5. Fallen Kingdom Princess Bellatrix
"Oh, we've finally arrived."
"Ah, this boring carriage trip is finally over."
Those were the impressions from Aria and Sierra, who had poked their heads out from the luggage compartment.
As they said, we'd somehow made it to our destination, the royal capital. There had been a few minor incidents along the way from Leventen, the border city with the Empire, to Tronen's royal capital, but we'd overcome them without issue. Of course, all I'd done was add a little extra push. Cheong-ah had handled most of it on her own.
Still, my impression upon arriving at the capital was, Whoa, fuck... That was fucking exhausting.
"Whoa, we barely made it."
We'd set out around the end of winter, but now it was full-blown spring, with the flower-thaw winds long gone.
"You must be tired, darling."
"Nah, what did I even do? Just drove the carriage."
"You drove the carriage for a whole month straight, and you handled almost all the camping setup and meals by yourself. That's plenty to be tired from."
"Yeah, thanks."
I quickly steered the carriage toward the capital's gates. At the end of the wide boulevard stood a massive gate, flanked by a relatively small side door where a line of people waited. I figured we'd have to line up like everyone else and started turning the carriage around, but Sierra poked my back from behind.
"Ian, that's not it."
"Huh? Isn't that the line for entering the capital?"
"No, it is the line, but we don't need to stand in it. Have you forgotten who we have riding in the back?"
"Ah..."
Then it hit me. Sierra was a noble, after all. I couldn't recall her family name exactly, but as Aria's closest aide—the future crown princess—no doubt her house was no small fry. And Aria? She was about to become the master of this capital, no, the entire kingdom.
I scratched the back of my head sheepishly.
"My bad, short-sighted of me."
Aria burst out laughing at my reaction.
"Haha! It's fine, it happens. Means we've gotten comfortable on this long trip, right? Proof we've built some real friendship. Anyway, hurry over to that empty lane. That's the royal family's exclusive path. If we get stuck in line now, it'll be a pain to get out."
"Got it."
I whipped the horses around and headed to the empty lane. As we approached, a group of knights and soldiers blocked our way. One knight in heavy plate armor, helmet pulled low, stepped forward and bellowed,
"Halt! How dare a lowly scum like you come this way? Do you even know where you are?!"
A chill rippled from beside me—Cheong-ah's sharp killing intent. As I moved to calm her, Aria's voice rang out from behind.
"Did you just dare say that to me?"
"Wh-what, who...? Gah!"
The carriage curtain swished aside, revealing Aria. Sierra stood beside her. They'd changed clothes at some point; gone were the dark, hooded robes, replaced by splendid dresses. I'd figured two nobles and royalty would look pretty, but damn, they were stunning up close. Aria had that vibe—like a princess knight from some subculture anime, the type who'd yell "Kuh—kill me!" after defeat. Sierra looked like the innocent sidekick who'd get captured alongside her. Anyway, both were gorgeously beautiful.
The knight's face was hidden by his helmet, but even so, his panic was palpable.
"P-Princess Aria...?"
"Ho, I recognize that voice. Long time no see, Ralph. You're on duty today?"
At Aria's words, the knight dropped to one knee and bowed his head.
"Yes! Knight of the Royal House, Ralph, at your service, First Princess!"
"Good, good. Raise your head."
"Thank you! Um, Princess, may I ask one thing?"
"Speak. I permit it."
"How is Your Highness in such a carriage...?"
"Hm, nothing special. There were reasons we had to ride like this. Not that it amounted to much in the end. Anyway, open the gate. And apologize properly to that young man driving the carriage ahead. Unless you want to die."
"Pardon? What do you...?"
"Are you questioning your princess's words, dare you?"
"N-no, of course not."
The knight named Ralph turned toward me, still kneeling, and bowed his head.
"My apologies. I was rude. Never dreamed this was the princess's carriage."
"Uh, yeah... No problem. It is a beat-up old cart, after all."
"Thank you."
I accepted his apology readily. If I'd been in Ralph's shoes, I probably would've done the same. The icy killing intent beside me finally dissipated, followed by Cheong-ah's derisive sniff.
"...Hmph."
She set her cane down with a clack. Aria had handled it well. If she weren't the real deal, we might've had a corpse on our hands.
Rumble... With the groan of massive gears turning, the gate swung open. Soldiers and Knight Ralph guided us inside. Straight ahead loomed another grand castle—the royal palace ruling Tronen Kingdom.
As we pressed on, another group awaited: soldiers, knights, and others. Unlike at the gate, they'd been forewarned of Aria's arrival and knelt respectfully, heads bowed.
"Ian, this is far enough. Those are my welcoming party."
"Understood."
I pulled the carriage to a stop right in front of them. Sierra hopped down first, lightly escorting Aria as she descended. We followed suit.
"Ho, plenty of familiar faces."
A middle-aged gentleman in uniform, looking the most senior, stood.
"Welcome, Princess Aria. You must be exhausted."
"Ha... Yes, long time no see. Count Hildenheim. Keeping well?"
"Always, as ever."
"True enough."
Hildenheim—I recalled that was Sierra's family name. So this guy was her kin?
"Then, Princess, allow me to guide you..."
"No, hold on. I have words with them first."
"Yes, understood."
Aria turned and approached us.
"Ahem... First, my thanks to you all."
"No need... It was just a commission, right?"
At my reply, Aria chuckled, "Heh... True enough," then turned to Cheong-ah.
"So, Ju Cheong-ah. Still no thoughts on accepting my offer?"
...Huh? What offer had Aria made Cheong-ah? Puzzled, I watched as Cheong-ah shook her head firmly, utterly disinterested.
I'd have to ask her later.
"No."
"...I see. Pity."
Aria smacked her lips, then looked back at me.
"So, planning to head straight back to Leventen?"
"Nah, not right away. We're already here, and after such a long trip, we're beat. Figure we'll rest, sightsee a bit."
"Fair enough. Staying a while, then?"
I shook my head at her question. Might as well enjoy a nice inn with Cheong-ah while we were here. We'd earned 50 gold coins—plenty for some luxury.
"Yeah, about three days or so."
"I see. Know a good inn?"
"Well... Not really?"
I hesitated. No way I'd know a decent spot. Aria hummed thoughtfully and beckoned Sierra.
"First time in the capital, after all. Sierra."
"Yes, Princess."
Sierra approached. Is this it? The 'friends of the crown stay in the palace' bit? Sadly, no.
"These are my benefactors, aren't they? Can't have them holed up in some dump or fleeced by the capital's vultures."
"Yes, understood. I'll guide them to the finest place I know."
"Good, I trust you. Come to my chambers after. I'll be waiting. And while you're at it... throw in some extra reward."
...Extra reward? My ears perked up. We'd already gotten the advance gold. More on top? My heart skipped.
"...Yes. We'll be off, then."
"Safe travels. Things'll get busy for me soon—this might be our last goodbye here. Your company... no, your journey was quite enjoyable."
"Same here, Princess Aria. Take care."
"Will do."
With that, Aria entered the palace with her retainers. Cheong-ah and I followed Sierra's lead to a bustling street in the capital.