Chapter 10 - Came to Royal Capital

At the request of my daughters, I decided to move to the royal capital.

They were overjoyed when I told them about it.

After leaving the village, I rode in a carriage and headed for the royal capital.

It took about half a day from the village to the capital city by a horse-drawn carriage.

I left the village early in the morning, and I arrived at the royal capital around the afternoon.

Many people wandered on the street, and houses were lined up on the left and right. It was so vibrant that that scenery was incomparable to the village.

――It's been a while since I visited here. Will it be the first time in eighteen years?

Eighteen years after failed to subdue the Ancient Dragon, being treated like a criminal by the others and returned to the village as if to flee.

If I thought about it, time passed quickly.

I paid the fee when I got off the carriage platform. It was at that time.

Armed knights all around surrounded me.

They held swords and spears in their hands, and wore armors on their strong bodies.

――Eh! ? Did I do something wrong?

There was no such thing I had done to end up being surrounded by knights.

Didn't I have showed my identification permit to enter the royal capital? No, Royal Capital should be allowing the admission of everyone.

Did the knights come over to hold me back due to my bad reputation? ――Then, It was when I was making various guesses in my mind.

I found the knights were trying to move in unison.

――Are you going to fight me? In such a city!? I can't get caught. I have to meet my beloved daughters.

""Kaizer-dono! We were waiting for you!""

"...Eh?"

I was about to enter the state of war, but I immediately turned it down. It was because the knights who were surrounding me by four sides bowed all at once.

Ettoo~.

What is actually going on?

"Today, the father of Knights Commander Elsa arrived, so we the Knights Order were welcoming you!"

""Welcome to the royal capital!""

The knights shouted all at once.

The passers-by looked at what was happened. This unusually embarrassing.

... Even so.

These knights were Elsa's subordinates. It was good. They did not come to catch me or anything like that.

"Kaizer-dono. I've heard the story as well. I heard that you have taught the Knight Commander Elsa all about swordsmanship."

"Y, yeah. That's right."

""Ooh!""

There was a cheer from the knights.

"The Knight Commander Elsa has never had her sword hit Kaizer-dono. Is that rumor true?"

"Eh? Well, right."

""Ooh!""

Cheers were raised again from among the knights.

"The youngest S-rank adventurer in history, the Knights Commander Elsa, has no hands or legs... Kaizer's swordsmanship truly is terrible...!"

"It's obviously a sword that has exceeded sword."

"A little while ago, when we bowed to welcome Kaizer-dono, he was on full alert and had ready to anything."

Apparently they were praising me.

In the eyes of the knights, there was a sense of respect and envy. Glittering and dazzling eyes. Like the village boys when they beg for the training of swordsmanship.

――And, it was at that time.

"Chichiue!"

Elsa appeared, passing through the knights.

Her silver hair was silky.

Along with dignified features, she became much more beautiful than four years ago.

She was dressing in a light silver armor that was the same as Elsa's hair color. There was also a fine sword with jewelry on her waist.

"Elsa... You've grown up."

When I said that, Elsa moistened her eyes.

"I've done my best. In order to make my dream come true."

"Yes..."

Elsa nodded with all her feelings.

She approached me.

Then in rush, as if entrusted herself.

"I've always wanted to see you...!"

"Haha. I am so. But from now on I can always meet. Elsa, Anna, and Meryl."

"I'm really happy...!"

Elsa kept her head and eyes buried on my chest. It was as if the emotions she had held down for a long time overflowed at the opportunity of our reunion.

I gently patted Elsa's head.

Elsa closed her eyes comfortably. At this moment, she looked like a daughter who was neither an S-rank adventurer nor a knight commander.

The knights were smiling and watching over this scene warmly.

"By the way, Anna and Meryl?"

"Anna seems to be busy with her guild works... Meryl was supposed to come, but I think she's still asleep."

"I can't help with it but... Is Meryl still in the dormitory of Magic Academy?"

"Yes. Meryl is a scholarship student at Magic Academy. If she lives in the dormitory, she will be provided with food and bedding for free."

"I see. That's the ultimate environment for her."

Involuntarily I smiled.

"However, after receiving the news that Chichiue would live in the royal capital, she decided to leave the dormitory because she wants to live together."

"I think she would do all the cooking and laundry works. Or what is essentially like daily-work of the dormitory life."

"Meryl is really the same as before."

Elsa said, amazed.

"Chichiue, what will you do after this?"

"First of all, I have to find a place to stay. Although it was good enough even if I rent an inn room for myself, I guess it definitely won't happen when it comes to Meryl who also wants to live together."

That was why I said.

"For the time being, I was thinking of living in an inn, then take some work, saving money, and then renting a house."

"If so, just leave it to me. I have a good idea."