Chapter 17

With the slime Eriku now part of our group,

We proceeded down the increasingly deserted road using the "Teleport" skill.

Perhaps because of that, we hardly encountered any monsters.

We completed our transport mission, and our money-making was going smoothly.

On the third and fourth nights, we stayed at proper inns in towns.

As for Eriku, following Elicia's instructions, he seemed to understand what was being said. Though he couldn't speak, he was soft and squishy, making a good pillow or hug, and was quite cute.

Although he had become a follower, it was concerning that at first glance, nothing seemed to have changed...

And today, the fifth day since leaving the capital,

As we advanced along the coastal road, a city with high walls came into view.

Elicia exclaimed at the sight of the city.

"That's..."

"Raublion, the capital of the Raubria Earl's territory."

"It's the city with the highest walls I've ever seen."

"Yes. There are no more cities to the south of here. This city is on the front lines against the Demon Kingdom and the Demon Realm, which is why the walls are so high."

If we head southeast, we'll see Tiars.

Also, across the sea by boat, there's a continent ruled by the Demon Kingdom.

The Demon Kingdom is a country created by social monsters, governed by a Demon King, a monster king.

In that Demon Kingdom, humans are treated as slaves. Half-human, half-monster hybrids, known as demons, are also treated as slaves or despised.

In other words, it's a country that is the complete opposite of the Empire. That's why they are always in a state of conflict.

From here, you can see the continent where the Demon Kingdom is located.

It's so close that this place is frequently attacked by the Demon Kingdom.

Also, wild monsters not belonging to the Demon Kingdom come from the Demon Realm.

To defend against these, the walls are extremely high.

"There are no guilds to the south of here, so this will be the end of our transport missions."

"Then, we'll head to Tiars?"

"We need to think about it... Let's decide after getting information in Raublion."

The Demon Realm in Tiars is full of monsters. We might as well turn back here.

Probably, we can return to the capital instantly.

We could return to the capital yesterday and the day before...

However, Raublion.

I've never been here, but for some reason, it's in my memory.

"Anyway, let's go in."

And so, we entered through the north gate of Raublion.

Seeing the bustling city streets, Elicia noticed something.

"It's a big city... and"

"Yes, there are many demons."

Generally, the further you get from the capital, the more demons and tamed monsters you see in the cities.

This is because in the capital and its surroundings, where the Holy Order is strong, demons and monsters are often persecuted. This is even more so recently, with the Holy Order's influence growing.

It seemed that Raublion was also overflowing with unemployed demons.

"Hey! Move it! If you don't hurry, you won't get any food!"

A soldier struck the ground with a whip and shouted.

"Okay, okay... don't get so worked up. I'll get it done right away."

The one-eyed giant, pulling a cart, quickened his pace.

The cart was loaded with a massive block of iron, far too heavy for a human to pull.

A single horn protruding from his forehead, a bald head, and blue skin. He looked like a Cyclops, but a bit smaller. He was likely a half-Cyclops, half-human demon.

However, he stumbled on the cobblestones.

"Oh no!"

"Wind Wall!"

I quickly cast a wind spell, catching the demon with a wall of wind.

Elicia held the carriage, and Eriku pulled the demon's feet.

"Whoa! T-thanks... thank you so much."

"No problem, glad you didn't fall."

As I said this, a nearby soldier looked displeased.

"Don't get in the way! Move it!"

"Okay, okay... really, thank you, traveler. If you're going somewhere, you should hurry. It's dangerous here."

The demon said this and started pulling the cart again.

This kind of scene can be seen anywhere in the Empire.

Demons are being exploited by humans.

Elicia, who had been watching, was surprisingly calm.

Perhaps because she had experienced the same treatment.

She said nothing, just turned to me.

"Shall we go collect the reward for the transport mission?"

"Yeah... that's right."

We headed to the guild and handed over the items from the transport mission to the receptionist.

"So soon!? Faster than the ship... oh, thank you so much."

"Thank you?"

Elicia's voice made the receptionist nod.

"Yes. It seems the other side is in turmoil, and the Demon Kingdom's army might attack. The guild has received a request from the lord to procure high-grade potions."

The contents of the cargo we transported were potions for combat.

The danger the demon mentioned was likely due to the Demon Kingdom.

As we received our reward from the receptionist, Elicia spoke.

"A major battle might be coming soon."

"Yes. But this city has high walls and a blockade at the port, so it's safe. We can defend against it this time too."

The receptionist said this proudly.

A blockade.

Chains are dropped across rivers or other waterways, and raised to the surface when needed to stop ships from entering.

Raublion's port is at the far end of a bay.

The entrance to the bay is sealed with a long chain.

In other words, the defenses are perfect from both land and sea...

...Hmm?

This sounds familiar.

When I had just received my crest, the entire court was in an uproar.

The fall of Raublion.

Raublion was known as one of the most fortified cities in the Empire.

Its fall caused a stir throughout the capital.

Right, this Raublion will fall. The citizens will be massacred, and the Earl of Raublion will die in battle.

"Trouble..."

The words slipped out, and Elicia tilted her head.

"What's wrong, Prince Alex?"

"No... I think I'll go meet the lord of this city."

"...? Yes!"

Elicia, looking puzzled, nodded.

I headed to the fortress in the center of Raublion.

Being a prince is very convenient at times like this. Nobles will meet you no matter what, even if you have the Crest of Darkness.

The guards immediately led us to the office in the fortress.

When we entered the office, an elderly man was kneeling.

"Prince Alex, it's an honor to have you here. I apologize for not being able to prepare a proper welcome."

This man was the Earl of Raublion.

"No, I'm sorry for coming unannounced, Earl Raublion."

"No, no... but why such a place?"

"I've been granted Tiars to the southeast of here by His Majesty."

"Tiars, you say?"

Earl Raublion said this, trying to suppress a laugh.

It's a deserted, worthless land.

He's probably mocking the title of such a place.

He already knows I have the Crest of Darkness.

"Yes. So, I'm here for an inspection."

"That's... commendable. However, my lord, there are some movements from the Demon Kingdom, and we are a bit short on resources."

"I don't need any guards. I want to help with the defense."

"Your Highness... hah."

Earl Raublion couldn't help but laugh.

Elicia quickly spoke up.

"Is that respectful?"

"I apologize. It's just that you are quite impressive for your young age. I will report your actions to His Majesty when we return to the capital."

"Then, can I move freely around Raublion?"

"Of course. You may use any room, including mine. However, you must take care of yourself."

"Understood. I will do that."

As I stood up, Earl Raublion bowed again.

When we left the room, Elicia spoke.

"Do you intend to help that man?"

"I'm not helping him. It's just that..."

The Demon Kingdom's treatment of humans is cruel.

The Empire's treatment of monsters in the capital is just as bad.

But demons are disliked by both sides because they are neither human nor monster.

If monsters flood into Raublion, the demons will also be targets of the massacre...

However, I can't tell Elicia what will happen.

But Elicia nodded as if she had sensed something.

"I will follow your orders, my lord."

"Elicia... thank you."

If things continue like this, it won't just be a pity for the demons. If this place falls, it will be difficult to go to Tiars.

I decided to defend Raublion.