Chapter 73
The capital of Lubral is called Renzo. In terms of size, it is larger than Rudek's capital.
Long ago—though this was more than several hundred years ago—the Kingdom of Lubral boldly sought to establish its supremacy over the continent. It expanded its territory until it rivaled even the present-day Empire.
But eventually, the great nation collapsed due to internal strife. After much upheaval, one portion of its territory became Golbel, while another became the country of Schulette.
However, neither Golbel nor Schulette is related by blood to the current King of Lubral, Sajebans.
The nation that remained as Lubral had likewise seen its former royal family forced from the throne through various power struggles.
In fact, it is the King of Schulette who preserves the bloodline of Lubral's former royal family.
That aside, Lubral regards these two countries as "usurpers of its own territory." Even after all this time, that feeling has not faded.
Put bluntly, Lubral looks down on Golbel and Schulette.
As a result, Lubral repeatedly fell into tense relations with Schulette, the legitimate royal line. The many serious incidents that occurred during those periods led to the creation of immigration inspection systems in both countries.
That said, this too is a thing of the past. At least under the rule of King Sajebans, Lubral has maintained friendly relations with Schulette.
...At least outwardly.
Because of this history, Lubral is a proud nation whose people strongly believe that it is the true leader of the continent. The flip side of that pride is a national character that can seem overbearing to neighboring countries.
Zodia and the others had just arrived in the capital of such a country. Naturally, it had also been a very long time since they had visited this city.
Seen objectively, Renzo was calmer than Zodia had expected. Unlike the enthusiastic welcomes they had received in the towns and villages along the way, the city accepted them without fuss.
"...Same as ever."
Belluman's words carried a hint of subtext.
Indeed, for better or worse, this city was Lubral distilled to its essence. Its residents did not consider it proper to abase themselves too readily.
At the same time, they possessed the virtue of not losing themselves. Despite being such a large city, very few residents were so ill-disciplined as to drink themselves senseless.
"Well, receiving an enthusiastic welcome in Renzo would be so unsettling that I would rather not imagine it."
Zodia offered an equally noncommittal reply.
Though the people here had one or two quirks, the aesthetic sensibilities of Renzo's residents were among the finest on the continent. Many of them were highly discerning when it came to the arts.
Interestingly, perhaps in opposition to Lubral, the people of Schulette's capital had a similar temperament.
For a traveling troupe, being recognized in both Schulette and Lubral was proof that it had truly come into its own.
No matter how filthy its hidden side might be, Renzo was a city that always appeared beautiful and glamorous on the surface.
Zodia did not dislike the beautiful cityscape, either. Old and new blended together, making the streets a feast for the eyes even when one was merely walking through them.
As they proceeded while enjoying the cityscape, they saw a mounted knight approaching from the opposite direction.
Zodia and the others pulled their carriage to the side and waited for the knight to pass.
However, the knight did not ride past them. He stopped directly in front of them.
"As reported, you really are Le Pu Zea. Zodia, Belluman—it has been a long time."
"Ovar-sama, is that you? It has been a long time."
Zodia knelt on the ground to greet him, but Ovar said, "Very well. At ease," prompting them to stand.
Ovar was the captain of the Royal Knights. He was a favored aide of King Sajebans, and Zodia had shared a meal with him several times.
"...Then, excuse me for asking. Since you have stopped us, might I ask your business?"
"Ah. This sort of request may be discourteous to a traveling troupe, but..."
Such an attitude was unusual for Ovar, who was always brimming with confidence.
"Well?"
As Zodia tilted their head slightly, Ovar once again looked over Le Pu Zea.
"Normally, the proper order would be to perform for the citizens and then be invited to a meal in return. But this time, I would like you to reverse that order. Zodia, the king wishes to hear what you have to say as soon as possible. Put off your singing and come to the royal palace at once."
Belluman stepped forward at Ovar's words.
"Ovar-sama. What business could justify asking us to break with our customs? If you do not mind my asking, is there any danger?"
"Why do you think there would be danger?"
"As you are aware, we—and Zodia in particular—are on close terms with Roa-Stein-sama."
He must have thought that was explanation enough, because Belluman fell silent.
"Yes, I know that well. And it is true that the king summoned Zodia for precisely that reason. But we will do nothing like what you fear—capture Zodia and use them as a bargaining chip, for example. Indeed, we cannot. We know the danger of angering Rudek at this time."
Zodia was slightly surprised by those words. This proud man had actually used the word "danger."
"The king is desperate for information right now. That is why he has summoned you so quickly. There is no ulterior motive."
Ovar's words did not seem to contain a lie.
"If you wish, one or two others may accompany you. In fact, you may all come, but I imagine you would dislike that sort of thing, wouldn't you?"
"Uh, then... Can I come along?"
The one who interrupted the conversation and volunteered was Denver.
"I have no objection."
At Ovar's reply, Zodia and Denver were escorted to meet the king.