Nothing happened on our journey and we safely reached the Capital Ruan.

I saw the Rabbit groups relay station and noticed some of them but they were working hard.

I didnt wear my mask so I didnt call out to them.

The Capital Ruan is a fort town surrounded by a stunning wall.

To get examined many people entered the side gate next to the entrance gate to enter Ruan.

As expected of a noble.

Well then, we arrived safely

Lunos said those things but Nals seemed to feel dizzy.

He was able to ride a horse but because he said he wasnt that proficient I made him ride the carriage but it seemed to have shook considerably.1

We were going pretty fast, is Fraudia alright?

Yes, just this much is fine.

Even though Fraudia who rode the same carriage was in high spirits Nals looked pretty bad.

He looked quite feeble, too.

I bet he will become the next victim of Reina and her friends sometime soon.2

Please dont make me his partner if you do.3

Then shall we go to the royal palace? Fraudia, can I ask you to guide us?

Certainly

Though Carlo has been to the royal palace many times it would be the first for me.

It seemed like this was Dojis first time here as well, as he looked around in wonder.

The Towns people also looked at Doji who was carrying a huge axe on his back in wonder.

However, as expected, the Capital is a big town.

There are a lot of people and the businesses seemed to prosper as well.

Though because its mostly made of stone the town looked grey.

Through this would be better in case of a big fire.

As one would think the people of the Capital walking on the streets were dressed fashionably.

Is this what they would call discrimination of people from rural areas?

After we advanced for a while we saw some big gates.

This seemed to be the entrance to the royal palace.

Franz Kingdom is the country with the greatest power and longest history of the Yuroa countries.

The big mansions in the vicinity of the moat are residences of nobles.

Though I was a little interested I quickly went to the royal palace because time is of the essence.

I crossed the wooden drawbridge leading over the moat to enter the royal palace.

Before I entered I left White King at the entrance.

I suddenly felt overwhelmed.5

Should I ask him to use this as reference for Balhart castles design?

I dont need something as luxurious as this through.6

Margrave Carlo de Medici, you were able to safely arrive this place.

At the time when we passed through the entrance hall, an elderly man with white hair greeted us.

He seemed like the type of man who could do anything in a calm manner.

His Highness Minister Walles, thank you for greeting us. I hastily came over to report something to His Majesty the King.

I tried to speak as carefully as possible.

If I want to show my intentions to act as part of the royalists I cant provoke the Kings close aide.

I heard about that. His Majesty waited for your arrival, Margrave Medici.

I parted with Lunos, Nals and Doji and followed Walles together with Fraudia.

We climbed the grand staircase and after walking along the corridor of the second floor for a while we reached a luxurious door guarded by two sentries.

His Majesty the King is awaiting you inside.

When I passed through the door the sentry opened I saw a grand hall.

There was a man with an excellent build dressed in a military uniform standing next to the chair.

This is the famous General Dolus called The Kingdoms Guardian and additionally holds the position of Military affairs, Minister.

He holds great bravery, excels in leadership and is absolutely loyal to the king, he is supposed to be the greatest obstacle for Carlo wholl oppose the King and aims for the throne.

Margrave Carlo de Medici, please step forward and report to his Majesty the King.

I went through the vassals who stood in tow lines, kneeled before the King and greeted him.

Fraudia kneeled behind me.

Carlo, huh? Long time no see. What do you have to report?

After some time a voice was raised.

I was a little surprised. I had an image of him being a normal, not to say mediocre monarch but his voice was hoarse and heavy.

In terms of age, hes supposed to not yet have reached the age of 50 but he gave off a much older feeling.

Around Braham, which I rule, frequent kidnappings aimed only at women started to happen recently.

I raised my face and reported to the King.

Like I thought he enjoys the Kings trust.

If the required ransom money isnt paid they would murder the hostage but even if the money is paid the woman will be sold off never to be seen again. When I was investigating I found an unexpected person.

Hoh, who might that person be?

It seemed like I got the Kings attention.

OK, now comes the important part.

Yes. That person was Viscount Gerg.

That Viscount would never do such things! That viscount cannot do something like that! Margrave Medici, do you intend to put the blame on Viscount Gerg?!

As soon as I said that a sharp voice flew over from behind.

That guys surely a follower of Duke Armandi Rejum.

Its a fact that Viscount Gerg ordered the kidnappings, no doubt about that. I heard it from the person himself.

That Gerg? Thats hard to believe so suddenly, but where is the person in question Gerg?

After I interrogated him and he confessed his own crimes he set fire to his mansion and killed himself.

The vassals in the vicinity were upset and begun to murmur as soon as these words left my mouth.

Its only natural they would be upset.

Lies, Margrave Medici, youre trying to put the blame for these crimes on Viscount Gerg after you killed him!

Then I heard that guys voice from a little while ago.

He was a nervous-looking, thin noble in his late 30s giving off the same feeling as a mantis.

Thats the guy, check, when I thought that a low voice sounded from the plateau.

Dont say such careless things, Earl McBell. Doubt will only cause unnecessary conflict.

Kuu

General Dolus was the one who spoke.

After that, General Dolus turned towards me.

Margrave Medici, do you have clear evidence that Viscount Gerg committed these crimes?

Yes. This girl is called Fraudia. She was kept hostage by Viscount Gerg and is also Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlottes personal maid.

After I said that Fraudia raised her head and spoke to General Dolus, Minister Walles and the King

Im called Fraudia serving Her Imperial Highness the Princess. It true that Margrave Medici helped me when I was held hostage by Viscount Gerg.

After hearing Fraudias words State Minister Walles spoke in a clear voice.

I indeed heard about one of Her Imperial Highness the Princess maids gone missing after having returned home. I met this girl called Fraudia several times in this royal palace.

It seems like the information is reliable. Lets hear about the details in my private rooms, shall we? Carlo, go to my private rooms together with this girl. Walles, please call Charlotte.

Understood

At the Kings words the vassals lowered their heads all at once.

That guy called Earl McBell was only able to look at this scene with vexation.