Chapter 47: In the Central Capital
Slowly continuing our journey, by the time the surroundings had fully embraced spring, we arrived at the capital of the Rocha region, which is now referred to as the central capital since it's no longer a nation's capital.
Upon our arrival, officials who oversee this region hurriedly crowded around, as if they had been waiting for us.
"Prince Millimos Nonette! Why is your arrival so delayed?"
"Without a ruler, various tasks have been left undone!"
They all complained, but I didn't engage in their words.
"We sent letters during our journey, didn't we? Just continue your duties as usual."
"We can't do that!"
"Why not? You've managed it before, haven't you? So, you can do it. Get to work."
Pushing past the officials, I entered the castle, but people continued to follow behind me even in the corridor.
Ignoring their calls from outside the door, I sat down in the chair at the work desk. The seat and backrest were stuffed with cotton, making it quite comfortable.
"Everyone must be tired from the journey, how about sitting on the sofa?" I suggested.
In response, Princess Parvela and Hones took their seats, while Familis moved to stand behind them.
After a moment's pause, Princess Parvela turned her gaze towards the door. "Millimos-kun, is it okay to ignore them?"
"It's not ideal, but do you understand why they're so desperately trying to gain favor?" I replied.
Normally, few would try to ingratiate themselves with a new ruler, as existing interests are already established, and people dislike newcomers disrupting the status quo. Yet, the officials were waiting for us in front of the castle, anticipating a threat to their vested interests.
"We've traveled around, learning various issues in this region. We've witnessed numerous 'wrongdoings'," I said.
"Self-imposed checkpoints, presence of thieves, nearby soldiers not working, nobles acting arrogantly while peasants suffer from hunger, neglected sick miners, and even assassins attacking," Hones recalled, listing the problems.
Listening to Hones, Familis frowned displeasingly.
"There were places where corruption was rampant within the villages. During our journey, how many times have we encountered such situations," Familis reminisced in a knightly tone, and I continued.
"The reason they're trying so hard to get on our good side is because there's a faction of extreme and militant knights here. They see us as a potential counterbalance."
"I hope you're not implying only I'm capable of doing wrong. Prince Millimos, you've defeated thieves and assassins with your sword and magic, haven't you?"
"That was acting in self-defense—let's get back on track. The fact that these officials are trying to get close to us, who stand against wrongdoing, suggests that they must have something shady going on."
"I see. Your indifferent attitude earlier was a strategy to expose their malevolent actions!" Princess Parvela exclaimed, delightedly.
I smiled at her enthusiastic remark.
"To rectify the wrongs, we should take swift action. But before delving into domestic affairs, there are matters that need our attention."
After a brief conversation while seated, I stood up once again.
"Are you going somewhere?" Familis inquired.
I pointed outside in response.
"I'm going to where the soldiers are. We need manpower to apprehend the wrongdoers. I'm going to secure their cooperation."
"Are you going to try to sway the soldiers to your side? Should I accompany you?" Familis offered.
The quickest way to win the soldiers' support would be to demonstrate our combat capabilities. Familis was volunteering for that role.
"No, I'll go alone. If I have your help, people might start to think that a ruler who relies on the knights of a knightly nation can't do anything on his own. So, Familis, stay here and protect the two of them."
"Protecting Princess Parvela is my top priority, so I'll do it without being asked. But are you leaving Hones here as well?"
"I want to follow Senpai!"
"Sorry, but I'll be heading to a place with many soldiers. I can handle things alone, but if Hones were taken hostage by the soldiers, it would be troublesome. So, stay here."
"…If that's the case, I'll stay behind," Hones reluctantly agreed, while Princess Parvela provided an unexpected solution.
"If that's the case, let's all go together. I want to see Millimos-kun in action!"
Her cheerful proposal left me in a bit of a dilemma.
"Like I mentioned earlier, if the knights of this knightly nation see us entering, it—"
"Don't worry. We're just going to observe. It shouldn't be a problem. And of course, if someone tries to take us hostage, Familis will handle it. So, don't worry!"
Given Princess Parvela's determination, I realized persuading her was futile. After all, once she made up her mind, there was no changing it.
"Understood. Then let's all head to where the soldiers are—the barracks or training grounds."
"Yes! Let's go, Millimos-kun!"
With a smile and a cheerful proposal, Princess Parvela pushed me out of the office, followed by Familis and Hones.