" Ritzken Empire's capital, Larrichmond.
Being a fortified city, the city is surrounded by walls. Perhaps due to the news of the Demon Lord's army invasion having reached many, there were many people trying to enter Larrichmond.
As a result, the guards were meticulously checking the identities of those attempting to enter the city at the city gate.
"It's almost our turn, isn't it?"
"Yeah, looks like it."
We had to wait for quite some time for our turn.
"What are your names?"
"I'm Kiska."
"I'm Nyau."
We answered the guard's questions without hesitation.
"What's your occupation?"
"We are both adventurers."
"Can you show me your status screens?"
"Oh, of course, we don't mind."
I should have set it up so that only my name and rank would be visible on the status screen. I believe that should be enough.
"I see, you both seem to be quite capable."
The guard looked at my rank, which was Platinum if I recall correctly, and made that remark.
"Could it be that you're here to fight alongside our army against the Demon Lord's forces?"
"Yes, that's why we came."
"I see, Ritzken Empire welcomes courageous individuals. Let's fight together for the sake of humanity."
This guard really has a way with words.
"Of course, that's our intention."
So, I responded accordingly.
"Here, this is Nyau's status."
Standing beside me, Nyau also showed her status screen.
"W-What's with this status!? Could it be, are you Lady Sage Nyau?"
Lady Sage Nyau…? What's that?
"Well… I've been called that sometimes."
Nyau replied with an uncomfortable expression.
"I-I apologize profusely! I'll go get my superior right away, please wait a moment!"
Saying that, the guard hurried off in a fluster.
"It seems we've made quite an impression."
"Hahaha…"
Nyau managed a wry smile.
However, thinking rationally, Nyau held the highest rank of Master and had been cooperating with the Hero. It was only natural that she received special treatment.
Still, Lady Sage Nyau, huh? Knowing Nyau's true self, it's hard to imagine her as a sage.
"Lady Sage Nyau, I apologize for the wait! Please allow me to guide you immediately. Oh, and your companion is welcome to join us as well."
A superior-looking individual arrived in haste.
It appeared that we were about to be escorted somewhere.
"Hey, where are they taking us?"
"Well, actually, we received instructions that once Lady Sage Nyau visited our country, we should guide her to our leader right away."
"So, who is this 'leader' you're talking about?"
In response to my question, the superior gave this answer:
"Our nation's most prominent figure, a person holding two titles, Grand Sage and Wise Emperor, Grand Sage Aglupus."
Grand Sage Aglupus. Ranked as a Master, 9th in the hierarchy.
The one person who might stand a chance against the Demon Lord's forces and humanity's last hope. It was the person we had been seeking.
◆
Grand Sage Aglupus resided in the Imperial Palace at the center of the capital, Larrichmond, and that's where we were guided.
Perhaps deciding that making us walk all the way to the Imperial Palace would be inappropriate, we were provided with a luxurious carriage.
"I'm starting to get nervous."
Given the extraordinary level of attention we were receiving, I hadn't expected it, and my stomach began to churn.
"W-what sh-sh-should we d-do, Kiska?!"
Oddly enough, Nyau seemed far more nervous than I was.
"Hey, calm down."
"But, I'm s-s-s-sure I'm going to get s-s-scolded!"
"Is that so?"
"Regarding the fact that I couldn't protect the Hero, I'm sure they'll say something."
While I believed it wasn't Nyau's fault that the Hero Eligion had died, how others might perceive it was a different matter.
"Well, if that happens, I'll try to cover for you. I'm not sure if I'll be able to, though."
"Kiska, thank you so much!"
Suddenly, Nyau hugged me.
"Hey, don't hug me out of the blue."
"Well, it's fine, isn't it? Or is Kiska getting embarrassed?"
Nyau playfully said with an upward glance. Her eyes held a mature sensuality that didn't match her appearance.
In reality, Nyau was older than I was.
Well, that didn't change the fact that it was irritating.
"Nyaaaah! Why are you pinching my cheeks?"
"Because you irritated me."
"But even so, it's too much, Kiska!"
As Nyau screamed, she continued to playfully hit me.
"Uh, we've, uh, arrived…"
Suddenly, the coachman looked at us with a puzzled expression.
It seemed like we had reached the Imperial Palace where Granad Sage Aglupus resided.
But really, having my interaction with Nyau observed by someone else was a bit embarrassing.
◆ ◆ ◆