Chapter 29

This world is ruled by monsters.

The human living area is still very limited, and humans are fighting over this narrow living space.

While vaguely recalling what I was taught in Sunday school long ago, I was being jolted in the carriage.

The large city of Gandar, where the great noble Beilroad Margrave resides, was still enveloped in its usual hustle and bustle upon our arrival.

"Gandar, it's been a while."

"Brother Kraft, you've been here before?"

"Yeah, I was a rootless adventurer. I'd go anywhere in the kingdom if there was work."

Kairu Gandar Beilroad, who called out to me cheerfully, is the third son of the Beilroad Margrave. Born with a weak constitution, he was treated coldly by his family.

During our journey from the frontier village Golden Dawn, the fact that Kairu calls me 'Brother' spread instantly.

Most people just smirked and didn't say anything. I'd rather they tease me.

Now, I'm being dragged along by Mina, riding in the carriage together.

Alphard is walking outside, and Persia is next to me.

For some reason, Mina is on my lap, and Jitaro is sitting next to Kairu.

No matter how much Kairu invites him, Jitaro's boldness in jumping in is something to admire.

"Wow! This is where the Margrave lives, Gandar? Amazing people and buildings!"

"It's said to be the second most populous city after the capital, so there are a lot of people."

"Huh? The main gate is wide open? There's no sign of a toll being collected."

"There are so many people coming and going that it's free passage now."

"Wow! That's incredible! I should have come here once if I knew."

"Hehe. At least please take your time during your stay, Mr. Jitaro."

"Of course I will!"

Even though he's usually easygoing and doesn't maintain much distance, Kairu, being a noble, is surprisingly relaxed.

"Kraft, you're pretty bad too."

"Don't read my mind, Persia..."

"Hmph. Then don't make such obvious expressions."

"Am I that obvious?"

Ignoring Persia's nod, I turned to Kairu, who was smiling wryly.

Mina also nodded.

I don't get it.

"Gandar has a huge adventurer's guild. It's like the headquarters for this area. Famous adventurers often belong to either here or the capital."

"That's true. I rarely hear about A-rank adventurers staying in the provinces."

"Working in this city is the dream of many adventurers. The atmosphere is unique, which is why I couldn't stay for long."

"Is that so?"

"I think it's similar in any profession... Hey? Soldiers are approaching."

Looking out the window at the crowd, one of the gatekeepers ran over and spoke to Alphard.

"Sir! Are you related to the Beilroad Margrave?"

"Yes."

"Excuse me. Then it would be better to go this way, as the main street is crowded."

"Thank you for your consideration! Everyone! This way!"

Following Alphard's command, the group headed towards the side street as directed.

Along the way, a gate guard who noticed Kairu's face peeking out of the carriage smiled brightly.

"Oh! It's really you, Master Kairu! Welcome back!"

"Thank you for your hard work."

"Ah! I'm relieved to see you looking well. The provincial air must have suited you."

"It seems so. I'm feeling very energetic now."

"Oh! Oh! That's wonderful!"

"Um... This is a temporary return, so please don't make it too public..."

"Ah! I apologize! Of course, we will handle it discreetly!"

"Yes, thank you."

When Kairu bowed, the gate guard returned the gesture with the highest salute.

No wonder he stands out.

As we veered off the main street, the carriage traffic decreased slightly, and we could proceed smoothly.

The massive building that looked like a castle, sitting in the center of the city, was our destination, the residence of the Margrave.

The city's layout is complex, likely considering the possibility of war with neighboring countries, and it exuded a diverse atmosphere.

"Wow. That's Master Kairu's home, huh?"

"I was moved to a provincial manor when I was young, so I haven't been inside much."

"Nobles can't even return to their family homes, huh?"

"Hey, Jitaro."

"Ah! I apologize! I didn't mean it that way!"

"It's fine. I don't mind. In fact, thanks to you, Mr. Jitaro, Mr. Reifan, and Brother Kraft, I have good news to report, so I'm very grateful."

"Ugh... Master Kairu is really kind."

"I see."

Persia nodded vigorously. It's in the words.

"Still, it's huge... No, it's very sturdy."

"Well, it's also a refuge in case of an emergency if the king is not in the capital."

"I see."

The carriage was knocked on. Looking out the window, it was Reifan.

"We should get off soon."

"Right. Jitaro."

"Sure thing!"

Since Mina wouldn't get off my lap, I lifted her by the side and placed her in the empty seat opposite. For some reason, she turned away, looking unhappy.

"You really are liked by Mina, Brother."

"Are you blind?"

While wondering how anyone could think that, I got out of the carriage, already drawing attention from all around.

"Whose carriage is that?"

"It's not Lord Flatt's flag."

"Lord Zayed's?"

"Idiot, that's Lord Kairu's flag!"

"Oh! I forgot because it's been so long!"

"His return means..."

"It must mean the frontier development failed."

"Can't be helped. It's a dangerous place, and no one can handle it."

"It's enough that he returned safely."

"Thanks to Lord Kairu, our lives have become much easier."

A phrase from the onlookers caught my attention.

Thanks to Kairu, life has become easier?

I didn't think Kairu was much involved in politics, but he must have some achievements.

Come to think of it, I heard from the villagers that Kairu was popular.

By the time I was thinking this, we had arrived at the huge gate of the Margrave's residence.

"Ah! Alphard! It's been a while!"

"Ah! You look well! I believe we've been in touch, but Master Kairu has returned. Please open the gate."

"Of course. ...Open the gate!"

The heavy iron gate opened to the sides, and the carriage slowly moved forward. The adventurer guards also seemed tense.

We passed through the colorful garden and arrived at the main mansion.

Behind the mansion stood a building that could be called a castle, but it wasn't where they usually lived.

Looking up, I saw a familiar man peering down from the window of the mansion.

Zayed, the second son, had a distinctly unhappy expression.

Reunion (´ω`)

The chapter title is temporary.