Riding in a carriage, we passed a street beyond the mansion and slowly advanced several dozen meters.

Soon, pristine white castle walls and a grand gate came into view.

But even though it was a distance an adult could cover in less than ten seconds running, we were clattering along at a painstakingly slow pace…

Of course, carriages always move slowly in noble districts and even in the city, but this time it was especially slow.

Apparently, when it’s an invitation from royalty, they’ve established this as the standard pace to ensure there’s absolutely no risk of any accident.

Even if the destination is close by, that rule doesn’t change.

Naturally, the security level is also heightened.

Sometimes when I used to visit Her Majesty the Queen in passing, it wasn’t like this—but this time is different. It’s a direct invitation from Her Majesty.

If I could just fly there, I’d be there instantly… but I guess this kind of formality is unavoidable.

Well, as expected, we reached the castle gates without incident and proceeded into the castle grounds.

◇

Within the castle grounds are not only the administrative castle and royal palace, but also guest residences, the Noble Academy, the headquarters of the Knight Order, the headquarters of the Mage Association and its affiliated facilities.

The palace we’re headed for is at the very back. On the way there is the training field used jointly by the students of the Noble Academy and the Knight Order. Right now, it was being used by the academy students.

“…They’re staring at us.”

Those students—it’s like… the royal family’s exclusive carriage must be a rare sight for them, and they were blatantly gawking at the one we were riding in.

Even if I couldn’t feel their gazes, I could hear their voices, so even I noticed.

“How rude.”

Naturally, Seriana also heard those voices, and she looked quite displeased.

Her voice was quiet, but her tone showed she was deeply irritated.

She’s not the kind of woman to act emotionally, after all.

I can’t even remember the last time she was openly angry like this…

It scared me so much I shrank back instinctively—even though her anger wasn’t directed at me.

However, Oriana, who was riding with us, seemed unbothered.

“It’s just barely February—still early spring, right? Whether those kids out there are from within the country or abroad, they just enrolled. Try to be generous. Children are like that. Don’t you remember being like that yourself?”

“I have no such memory.”

Seriana flatly denied it, but then fell silent, perhaps because something came to mind.

Oriana gave a wry smile and continued in a gently chiding tone.

“Especially the students this year… They weren’t able to calmly prepare last year, after all.”

The Noble Academy admits domestic nobles in January, and foreign nobles in February.

And today is only just into February, so they likely haven’t learned anything about proper noble etiquette yet.

Certainly, as Seriana says, it’s not appropriate to openly stare at or cause a stir over the royal carriage, given their social status… but well, considering they just enrolled, it’s understandable?

Besides, ideally they should’ve received a proper education back home before coming, but like Oriana said, last year there were wars and other events.

We don’t know whether those students outside came from the East or West, but if they weren’t adequately prepared, it’s not too surprising.

Still… Seriana probably wouldn’t behave like that regardless of the situation.

While watching Seriana listen to Oriana’s words in silence, I found myself thinking that.

And so, the carriage slowly clattered onward through the castle grounds.

◇

“…Are you sure this is okay?”

“Yes. Please, proceed as you are.”

Having arrived at the royal palace where the royal family lives, we stepped down from the carriage and were immediately shown to Her Majesty the Queen’s chambers.

That’s how it went, but…

Until now, whenever I was summoned to Her Majesty, I would always undergo a brief body inspection in a waiting room.

I’m a bit of an oddball myself, and I usually wear all sorts of Blessed Items, so even though being surrounded by heavily armed royal guards was nerve-wracking, I accepted it as necessary.

Even today, although I left everything except the 【Floating Orb】 back at the 【Hideout】, Akame and the others are still with me, and my divine blessings are still active.

I’d naturally assumed I’d go through the usual inspection…

But then, one of the queen’s maids—someone I’ve seen a few times before—said she would take us directly to Her Majesty’s room.

I wasn’t the only one surprised—Seriana and the others were too.

“Was it Her Majesty who gave the order to do so?”

“Yes. His Majesty has also approved it.”

She said only that, briefly, and then said, “This way please,” before walking ahead.

Left behind, the rest of us instinctively exchanged glances—but standing there hesitating wouldn’t help anything, so we simply followed after her.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera ・ Blessing ・ 【Hideout】 +1 【Prayer】 【Mira’s Blessing】 【Wind’s Garment】

Blessed Item ・ 【Floating Orb】 +1 【Shadow Sword】 +1 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 【Fairy’s Eye】 【Dragon’s Lung】 【Amber Sword】 【Danrem’s Thread】 【Serpent’s Tail】 【Ankle Bracelet】 【Amber Shield】 【Purple Wings】 【Red Sword】 【Monkey’s Arm】 ・ 3 cards

Seriana ・ 【Area Detection】 ・ 【】 ・ 0 cards

Elena ・ 【】 ・ 【Green Fang】 【Amber Sword】 ・ 4 cards

Alec ・ 【Strong Strike】 ・ 【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】 ・ 10 cards