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𝐈𝐚𝐦
“Wow~!”
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Alma, who stuck her face out of the window of the royal family’s dragon carriage, let out a cry of joy.
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“Look, look, Luke! It’s the sea!”
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“It’s true! The sea really does spread out as far as the eye can see. . .”
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Luke, who also stuck his face out next to Alma, let out a voice of astonishment.
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From the top of the hill where the dragon carriage is advancing, there is a view of colorful houses lining the white sandy beach and endless emerald green.
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“It’s beautiful. . . It’s really like heaven.”
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Alma lets out a sigh of admiration.
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Luke was also staring at the distance as if he had forgotten to breathe.
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“I wonder what’s at the end of that. . . Master said the world is round and connected, but I wonder if we can really come back if we keep going beyond the sea. . .”
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The dragon carriage slowly passes through the town of Iam.
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On the spacious road, large blooming flowers on the street trees emit a fragrant scent, and the stalls lined up underneath waft a delicious smell.
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And on the street, men and women in open attire were strolling around with smiles on their faces.
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“Wow, amazing. . . Everyone’s walking around in swimsuits. . . No, that’s almost naked. . .! Is that. . . not a crime. . .?”
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Alma, turning red and blue, stared at the town of Iam as if she were devouring it.
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“. . .?”
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On the other hand, Luke felt a strange sense of discomfort with the state of the town.
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(Strange. . . Why are there so many soldiers?)
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He sees several soldiers every time the dragon carriage advances one block.
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This is a density that would not be possible even in St. Arrogas.
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Although the equipment is lightweight because it is a tropical country, they are fully armed and show an atmosphere that they can go into battle at any time.
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“Excuse me, is the security in Iam not good?”
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“No, there is no such thing. However, since we are bordering the demon realm and are in a state of tension, there are many soldiers stationed here.”
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The butler accompanying the Nightingale family – his name is Alfred Raven – answers while stroking his white chin beard.
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“So the royal family visiting here is. . .”
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“Yes, the purpose of visiting the territory and the purpose of restraining the demon realm are largely included.”
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“Is that so. . .”
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Luke sank deeply into the seat of the dragon carriage, which was surprisingly soft.
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The long journey of two weeks was not a burden at all thanks to this dragon carriage seat.
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Outside the window, there is a peaceful scene that makes you feel as if there are no worries in this world.
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But even Iam is not free from the logic of the world and political friction.
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Is this what Flora was talking about?
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“Look, Luke! There are fish people walking around! This is my first time seeing fish people! There are a lot of demons here!”
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Alma was frolicking happily, regardless of Luke’s thoughts.
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The dragon carriage carrying Luke and the others continues to climb towards the high ground along the coast.
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On top of the hill, a vivid palace towered in the distance.
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The palace, with its white porcelain-like walls and a roof of the same azure color as the sea, stood out.
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“That is the Azure Palace where you two will be staying.”
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“Welcome, Sir Surberry and Bastille-ojou-sama.”
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Upon arrival at the Azure Palace, a nobleman came to greet them.
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“Sir Surberry, Alma-sama, this is Sir Count Aubrey Omid Wilkinson. Sir Wilkinson is in charge of managing this Palace. He will be in charge of your stay this time.”
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Alfred introduced the tall, thin man to Luke and the others.
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“I am Omid Wilkinson, the supervisor of the southern territories. It is an honor to meet you. Please, call me Omid. All my close friends do.”
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Omid greeted Luke and the others with a slightly theatrical gesture.
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“Nice to meet you, I am Luke Surberry, Count of Narejji. Thank you for your hospitality. This is Alma Bastille, the daughter of the Margrave of Rampart.”
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“I am Alma Bastille. Nice to meet you.”
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“Oh my! I’ve heard rumors, but you’re even more beautiful than I imagined! If Alma-sama goes to the beach, all the other women will be too embarrassed to come out of the sea!”
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Omid urged the two of them on with exaggerated gestures.
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“Come on, you must be tired from your long journey. I’ll show you to your room, please make yourself comfortable.”
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The room they were shown to was far more luxurious and spacious than the average home of a St. Arrogas citizen.
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Of course, each room had a bath and toilet, and Luke and Alma’s rooms were connected by an indoor door so they could move freely between them.
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“This is the room used by Flora-sama when she stays here. You can have your meals here or in the dining room whenever you like. If you need anything, I will be in the next room, so please feel free to ask.”
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Alfred, who had accompanied them, said this and then left with a bow.
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“. . .It’s amazing. It’s truly royal.”
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Alma, who had thrown herself onto the bed, sighed as she looked at the ceiling far above her.
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“I wonder how many of my rooms would fit in here.”
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Even though she is the daughter of a Margrave, there is a world of difference between the modest and frugal Bastille family and the royal family.
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“It’s a vacation palace for the royal family. I think they’ve made it especially luxurious to forget about everyday life.”
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When he opened the window wide, the blue sky and emerald green sea jumped into view.
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“Let’s just enjoy and take advantage of Flora-san’s kindness for now.”