I couldn’t help but feel moved by the towering castle. It didn’t seem like a place where His Majesty, who looked like he might run around the fields with a sword, or the chancellor, whose malice practically oozed from his face, would reside. Ah, but Apelta doesn’t live here, does he?
"...Are you thinking something rude?"
"No, not at all..."
His Majesty, with his sharp instincts like a wild beast, pressed me as I humbly replied that I wasn’t thinking such things.
But, truly, it was an impressive castle. The many spires had a strong presence, but what stood out the most was the imposing royal castle itself, exuding an overwhelming sense of grandeur. By the way, while Panamera’s castle was probably more intricate in design, it couldn’t compete with the sheer weight of this imposing presence. The size of the castle was a factor, but most of all, it was the history it emanated.
Indeed, buildings with a sense of history carry a weight and an atmosphere that no other style can match. Different eras bring about designs that are either rounded or incredibly simple and rugged. Personally, I prefer buildings adorned with lavish decorations, built during an era of prosperity, but each design has its own charm, shaped by the time it was built.
"...Still, this is a magnificent castle."
I said this without flattery, and His Majesty and Apelta exchanged glances. Panamera blinked in surprise behind us.
"Hmm, I’m glad to hear you say that, but don’t you think that, as Van Viscount, you could make an even stronger, more robust castle? Since you’ve come all the way to the capital, I thought about having the royal castle improved as well."
"No! It would be absurd to modify such a beautiful and historic castle! This castle should maintain its original form! This is its completed state!"
Apparently, His Majesty had intended to make an outrageous request. I couldn’t allow such an act, so I firmly opposed it for once. Let my feelings be known!
Perhaps my earnest appeal worked, for His Majesty nodded a few times and agreed with my opinion.
"Is that so? Well, if Van Viscount, who excels at castle building, says so, then it must be true."
His Majesty muttered this, then looked up at his own castle again. I wanted him to feel a sense of attachment to its grand appearance. However, as I was thinking this, Apelta opened his mouth with a wicked smile directed at His Majesty.
"...Your Majesty. Could it be that Van Viscount is lying about not wanting to improve the castle?"
"What...!? What are you talking about?"
At Apelta’s words, His Majesty’s expression shifted to one of shock, and he turned toward me.
"It’s a misunderstanding, Apelta-sama. Really, it’s a terrible misunderstanding. An embarrassing mistake that could be shown anywhere."
I made my dissatisfaction clear and appealed to His Majesty. Before His Majesty could speak, Apelta lightly bowed his head.
"...It seems it’s true. I apologize deeply for making Van Viscount unhappy."
Rarely, Apelta spoke with genuine apology. Given his superior position, this was probably the highest level of apology he could offer. I understood and reluctantly nodded in return.
"Well, it’s fine. I’ll accept it with some delicious sweets."
"That’s a relief. We’re in the process of preparing them now."
After hearing my response, Apelta seemed to relax and responded. His Majesty smiled and shook his shoulders.
"I’ve seen quite a rare scene today. In that case, let’s hold a grand dinner party tonight to celebrate. I look forward to drinking while watching the disgruntled face of the scheming chancellor."
"Your Majesty, you look pretty scheming yourself, though?"
"Ha! Your sarcasm is dull! Come, everyone! Let me show you the best castle that Van Viscount praised! Enter, all of you!"
While watching Apelta’s expression, His Majesty laughed heartily and walked into the royal castle. After giving a resentful glance at his back, Apelta also began walking into the castle.
As I watched the two of them head inside with the royal guards leading the way, Panamera, who had been silent until then, leaned toward me and spoke.
"...Boy! This is amazing! This will definitely become a topic of conversation among the butlers and maids working inside the castle. Apelta-sama’s handling is impressive."
"Huh? Handling?"
When I tilted my head in confusion at Panamera’s words, she gave me a wry smile.
"Come to think of it, this is your first time in the capital, isn’t it? The capital... especially in places like the royal castle or in front of the castle gates, there are countless eyes and ears. Events here could even reach the ears of lords in the borderlands. After all, among the butlers and maids working in the royal castle, there are many second and third sons, as well as daughters of noble families. Nobles who are ignored by His Majesty here will be looked down upon, while those who are favored by His Majesty or the chancellor will have their evaluation rise dramatically, regardless of rank."
"Oh, I see."
Hearing about the increase in evaluation didn’t excite me much. If anything, after hearing Panamera’s words, I thought, "The capital seems like a hassle." Perhaps sensing this, Panamera chuckled softly and placed her hand on my back.
"That means, from now on, many sharp-eared nobles who have had no relations with you will become cooperative. You’ve probably noticed in the previous war with the Yellenetta Kingdom, but when you have a low title, some people will look down on you and make unreasonable demands. Now, those people won’t be able to say anything to you. In fact, some might even go out of their way to offer their services or present you with rare gifts as a greeting."
"Oh, I see! I should make sure to advertise that I like delicious food!"
The thought of gifts from various territories made my heart race. In my head, I was already listing local specialties. Watching the side profile of Van-kun, Panamera grinned, showing her teeth.
"...From now on, it seems like you’ll be able to get your opinions heard more easily in battle, but for you, the priority might be more about getting to eat delicious food. How cute."
Panamera said this quietly and chuckled to herself.
"Huh? Did you just say Van-kun is cute?"
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