Twilight Alchemist 29

Test

29. The Story Resumes At A Slow Pace, Isn't It?

This world is ruled by monsters.

Humanity's living space is still limited, and humans are still fighting over that narrow living space.

Remembering what I was taught at Sunday school long ago, I was swaying in a carriage.

The bustling metropolis of Gandar, where the prominent noble Veil Road, the viscount of Maugaria Kingdom, resides upon arrival, is still enveloped in noise.

"Gandar, it's been a while."

"Craft-oniisama, you've been here before."

"Yeah, I was a rootless adventurer. I'd go anywhere in the kingdom if there was work."

The one happily speaking to me is Kyle Gandar Veil Road, who carries the name of this city and a noble title. Born as the third son of the Veil Road Viscounty, he got neglected by his family due to his inherent frailty.

During our journey from the pioneering village Golden Dawn, the fact that Kyle addressed me as "onii-sama" spread instantly.

However, everyone just grinned and didn't say anything. They made fun of me.

Now I'm pulled in by Myrna, riding together in the carriage.

Alphard is walking outside, and Persia is next to me.

For some reason, Myrna is on my lap, and Jitaro is sitting next to Kyle.

I wish I could learn from Jitaro's toughness, who happily gets on board despite Kyle's forgiveness.

"Wow! Is this Gandar, where the Viscount resides! Amazing people and buildings!"

"It's said to have the 2nd largest population after the capital, so there are many people here."

"Huh? Is the main gate left open? I don't see any toll collection going on."

"There's too much coming and going of people, so it's a free pass for now."

"Wow! That's amazing! If I had known, I would have come at least once!"

"Haha. Please take it easy during your stay, Jitaro-san."

"Of course!"

"Jitaro, you're quite something."

Although he was friendly and lacked a sense of distance, his ease with the noble Kyle is remarkable.

"Craft, you're quite something."

"Don't read my mind, Persia..."

"Hmph. Then don't make such obvious expressions."

"Am I that easy to read?"

Ignoring Persia's nods. I turn my gaze to Kyle, who seems troubled and smiles wryly.

Myrna also nods.

Incomprehensible.

"Gandar has a large adventurer's guild. It's like the headquarters around here. Famous adventurers are often affiliated with either here or the capital."

"That's right, you don't hear much about A-rank adventurers staying in rural areas."

"The adventurers who make a name for themselves in this city are admired, so there's a unique atmosphere, but I couldn't stay long."

"Is that so?"

"I think similar things happen in any profession... Hm? Soldiers are approaching."

As I gaze out the window at the crowd, one of the gatekeepers rushes over and speaks to Alphard.

"Excuse me, are you related to the Viscount Veil Road?"

"That's right."

"I apologize. In that case, it's better to come this way, as the main street is crowded."

"I appreciate your consideration! Everyone, this way!"

With Alphard's command, the group heads towards the indicated alley.

Along the way, a gatekeeper who noticed Kyle peeking out of the carriage window flashed a bright smile.

"Oh! It's Kyle-sama! Welcome back!"

"Thank you for your service."

"Ah! I am relieved to see you looking well. It seems the rural air suits you."

"It appears so. I'm very energetic now."

"Oh! Oh! That's wonderful!"

"Um... this is just a temporary return..."

"Oh! I apologize for that! We will handle it discreetly!"

"Yes. Thank you very much."

As Kyle bowed his head, the gatekeeper returned the gesture with the utmost respect.

So he'll stand out, won't he?

As we deviate from the central street, the traffic of carriages decreases slightly, and we make considerably smooth progress.

The huge building resembling a castle that stands in the center of the city is the residence of the Viscount, our destination.

Perhaps anticipating a war with neighboring countries, the city's layout is complex, exuding a diverse atmosphere.

"Ah... that's Kyle-sama's home, isn't it?"

"I was transferred to a rural mansion when I was little, so I haven't been inside much."

"Nobles can't even return to their family homes, huh?"

"Hey, Jitaro."

"Ah! I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean any harm!"

"It's okay. I'm not worried about it. On the contrary, thanks to Jitaro-san, Leafan-san, and Craft-oniisama, I have good news to bring back, so I'm grateful."

"Ugh... Kyle-sama is really kind."

"I agree."

Persia nods vigorously. It's clear from his words.

"But it's really big... no, sturdy."

"I don't want to think about it much, but it's also a refuge in emergencies when the king can't stay in the capital."

"I see..."

The carriage gets knocked on continuously. Peering out the window, I see Leafan.

"I think it's about time we got off."

"That's right. Jitaro."

"Yes!"

Since Myrna wouldn't get off my lap, I slipped my arms under her and lifted her, then placed her in the empty seat opposite, but she looked grumpy and turned away.

"Onii-sama is really liked by Myrna, huh?"

"Are your eyes blind?"

I wonder how he could think that as I get off the carriage, drawing attention from everyone around.

"Whose carriage is that?"

"It's not Flattan-sama's flag, is it?"

"Zaid-sama's?"

"Idiot, that's Kyle-sama's flag!"

"Oh! I forgot because it's been a while!"

"If he's returned..."

"It means the border expansion failed."

"It can't be helped. Nobody can touch such a dangerous place."

"If he's returned safely, that's enough."

"Yeah, thanks to Kyle-sama, our lives have become much easier."

I catch a curious phrase among the onlookers' words.

Thanks to Kyle, life has become easier?

While Kyle didn't seem to be heavily involved in politics, could he have some achievements?

Come to think of it, I heard from the villagers that Kyle was popular.

While I'm pondering, we arrive at the huge gate of the Viscount's estate.

"Oh! Alphard! It's been a while!"

"Yes! You seem well too! I think the message has been sent, but Kyle-sama has returned home. Please open the gate."

"Of course. Open the gate!"

The heavy iron gate opens left and right, and the carriage slowly moves forward. 

The escort adventurers also seem tense.

Passing through the courtyard planted with various plants, we arrive at the front of the mansion.

Behind the mansion, there is a building towering like a castle, but it seems to be not where they usually live.

As I glance up, a familiar man looks down on us from the mansion window.

It was Zaid, the 2nd son. He had a truly displeased expression.