The journey to the Kingdom of Ingasia went smoothly.
I summoned Ranga, miniaturized her, and rode her. I also had her wear a specially designed saddle, so even if people saw us, it wouldn’t be a problem.
Right now, we look like a slightly large black wolf.
There are no paved roads, but the roads are well-maintained, and occasionally, I can see soldiers on patrol riding horses.
In this area, the rate of monster appearances is low, and the concentration of mana is also low.
It seems that strong monsters rarely appear. More importantly, there are other things that show up.
Like highway robbers and bandits.
However, we didn’t get entangled with any of them.
Well, that’s to be expected; Ranga’s running speed is too fast for them to catch up.
We’re not sprinting, but we’re moving at a steady pace, and it seems we’re going about 60 km per hour.
That’s quite fast compared to ordinary horses.
For this reason, the journey went smoothly, and we arrived at the capital of Ingasia in just two days.
What surprised me was the level of development.
The city was quite expansive, and a grand outer wall surrounded the town.
To enter the town, you need to pass through one of the two gates. The size of this wall, which encircles the entire area, must have taken a lot of time and money.
Once inside, the scenery was even more impressive.
There are no skyscrapers, but the buildings are much larger than in Brumund.
Buildings with about five floors are quite common.
The buildings are made of brick, and there are also various wooden structures.
Most impressive is the well-planned layout, with the White Tower, a magnificent castle, standing at the center of the city.
In the heart of the city, there’s a large lake, and the castle is built on an island in the middle.
Roads extend from the castle in all directions, connecting it to the city.
It’s a grand architectural marvel that showcases the nation’s power.
Honestly, it’s amazing!
In terms of security, knights are stationed throughout the city to maintain order.
It would be impossible to commit a crime here without serious preparation.
After all, this is the city where the Council’s headquarters are located.
If something happens to a dignitary from another country, it could become an international issue. Therefore, security can’t be lax.
Thanks to having a guild card, I was able to pass through the gate easily, but normally, there are three checks.
First, you need to show your identification. If you pass this, you can proceed, but if you fail, the inspection process is prolonged.
You have to join another line.
Due to the strict security, it takes longer than at the Dwarf Kingdom’s gate.
Honestly, I’m glad I have an ID.
If you fail the second check, you have to go through a third one, and by then, you’re treated like a criminal.
The treatment is so harsh that you might think twice about entering.
However, many people still want to get in. There was a long line of people waiting for the third check.
This proves how attractive this country is.
Walking through the city, I was amazed.
I was so surprised to see buildings with glass windows.
Like shop windows, they display items inside.
More than that, they are actual shop windows.
Inside, weapons and armor are prominently displayed, which is different from my previous life.
Dresses and suits are displayed in the central area of the town, near the castle, in a more upscale district.
It’s different from the commoner’s shops.
Living within this outer wall is already a sign of wealth, but having a house near the castle is almost impossible for non-nobles.
There’s a clear gap.
Of course, this is due to the difference in taxes paid, which naturally leads to different treatments.
After roughly touring the city, I looked for an inn.
The city is divided into four main areas: commercial, tourist, industrial, and residential.
The city is divided radially, with the castle at the center. The closer you get to the center, the more upscale it becomes.
It’s easy to understand.
For this reason, I headed to the tourist area.
Sure enough, there was a row of inns. Behind them was a street of taverns.
I felt my heart race. However, my goal today is not the taverns.
Regrettably, I gave up and found an inn to secure a place to stay for the night.
The tourist area has more attractions and shops as you get closer to the outer wall. There are also street vendors.
The closer you get to the center, the more important buildings like diplomats’ residences and conference halls appear. There’s even a school.
Among the four areas, this one has the strictest security.
In the center of this area is the headquarters of the Adventurers’ Guild.
Initially, I didn’t know where it was, so I asked a knight on the street for directions.
"Which guild do you need to visit? The nearest one is right there."
He pointed with his finger.
I saw a large and impressive building.
Next to it, there’s likely the Ingasia branch of the Western Church, with a cross symbol on the roof.
"Next to that church?"
"Yeah, yeah, it’s easy to spot. Even a lady wouldn’t get lost."
He explained.
There’s another guild building nearby, so I decided to check it out.
It was a large building, visible from a distance.
After securing a place to stay for the night, I went to the headquarters of the Adventurers’ Guild.
Therefore, I have no business with the church. As an atheist, I’d prefer to have nothing to do with churches.
Besides, the church here seems to view monsters as enemies. I don’t want to be targeted.
Unexpectedly, the guild headquarters was right next to the church.
Well, if I keep a low profile, I won’t be noticed.
There’s nothing I can do about it. If I’m discovered, I’ll deal with it then.
The entrance to the headquarters had glass windows. It must have cost a lot.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to see glass windows in this world. This is a place with "transmigrants."
Perhaps, they’re stubbornly insisting on such things. I still have a lot to learn.
If you do something, it gets done; if you don’t, it doesn’t. It’s not about what’s possible or impossible, but about the determination to do it.
I want to learn.
When I tried to enter, I felt something examining my body.
The door opened automatically.
Really? It detects people with sensors and opens automatically. They’re using high-tech unnecessarily.
To recreate this level of technology is impressive. The nearby church has wooden doors that need to be pushed open.
There’s a sense of determination, like "We’re different from our neighbors, different from our neighbors!"
When I entered, everyone’s attention turned to me.
A woman standing next to the door asked,
"Welcome! What brings you here today?"
She asked, like in a first-class hotel. At the headquarters, their attention to detail is evident.
"Ah, I want to meet the Grand Master. Here’s an introduction letter."
I said, handing over the letter.
"I’ll check it. Please wait here for a moment."
I was led to a waiting room.
Indeed, at the headquarters. As soon as I sat on the sofa, a staff member brought me tea.
It’s truly attentive.
I suddenly wondered,
"By the way, it seems quite lax. Is it okay to let anyone in so easily?"
She replied,
"Ah, this is your first time at the headquarters.
Only guild members of B-rank and above can enter this building.
At the entrance, guild cards are scanned, and the door won’t open for those without the proper rank.
Those who haven’t reached B-rank, 'C+' and below, register at a building near the city gates."
She explained.
Indeed, the sensors serve that purpose.
Moreover, the other guild building the knight mentioned must be for those of lower ranks.
I didn’t know that the destination varied by rank.
Since I had an introduction letter, it was passed on, but coming here first was a good decision.
Requiring B-rank is the right approach.
While thinking about this, I heard a knock.
The door opened, and a man entered.
He had black hair and eyes, and looked like a young boy.
He had a neat face, with a youthful appearance.
He looked young enough to be a high school student.
"Nice to meet you, I’m Yuki Kagurazaka.
I’m the Grand Master of this guild.
Pleased to meet you, Rimuru. I’ve heard about you!"
He said, smiling warmly.
He seemed easy to get along with. This was my first meeting with Yuki Kagurazaka.
??????????????????????????
BAM! The door was forcefully opened, and Mirim entered the room.
This is a common occurrence, so Frey wasn’t surprised.
If a powerful aura approached, it could only be Mirim.
As soon as she entered,
"Hey, Frey! What a nice day, isn’t it?"
She said with a broad smile.
She brushed her beautiful golden hair with her hand. On her hand was something I hadn’t seen before.
It wasn’t a ring but a unique item, a dragon knuckle, fitted on four fingers.
It looked natural on her small hand.
"Um... Is it a bit warm?"
She fanned her face with her hand.
Usually, she wouldn’t care about the heat...
"Oh, Mirim. It’s been a while. You seem to be in a great mood.
Did something good happen?"
"Yep, you know? Actually, look at this!"
She showed her dragon knuckles on both hands.
She seemed proud.
Frey sighed inwardly and said,
"Oh, oh! They suit you well. What are they?"
She asked the question Mirim wanted to hear.
Mirim fidgeted,
"Do you want to know? Well, I could tell you...
Um... Should I?"
She was being coy.
It was quite annoying. Frey, who had known her for a long time, found her behavior quite exasperating.
"Oh, we’re 'friends,' right? Shouldn’t you tell me?"
At this, Mirim’s eyes lit up.
"Right! We are friends!
Okay, I’ll tell you. Actually!"
She then told the story of the monster village.
She proudly showed a few outfits.
Seeing Mirim so excited, I couldn’t hide my surprise.
When the story ended,
"Alright, Mirim. As a 'friend,' I have a gift for you.
Would you like it?"
She signaled to a maid.
The maid brought a beautiful gemstone on a purple cloth, set in an intricately crafted pendant.
Even an amateur could tell it was extremely valuable.
"Hmm? Is this a pendant?
Can I have it? But even if I do, I won’t give you these knuckles!"
Frey smiled wryly,
"It’s fine, Mirim. It’s a gift to prove our friendship.
Why don’t you try it on?"
Frey smiled gently.
"Sure!" Mirim put it on with a broad smile.
〈Spell: Demon Puppeteer activated... Success.〉
At that moment, Mirim’s expressive face froze.
Her eyes were empty, showing no will.
Her fingers slipped, and the dragon knuckles fell.
Frey sighed,
"It’s over, Clayman. Is this what you wanted?"
She spoke to the shadow in the room.
A part of the shadow darkened, and a man appeared.
Clayman, the Demon Puppeteer.
"Hehehe. Well done, Frey. Now I have the strongest puppet!
Hahaha! You thought I was a new demon, but look at you now, Mirim! Pathetic!"
He laughed and hit Mirim.
Her soft cheek turned red, and her lips were split.
Without the high-level magical barriers she usually has, Mirim’s defense is not that strong.
She’s tougher than an ordinary girl, or even a human, but she’s still vulnerable to a demon’s attack.
Clayman laughed and prepared to strike again,
"Better stop."
"Hmph, a little damage won’t break the spell!
You must be frustrated, right?
That’s why you accepted this plan!
There’s no need to hold back. She can’t resist now.
Well, she’s quite durable, so I’ll heal her before she breaks!"
Clayman kicked Mirim, causing her to fly.
Frey observed him coldly,
"Listen, Clayman. You don’t know, but Mirim has a self-defense mechanism.
It’s called 'Rampage,' a state where she loses control.
I don’t care if you die, but don’t drag me into it. Got it?"
Clayman regained his composure.
"Tch. You’re a laughable demon. What makes you one of the oldest demons?
Fine, using her will increase my influence among demons.
Frey, you’re an accomplice. Don’t betray me!"
"Excuse me? We were equals, weren’t we?"
"Idiot! I came up with this plan! You’re just following my orders.
Don’t you want to live, Mirim?
Hahaha! Once I had Mirim, you couldn’t oppose me!"
Frey looked displeased.
As the Sky Queen, you want to be the ruler of the skies, right? Without Mirim, that’s possible!
That’s why she joined the plan.
Somewhere, she learned that Mirim is weak to the keyword "friend."
"Alright."
"Good. Don’t betray me.
You’re not like Mirim; I don’t need to control you. Just a little favor!"
Clayman laughed loudly.
With this, he now had three demons, including himself, making him a force to be reckoned with.
At least, among the younger demons, he’s a step ahead.
If he can control Mirim and Frey, he can make the younger demons submit.
If that happens, even the older demons won’t ignore him.
Let’s see how it goes!
After all, he’s the Demon Puppeteer! He will dominate the demons with his name.
His next target is the demon Carion. And then...
Clayman planned.
Frey watched him coldly.
On the floor, Mirim’s dragon knuckles lay, cold and lifeless.
Mirim’s eyes were empty, reflecting only the light from the dragon knuckles.