The city nearby was the port city of Hamako. As it bordered Hokunoa island, like the other big cities with it, it was especially guarded and had an army stationed on it. There were plenty of ships floating on its nearby waters. It was not the city where Miyako departed from though, so there would be plenty of explaining to do here.
The city was a big one, a bit bigger than the first city I was in upon arriving on Hokunoa island. On land, the city was protected by sturdy walls made of stone and tal. And as we headed for the city gate, we saw so soldiers on the outside plains, with tents used for camp. At this early morning, there were already so n doing their morning exercises. That said, it was a surprise to see a lot of soldiers camped outside.
“What’s with the soldiers outside the city?” I asked Miyako.
“... We sent so soldiers in advance to the border, in case of an attack. And it would seem the commander of this city’s forces has them camp outside for so reason. Must be for their daily training, keeping everyone prepared.”
I honestly never expected they would be disciplined — you know, like proper soldiers having to constantly train their bodies. With how everything this archipelago has been, I expected the soldiers would be lax. Just lazing around and not doing much. And seeing this now was quite refreshing.
“... They don’t seem to recognize you,” I said.
We were passing by, but they just disregarded us. Or, specifically, their lord’s daughter.
“Not everyone knows my face. Only everyone within the capital is able to recognize . Is it not the case for you?”
Huh, as I thought. But it would be nice that they were at least familiar or aware of what you looked like. It was essential for those who fought for you to know who they were fighting for. But then again, not like she could easily spread her image. And it was just a bit different for , who was easily recognizable.
“... The people of the capital do not recognize fully. I rarely went out during public events. But I reckon they heard rumors about .” I was a mysterious figure back ho. Not everyone there knew my face. That being said, if they saw , they might be able to imdiately guess. I was the most unique person in the kingdom, after all. The most beautiful.
“A mysterious princess,” she chuckled.
“Hey now.” I have to admit, mystique was a nice thing. And I commanded such a thing. It was nice. Makes soone more valuable. “Anyway, should we not talk to their commanding officer here?”
“I think it’s best we head straight to the city governor. High-ranking officials should recognize .”
“Let’s at least take a day’s rest. Being on that ship tired out.” Well, to be specific, I wanted to take a rest in a decent bed. Been feeling like shit. Really hard to take a full rest when lying on sothing unpleasant. “It shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
“That’s fine. Everyone needs proper rest anyway. And proper food. I’ve been feeling hungry to eat sothing great.”
As we approached the gates, we let Miyako and Satomi move up front, they’d be the ones talking to the guards. I glanced down to my side, and Nira had not left my side at all. And it was a bit adorable, like she was scared of being any more apart. I didn’t expect that being apart for so long would affect her this much.
I suddenly patted her on the head, and she looked up at with puzzlent. At least she was brave and strong enough to endure it, being away from . Kids like this… tend to um, stick closely to those they look up to. To the people they relied on. Nira especially, as was never one to have a pretty nice upbringing.
We arrived at the gates, and the guards stopped us.
“Hold up.” The guards scrutinized us one by one, considering that we were pretty ard. By the way, I was wearing a cloak, so I wouldn’t stand out too much. Haaah, being so pretty was a hassle sotis, the burdens of the beautiful. And not everyone could suffer the sa thing. A sha. “We must ask your nas, where you ca from, and your purpose here.”
At that, Satomi stepped forward with a stern gaze. “Be at ease. You are addressing the daughter of Lord Kiyoshi Taira, Lady Miyako Taira. We’ve co here from Hokunoa after the assembly of lords.”
The guards looked at each other, puzzled. However, they seed to be doubting Satomi’s words. Still, they were wary, because what if it were true? They’d be screwed.
“A-Apologies, but we were not told about the lord’s daughter visiting. Is there any way to confirm your identities?”
Miyako looked a bit frustrated. “If only I still had my sword…” she muttered.
Hm, her sword did look pretty unique. Perhaps it could have been used as so sort of identification that she was soone important or famous.
“Your governor will recognize her,” Satomi said. “Bring us to him.”
The guards looked at each other, and one who appeared to be their group leader nodded. “We can bring you to the governor.”
And with that, they allowed us entry, but the guard leader guided us with a couple of guards.
“Entry seems to be a bit strict,” I quietly said to Miyako.
“We ordered it to be. With the rising tension between us and Hokunoa, we expect spies or saboteurs to arrive at the border.”
Still, I think that would be quite difficult to make certainties. Because there was no proper identification system here. The best they could do was scrutinize visitors and perhaps have a close look at them, especially if they looked suspicious, and check their stories. Still, I doubted whether that was going to be really effective. But then again, do what you can to reduce the damage.
I looked around, the buildings looked nice and sowhat proper. There were people just casually walking around. And unlike Hokunoa, there were fewer ard people from what I could see on the streets. Children were chasing each other, drunkards were just casually drinking at so corner in peace. Guards patrolled the streets.
Things were orderly here, no fighting anywhere. So it was just Hokunoa that was a bit fucked. Well, a bit might be an understatent. Or this was just sothing local.
Anyway, things looked more normal here compared to what I saw on the other island. The streets were cleaner, too. So far, this island has given quite a good first impression.
“Wow, you guys really did a good job on this place,” Taneva casually said. “Things look better compared to before.”
Miyako turned her gaze to him with a curious look. “You’ve been here before?”
“Yeah, I believe so.”
“Oh, yes, you are immortal…” she whispered.
“I’ve been all over Shinoroa in the past, looking for a way to die.”
Miyako’s face turned disturbed. “A way to die…? What do you an by that?”
“It’s what it ans.”
“... I’m not sure I completely understand.”
I sighed. Honestly, I was starting to think we were indeed a group of weirdos. “Let’s leave it at that, Miyako. He literally ans to die.”
“... Is that… good?”
“For him, yes.”
“... That’s…” she seed to be at a loss for words.
So ti later, we arrived at a two-story building, which appeared to be more of a bureaucratic building than a private one. So this must be the city hall. We stepped inside, and the guard went on to speak with the receptionist. And from the looks of it, they took it seriously. I an, again, they feared it might be true. Treating the lord’s daughter badly could an, I don’t know, death maybe? I doubt literal death, but rather death to their careers.
The receptionist quickly left and went upstairs. A mont later, a well-built man wearing so fine clothes quickly got down the stairs and faced Miyako. He flinched in surprise, and he beca flustered, quickly rushing right before Miyako and bowing deeply.
“L-Lady Miyako, what a pleasure to et you here today!” He then glared at the staff and soldiers around him. “What are you doing, you damn fools?! Show respect to the heir!”
The civilians frantically moved up front and bowed their heads low.
“I hope no one has been rude to you, Lady Miyako,” the governor said with clear nervousness.
Miyako slowly stepped forward. “No, everything’s fine.” She spoke in a noble tone, unlike how she would speak to us.
“Are they your guards? Where’s your convoy?” He glanced through the door. He must be referring to us.
“They’re my friends, treat them as you would treat .”
“Y-Yes, milady.”
“We need to talk. Give us a room.”
“Of course, please follow .”
The governor led us into a room. “Bring food and drinks quickly,” he said to the staff.
The room was sizable, which I assud to be a guest room. I sat down on the nearby seat and let out a sigh of relief. Finally, gonna keep it easy. Miyako also sat down on a chair as the governor walked up to her.
“May I ask the reason for your visit, milady? From what I recall, you left the island for the assembly of lords, and Hamako is not where you’re supposed to make port upon your return.”
“There have been complications. My convoy on Hokunoa was ambushed, and everyone was killed.”
“What?!”
“And… there has been other stuff that has happened. I had to take another way to return.”
“How?”
“It doesn’t matter…” She placed a hand on her cheek as she leaned on the chair. “My friends and I are tired from the journey. We shall take the night to rest. As we do, please prepare n who will escort us to the capital.”
“... Certainly. But, I should ask…” he glanced at us. “Can they be trusted?”
Understandable that he would be worried about us. We really didn’t look the part of soldiers or anything. So he must have realized we were not her legitimate security guards.
“I told you, they are my friends. They helped return to Nishinoa. They can be trusted.”
“... Understood. I will summon the naval commander imdiately. He will need to speak with you and be aware of your presence.”
“Very well. Just prepare rooms for us to sleep later.”
“Yes, milady.”
With that, the governor left.
I removed my hood. “What will you say to the commander?”
“... I’m still deliberating on that. But perhaps I’ll tell him of the situation on Hokunoa, about the possible civil war.”
“Can you trust him?”
“... I am familiar with the naval commander. He is loyal to the lord.”
Well, if he reached the level of a commander, he must have incredible feats. I was clueless about the people of Nishinoa, so I didn’t intend on intervening in what Miyako was planning on doing to her people or how to handle their politics. Still, I hoped it wouldn’t interfere with my work.
“Are you not going to test him with your blade?”
Miyako blinked her eyes, as if she were uncomfortable about rembering sothing. “... I’m certain he’s not one of them. But…”
“It’s best to be cautious. If you’re gonna start cleaning now, best to start while you’re already here. Not only him, but those close around him too.”
She slowly nodded. “Y-Yes…”
“Worried?”
“... Just a little scared to discover such a scary thing, you know. Knowing monsters lurk among us, nothing is more disturbing. Strong ones at that.”
“While we’re here, you’ll be fine. However, you’d best practice hard before we leave. You won’t get the support you need when we’re gone.”
“Yes…”
I smiled. “Well, at least exposing them should be a little easier, right?”
“What happens afterward is the most worriso.”
“Heh, indeed. Just hit them hard before they can fully react.”
“That’s easier said than done, Estelia.”
I shrugged.
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