To The Subjugation

About a week has passed since then. Today was the day we were scheduled to depart for the subjugation. I left the mansion early in the morning to join the mission.

“Have a safe journey. Please take care.”

James and Aria stood by to see us off.

“Thank you. I’m sorry for leaving the estate empty so frequently.”

“Think nothing of it; this is your work, Master. Please leave the mansion to us. That is our job.”

“I appreciate it.”

I realized once again how much of a relief it is to have capable staff during times like these.

“I’m off, then.”

“Take care, sir.”

Seen off by Aria, James, and the rest of the household staff, I headed toward the Royal Palace. The palace had been chosen as today’s gathering point. It was close to the knight’s quarters, but they likely chose it specifically because it was also near my mansion as a courtesy.

Accompanied by Hana, I made my way to the palace.

“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting? My apologies.”

When we arrived, the Knights and the Royal Mages had already assembled.

“Not at all, you are right on time. Please don’t worry about it,” Grand Master Camille said with a gentle smile.

With blond hair that just barely brushed his eyes and a clean-cut back, he was the kind of man for whom the word “handsome” was invented.

“Now that everyone is here, let us depart. Master Vim, you and your companion will ride in the same carriage as us.”

With that, we headed toward the carriage prepared by the Knights. After offering Hana a hand to help her aboard, I climbed in as well. Grand Master Camille watched the exchange intently.

“Um, is something the matter?”

“No, I was just thinking what a gentleman you are, Master Vim.”

“Is this not normal?”

“Well, it is certainly expected among the nobility, but one doesn’t see it often among adventurers.”

I had heard that Grand Master Camille was the son of a Frontier Count. Generally, most people who enter the Knight Order are of a certain social standing, but Leoria also has many who have risen through the ranks by their own merit. That is what it means to be a meritocratic nation.

“Once a habit takes root, it’s hard to shake off.”

“True, that is very true.”

As I conversed with Camille inside the carriage, another man appeared. At first glance, his features were so neutral he could almost be mistaken for a woman. He had somewhat long brown hair, fair skin, and wore a robe similar to mine, though his was primarily white.

“It is an honor to meet you. I am Aaron, and I am leading the Mages as the representative for the Head Mage.”

As I thought, he was a mage. Then again, the majority of people wearing robes are usually mages or sorcerers.

“I’m Vim Abel. Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

I shook hands with Aaron. Serving as the representative for the Head Mage meant Aaron was likely quite powerful himself. Grand Masters and Head Mages usually possess strength comparable to S-rank adventurers. Even Vice-Captains or representatives would likely be around A-rank. While I wasn’t sure if he could go toe-to-toe with me, he was at least someone operating at a level close to my own.

“We are departing!”

At Camille’s signal, the carriages set off in a line. Since it was a knight’s carriage, the ride was reasonably comfortable. A total of six carriages, carrying the Knights and Royal Mages, filed out of the Royal Capital together.