Chapter 209: Entering the Mainz Kingdom (1)

After the greetings we were guided into the building of the checkpoint. Though called a checkpoint, the building was large enough to house around a hundred soldiers. Were these soldiers meant to be directed toward the Marie Kingdom if some disturbance arose there? Of course they were also watching the domestic situation, I suppose. Since this was the front line prepared against the Marie Kingdom, this level of security and defense seemed ordinary. Well, I don’t actually know what "ordinary" is.

We advanced through the interior of the checkpoint building and were shown into a room so luxurious that calling it a VIP room would not be an exaggeration. Remembering the treatment I had received in the Marie Kingdom, it felt deeply moving.

"Then, Lord Robin Marie, I believe you have documents received from His Majesty the King of the Marie Kingdom. Would you be so kind as to show them to us? You may feel offended, but I would like you to understand that this is also something that accompanies our duties."

At Director Hōkun’s words I took the document pouch out of my mana bag. Director Hōkun frowned. Ah — one is not supposed to casually show a mana bag to people. Lately I had been taking things in and out without caring, so I had not paid attention.

The documents consisted of the order from the Mainz Kingdom appointing me as ambassador representing the Marie Kingdom, an identity certificate confirming that I was Robin Marie, the royal crest, and a list of the goods to be presented to the Mainz Kingdom.

The list was copied, and later the checkpoint clerks would compare the written list with the items loaded on the carriage for confirmation, they said.

"Lord Robin Marie, there is no mistake. I apologize for the trouble we have caused you. With this there is no problem regarding Lord Robin Marie’s entry into the Mainz Kingdom.

On behalf of the Mainz Kingdom I welcome Ambassador Robin Marie of the Marie Kingdom. Tonight you will stay in a separate guest lodging different from this place, and departure will be tomorrow morning. The attendants who accompanied you from the capital of the Marie Kingdom will return to the capital with this, and from tomorrow people of the Mainz Kingdom will transport the carriage. Is that acceptable?"

It matched what I had heard in advance.

"That is fine."

"Thank you very much. Then a clerk will guide you to the lodging."

Director Hōkun stood and bowed. In accordance the staff present in the room also bowed. Honestly, I had not expected to be treated with such care. I will hope that somewhere along the way the treatment and response will not suddenly change.

When the guide arrived, Director Hōkun spoke up.

"I hesitated, but since you may already know, I will inform you. Are you aware, Prince Robin, that Prince Maxim rose in revolt in the capital of the Marie Kingdom?"

"Hah!?"

I was so surprised that no voice came out. Had information of Maxim’s coup already reached the Mainz Kingdom!? Seeing my reaction, Director Hōkun showed a puzzled expression.

"I had thought the reason your entry was delayed beyond schedule was because of that?"

They knew even that much? While shaken by the question that felt like a follow-up blow, I decided it would be better to speak honestly. While we were desperately fighting, had spies of the Mainz Kingdom been watching?

"Yes, I know. It is certainly possible to say that our entry into your country was delayed because of that. However, what I know only goes as far as the fact that a revolt occurred; I do not know what happened afterward. If you have grasped any information, would you be so kind as to share it? I believe it is important information for your country as well, so I would like to ask for your consideration."

At my answer Director Hōkun seemed relieved to learn that I knew, and said,

"Is that so — you did not know. Then I will inform you: Prince Maxim’s revolt failed and has already been suppressed."

"Eh!?"

I was completely taken aback. My present face must have looked thoroughly idiotic. Beside me I could tell that Lily was also surprised and holding her breath.

"You did not know that? According to information that reached us yesterday evening, Prince Maxim’s revolt was completely suppressed by noon of the following day. There was no confusion inside the capital, and the restraint and arrest of those connected with Prince Maxim have begun, it is said."

"Th-th-that is of when?"

Shaken, I could barely get the words out.

"Well — information that left the capital of the Marie Kingdom the morning of the day before yesterday."

Director Hōkun continued even while wearing a face that seemed to say he might have said something he should not have.

"Who brought that information? Is it reliable?"

At my question Director Hōkun laughed and said,

"That is fine. It is from a person connected with our country; it can be trusted."

"Eh, a person connected... that is..."

When I said that, Lily tugged my sleeve. It must mean "do not ask any further." Certainly, I had been so shaken that I had lost myself.

"I am sorry for having asked even about internal matters of your country."

"No, no, it is quite all right. Therefore, Prince Robin, I would like you to head for the capital of our kingdom without any worries."

"I understand. Thank you very much."

Without thinking I bowed deeply. With this there was no longer any need to borrow troops from the Mainz Kingdom and head for the Marie Kingdom. If things had gone poorly it could have become a civil war.

Director Hōkun hurriedly said,

"Prince Robin, please stop that! Raise your head. There is no need to make such a large gesture. It is something that would have reached us soon enough."

he said as if it were simple. Yet the fact that events in the capital had crossed the border two days later and reached the Mainz Kingdom checkpoint was not a simple matter. If it had reached the checkpoint it would also have reached the capital of the Mainz Kingdom. At the Marie Kingdom checkpoint it had still not arrived as of this morning. I was struck with admiration at the information network of the Mainz Kingdom.

The smiling face of Director Hōkun looked frightening.

"A weight has been lifted from my shoulders" — that is how one describes the feeling of this moment. Immersed in a considerable sense of exhaustion I followed behind the guide.