Chapter 47

It seems this place hasn't been attacked.

With this, we might be able to borrow horses or something.

However, they seem to be quite on guard.

Well, that can't be helped.

I glance at Elise.

She nods and steps forward.

She approaches the gate, and a voice is heard.

"Who are you!? What business do you have coming to this castle!?"

The voice questions us, almost angrily.

The voice is coming from the other side of the gate.

That's a magic tool. It's commonly used in noble households.

There are probably magic tools on the other side to see us as well.

Anyway, the gate guards don't seem to recognize Elise.

...Well, even in a ducal family, not everyone has seen Elise.

"Elise Rifeald. I have come here on business as a member of the Rifeald family."

"R-Rifeald? W-wait a moment!"

The voice cuts off, and the sound disappears.

From the flustered tone, they are probably verifying this right now.

After waiting for a while, the voice returns.

"Miss Elise Rifeald. Why have you come here?"

It's a different, calmer voice.

"I have come here by the order of the country to bring Crest back from the lower world. I have just returned from the lower world with Crest. I thought something was strange, so I came here to the Bitour family, with whom I am close, to gather information."

...That's the setup.

However, this is also a bit of a gamble.

Elise went to the lower world entirely on her own, so there's a chance she might be wanted as a traitor by the country.

Therefore, the part about bringing Crest back might be a lie.

But Elise also said she's probably fine.

Her father, Lord Norgark, wouldn't tell the truth.

He must have come up with a plausible reason for Elise to go to the lower world.

Indeed, it makes sense.

Lord Norgark is very good at maneuvering to avoid putting himself at a disadvantage.

"Oh, oh...! Is that so! I had heard rumors that you were searching for Lord Crest, but I didn't think you would actually bring him back... As expected, Miss Elise."

Such a delighted voice returned, and I knew Elise's lie had worked.

This should be fine.

I step closer and speak.

"I am Crest, who was mentioned earlier."

"Oh, you are Lord Crest?"

"Yes. We need to head to the capital urgently. Could you arrange for a carriage that can accommodate us and the sub-humans behind us?"

When I said this, I could tell the situation on the other side changed.

They probably reacted to the word "sub-humans."

"May I ask who the sub-humans behind you are?"

"...There are rumors of sub-humans rampaging in the upper world. Are they related to them?"

"They are not related. On the contrary, they are necessary allies to stop the rampaging sub-humans."

If this doesn't work, there's nothing we can do.

A moment of silence.

After about thirty seconds, a response came.

"Understood. I will arrange the carriage immediately. However, everyone is afraid of sub-humans. Could the sub-humans wait outside?"

"...Understood."

That can't be helped.

I was thinking that it wouldn't matter if they couldn't get into the carriage as long as it was prepared.

As I was thinking this, the gate slowly opened.

"As the lord, I would like to greet Miss Elise and Lord Crest. Could you come inside?"

"Understood. I will inform the sub-humans and then come in."

"...Understood."

The response was hesitant, as if they had reservations about the sub-humans.

Elise waits at the gate, and I go to Orphe and the others.

I bow my head.

"Right now, the people inside are very sensitive to sub-humans. ...I'm sorry, but it seems the sub-humans can't come inside."

"Got it. Well, it's fine with us. We're used to camping out."

Sphy nods in agreement with Orphe's words.

I bow my head again to the two of them and the others who were listening from behind.

"Sorry, everyone. I'll be back as soon as I finish the formalities. In the meantime, please prepare a place to rest for those who can use construction magic."

After giving these instructions, I return to Elise.

We walk into the castle side by side.

As soon as we pass through the gate, it closes.

I'm thinking about what to do next when a man comes around the corner.

He's probably a soldier. He's dressed lightly but in combat-ready attire.

As soon as our eyes meet, he smiles and walks over to us.

He stops in front of us and bows deeply.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting. Miss Elise, Lord Crest. I will guide you to the lord."

The soldier indicates the way with his hand and starts walking.

I follow him with Elise.

The inside of the castle is like a regular town.

...Well, they need to live normally inside the castle.

One thing catches my eye.

Sub-human slaves. They seem to be forced into heavy labor, carrying heavy loads.

Their clothing is not good, and their skin is visibly dirty, indicating they are in harsh conditions.

This is a common sight in the upper world.

Some sub-humans become slaves, while others who are unnecessary are exiled to the lower world.

New series! ↓ Please read from the link below!

I accidentally went on a rampage against an S-rank monster while helping my sister stream a dungeon, and now I'm a big deal.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9783ig/

The dark knight who time-leaped uses future knowledge to go on a rampage—how I rise from the bottom after being exiled as an unlucky class.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9795ig/