirius too. We slowly circled around Termwills, enjoying the scenery while listening to Irmhild play the Lute, thoroughly enjoying the sightseeing.

The views through the monitors visible from the bridge, the horizon seen from the deck… the scenery from high places seemed novel not only to Lasnote but to Michelle as well.

“This view is amazing… To think we’d even ride an Airship,”

Michelle said. Lasnote, together with Marlene, tried operating the monitors and stared intently at the scenery.

After returning from the cruise… next was the botanical garden tour.

We came to the shipyard via the south and west sides, so heading north from there and circling to the east toward the hot spring town would complete a full circuit of Termwills, I suppose.

Stopping by workshops and viewing Peresford Academy during the move, we headed to the botanical garden.

“My, Termwills is such a vibrant, good city.”

Queen Eldorene murmured this, perhaps having various thoughts as a ruler after touring the city.

“Many people gather here from nearby regions. There are plenty of adventurers aiming to strike it rich in the Labyrinth, so it might be a bit different from other places.”

“I see indeed. Certainly. But it serves as good stimulation. I too must strive for Grantios’s restoration and development… and above all, for my reign.”

Queen Eldorene said while nodding. Yeah. If it boosts her motivation, that’s what matters most.

Upon arriving at the botanical garden, the Flower Fairies immediately came out to welcome us.

Hmm. We’ll head to the Fire Spirit Hot Spring after this, so it feels like the sightseeing is packed with various activities.

“Ah—this place is wonderful as expected. Truly splendid.”

Michelle was already getting excited at the botanical garden… but I can’t help feeling the combination of Fire Spirit Hot Spring and Mermaids will be similar.

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