The Imperial Capital Of Gryphinto

Once they left the town of Selen, they were finally just a short distance away from the imperial capital. If they made good time, they would likely be able to enter the capital by tonight.

“Our goal for today will be the imperial capital, but if any trouble arises, we will stop at the town just before it,” Captain Camil announced.

“Understood.”

The plan to enter the capital within the day was strictly contingent on everything going smoothly. Should they get caught up in any trouble, reaching the capital today would be out of the question. Given the string of unexpected incidents lately—from nearly being assassinated to fighting a Fiend—Vim could only pray for an uneventful journey today.

As if his wishes had been answered, the carriage progressed smoothly without a single incident until evening. While a few magical beasts did crop up along the way, they were ultimately no match for Vim’s party; in fact, the mere release of Vim’s bloodlust was enough to send most of them scurrying away.

“Today was quite peaceful.”

“It was. Well, I suppose this is how a normal trip should be,” Camil said with a bitter smile.

Vim couldn’t help but wonder if he simply possessed a constitution that naturally attracted trouble.

Just as the scenery visible from the carriage window began to dye in shades of madder red, the imperial capital came into view.

“That is the imperial capital. We’ve finally arrived.”

With this, their long journey had finally brought them to their destination. Vim and his companions headed toward the checkpoint to enter the capital.

They joined the queue waiting for inspection, and after a short while, it was finally their turn.

“I recognize this as the royal crest of the Kingdom of Leoria. Excuse me, but could you please present your identification?” the checkpoint knight requested.

“I am Vim Abel, traveling as the ambassador of the Kingdom of Leoria.”

Vim presented his S-rank adventurer card along with the credentials bearing the signature of Leoria’s King.

“Thank you for your long journey. His Imperial Majesty is expecting you, so please proceed straight to the palace.”

“Thank you.”

The moment they stepped inside the imperial capital, the atmosphere shifted entirely. It was an ambiance that truly made one realize they had set foot in a foreign land. Vim wondered if it was just him, or if even the very air felt different whenever one entered unfamiliar territory.

The carriage rolled through the capital streets and soon arrived at the imperial palace. After passing through another security check there, they were guided inside.

“Thank you for your long journey. His Imperial Majesty is waiting for you, so please come this way,” an attendant said, bowing respectfully.

With that, they were led directly to the audience chamber.

The grand, ornately decorated doors of the audience chamber opened, and they walked across a luxurious carpet. Hana and Misa flanked Vim on either side, while Captain Camil followed closely behind. Upon reaching the designated spot, Vim and his companions knelt on one knee and lowered their heads.

“Raise your faces.”

The deep, solemn voice of the Emperor echoed through the audience chamber.