Chapter 41: The First Visit to the Royal Capital
Hearing that I had been summoned by the Royal Family through Father, I wondered what was going on, but it seems it was about a reward for creating the drought-resistant Wheat and the Tuberculosis medicine. Escorted by Mother and Sister, I headed to the Royal Capital with Father.
“Will-chan, have a safe trip.”
Mother was completely healthy again and showing her usual smile.
“Don’t get caught by any bad girls in the Royal Capital.”
According to Mother, I was apparently becoming famous as a promising noble child.
She said I needed to be careful because the noble daughters of the Royal Capital would likely approach me.
“Brother, you must not engage in promiscuous behavior.”
I wonder where Sophie learned a word like that.
Besides, could she stop looking at me with cold eyes even though I haven’t even gone to the Royal Capital yet? Feeling slightly weary, Father smiled and patted my shoulder. “Well then, we’re off.”
We took the carriage out onto the Highway. Since we had paved most of the Highway from Northernford to the Royal Capital with Cobblestones within our territory, the carriage didn’t shake much, and no Dust was kicked up.
The Elves cooperated to plant tall Street Trees on both sides of the road, which blocks the wind and provides shade in the Summer. “Will, thanks to you, this road has improved considerably. It’s comfortable, and the carriage can move faster, so the distance we can travel in a day has increased.”
“The Dwarves’ efforts were the biggest factor.”
“Haha, Will, you are humble as ever. The Dwarf Chieftain said it was all thanks to Will‘s Production Skill.”
No, I think the Dwarves are the humble and selfless ones.
The Dwarf Chieftain helped us greatly by giving us crucial hints when making the medicine. But when I went to offer my thanks, he said, “Lady Mary recovered, which is good. All the Dwarves are happy. No thanks are needed.”
Since they wouldn’t accept it as thanks, I asked them to celebrate Mother‘s recovery and gave them Food and Alcohol, which they finally accepted. I think they are truly good people. I am glad they came to our territory.
Because the roads were maintained, the carriage ride from Northernford to the Royal Capital, which used to take a week, now only takes five days. The journey proceeded smoothly without any particular issues.
Soon, the Royal Capital Winchester came into view. We could also see the graceful figure of Linkstar Castle, the symbol of Winchester. It is a castle with white towers and walls, sometimes called the Swan Castle.
The Royal Capital is surrounded by City Walls. At the main gate in front, many people, including Merchants, were lining up to be checked by the Gate Guards.
Our carriage was able to enter immediately through a small entrance reserved for nobles. We then traveled along the Cobblestone roads toward the center where the Royal Castle is located. I caught sight of the Market along the way. I’d like to visit if I get the chance.
High-ranking nobles all seem to have their mansions near the Royal Castle, and we entered an area full of large residences. The carriage stopped at one of them.
This is the Fairchild Margraviate mansion in the Royal Capital. I had heard about it, but this was my first time visiting. Welcomed by the servants, we went inside.
It seemed our arrival had been announced beforehand, and a maid guided us to a room. I flopped onto the bed and sighed. It was a long journey, so I was reasonably tired.
The next day, I entered Linkstar Castle with Father. We were immediately shown into the castle’s Reception Room, where we waited while drinking Black Tea served by a maid.
I was sitting in a plush chair, looking at the Oil Paintings and Ceramic Vases decorating the walls, when a message arrived announcing His Majesty’s arrival. I stood up with Father.
Edgar II, who entered through the open door, was a truly kingly figure with blond hair and blue eyes, holding both dignity and kindness. “I apologize for calling you from so far away, Theodore. This is not a formal audience, so please be at ease.”
Father and I sat down. Black Tea was also served in front of His Majesty. “Now then, I asked you to come here today to discuss the matter of a reward. First, I want to thank you for developing drought-resistant Wheat and cooperating with its distribution while the Kingdom suffered from drought.”
“I merely did what was natural as a noble of the Kingdom.”
“Next, the development of the medicine for the infectious disease that is claiming many victims. This is also a remarkable achievement. I heard that both the Wheat and the medicine were developed by Theodore‘s second son using Production Skill.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. That is correct. I brought my son William, the developer, with me today.”
“Oh, so you are the rumored child prodigy of the Fairchild House.”
Wow, the King spoke to me. I’m nervous.
“Both the Wheat and the medicine were developed fortunately, with the help of the Dwarves and the people around me.”
“Haha, you are humble. However, I also heard that you were the one who built houses for the Dwarves who fled the Sea of Trees. If they cooperated with you in return for that kindness, then that too can be called your achievement.”
The King knows even things like that.
“You came here so we could discuss how to reward those achievements.”
