Ch.17The Imperial Capital, Extrashafel
by fnovelpia
Island of Extrashafel.
Carolus the Great, the legendary hero who received a revelation from the old gods to save humanity, drew the holy sword, and waged war against other races.
This was the name of the city where he, along with his Great’s Twelve Knights, drove out all the other races that had been oppressing humanity, and finally became emperor and held his coronation ceremony.
Extrashafel, which became the capital simultaneously with the establishment of the Empire of Karl Las, underwent endless expansions throughout the empire’s long history, and today had become the most prosperous metropolis in the empire and a massive fortress.
The three layers of walls that surrounded and towered over the city had not allowed even a single invasion in 800 years, and had become a symbol of the unwavering authority of the empire and humanity.
It was late evening when we passed through the city gate.
The sun that had settled on the walls had long since disappeared beyond the horizon as if fleeing.
The quiet night sky that followed tried to cast shadows over the city, but the imperial capital still shone with brilliant light, gleaming like the morning sun.
That radiance was the great symbol of unwavering will to never yield to any oppression.
It was the magnificent proof symbolizing humanity’s pride.
White mana light shone like stars from the streetlamps lined up on every street of the city, and numerous people were noisily strolling through the night streets of the island, spreading vitality.
The City Without Night. That was another name symbolizing the Island of Extrashafel.
—-
“Since it’s quite late, we’ll head directly to Lord Landenburg’s mansion.”
Nigel said, lightly tapping on the carriage wall.
Until we reached the island, Nigel would open the carriage door or remove the cloth covering the window whenever he needed to speak to me.
However, once we entered the island, it was a wise decision to refrain from even minimal exposure as it could be dangerous.
“He has a mansion here? Ah, I suppose that makes sense. He’s a high noble, a lord, so of course he would.”
A luxury mansion that isn’t even used.
Lord Ludwig is responsible for the entire eastern front, so he rarely leaves Landenburg.
But for a high noble of his status, there are occasions when he must visit the island whether he wants to or not.
Given his position as a lord, it would be awkward to find separate accommodations or request lodging at the imperial palace each time, so the mansion is probably a vacation home for such occasions.
So I’m to stay there for the time being.
The Remnant Academy is a full boarding school, but I heard there’s still about a week until the entrance ceremony.
“Yes. It’s a not-so-large mansion where the lord stays temporarily whenever he visits the island. Since the lord is in Landenburg now, there won’t be many servants, but when we arrive, you’ll be able to relax and probably take a bath with warm water.”
Now that’s welcome news.
I was starting to get used to this musty smell like an old friend.
Living outdoors every day, I think I understand why party morale increases when a spirit mage joins the party in games.
The spirit mage must be responsible for laundry, bathing, and drying.
“A warm bath. I’m looking forward to it.”
I let out a slight smile and knocked on the carriage door twice, signaling to depart immediately.
“It will take about ten minutes to reach the mansion. If you have any luggage you want to carry yourself, it would be good to prepare it in advance.”
Nigel returned to the driver’s seat and began driving the carriage along the gravel-paved main road.
—-
As if they had received advance notice of the Landenburg family carriage’s arrival at the island, bright light was seeping through the numerous windows adorning the front of the mansion.
Shadows flickered on the whitewashed exterior walls.
Despite being described as “not-so-large,” it was quite a splendid mansion that could comfortably accommodate at least forty people with room to spare.
Two wolf statues stood side by side guarding both sides of the main gate, and beyond the ornate iron bars of the gate, a glimpse of a vast lawn garden could be seen.
The road crossing through the center of the garden was paved with neatly trimmed marble that reflected the moonlight with a whitish gleam, and in the middle of the road, an elaborate fountain with a lion sculpture continuously spouted water.
This is a “not-so-large” temporary vacation home…? Then what were all the houses I’ve known until now…?
The lord’s castle was several times larger, but since it was a fortress made entirely of hard, dull gray stone walls, it felt more like visiting a historical site and didn’t seem particularly impressive.
In contrast, this place had a refined elegance in each of its decorations, seemingly proving to me anew the power and weight of the imperial margrave position.
Even the Golden Flower Palace wasn’t like this. Well, that place wasn’t properly maintained—the garden was withered, the corridors were dusty, and only my bedroom was somewhat decent.
Nigel, who had parked the carriage in front of the main gate, got down from the driver’s seat and approached the wolf statues.
Perhaps there was some magical communication device installed, because shortly after, a group of servants walked out from the mansion.
Glancing at them, Nigel unlocked the main gate and swung it wide open.
The iron bars scraped the ground, emitting a growling noise.
…Wouldn’t one normally wait for the servants to arrive and open it…?
Well, it’s not my concern. It’s not the first time Nigel has diligently done strange things.
After opening the gate, Nigel approached the carriage again.
“Haschal, it’s time to get off. Are you ready?”
“Yes. I’ve gathered everything I need to carry. The servants will take care of the rest.”
“Yes, then let’s enter the mansion.”
Nigel, holding the reins, led the carriage into the mansion.
The sound of clopping hooves was followed by the carriage wheels leaving two tracks on the marble floor.
—-
“Welcome to the Landenburg family mansion, Princess Haschal Aishan-Gioro, Sir Nigel.”
As we arrived in front of the mansion, an elderly man with neatly combed white hair greeted us.
“Quite an impressive mansion. I should thank Lord Ludwig later, please relay that.”
I reattached the sword I had loosened to my waist, got off the carriage, and returned the greeting.
Judging by his black tailcoat and monocle, he seemed to be the butler managing this mansion.
Indeed, with that appearance, it would be a setting error if he weren’t a butler.
“I will convey that, Princess.”
The old man bowed elegantly in gratitude.
Behind him, the noise of servants busily unloading luggage echoed.
Princess, huh. I don’t like hearing that, but unlike with Nigel, I’ll only be seeing him for a week, so it’s not worth pointing out.
From his perspective, he’s just trying to be as respectful as possible.
“You must be tired from your journey. Shall I show you around the mansion right away?”
“Yes. Above all, I’d like to take a bath, but I don’t need any attendants.”
“I’ll have it prepared immediately. Please follow me.”
The old man beckoned to a maid, instructing her to heat the bathwater.
The maid who hurriedly approached glanced at me with slight surprise, but soon acted as if nothing was unusual and turned toward the corridor.
She must be seeing a Ka’har for the first time.
After watching the maid disappear, the old man turned to me.
“We’ll take care of your clothes for washing, but what would you like to do with the rest of your luggage?”
“Nigel will handle it. Ask him.”
I pointed to Nigel, who was ordering the servants to unload the luggage beside the carriage.
After all, Nigel is in charge of managing the items provided by the lord, not my original possessions.
It’s best to leave such things to professionals.
It’s not like I can determine what’s necessary and what’s not just by looking at it myself.
So for today, I’ll leave it to Nigel and rest, then get a detailed explanation tomorrow.
“Hmm, then I’ll handle that part according to Sir Nigel’s instructions.”
After finishing his words, the old man gave some instructions to the maids, then turned back to me.
Seeing the maids heading toward Nigel, I assume he instructed them to help Nigel organize the luggage or something similar.
“Is that all then?”
“Yes. I’ll guide you to the annex. You can unpack in the bedroom there and use the adjoining bathroom.”
A warm bath, how long has it been?
Filled with anticipation, I followed the old man’s guidance toward the annex.
—-
After finishing my bath, I collapsed onto the bed in the center of the annex bedroom.
As my body, which had heated up thanks to the warm bathwater, gradually cooled down, a deep fatigue washed over me.
Perhaps fatigue had accumulated unknowingly during the stuffy carriage journey.
I stared blankly at the patterns on the ceiling, contemplating the future that was approaching.
Did they say there was about a week left until the academy entrance ceremony?
Will I be able to adapt well?
Perhaps due to anxiety, I couldn’t easily fall asleep.
—-
The next morning, the Imperial House announced that the empire had signed a peace treaty with the Ka’har and recognized them as a type of humanoid race.
The Island of Extrashafel was shaken with shock and confusion.
Everyone without exception first doubted whether this was true, and upon confirmation, they were astonished.
Since the Wall of Berengaria was built, the Ka’har had rarely crossed the eastern border, but their notorious reputation and tales of cruelty were already widely known.
Meanwhile, rumors spread secretly even beyond the border that a Ka’har princess had already arrived at the island and would be entering the academy as a special admission student.
Some were intrigued, while others gripped their swords in anger.
During this time, I was busy learning swordsmanship from Nigel and had no time to worry about rumors surrounding me.
But now the entrance ceremony was right before my eyes.
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