Chapter 49
After finishing the breakfast meeting, I, Rocabill, set out west with Roa and the others.
Apart from Roa and me, our companions were Rivote, Wickhart, Lapiria, Yuizest, Meizest, and Nelfia—a rather small group.
In addition, about five of Rivote's subordinates came along.
I wondered whether it was wise for Roa=Stein, one of Rudek's most important figures, to be roaming around with so few people.
When Rivote, who had been thinking the same thing, voiced his concern,
"At least, with the twins, Azure Bow, and the War Princess around, there aren't many opponents we couldn't handle."
I found the reply strangely convincing, so I could only assume that was simply how things were.
Certainly, if they were Roa=Stein's close aides, they must all be seasoned warriors, each capable of taking on a thousand men.
Rivote had said, "We'll protect Rocabill-sama," but he was now up front alongside the twins, making quite a racket.
I had seen Rivote interacting with the twins once in the Imperial Capital, but it was still incredibly jarring. Rivote's subordinates did not seem bothered in the least, so perhaps this was normal for them.
"Prince Rocabill."
As I watched Rivote and the twins interact, someone suddenly called to me from behind. I had sensed no presence at all, so I turned around in surprise and found Nelfia standing right behind me.
I nearly screamed, but managed to stop myself. It seemed I had somehow preserved my dignity as the emperor's son.
"...What is it?"
I answered awkwardly, but Nelfia asked as though nothing had happened, "Is your horse's pace all right?"
It was true that I did not ride horses very often. Unlike my elder brother Bittegaldo, who had always been on the front lines, and Tsetsedra, who traveled throughout the provinces as a local lord, I rarely left the Imperial Capital; when I did, I generally traveled by carriage. Perhaps Nelfia had noticed my poor horsemanship from behind and was concerned?
"...Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine."
The truth was that it was a little painful, but it was difficult to complain now.
"I see... Actually, my horse is not in good condition, so I would like to slow down a little. I was thinking of asking Roa-sama after informing you first. Would that be all right?"
"...Ah. If that's the case, that's fine."
"Thank you very much."
Nelfia went straight to Roa, who was up ahead, and exchanged a few words with him. The pace of the entire group then slowed.
Nelfia bowed to me and fell back to the rear.
After a while, Roa likewise dropped back to me.
"There is a town called Naft a little farther ahead. We plan to spend the night there."
"It is still early for sunset. Did you choose this stop with me in mind?"
At that, Roa gave a small shake of his head and a wry smile.
"There aren't any suitable towns farther along this road. There are a few small villages, but the people around me won't permit either the prince or me to stay anywhere without proper accommodations."
Ah, that was a reason I could accept.
"Instead, we'll cover a lot of ground tomorrow, so we'll set out at dawn. Is that agreeable?"
"I have no objection. You needn't be so concerned about me."
As we spoke, a town's silhouette indeed began to appear in the distance.
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"So this is Zetta Plain..."
Several days later, we finally reached Zetta Plain. Rudek's mostly rolling landscape gave way to something completely different; the view suddenly seemed to open up before me.
Since Gridol is largely flat to begin with, a flat expanse stretching as far as the eye could see was oddly calming.
Our lodgings for the night would be Kitzal Fortress. The ruins were just a little farther on.
"Well, well, everyone. Welcome."
The man who greeted us with both arms spread wide was General Bordras, commander of the Fourth Knight Order. I was meeting him for the first time. I observed him as we exchanged formal greetings. He seemed like a rather nondescript general.
Yet, if I recalled correctly, he was the general who had decided the outcome of the Great Battle of Femas. By bringing reinforcements in what could only be called a reckless, even outrageous, move, he had caused the Riflerea army to collapse completely.
I had pictured someone as boisterous as General Zackhart, but people cannot be judged by appearances.
"Hey, Bordras."
"You doing your job properly?"
The twins addressed him rather roughly, but General Bordras merely kept smiling.
"Yuizest and Meizest are taking good care of Lord Roa, aren't they? They haven't been causing you any trouble, have they?"
He addressed them like a father.
"Of course!"
"We're doing great!"
Watching their somewhat heartwarming exchange, the day came to an end.
The following day, we finally arrived at the ruins. At their foot, a small town had already sprung up, presumably for the workers, and many people were busily moving about.
"I wonder where Sazen is."
The worker whom Roa asked pointed toward the middle of the ruins.
"Who is Sazen?"
At my question, Roa said,
"He is the person in charge of the site. He is indispensable to bringing His Majesty's blueprints to life. I think you'll get to see something interesting."
He said this with a smile.
One of the workers said he would go fetch him, so we decided to wait there for a while.
"Roa-sama!"
A man came hurrying over, practically rolling, and Roa casually returned his greeting.
"I brought the plot plan as scheduled. Are things going smoothly on your end, Sazen?"
"Yes. We've already prepared quite a few. Let's get started right away!"
Prepared quite a few? Start what?
Still having no idea what they meant, I went with Roa and the others to the meeting room.