Chapter 94 Entering Sergel Kingdom
Chapter 94 Entering Sergel Kingdom
Our delegation was able to reach the northern gate of Ferris, the capital of the Sergel Kingdom, 20 days after leaving Delleson, the capital of the Eckhart Empire.
Since the land mass of the Eckhart Empire was so large, it took more than two weeks to get out of the empire.
And it took a few more days to pass the Kingdom of Quilton, another kingdom between the Empire and the Kingdom of Sergel.
“Finally, we’ve come this far.”
Viscount Morlis said with admiration.
Me, Viscount Arco, and Count Henkers, head of the diplomatic department, who were riding in the carriage together, shook their heads.
I opened the carriage window and looked at the situation ahead. Fortunately, the line to pass didn’t seem too long.
“It’s your turn, Captain.”
Viscount Mollis, who was sitting across from me, gave a voice full of anticipation.
Then Count Henkers and Viscount Arco looked at me.
Your eyes are asking me to take care of you.
Well, I had no choice but to do that. Because I’m the only one who can speak the language of Sergel Kingdom here.
A knight in silver armor approached our carriage.
It’s time to step out.
I jumped off the wagon. After that, he greeted the knight in the kingdom language.
“You have worked so hard.”
The knight nodded and accepted the greeting.
I felt the need to tell him more about us.
Perhaps they are also surprised by this situation.
“We are an envoy from the Eckhart Empire. The current Empress of the Empire, Her Majesty Cecilia Campbell Eckhart, is showing great interest in the Kingdom, and I have already contacted her to send an envoy. If you check this letter here, you will find out.”
I showed the knight King Sergel’s letter that I had put in my coat’s inner pocket.
After checking the letter, the knight told me to wait for a while, then ran to the gate with the letter.
Probably trying to contact the royal family.
That means we’ll have to spend some time here until the passage passes.
‘I hope it ends soon… ….’
Fortunately, our wait didn’t take as long as expected.
The driver who had greeted me earlier had come towards us again, holding a letter.
“His Highness, King Bethel, welcomes you.”
“I am delighted to hear the much-awaited news.”
The knight nodded his head once as he smiled kindly.
After I got the letter back, I got on the carriage. Eventually, our carriage passed through the open northern gate and entered the Ferris.
‘Now let’s take a look at the scenery outside.’
Until we arrived here, in Ferris, the outside scenery was not much different from our empire.
A low mountain range that can be seen from time to time and houses huddled under it.
From afar, the style of commoners’ houses looked similar to those of our empire.
The only difference is that they use rice instead of wheat as their main food source.
If you hadn’t studied the culture of Sergel Kingdom, you probably wouldn’t have known about it.
I turned my head out the window.
The first thing that came into sight was a well-maintained road.
‘The roads are gray here too.’
The next thing we looked at was the behavior of people.
I saw a lot of people wearing short sleeves, probably because the kingdom has a hot climate. And I saw a lot of people with browner skin than the imperials.
It feels like you are in Southeast Asia.
The houses looked similar to Imperial architecture, but with more windows. It’s probably meant to keep you cool on a hot day by letting the wind blow through.
The reason I was able to see this in detail was because the wagon moved slowly.
“It definitely feels exotic.”
Count Henkers was the first to comment. Then Viscount Arco gave a bright voice.
“I want to walk around the city when I have time later.”
“Me too. In particular, I wonder what kind of items will be in the market.”
Viscount Molly’s face was also full of anticipation.
Actually, I also wanted to get off and walk around the streets.
Stop by the real estate agency and get some house prices.
When I reached the plaza, the clock tower towering towards the sky came into view. Many people were enjoying a leisurely afternoon there.
As I turned my gaze to the side, the royal palace located on a low hill came into view.
‘The style is quite different from the imperial palace.’
Not only was the shape of the roof different, but the entire wall was also reddish.
Our imperial palace has pure white walls and gold lacquer on the roof.
Still, the royal palace also gave off a pretty sophisticated feel.
“Will His Highness welcome us?”
As I left the plaza, Viscount Arco asked me.
It seemed that he was worried when he reached his destination.
At times like this, as the leader, you should reassure the members.
“You have already expressed positive thoughts about the dispatch of the delegation through correspondence. In addition, he quickly gave us permission to pass through the city gates. I don’t think you need to worry too much.”
“I feel relieved that the captain said that.”
Not only Arko, but also Mollys and Henkers looked relieved.
But unlike them, I couldn’t help but feel relieved.
After I arrive at the palace, I will have many things to do.
‘The actual battle is coming soon.’
I was determined to do well.
* * *
The wagon finally arrived at its destination.
The first thing I noticed when I got off the carriage was the red carpet and the knights lined up on both sides.
“I’m sure you’ll be welcoming.”
At my words, the delegation members nodded in unison.
I was the first to step onto the red carpet. Then, music began to reverberate from the front.
Perhaps thanks to the lively yet powerful tune, I felt like my steps were getting lighter with each step I took.
At the end of the red carpet stood a man wearing a golden crown and a maroon cape.
‘That person is His Highness King Bethel Seimer.’
Soon we got close enough to talk.
Then Vettel raised his hand towards the podium, and immediately the music stopped.
He was a handsome man with red hair and pale blue eyes.
‘I must have made several women cry.’
As I had no such experience at all, I was just envious.
Damn it, what an unfair world.
But you can’t show off like that from the beginning.
With a polite attitude, I greeted the envoys according to the manners of Sergel Kingdom. It is to bend your back at an angle with your right arm raised to chest level.
It seemed to be similar to the way of the empire, but it was subtly different.
“Meet His Highness, King Bethel Sermei, the father of the kingdom.”
“We welcome the envoys of the Eckhart Empire who have come a long way.”
Vettel responded with a kind smile.
Maybe it’s because we greeted each other with Sergelian etiquette?
Once the first start wasn’t bad.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Royal Highness.”
“Please feel free to call Her Highness Bethel. Are you the captain leading the delegation?”
“My name is Luke Nedville. He is the second son of author Nedville Nam, and currently serves as the direct secretary to Her Majesty Cecilia Campbell Eckhart, Empress of the Eckhart Empire. This time he has been assigned to lead the delegation.”
“It’s strange that the baron is the leader. Usually, someone with a higher status would assume the position of leader.
The decision of our empress was exceptional, even from the perspective of a foreign king.
“It was Her Majesty’s decision, Her Majesty the King.”
“There must have been a reason for that. By the way, Captain, you speak the kingdom language quite fluently, don’t you?”
Vettel made an expression of pure admiration. Thanks to that, the mulberry went into my shoulder.
It was worth studying hard.
“Personally, I was interested in it, so I studied hard. Thanks to that, I was able to visit this place as the head of the delegation.”
“You must have been quite a unique person in the Empire.”
This is a joke.
I accepted his joke with a moderate smile, then introduced the rest of the delegation.
The members greeted Vettel once more when it was my turn to introduce them.
“Once again we welcome you.”
Vettel spread his arms wide with a friendly smile.
“Especially, since the leader seems to be favored by Her Majesty, I am looking forward to it even more.”
“Excessive expectations, Your Highness Bethel.”
I lowered my head slightly as I answered.
“I will judge whether that is an exaggerated expectation or not.”
No matter how you look at it, Vettel seemed to be looking forward to my abilities.
I’m not quite sure what that is yet.
For now, I have no choice but to find out slowly while living.
“Oh my gosh, you’ve kept the customers standing for too long. Have you eaten?”
I replied that I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast.
“Good. We were just about to have lunch, so join us.”
“Thank you for your surname, Your Royal Highness.”
I thanked him.
Then, after asking Vettel for his understanding, he turned around and told the members of the conversation.
“I just happened to be at the market, but it went well.”
“That’s what I mean. I can’t wait to see what the food here is like.”
Mollis and Arko expressed their anticipation.
“What do the members say?”
“They say they are really looking forward to the meal.”
“I think I will be able to fully live up to that expectation.”
Vettel’s voice was full of confidence.
We followed Bethel into the palace. The inside of the royal palace was as spacious as our imperial palace.
Soon he led us to the spacious dining room on the first floor.
Vettel sat at the top of the rectangular table, and we occupied one seat on each side.
Vettel confirmed that everyone was seated, then lightly shook the bell on the table.
“Today, I prepared special products from our kingdom for you guys.”
“I look forward to it, Your Highness Vettel.”
“However, it will take some time for the food to come out. Shall we have a little chat in the meantime?”
This person has a nice smile from beginning to end.
At the same time, they will try to find out about me and the envoys.
But now we have to get on board.
In that way, you will be able to determine at least a little whether this man in front of you is a wise king or a tyrant.
Since I decided to settle here in the future, this was a very important part.
“Yes. Great.”
-Continued