Volume 6, Chapter 3 – To the Border Town

“Fiene-sama, it’s in sight. That is the border town of Calvara.”

Prompted by Chris-san’s words, I leaned out from the carriage and looked toward the driver’s seat.

Sure enough, I could see fairly tall city walls in the distance. Since it’s a border town, I wonder if it’s a fortress city?

To the right of the walls, a forest stretched out, while fields spread across the left.

“Those walls?”

“Yes. Since Calvara is a border town, it is built particularly robustly. It has even been caught up in the flames of war in the past.”

I see. I’ve heard stories about the White Moon Kingdom and the Blue Star Kingdom back then going to war, and that there was even a conflict over Novarbour.

As expected, borders are prone to disputes.

“I heard there was a risk of a Monster Stampede, but it doesn’t look like it’s under attack.”

“Yes. That is a relief.”

Unlike Chi Tien, where we arrived to find it already under attack, or Fu Yie Village, where it was already too late, this didn’t seem to be either situation.

I had been worried because we were intermittently attacked by monsters throughout the journey, but it seems my fears were unfounded.

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As we continued onward, the walls gradually grew larger.

Comparing them to the people standing atop the wall, they looked to be about six to seven meters high.

Oh? The people on the wall have started acting frantic. Did something happen?

While wondering this, I observed from beside Chris-san as three knights came galloping toward us from the town.

They stopped about ten meters in front of us and shouted at the top of their lungs.

“Carriage there! Halt! Calvara is currently under threat of a Monster Stampede! Leave this place immediately… eh? A Ho—Holy Knight? C-Christina-sama?!”

“Indeed. I am Holy Knight Christina, of the Royal Guard Special Forces, and the shield of Saint Fiene Argentata-sama.”

“Hie!”

The knights froze upon hearing that.

“What on earth are you doing? Since when did the knights of our kingdom start turning away carriages without even introducing themselves? Furthermore, this is the carriage of Saint Fiene Argentata-sama!”

“W-we are terribly sorry!”

The knights hurriedly dismounted and fell to their knees.

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“I-I am Knight Joel, of the Fifth Knight Order, Border Guard, Calvara 13th Division!”

“Likewise, Knight Makeel!”

“Likewise, Knight Thibault!”

“Right, and another thing. To begin with—”

It looked like Chris-san was about to launch into a lecture, so I cut in.

“Now, now, Chris-san. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Fiene-sama… as you wish.”

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work. We need to go to the Temple in the Royal Capital. Would you be so kind as to let us through?”

When I spoke to the kneeling knights, they froze for a moment, then suddenly jumped to their feet.

“Ooooh, Saint-sama! Oh God! Thank you for your guidance!”

“”We thank you!”

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And then, looking utterly moved, they performed a Jumping Dogeza from a Boon.

Oh, I haven’t seen that in a while. How nostalgic. Seeing this really makes me feel like I’ve come home.

Ah, by the way, I’d give their score about a 6.

Being trained knights, their movements were sharp, but their fingertips weren’t fully extended, and their posture was a little off.

Also, the three of them weren’t in sync and their timing was staggered, which resulted in a negative evaluation.

Unfortunately, their score didn’t improve.  I hope they’ll strive to practice for next time.

Without letting any trace of these thoughts show, I responded with a beaming business smile.

“As is the will of God.”

The three knights continued their dogeza while making noises like “Ooooh,” but Shizuku-san, watching from inside the carriage, looked completely appalled.

“W-why are these people performing dogeza to Fiene-dono?”

“Shizuku-san, in this country, dogeza isn’t an apology, it’s a prayer pose. When praying, you spread your arms and jump before doing the dogeza, just like they did.”

“I-is that so. W-well, there are various customs in the world.”

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Despite the twitch in her face, Shizuku-san seemed convinced by my explanation. Ignoring her, Chris-san scolded the knights.

“Hey. How long do you plan on staying like that? Do not keep Fiene-sama waiting.”

“H-ha! Saint-sama, we shall guide you!”

As expected, Holy Knights must be in a pretty high position.

Scolded by Chris-san, the three knights sprang up as if they’d been flicked and began escorting us, positioning themselves in front and to the sides of our carriage.

Thus, protected by them, we arrived before the gates of Calvara.

Suddenly, a knight who appeared to be their superior began shouting at the knights who had led us.

“Hey! Knight Joel, Knight Makeel, Knight Thibault! I told you to turn away anyone who approached! Why did you bring them here?! Do you lot wish to be executed for disobeying orders!”

“Gate Captain-sama! We are terribly sorry! However—!”

“Enough! No more excuses! Seize that suspicious carriage and throw everyone inside into the prison!”

The knight called the Gate Captain issued the order in a haughty, overbearing tone.