Volume 5, Chapter 4 – To the Royal Castle

After dropping Mary and Tiffany off at the Pescia family mansion in the noble district, the trio of Yisi, Camilla, and Edith made their way through the district toward the Royal Castle.

It must be said that the Royal Castle and the Royal Capital are not the same thing. The Royal Castle refers to the central area of the Royal Capital, Alvier. Although ordinary commoners can enter, they will be driven out by soldiers if their attire is improper. Furthermore, carrying any weapons is prohibited within the Royal Castle; anyone found with one will be treated as a traitor.

If one were to describe the structure of Alvier City using concentric circles, the very center would be the castle where the royal family resides. Surrounding that is the Royal Castle district, followed by the noble district, and then the general area where common citizens live and work—a fairly common configuration.

Observing the streets on both sides with the mindset of a spectator, Yisi murmured to herself.

“There are a lot fewer people.”

“The streets are also much cleaner,” Camilla added.

Compared to the noble district they had just come from, the Royal Castle district was even tidier and brighter. Even the air felt fresh and crisp. The streets were exceptionally wide, enough for six carriages to travel side-by-side, and there were very few pedestrians or carriages to be seen.

However, they frequently saw patrols of armored soldiers passing by. Coupled with the solemn and majestic white castle in the distance and the neat rows of buildings along the road, the imposing atmosphere made one subconsciously pay attention to their words and actions.

Yisi felt a little uncomfortable, as if she had walked into a high-end restaurant.

As if sensing Yisi’s restraint, Edith, who had changed into a black formal dress, waved her hand.

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“This is the Royal Castle district. Just as you’re feeling now, Yisi, ordinary people feel out of place with the atmosphere here. So, even though commoners are allowed to come in to pay their respects, very few actually come here for leisure. Additionally, the buildings on either side are not for public sale. No matter how high a price an ordinary person offers, they cannot buy them.”

“Then what are these places?”

“They are mostly occupied by members of the three major organizations: the Astrology Society, the Magic Chanters’ Association, and the Alchemist’s Association. Only those whose skills have been recognized and who have sworn allegiance to the Queen are permitted to live here. This is also a rule established by the current Queen after she ascended the throne. Regardless of status or identity, as long as one possesses strength and guarantees their loyalty, they can live in the Royal Castle district. This both attracts talent to the royal family and increases the defensive power of the castle.”

“Regardless of status and identity… Andrea is such an open-minded ruler.”

To most nobles, including even Edith, commoners were a symbol of baseness and filth. Just willing to speak to them was something they should be grateful for, let alone allowing them to live in a solemn and dignified place like the Royal Castle district.

Yisi’s words made Edith stop in her tracks and raise an eyebrow.

“Andrea? To say the Queen’s name so directly in the Royal Castle district… if there were soldiers nearby, you’d have already been sent to the Hall of Judgment. Although I could get you out, it’s best to speak less.”

“Eh… I thought Pepe would just leave me to fend for myself.”

“What nonsense. Do I look like that kind of person?” Edith’s expression was a little displeased. “Speaking of which, you were so well-mannered when you faced my Father. Why would you suddenly use the Queen’s name so informally? You’re not a rude or foolish person. Could it be…”

Faced with Edith’s slightly narrowed eyes, Yisi put on an innocent expression as if she knew nothing.

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“Ehehe, I just forgot for a moment.”

“Are you Mary? That ‘ehehe’ is a little disgusting.”

“…I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful.”

From Edith’s serious gaze, Yisi could tell that she genuinely found it disgusting. As for the reason, Yisi guessed it was because her own appearance was so similar to Edith’s that Edith naturally projected the expression on Yisi’s face onto herself.

To be honest, Yisi couldn’t imagine Edith acting silly at all. It would completely shatter her character.

After walking for another ten minutes or so, the three of them arrived at the foot of the white-walled castle. The castle was built against a mountain and situated at the highest point in the city. While being easy to defend and hard to attack, it also offered a panoramic view of the entire Royal Capital.

“Halt. No passage beyond this point.”

A squad of soldiers blocked their path. Since the group was arranged with Edith in the lead, and Yisi and Camilla walking side-by-side behind her, Edith was naturally seen as the leader. The soldiers all looked at her.

Edith took out a pre-prepared noble certificate—one that would display the Pescia family crest when infused with magic—and without saying a word, simply waved it in front of the lead soldier.

The lead soldier immediately bowed his head in a salute, his face filled with respect. “Lady Pe—”

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“If you understand, then go about your business. Don’t be nosy.”

“Yes, ma’am! Let them pass!”

The latter half of the sentence was directed at the other soldiers, and the three of them easily entered the castle grounds.

This kind of inspection was carried out three times in total before Yisi finally ascended the stairs built into the mountainside and entered the castle’s interior.

The ceiling, at least seven meters high, and the vast space capable of holding five hundred people, the excellent lighting and the spotlessly brilliant walls, combined with the surrounding decorations, the chandelier on the dome, and the red carpet covering the floor, created a sense of luxury and magnificence that inspired a heartfelt awe.

“We’re not the only ones here,” Yisi noted.

Inside the grand hall, nearly a hundred people were standing in small groups. Although each person’s conversation was quiet, together they formed a chaotic and noisy murmur.

Following behind Yisi, Camilla explained.

“It will soon be time for the Evening Court, so there are many people here. But apart from the attendants, there are fewer than forty nobles who can actually participate in the meeting. And aside from the officials representing the various territories, the rest are all nobles from within the royal territories. They have to report to Her Majesty the Queen on tax collection, urban security, food production, and the implementation of various policies. This is a new policy implemented by Her Majesty after she took office.”

“Officials representing the various territories?”

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The Blood Clan nation of Hyurent was divided into fourteen territories. Apart from the four territories directly under the royal family’s jurisdiction, the other ten were governed by various dukes and counts. These territories possessed a high degree of autonomy. Aside from conditions such as not being able to issue their own currency, having to pay taxes to the king every year, and being required to send troops to aid the royal family in times of trouble, they were essentially no longer under royal control. They even held military power in their own hands. Therefore, Camilla’s mention of “officials representing the various territories” seemed incredible to Yisi.

Wearing a white formal dress that was the exact opposite of Edith’s, Camilla explained everything in an orderly manner.

“Yes. These officials are all appointed by their respective lords and dispatched to the Royal Capital. Each represents their own territory and is responsible for communicating with the royal family. However, their mission is more focused on seeking benefits for their own territory rather than reporting on their territory’s actions. So it’s difficult to get effective information from them. They are all cunning people. You need not pay them any mind, Onee-sama.”

“I see. Then what about the representative for the Pescia Territory?”

Yisi looked at Edith. Edith, who had been about to walk directly to the most conspicuous spot in the hall, couldn’t help but stop again due to Yisi’s question.

“He was recalled to the territory by Hetty three months ago. So, the Pescia Territory hasn’t had a representative in the Royal Castle for some time. Although this kind of position is practically a formality, not sending a representative implies disrespect to the royal family. Hetty was counting on precisely that.”

“Is that so…”

Feeling the gazes of the people around them, Yisi subconsciously looked back. Unknowingly, all the nobles present had focused their attention on the three of them.