Finally, after two overnight stops, we arrived at Kapto, the capital of the Spelt state, on the third day.
Just as Nishina and Sakuragi had told me, it was indeed a city. It was nothing like the towns and villages I had seen so far. The buildings lacked ornate decorations but had a sturdy and solid appearance.
There were wooden houses, but many buildings were made of brick or covered with concrete-like mortar, creating a mix of architectural styles. The cityscape resembled a crystal formed by the various cultures of the otherworldly people living together.
Nishina and Sakuragi were allowed to travel this far under the pretext of thanking General Degry. Since Spellsess was also a member of the Federation Army, he seemed to be acquainted with General Degry. Wanting to get the formalities done first, we headed straight to the Federation Army’s garrison.
The garrison, likely constructed after the formation of the Hodgkin Federation from various small countries, was built adjacent to the fortress city of Kapto, which was surrounded by tall, sturdy stone walls with a long history.
Entering Kapto from the north gate and exiting from the south gate, we saw the entrance to the garrison diagonally ahead. After Spellsess exchanged a few words with the gatekeeper, one of the guards quickly ran inside to notify someone.
Soon, we were allowed inside. As we walked, we saw soldiers training in a square designated for drills. Though I had no idea how many soldiers were stationed there, I had heard that each state had its own state army, so the number might not be as large.
Perhaps it was the custom of this world, but all the walls surrounding the garrison had windows, suggesting that the soldiers’ quarters were built along the walls, making the interior space quite expansive and practical.
General Degry resided not in the quarters along the walls but in a standalone facility within the grounds. We were guided into this facility by a meticulous soldier, served tea by an equally meticulous secretary, and sat on somewhat firm yet comfortable sofas. Everything was exceedingly well-organized, as expected of a state institution.
“It’s quite different from the atmosphere of the Durham State Army, isn’t it?”
“Well, that’s natural. Those guys are no different from Jungle Leaves.”
“But that’s precisely why they’re easy to deal with.”
“That’s because you come from that kind of world. Not everyone fits in so easily.”
Spellsess said, glancing at Mainui.
“I-I don’t mind!”
“Have you gotten used to it? I thought nobles would find it hard to adapt.”
“I’m fine. I can adapt to any customs wherever I go.”
“Hohoho.”
So, Mainui-san is of noble descent, as her title “Spear Princess” suggests.
After waiting for a while in the facility’s reception room, General Degry entered.
“Oh, Lord Spellsess. Thank you for coming… And you must be Shigeto, Sensei. I’ve heard rumors about you.”
“Rumors?”
General Degry, as Nishina and Sakuragi had described, had the appearance of a quintessential warrior. Yet, his manner of speaking was polite and courteous, befitting a general. Despite meeting for the first time, he addressed me as “Sensei”. I wondered where such stories had originated… I couldn’t help but think of Paldomihov, who might visit this garrison on our way back.
General Degry then turned to Nishina and Sakuragi with a gentle smile.
“I’m surprised you managed to rescue your comrades. Well done.”
“No, we couldn’t do anything. Sensei and Senpai managed to escape on their own.”
“Even so, believing and waiting is important too. Knowing someone is waiting can be a source of strength.”
“Yes.”
“And Miki… I’ve heard you’ll join the Federation Army with your Tendai?”
“Well, I still need to climb two more steps. Right, Spellsess?”
“Indeed, reaching the eighth step is quite a challenge.”
General Degry seemed genuinely surprised that I had managed to escape alive. He kept asking about the escape and the state of Galal Blue.
While I had actually ventured back into Galal Blue’s mines with Regres, I couldn’t share that story, nor could I reveal the secrets of this world.
“Is that a Firebird on your shoulder?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Amazing. How could you possibly defeat such a monster… Did you get it in Galal Blue?”
“No. Well, that Carton gave it fatal wounds, came close to us and died.”
“I see… You are quite fortunate. Take good care of it. It will become an invaluable companion.”
“Yes.”
General Degry offered us lodging in the garrison, but since Nishina and Sakuragi were part of the state army, and Vito was a civilian, we politely declined. We were also eager to explore the city, so we decided to stay at an inn in the city.
Spellsess and Mainui chose to stay in the garrison’s quarters, and we agreed to meet at the city’s south gate the morning after next to head to the capital together.
We asked for directions to the city’s only bookstore and ventured into Kapto.
“So, which store should we visit first?”
“Let’s secure our lodgings first. It would be troublesome to look for an inn after shopping.”
“Ugh, I guess so.”
We suppress Sakuragi’s rising excitement and head to the inn first. That being said, we plan to stay at an inn recommended by Degry. However, there is one thing that bothers me. It is an inn that is used to accommodate important people from the Federation who come here, so I am a bit worried that it might be a high-class hotel.
The inn appeared to be more of a hotel, with its brick exterior exuding a sense of luxury, and its spacious halls were a rarity in the confined space of a fortress city.
“How would you like your rooms? Two double rooms and one triple room?”
“Um… What? No, do you have any single rooms?”
The receptionist’s casual suggestion startled me.
Sakuragi protested as I tried to change to single rooms.
“Eh? Sensei, you prefer a single room?”
“Well, isn’t that obvious? It’s a bit too early for anything else, right?”
“Too early?”
“Yes, too early.”
I wondered what Sakuragi was implying… and then even Kimishima supported Sakuragi.
“But Sensei, wouldn’t it be cheaper to have one room for the men and one for the women?”
“Nishina, this isn’t about money… Is it?”
“Are you… thinking about something else, Sensei?”
“No! On second thought, two rooms are more economical!”
“Sensei…”
Right, then there’s no problem with a twin room. Absolutely none.
I tried to play it off nonchalantly and confidently asked the receptionist for the rooms. It seemed that payment was expected upfront in this world, so I used my Citizen Card to pay for two nights.
Apparently, there was an extra charge for “Mera,” the creature on Kimishima’s shoulder, but that couldn’t be helped.
“S-Sensei. We’ll pay too.”
“No need to worry about that. I’ve just become Celestial, so I have enough money. You guys can spend your own money on what you like.”
“But…”
“No buts. Once it’s paid, it can’t be taken back.”
“Thank you. We’ll take you up on that offer.”
“Sure. Use the money to buy something for Miki.”
“Wh-Why would I buy something for Miki!”
“Because you’re a man and Miki is a woman, maybe?”
“That’s irrelevant! Gender doesn’t matter these days.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Nishina really is clumsy. I have to support him in these matters.
“So, can I share a room with Miki-chan?”
“Huh? Well, of course. Sleep with me.”
“Okay.”
… Sharing a room could be quite challenging.
