Chapter 33

The hunters bowed their heads deeply and saw us off, carrying the marlin on their shoulders.

When we asked, it turned out to be their first job as a team of young hunters who had left their homes. However, they couldn't find the target monster, and when they did, it was almost dusk, making it hard to aim. In the process of chasing it, they got too close to the shore and ended up driving it towards us.

"Dangerous work, and all of them are inexperienced. It must be tough for such young people."

"Your Highness is young too, and you have a tough life."

That's true.

"Besides, it's not all dangerous. When you're young, the guild tries to avoid dangerous tasks. They let you gain experience through delivery and collection jobs."

"Herkov, you know a lot. Were you a hunter, Ikt? Did you do Herkov too?"

"No, no, the information on monsters that the country needs to deal with usually comes from hunters. Smart ones can spot the signs, so I just maintained some connections to make communication easier."

Being a soldier is tough too. My father, as the third son of a baron, joined the military for experience.

Maybe he has dealt with monsters before?

"In any case, there are few hunters in the capital, so such incidents don't happen often."

"Few? I thought there would be more with so many people."

"Well, with so many people, the capital has a dedicated patrol and various guards for each district. There's little need for hunters."

Those who do exist are usually newcomers from the capital or those who travel as guards for merchants.

In this world, there are monsters. That's why, to unite against them rather than fight each other, the empire has lasted for a long time.

From what I've heard, monsters appear somewhere every year, treated like a natural disaster.

"Do soldiers often deal with monsters?"

We are moving by carriage again after leaving the lake, and I ask out of curiosity.

"A few times a year, but mostly it's training for emergencies. There are also human conflicts, like border disputes or water usage issues."

It seems to be minor skirmishes.

"After all, if either country requests the empire to mediate, the best military in the region will be mobilized."

He reads my expression and explains. I still find it hard to read Herkov's bear-like face.

In any case, when the empire intervenes, all neighboring countries become enemies. At the point of mediation, the conflicts usually end as both sides seek better terms for peace.

"Well, let's walk a bit."

When we get out of the carriage, it's already getting dark. There are few people around, and it seems to be an area with shops. Many stores are already closed, with their front doors shut.

"You can walk safely even in the dark."

"What book did you read? The capital's security is indeed very good."

Herkov thought it was from reading, but I rely on my knowledge from my previous life. However, it seems that the capital is particularly safe.

"Yeah, I guess I'm not cut out for peace."

"Your Highness..."

"I'm just happy to be able to walk around like this and want the peace to continue."

I'm called with a voice that seems to contain pity, so I assure him it's not a heavy topic.

In reality, if I became emperor, few would follow me. The duke's family would turn away, and focusing on internal affairs wouldn't provide enough deterrence against neighboring countries.

"By the way, is it okay to go at this hour?"

I change the subject. We are going to meet a wine shop, one of today's purposes.

"It's fine. I usually go around this time."

So, he stops by on his way back from my place.

The destination is a store that sells a cocktail made from wine. It's also where Herkov gets his alcohol. He seems eager to increase production and has the skills to spread it to the palace in a short time and with a small quantity.

"Here we are."

We go around to the back of the store. The road is wide, but it's for carts and such.

"This area is outside the old capital walls, so the roads are wide."

"Old walls? Did the city expand because the land was too small?"

"Yes, yes. The old walls were lower, and now they are used as part of the buildings."

While talking, we reach a door that looks like a warehouse of a store. The semi-circular double doors give it a wholesale look.

"Hey, anyone there? Mollie."

Herkov calls out and opens the door. There is light inside, but no one is visible in the area we can see.

Herkov heads inside confidently. I am fascinated by the barrels and wooden boxes lined up around me. They are on large wooden shelves, and it seems they are raised and lowered using ropes and boards. There must be a pulley system to lift heavy objects, even though it's done manually.

"Hey, there you are! Mollie."

Herkov is called and hesitates in his choice of words. Using my name is fine, but there are professional considerations.

"Hey, you're here! Please increase production!"

A woman with prominent fangs rushes at Herkov. No, she's hugging him? Crying on him?

It seems she has dragon blood, with a human-like face but scales on her skin.

"Shut up, don't get so close. I said it's impossible."

"It will definitely sell! No, I will sell it! I'm not asking for double, but I have the confidence to sell ten times, a hundred times! Please, increase the quantity!"

Herkov is firmly grabbed by her clawed hand. Herkov himself has claws, so his clothes are stronger, and his fur doesn't get caught in them.

But to me, a human without such features, it looks like a terrifying grip. And Mollie, the woman called, seems very agitated and isn't listening.

"Ah, hello! Nice to meet you!"

I call out, as Herkov seems to be struggling. Mollie opens her orange eyes and notices me. Her pupils are vertically slit.

"Oh, no. What's wrong, boy? Oh, no! Could you be Herkov's—"

"No! If that misunderstanding got out, I'd be cursed by my father!"

Herkov denies it with all his might, and subtly insults the emperor. I think it's a plausible disguise?

Different races can have children, and most have mixed features, but some only show the traits of one parent.

Mollie seems to regain her composure, realizing my presence and Herkov's serious denial.

"Well, at least I should introduce myself. I'm Molliam. I have dragon and merfolk blood. Call me Mollie. I'm friends with Herkov because of our shared love for alcohol. Who are you?"

She calms down, brushing her disheveled white hair, and seems like a capable woman. Her claws, fangs, and vertically slit pupils give her a predatory look, but overall, she seems intelligent. She's probably in her thirties.

I don't know where Herkov and Mollie met, but they seem to know each other well enough to know each other's professions.

"I'm a friend of Herkov's father... My name is Dinker."

I use a made-up name based on "Your Highness." Herkov, please don't laugh.

Mollie looks at Herkov, who is trying to suppress his laughter, with suspicion.

"So, you're young but important. ... Herkov, you can't bring a cute kid to a business meeting."

"It's not that, first listen to me."

Herkov, still with his arm grabbed by Mollie, says with exasperation.

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Next: First Time in the Capital 4