ALL NOVEL chapter 76 - Divine Cat Mee-chan arrives at the capital.
76 Divine Cat Mee-chan arrives at the capital.
While trying to calm down a sulking Sera, I had Perro sitting in a formal seiza position as a form of discipline.
Sera is a girl, and there’s no way I can defend Perro for grabbing her from behind. Still, I told Sera that maybe she should consider showing some leniency.
“Sera-nyan, please forgive meow~” Perro pleaded, but Sera just turned her head away in a huff. Ah, Perro looks completely downcast now.
After finishing breakfast, we set off again. We arrived in the next town, Uuri, without incident, and by midday the following day, we passed through the gates of the royal capital, Wilhelm. Along the way, we spotted wyverns flying overhead several times, but since the travelers and merchants didn’t seem concerned, it might have been the famous Dragon Riders’ squadron.
Wilhelm, the royal capital, is a coastal city, and every now and then, a breeze carries the scent of the sea. I’m looking forward to shopping here.
Even though we just arrived, I decided to head straight to the royal palace. It’s best to get the troublesome stuff out of the way as soon as possible.
We were stopped at the palace gates, so I handed over my pass and was escorted to what seemed like a waiting room for soldiers. I asked Sumire to wait patiently.
While holding Mii-chan and Sera, and with Perro carrying Rudy, we waited until a man who was clearly more distinguished than the other soldiers, wearing armor that was both high-quality and practical, took a seat in front of us.
“I am Karl of the Royal Guard. I’ve verified your pass, and it is indeed a formal one from the Kingdom of Lumière. However, you don’t quite strike me as an envoy of Lumière.”
The man, a sturdy figure with a beard, wore a troubled expression. It’s true—I probably don’t look like an envoy. I had Mii-chan hand over the dagger entrusted to me by the queen, placing it in front of Karl. The moment he saw it, Karl’s eyes widened, and he began examining the dagger closely.
“Please arrange a meeting with the Grand Duke.”
“Understood.”
We ended up waiting for quite a while, and just as Rudy started getting fidgety, Karl returned with two attendants in tow.
“His Majesty has agreed to see you. Please, follow me.”
Karl led the way, with us in the middle and two soldiers behind, making it feel almost like we were being escorted under guard. We passed through a grand courtyard and eventually arrived at a room deep within the palace, marked by an especially impressive door.
Karl knocked firmly on the door, and a low, commanding voice responded, “Enter.”
Karl opened the door and ushered us inside, though the two soldiers stayed behind.
“Karl, you may leave.”
“But, Your Majesty—”
“I said leave.”
Reluctantly, Karl exited the room, clearly displeased.
“Sit over here.”
The room, which seemed to serve as a study, was furnished with an elegant set of furniture for receiving guests. Without hesitation, I took a seat.
After the initial greetings were exchanged, the Grand Duke rang a bell to summon what appeared to be a butler and began giving him some instructions. Um, really, there’s no need to go to any trouble—we’ll be leaving shortly.
“How is Anneliese?”
“She is in very good health. Lady Lene as well.”
“Lene must be at such an adorable age now, isn’t she?”
“Indeed, she is a very charming and kind princess.”
“I see…”
Even the stern-faced Grand Duke softened at the mention of his grandchildren, with his eyes visibly warming.
The room was then knocked upon, and the butler, accompanied by a group of maids, entered to prepare tea. They also kindly provided some milk in dishes for Mii-chan, Sera, and Rudy. While Mii-chan didn’t drink, I set Sera and Rudy down and gave them the go-ahead, and they immediately started lapping it up. The maids watched them with fond smiles, while Mii-chan remained in my arms, curiously observing the surroundings.
“That one doesn’t drink?” the Grand Duke asked.
“My apologies. Mii-chan only consumes what I prepare myself.”
“Mii~,” Mii-chan responded.
“A wise creature indeed,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Perro was devouring the snacks provided, loudly declaring how delicious they were while gulping down tea. I wish he would show a bit more restraint.
“So, what brings you here?” the Grand Duke finally asked, turning the conversation to the purpose of our visit.
I handed the Grand Duke the letter from the Queen.
The maids, finally succumbing to temptation, started to pet and cuddle with Sera and Rudy, while the butler attended to Perro. The Grand Duke didn’t say anything as he observed this, suggesting that the atmosphere in this workplace was rather relaxed.
“Hmm, it seems there’s a lot going on… But a great war, you say…” The Grand Duke’s expression grew stern as he read the letter.
“Anneliese seems to hold you in high regard.”
“We happened to meet at the royal palace, and it seems Lady Lene took quite a liking to Perro.”
“A member of the Cait Sith tribe, is it? It’s my first time encountering one. And that over there must be from the White Wolf tribe. I’ve seen them around Mount Brocken.”
“Rudy is the youngest child of the White Wolf tribe’s leader from Mount Brocken.”
“What! Is that true?” The Grand Duke’s surprise was palpable.
“Grr,” Rudy growled softly, affirming my statement.
Since it was something I was planning to discuss later, I went ahead and explained the situation.
“To possess such high intelligence… That would place them at the level of a Demon Lord…”
“However, they do not desire conflict with humans. Their wish is for coexistence and mutual prosperity.”
“It’s certainly reassuring to know that Mount Brocken is safe to traverse, but… I cannot place my trust in them so easily.” The Grand Duke’s caution was evident, but there was also a hint of consideration in his words.
“It’s a mutual concern, I believe. The path to coexistence and mutual prosperity that has finally opened—I hope the human side doesn’t close it.”
“I’ll have to discuss this with Lumiere as well.”
After that, we talked about trivial matters. The Grand Duke seemed to take a liking to Sera, petting her the entire time, so I showed him her original black panther form. Rather than being shocked, he seemed impressed.
Oh, and when I presented him with the ale and wine I had brought as gifts, he was delighted.
As we were about to leave, he asked if we had a place to stay for the night. When I said we didn’t, he offered us a place in the royal palace, but I had to politely decline. My nerves wouldn’t be able to handle that. The maids looked disappointed, but I decided not to ask why.
As we took our leave, the Grand Duke asked me to return tomorrow. At the gate, the butler handed me a piece of paper—it seemed to be a recommendation for a nearby inn. How thoughtful.
Sumire also seemed to have been treated well by the palace grooms, as she was in a good mood the entire time.
Tomorrow, we’ll head to the port and buy lots of fish.
“Mii~”