The Royal Capital Of Leoria

Vim’s search magic didn’t pick up anything particularly suspicious.

As a result, the carriage continued its journey smoothly.

“Mr. Vim, that is the Royal Capital,” Erin said, pointing out the carriage window.

“We arrived sooner than I expected.”

The capital appeared significantly more prosperous than any other city he had seen.

“I’ve been meaning to say this, but there’s no need for formal language with me! I’m younger than you, after all.”

“But our positions are different.”

Vim didn’t quite have the courage to speak casually to the princess of a nation.

“Your usual tone is perfectly fine. This isn’t an official setting.”

“I understa… Got it. If the Princess says so, I’ll do as you ask.”

Vim relaxed his speech slightly. This was, in fact, his natural way of talking.

“That is much better.”

For some reason, Erin wore a look of satisfaction.

“ “ “ Welcome back, Your Highness!!!! “ “ “

They entered the capital through what was presumably a gate for nobility. Bearing the royal crest, the carriage passed into the city proper. From there, they traveled down what seemed to be the capital’s main thoroughfare, passing rows of magnificent buildings. Further in, a Western-style castle came into view.

“That is the Royal Palace.”

“I’m actually getting a bit nervous.”

Naturally, anyone would feel a degree of tension when entering the palace of a foreign nation.

“It will be fine. My father is a kind man,” Erin said with a smile.

The carriage came to a halt in the palace courtyard. Erin stepped down from the carriage with the help of the steward. Vim leaped down after her.

“This way, please.”

At Jeffrey the steward’s urging, Vim headed inside the palace.

“ “ “ “ Welcome home, Your Highness “ “ “ “

As they entered, a welcoming line of maids was waiting. Apparently, this was a sight that remained unchanged regardless of the country.

“I have returned,” Erin said in a beautiful voice.

“Oh, you’re back. Are you alright? I received word that you were ambushed by bandits.”

A man with short-cropped blond hair and a sturdy build appeared from the front.

“I am fine, Father. This gentleman protected us,” Erin said, glancing toward Vim.

“So, you are Master Vim Abel. Allow me to thank you for looking after my daughter.”

With those words, the man bowed his head. Since he was Erin’s father, this man was the King of the Kingdom of Leoria.

“Please, lift your head. I only lent a bit of a hand. Besides, a man who is the King of a nation shouldn’t bow his head so easily.”

“To be so young, yet so humble. Pardon me; I am Eldred Leoria, the King of this country.”

“My name is Vim Abel.”

After a brief exchange of introductions, Vim was escorted to a reception room. There, a somewhat surreal space was created, with the King and Princess sitting across from him.