Chapter 9: Fortress City Primera
Primera is a fortress city surrounded by vast forests. It is the core city in the southeast of the kingdom, with a population of 100,000. Including the urban area of surrounding towns and villages, it has a population of 200,000.
It is also a defensive stronghold to prevent invasion from the territory of monsters, so the Primera Knights, one of the top knights in the kingdom, are stationed there, and the size of the adventurer guild is also larger than in other cities.
After about two hours from leaving the refuge, the walls of Primera finally came into view. We began to pass by groups of many wagons, and we could see armed adventurers and knights.
"Amazing... this is the first time I've seen such a genuine castle wall."
"Indeed, while the walls of Primera are huge, Kakeru-san, are castle walls rare in your world?"
As I was impressed by the castle walls, Ronaldo-san asked with great interest.
"Yes, there are not entirely absent, but there are only ruins from hundreds of years ago. In this world, castle walls have fulfilled their original purpose, you see."
"Fulfilled their purpose? Does that mean there are no battles in Kakeru-san's world?"
"That's also true, but it's meaningless to have them because you can destroy a town with a single blow from the sky. Besides, there are no monsters either."
"... A single blow from the sky... the other world is an amazing place."
Ronaldo-san smiled wryly with a twisted face.
"However, is it really a world without monsters? It must be a peaceful and wonderful world."
"That's right... but if there are no monsters, humans will start fighting with each other, won't they?"
"Hahaha, that's certainly possible. Human desires are limitless... Oh, excuse me, Kakeru-san."
Ronaldo-san reported to the knights that goblins had appeared. There may be other groups, and it may be necessary to call attention to nearby towns and villages until the investigation is complete.
"Lord Ronaldo, thank you for the information. I would like to hear more detailed information if possible..."
"I'm sorry. Actually, my father is critically ill, and I must hurry to see him."
"I understand. Then go quickly. If you have time later, please visit the knight's quarters. Let's talk about it. Sorry for taking your time when you're in a hurry."
The feeling of the voice seems to be female. She wore a pure white full body armor and seemed to have a high status, yet her speech was polite and she didn't seem to be trying to act important. The popularity of the knight order naturally goes up.
The members of the knight order seem to be heading for an investigation in the forest immediately. We parted ways with them and headed for the castle gate.
As we arrived right in front of the castle wall, it was really impressive. The height of the wall was about 10 meters and the thickness was about 5 meters, and the wall continued around for several kilometers on both sides.
In case of emergency, it seems that the gate is made wide enough for four carriages to pass through at once, so that the residents can escape from this side. Although there were guards standing at the entrance, there was no checkpoint and we could easily enter by paying the toll of one silver coin. Adventurers and merchants registered with the guild apparently don't have to pay the toll.
When paying the toll, being told "Welcome to the city of Primera" makes me feel like I'm in some RPG or fantasy land, and I get really excited.
By the way, since black eyes and black hair still stand out, I am currently covering myself completely with a hood. I think I look very suspicious, but apparently it's not a problem for wizards or magic users to look like that.
As we entered the city, the scenery changed completely. Markets and shops lined up on both sides of the main street, and lots of people were coming and going. It's obvious, but it's really refreshing that there are no cars or bicycles running at all.
Most of the buildings were made of stone, and the roads were paved with cobblestones. There were many carriages, but there were also people pulling lizards like dragons. It really feels like a different world.
The huge building visible in the distance is the lord's residence and the center of this city. It's not a magnificent castle for attending a ball with glass shoes, but rather a luxurious fortress that emphasizes practicality. I think it also serves as a mental support for the people in this world who are surrounded by the threat of demons. Just looking at it gives a sense of security and reliability.
We are currently walking in the fourth district located on the west side of the city. Many ordinary residents live in this area, and there is a bustling district with markets and shops. It is farthest from the eastern wall where the demons' territory is, and closest to the evacuation route, so it is easy to evacuate in case of emergency.
Normally, rich people and nobles would live in the easiest place to escape, but at least in this town, it's different.
The people coming and going were of various races, just like in a different world, it's wonderful! Especially the beast people are amazing. I want to touch them.
"Kakeru-san... So it's true that you like beast people in different worlds..."
Tomas and Julio were amazed by my strong interest. Did it show on my face? I guess so. Fria pouted and looked cute, so I patted her head for now.
I want to argue, but it's hitting the truth, so I can only accept it silently, although it's frustrating.
But it's fluffy. What's wrong with people's sensitivity in this world? If there was a shop where you could touch them as much as you want, I might even go there.
I want to see various places, but Ronaldo's family home is in the third district, so I hurried there for the time being. The third district is a so-called high-end residential area, with facilities such as government offices and various guilds in this area.
Ronaldo's father is the head of a major trading company based in Primera. It seems that the children are deliberately trained in peddling in various places rather than being placed in their own company.
He was surprised to hear the sudden news of his father's critical condition, as he was in very good health when they last met last year.
"Wow... It's so big," I couldn't help but say out loud as Ronaldo's family home was incredibly huge.
It took about five minutes from the gate to the entrance, and cute maids with rabbit ears greeted us... Cute maids with rabbit ears greeted us.
I said it twice because it's important.
"Welcome back, Ronaldo-sama. Everyone is waiting for you."
A middle-aged butler in Romance Gray guided us. Unfortunately, his name is Marcos. I won't say why it's unfortunate. According to Marcos, Ronaldo's siblings other than him have already arrived.
"You're late, Ronaldo. I'm tired of waiting."
"Good to see you again, elder brother. Please see father as soon as possible."
Roberto said something sarcastic, and Rosa, the eldest daughter, ran over in tears.
It seems like Ronaldo explained about me well, and Rosa and the butler Marcos were very grateful. However, Roberto gave me a suspicious look.
According to Marcos, the head of the family, Carlos, collapsed about a month ago. Roberto, the eldest son who had just returned to the estate, found him collapsed.
Even after receiving treatment from a famous doctor, Carlos didn't recover and continued to weaken without regaining consciousness. It is said that he will surely die within two to three days if it continues like this.
If Carlos dies, Roberto will automatically inherit the company. It's blatantly suspicious, but unfortunately, there is no evidence.
If that's the case, I have to ask the person himself. I have the divine water. If it's a matter of lifespan, it can't be helped, but if it's poison or illness, it should be treatable.
***
(...Tch, that guy should have let Ronaldo get eaten by goblins. Oh well, it's just two or three more days of patience. Then I'll become the next head of the family. It was worth paying a high price to obtain that poison. It's a troublesome poison that can't be cured even with healing magic and leaves no evidence. I was panicked when my old man found out about the poison, but a dead man can't talk. Enjoy your last farewell, haha.)
As I saw Ronaldo entering my father's room, I immediately became restless. Suddenly, the surroundings became chaotic, with screams and cries coming from my father's room.
(I see, my father must have kicked the bucket. I have to be careful not to smirk.)
I entered my father's room with a pained expression as possible. Ronaldo and Rosa were there, but why were they smiling? Confused, I was restrained from behind by the servants.
***
"What are you doing! Who do you think I am? I am Roberto-sama, the next head of the family!"
"Enough, give it up Roberto. I've completely run out of patience with you. It doesn't matter. Hand him over to the Knights for using prohibited poison."
"A-a... Father... why are you still alive?"
With a pale face, Roberto was taken away and handed over to the Knights. Purchasing and using prohibited poisons was a serious crime and he would undoubtedly be executed. Later, it was revealed that Roberto held a grudge against his father because of a failed business venture. It doesn't matter now.
"...Kakeru-san. You helped not only Ronaldo and his family but also me. Let's make a vow. The Carlos Trading Company will be at your service for life."
Carlos-san deeply bowed his head.
"This too must be fate. I don't think I did anything remarkable, but yes... I'm thinking of making this town my base, so it would be helpful if you could recommend a good inn or shop."
For a moment, just a moment, the image of bunny-eared maids crossed my mind, but I forcefully banished it from my mind. If I were to make such a request now, my dignity would be zero... no, it would become negative.
"Hmm, as expected of the hero-sama from another world, your generosity knows no bounds. Leave it to me. I will take responsibility for preparing Kakeru-san's base. Until then, please stay in this mansion and let us take care of you."
In the end, I accepted Carlos-san's kindness and stayed at the mansion for a while. It's not because of the bunny-eared girls. It's true.