Ingrasia Kingdom
The journey to Ingrasia Kingdom proceeded without incident.
That is, he currently looks like a slightly bigger black wolf.
Few monsters spawn around here, and there’s little magic in the air.
Robbers and highwaymen, those petty types were all over them.
Well, I guess that’s to be expected. What kind of being could catch up with Ranga’s pace?
Far faster than any horse carriage.
Thus, the journey proceeded smoothly, and we arrived to Ingrasia Royal City in merely two days.
The scale of the city was surprising.
Two gates lead into it, and there’s no way in except for the two gates. It’s baffling to think just how much money and time was needed to construct this.
Many tall structures filled the city, but that much we expected; however, the scale of the buildings was incomparable those in Brumund.
The city was full of brick and wood buildings.
A large lake occupied the center of the city, and a castle was built in the middle of it.
This solemn piece of architecture properly conveyed the country’s military strength.
From the perspective of defense, every important junction has knights monitoring public order.
As expected of a city planned ahead of time by the Council.
I mean, just think of the consequences if some foreign prince ran into trouble here. To prevent such occurrences, the city has perfected its defense.
Thanks to the guild card I was able to quickly pass through one of the gates; normally, one has to undergo three different identity checks to be permitted access.
Then, line up in another line.
In other words, I’m truly happy that I had the guild ID.
You’d basically be treated in a way that will discourage you from trying to enter.
This all proves just how beguiling this city is to foreigners.
I proceed onward impressed.
What? You thought I would just bring him here in the open?
And so, after having hidden Ranga in my shadow and spent half a day in line, we finally entered the city.
I was able to see a wonderful display of their advanced culture.
Busy squares are home to performers and theaters. There’s also lots of advertisements for performances.
Truly a metropolis.
No way! I thought in surprise, looking at glass buildings.
Actually, I guess that’s exactly what they are.
The stores that specialized in dresses and such were located closer to the castle—in the high class district.
You’d have to be pretty rich just to live inside the city walls, but housing near the castle is certainly limited only to the nobles.
Well, that’s just how it is. Isn’t it natural to treat those that contribute more to taxes better?
The city is separated into four large districts.
Separated by the castle in the center, a circular city.
So, I proceeded to the sightseeing district.
That got me excited. However, that was not my goal today.
Unfortunately, I abstained from festivities, and reserved a room in the inn.
The sightseeing district is near the walls, with various attractions lined up in the streets. There’s also quite a few street vendors.
Of the four sections of this district, it is the most heavily guarded.
I didn’t know where it was at first, so I had asked a knight for directions.
「Which one do you have business in? The closest one is straight that way.」
He said, pointing.
Next to it, was a building affiliated with the Western Saint’s Church. A Saint Cross symbol stood proudly on the top.
「Next to that church?」
「Right, the gaudy one. Even a little girl like you wouldn’t get lost getting to it.」
That’s how I learned the way. The Freedom Association seems to have another building, but I’ll head to the nearest one first.
Thus, after securing a place at the inn, I had come to the Freedom Association’s Headquarters.
Moreover, the church considers monsters its natural enemy. So I’d rather not appear before it.
Well, as long as I don’t reveal any of my aura they shouldn’t recognize me for who I am.
The entryway to the Association is covered in glass. Must have cost a lot.
They seemed to have achieved the impossible through pure will. I guess my own efforts have been lacking thus far.
Rather than saying what you can or can’t do, simply doing it is important.
And, when I had thought to enter, I felt a presence staring at me.
Seriously! A sensor detects human presence and opens the door. What a useless example of intricate technology.
“Why is it different. It’s next door!” I couldn’t fathom the reason for the difference.
When I entered I felt a gaze fall upon me.
A lady by the door said,
「Welcome! For what purpose have you visited us today?」
Just like in a hotel. The headquarters are too influenced by them.
「Ah, I wish to meet with the Grand Master. I have an introductory letter.」
I said, and handed her the document.
「Allow me to verify it. Please wait in this room.」
She guided me to a waiting room.
They really leave nothing to be desired.
I suddenly got curious, so I asked,
「Hey, security seems pretty lax around here; can just anyone waltz in like this?」
Only adventurers of B rank and above can enter it.
Those below B rank, C+ and below have to use the building near the entrance to the city.」
So she explained.
And the other building the knight had mentioned must be that one, huh.
I probably would have been sent here after presenting the letter, but I’m glad I stopped by here first.
While I was thinking this, I heard a knock on the door.
Black hair and black eyes, the appearance of a youth.
He could easily introduce himself as a high school student.
「Pleased to meet you, I am Kagurazaka Yuuki,
I’m looking forward to our conversation, Rimuru-san. I’ll listen intently!」
He said, flashing bright smile.
An easy to befriend young lad. That’s how I met Kagurazaka Yuuki.
*Paaaaan!*
That was the norm, so Frey didn’t react much.
When Milim entered, she happily exclaimed with a wide smile,
「Yahoo, Frey! What wonderful weather we have today!」
She was combing her beautiful blond hair with her hand. Her hands adorned with an unfamiliar item.
It fit naturally around her small hands.
「Hmm…. did I come too early?」
She said, fanning her face.
Since when is she bothered with the heat…?
「Ara, Milim. It’s been a while. You seem in a good mood today.
「Nnn, does it show on my face? Look at this!」
She said, showing the dragon knuckles on her hands.
Frey could only sigh to herself.
「Ara, my! They suit you quite well. Where’d you get them?」
After deciding to praise her, Frey asked that question.
While fidgeting in embarrassment, Milim said,
「Want to know? Should I tell you… should I…
Hmm… what should I do…」
And similar pointless lines.
How annoying. Frey, who had known Milim for a while now, could only think that.
「Ara, aren’t “we” friends? You can tell me, can’t you?」
Upon hearing these words, Milim’s eyes opened wide.
「Right! We are friends!
Alright. I’ll tell you. The thing is…!」
And thus Frey heard from Milim about the monsters’ city.
Frey could not hide her surprise at the sight of such a merry Milim.
Once Milim finished telling the story once,
「Right, right. Milim, as “friends”, I have a present I want to give you.
Will you accept it?」
Frey said, and beckoned her attendant.
And this beautiful jewel was embedded inside a stunning pendant.
Any person who saw it would recognize its astounding value.
「Hmm? This is the present?
Is it okay for me to accept it? Even if I do, I won’t be giving you the dragon knuckles!」
Milim said, with a wry smile.
「Don’t worry, Milim. It’s proof of our friendship. A “friend’s” gift, as I said.
Will you wear it for me?」
Frey said with a soft smile.
“I will!” Milim exclaimed with a brilliant smile.
〈Incantation: Preparing Demon Marionette… success.〉
At that moment, Milim’s smiling face went rigid.
The dragon knuckles slid right off her hands.
Seeing this reaction, Frey sighed in relief.
「It’s done, Clayman. Is this fine?」
She said to a dark, empty corner of the room.
Demon Lord Clayman. One called the Marionette Master.
「Kukuku. Well done, Frey. I have now acquired the strongest doll!
You’ve looked down on me as a young demon lord, but to have fallen for such a petty trick… how pitiful, Milim!」
With a sinister smile, Clayman struck Milim across the face.
Milim, who was normally clothed in many defense barriers, did not have much defense right now.
Kuahahahaha! While loudly laughing, Clayman continued his onslaught.
「Shouldn’t you stop now?」
Considering her arrogant attitude, surely you’ve got a grudge or two against her?
If so, then don’t hold back. She can’t resist anymore.
Well, she is pointlessly sturdy, and we can just keep healing her when she breaks!」
His eyes bloodshot, Clayman kicked Milim into the air.
Contrary to Clayman, Frey was calmly observing.
「Hey, Clayman. You don’t know, but Milim has an automatic defense mode, you see?
So if you want to die, be my guest, but don’t involve me in your side. Got it?」
Clayman regained his composure upon hearing these words.
「Tch. What a joke of a demon lord. What’s with the oldest demon lord. Looking down on us.
Frey, you’re my accomplice. So don’t go thinking you can betray me now!」
「Fool! I’m the one who came up with the plan! You’ve already become one of my pieces.
Kuhahaha! Now that I obtained Milim, you can’t reject me any longer!」
Frey made an unpleasant face upon hearing his words.
You are the Sky Queen, the ruler of the skies, no? You wish for Milim to disappear and I can make it happen!
She agreed to the plan because of those words.
As she somehow learned that Milim is weak to the word “friend”,
「I understand.」
What, you aren’t like Milim–I won’t order you around. Just ask a few favors here and there!」
While continuing his laughter, Clayman said.
At the very least, he’s far surpassed the other young demon lords.
Then, even the old generation would come to fear him.
After all, he’s the marionette master! He’ll lead them all under that name.
The next one on the list is Demon Lord Karion. After that, the next would be…
Clayman was busy planning.
On the floor, Milim’s dragon knuckles emitted a faint light.
The dragon knuckles glowed in vain.