The Town Of Baron

We were held up in an unexpected place, but the carriage proceeded smoothly from there. Although it took a bit more time, we chose a route known for having fewer magical beasts and bandits.

“We will arrive in the Town of Baron shortly,” Rolf called out from the driver’s seat.

“Understood.”

Baron is the town closest to the Eastern Forest. It was currently around evening, meaning we were arriving exactly as scheduled. As the carriage rolled on, the lights of the town began to flicker into view ahead of us.

“So this is Baron.”

For Vim, this was the first town he had seen in this country other than the Royal Capital.

“Yes, this is the Town of Baron,” Rolf confirmed.

A checkpoint was set up before the entrance to the town. No doubt every town had one. The checkpoint here wasn’t divided into noble and commoner lanes—likely because the town wasn’t particularly large.

“Pardon me, but could you present your identification?” a guard asked as we reached the checkpoint.

“I have come on behalf of His Majesty the King. I am Vim Abel.”

Vim leaned his head out of the carriage and presented both his S-rank adventurer guild card and the card bearing the royal crest.

“M-my apologies! Please, pass through at once!” The guard saluted vigorously.

“Thank you.”

Vim pulled back into the carriage. It continued through the streets of Baron and eventually came to a stop in front of a somewhat large mansion.

“Thank you for your hard work. We have arrived at the residence of the Lord of Baron.”

“Thanks. Good work to you too, Rolf.”

His Majesty had told Vim to first pay his respects to the Lord upon arriving in Baron. Vim hopped down from the carriage, then offered his hand to help Hana down.

“Thank you very much.”

“Don’t mention it.”

He believed it was a man’s duty to escort a lady.

“Well, shall we go?”

Vim headed to the front entrance of the mansion. The doors were opened by an attendant.

“Master Vim Abel and his companion, I presume? We have been expecting you. Please, this way.”

The attendant guided them to the Lord of the manor. Waiting there was a man who appeared to be in his early elderly years.

“Welcome to the Town of Baron. I am Dion Baron, the one entrusted with the governance of this region.”

“I am Vim Abel.”

Vim exchanged a handshake with Master Dion. He recalled that Dion held the rank of Count.

“And to the young lady as well, my regards.”

“I look forward to working with you!” Hana said, giving a polite bow.

“Well, there’s no sense in talking while standing. Please, have a seat.”

“Excuse us.”

Vim and Hana took seats near the Count.

“Have you eaten yet?”

“No, not yet.”

“That is wonderful. I was just about to have dinner myself. Please, join me.”

The Count spoke with a gentle smile. Count Dion had lost his wife, and his son had moved away to work in another city, so he usually lived in this mansion alone. Opportunities to dine with others were rare, so this was likely a genuine pleasure for him.

“Thank you very much. We’ll accept your offer.”

“Don’t be shy; eat as much as you like, young man.”

After a short while, a luxurious meal was spread across the table. Can a single person even finish all of this? Vim couldn’t help but wonder.