Twilight Alchemist 152

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152. A Proper Welcome Is Nice, Isn’t It?

On the central street of Golden Dawn, a grand carriage and knights in splendid armor marched in formation, bearing the kingdom’s flag.

With perfect synchronization, the group advanced as residents cheered from the roadside and the rooftops, scattering countless flower petals.

Today, a delegation from the royal capital had arrived, accompanied by His Majesty the King.

We watched the scene from the castle.

“They arrived much earlier than scheduled.”

“Well, Van's always been impatient.”

I responded, and Kyle gave a slight, wry smile.

“Craft-niisama, he’s coming as His Majesty the King today. Calling him 'Van' isn’t appropriate, is it?”

“I know that. But still...”

It’s hard to see him as a king when he first introduced himself to me as an adventurer.

Plus, his full name is way too long to remember.

“Well, I’ll be careful.”

“Good.”

“I’ll leave all formal interactions to you, Kyle.”

“Haha, leave it to me.”

Kyle answered cheerfully.

Gone was any trace of the frail boy he used to be—now he lived each day with youthful energy.

Lately, he’s expressed a desire to hone his sword skills, as is expected of a lord, but he often complained that managing the territory kept him too busy to train properly.

He’s really grown strong.

The way he looks so happy when I rely on him is probably because he trusts me that much.

Come to think of it, I always attracted younger kids back when I was at the orphanage.

...Even now, the children from the orphanage and academy seem fond of me.

I ruffled Myrna’s head, as she clung to my mantle. Aside from Kyle and me, this room also held Myrna, Persia, and Jabil-sensei, along with some officials and butlers.

Jabil-sensei, unconcerned with the commotion, quietly sipped tea while absorbed in reading a paper.

“Myrna, Van will be here soon. Aren’t you excited?”

Myrna tilted her head after thinking for a moment.

Seems like she doesn't really care—well, it is Van, after all.

“Myrna, you know it’s a great honor to have His Majesty personally inspect the territory, right?”

Kyle tried to explain, but she didn’t seem to get it.

Well, neither do I.

Unlike us, Persia was visibly excited.

“Exactly! This isn’t a casual visit like before—it’s an official one from His Majesty! And it’s all thanks to Kyle-sama’s efforts! You’ve truly worked hard!”

Scratch that—extremely excited.

“Hey, Persia, try not to snort in front of His Majesty, will you?”

“You’re still as rude as ever, you fool!”

I chuckled, scratching my head as I looked out at the parade below.

It was different from the usual city-wide festivals Golden Dawn held.

There were only a few stalls, and most residents lined both sides of the central street. However, none stood on the street itself.

The road was blocked by soldiers, adventurers, and holy knights.

Alphard, the security chief, must be having a tough time coordinating all of this.

The King’s grand carriage moved slowly along the flower-strewn path.

Guards marched alongside it, front and rear, as the residents gathered to observe and celebrate.

The people of Golden Dawn were giving a near-frenzied welcome, honored by the King’s direct visit.

As the royal procession entered the castle grounds and the gates closed behind them, cutting off the residents’ view, the crowd began cleaning up and returned to their usual routines.

Kyle and I weren’t part of the welcoming party.

Officials handled the delegation. The reason was simple—Van wasn’t with them.

While waiting in the reception room, Alphard arrived as expected.

“Well done, Alphard.”

“Yes, sir!”

He saluted sharply, befitting the top military officer of the territory.

“Good job. How are things downstairs?”

“Everything is in order. I’ve left the remaining instructions to Degard and Taigal.”

Degard Bismach and Taigal Gaidal—former mercenaries and adventurers—were now Alphard’s subordinates.

They were competent enough that Alphard entrusted them with most tasks.

...I envy him for having capable subordinates.

Just as I indulged in this moment of jealousy, a maid arrived to inform us that the delegation had reached the castle.

“Will the representatives take a break, or proceed straight to the meeting?” 

Kyle asked.

The maid replied politely.

“They wish to begin the meeting immediately.”

“Understood. Please escort them to the audience chamber. Craft-niisama and Jabil-sensei, please go ahead.”

“Got it.”

“Understood.”

Jabil-sensei, who had been lost in his reading, lifted his head to answer.

“All these noble customs, like having the most important person enter last, are such a hassle.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

I nodded at his exasperated sigh. It would be easier if everyone just gathered in the meeting room together, but that’s not how nobles operate.

We proceeded to the audience chamber, which had been prepared in advance.

The large, rectangular hall featured a red carpet running down the center, leading to a raised platform where an imposing chair sat.

Columns lined both sides of the room, adorned with banners of the Elixir Frontier Margrave family.

Holy knights stood motionless beneath the banners.

It looked exactly like the kind of place you’d imagine for meeting royalty—though Kyle, not a king, would take the seat of honor.

The representatives entered, kneeling on the red carpet at the holy knight’s signal.

They carried out the procedure smoothly, though the rookie knights seemed more nervous.

After all, many holy knights were just former private soldiers.

Once everyone was ready, Kyle and Myrna entered, followed by Alphard and Persia.

Kyle sat on the lord’s chair, with Myrna standing a step behind him.

Persia raised her voice in a clear, commanding tone.

“Kyle Golden Dawn von Elixir-sama has arrived! All present, raise your heads!”

Despite her usual clumsiness, Persia looked quite impressive in moments like these.

The representatives lifted their heads, and Kyle greeted them with a gentle smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I am Kyle Golden Dawn von Elixir. Thank you for traveling such a long way. Are you weary from the journey?”

An elderly man with a long white beard, dressed in a fine robe, answered.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Honorary Baron Batista von Helmond, Chief Royal Alchemist.”

So, this old man was the highest-ranking alchemist in the kingdom.

I glanced at Jabil-sensei, who replied, “We know each other.”

Though, I bet even this chief alchemist was no match for the good doctor.

“The journey was quite comfortable. The roads are impeccably maintained, thanks to your governance. His Majesty is most pleased.”

“Thank you very much.”

The room’s tense atmosphere eased slightly with the compliment.

“Now then,” Batista continued, “we would like to set up a teleportation circle to welcome His Majesty.”

The King wasn’t actually in the carriage—he would arrive directly via teleportation.

This secret royal technology was being installed here first, thanks to Van’s whims.

He probably just wanted an excuse to visit whenever he liked.

Honestly, what a headache.