Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 56

The journey to Ingrasia Kingdom proceeded without incident.

I summoned Ranga, and had him assume a smaller form. He also has fur armor equipped, so there shouldn't be any problems if humans see him.

That is, he currently looks like a slightly bigger black wolf.

Though the road we traveled by was unpaved, it was still considered a highway, so we did see some mounted soldiers.

Few monsters spawn around here, and there's little magic in the air.

We didn't see any powerful monsters. However, the roads were infested, in some sense.

Robbers and highwaymen, those petty types were all over them.

But we didn't even run into them.

Well, I guess that's to be expected. What kind of being could catch up with Ranga's pace?

And it's not like we're running at neck-break pace; we're proceeding leisurely, but still at least 60 km per hour.

Far faster than any horse carriage.

Thus, the journey proceeded smoothly, and we arrived to Ingrasia Royal City in merely two days.

The scale of the city was surprising.

Sure, it's plenty wide, but there's also a large wall surrounding the city.

Two gates lead into it, and there's no way in except for the two gates. It's baffling to think just how much money and time was needed to construct this.

We entered the city and marveled at the sight.

Many tall structures filled the city, but that much we expected; however, the scale of the buildings was incomparable those in Brumund.

Most were at least five stories high.

The city was full of brick and wood buildings.

But more than anything, it was the strict city planning and the white castle in the middle of the city that made me wonder.

A large lake occupied the center of the city, and a castle was built in the middle of it.

Four bridges extend from the castle and connect to the city's main roads.

This solemn piece of architecture properly conveyed the country's military strength.

In short, all I thought was: amazing!

From the perspective of defense, every important junction has knights monitoring public order.

You'd have to be pretty desperate to even attempt a criminal act.

As expected of a city planned ahead of time by the Council.

I mean, just think of the consequences if some foreign prince ran into trouble here. To prevent such occurrences, the city has perfected its defense.

Thanks to the guild card I was able to quickly pass through one of the gates; normally, one has to undergo three different identity checks to be permitted access.

At the first step, they check your identification documents. If you successfully pass this check, you have to go through a thorough body search.

Then, line up in another line.

Each point is heavily protected, and the lines are far longer than the one in the Dwarf Kingdom.

In other words, I'm truly happy that I had the guild ID.

By the way, even if there are any problems during your second check, you could go on to the third, but you'd be treated as a criminal from then on.

You'd basically be treated in a way that will discourage you from trying to enter.

But still, there are many people trying to gain entrance. And so, extremely long lines stretch in front of the inspectors.

This all proves just how beguiling this city is to foreigners.

I proceed onward impressed.

As for Ranga, he's entered my shadow from the moment we reached the royal capital.

What? You thought I would just bring him here in the open?

Of course not. Wolves don't belong in cities. Even I have that much common sense. Don't worry.

And so, after having hidden Ranga in my shadow and spent half a day in line, we finally entered the city.

What's amazing is more than its appearance.

I was able to see a wonderful display of their advanced culture.

I saw many large gymnasium styled buildings that are used for concerts.

Busy squares are home to performers and theaters. There's also lots of advertisements for performances.

I don't know if paper is just that cheap here, but you see flyers thrown away on the streets.

Truly a metropolis.

I was finally able to smell the air of busy capital after such a long time.

No way! I thought in surprise, looking at glass buildings.

Behind the glass you could see products being sold, like the store windows of our world.

Actually, I guess that's exactly what they are.

The only difference would be that the main products on display are armors and weapons.

The stores that specialized in dresses and such were located closer to the castle”in the high class district.

But those are not stores intended for the masses.

You'd have to be pretty rich just to live inside the city walls, but housing near the castle is certainly limited only to the nobles.

And that's a sign of wealth disparity.

Well, that's just how it is. Isn't it natural to treat those that contribute more to taxes better?

Thus, after wandering around the city for a bit, I started looking for an inn.

The city is separated into four large districts.

The merchant's district, the sightseeing district, the production district, and the residential district.

Separated by the castle in the center, a circular city.

And easy to understand.

So, I proceeded to the sightseeing district.

As I thought, I quickly found a section dedicated to inns. There was also a bar in the back.

That got me excited. However, that was not my goal today.

Unfortunately, I abstained from festivities, and reserved a room in the inn.

The sightseeing district is near the walls, with various attractions lined up in the streets. There's also quite a few street vendors.

Closer to the center is a large building intended for diplomats and conferences. There's also a school inside, it seems.

Of the four sections of this district, it is the most heavily guarded.

And close to this section stands the Freedom Association's main headquarters.

I didn't know where it was at first, so I had asked a knight for directions.

ŒWhich one do you have business in? The closest one is straight that way.

He said, pointing.

In that direction stood a large gaudy building.

Next to it, was a building affiliated with the Western Saint's Church. A Saint Cross symbol stood proudly on the top.

ŒNext to that church?

ŒRight, the gaudy one. Even a little girl like you wouldn't get lost getting to it.

That's how I learned the way. The Freedom Association seems to have another building, but I'll head to the nearest one first.

It's a pretty large building, that can be seen from far away.

Thus, after securing a place at the inn, I had come to the Freedom Association's Headquarters.

Right now I have no business with the church. Actually, as an atheist, I'd prefer to stay away from the church my whole life.

Moreover, the church considers monsters its natural enemy. So I'd rather not appear before it.

But who would have expected it to stand so close to the Freedom Association.

Well, as long as I don't reveal any of my aura they shouldn't recognize me for who I am.

Not that there's any use worrying about it. If they find out, we'll figure out the next step then.

The entryway to the Association is covered in glass. Must have cost a lot.

Frankly, I hadn't expected to see glass doors in this world. Just what you'd expect from "World Travelers".

They seemed to have achieved the impossible through pure will. I guess my own efforts have been lacking thus far.

What you permit happens, and what you don't permit doesn't happen.

Rather than saying what you can or can't do, simply doing it is important.

Let's remember that.

And, when I had thought to enter, I felt a presence staring at me.

The doors opened by themselves.

Seriously! A sensor detects human presence and opens the door. What a useless example of intricate technology.

I'm surprised they went this far. Considering that the church next door is opened by hand.

"Why is it different. It's next door!" I couldn't fathom the reason for the difference.

When I entered I felt a gaze fall upon me.

A lady by the door said,

ŒWelcome! For what purpose have you visited us today?

Just like in a hotel. The headquarters are too influenced by them.

ŒAh, I wish to meet with the Grand Master. I have an introductory letter.

I said, and handed her the document.

ŒAllow me to verify it. Please wait in this room.

She guided me to a waiting room.

The Headquarters are really impressive. The moment I sat on the sofa another attendant brought me tea.

They really leave nothing to be desired.

I suddenly got curious, so I asked,

ŒHey, security seems pretty lax around here; can just anyone waltz in like this?

ŒOh, this must be your first time to the headquarters.

Only adventurers of B rank and above can enter it.

The entrance scans your guild card, so people without a proper identification cannot enter.

Those below B rank, C+ and below have to use the building near the entrance to the city.

So she explained.

I see, so the sensor also had that purpose.

And the other building the knight had mentioned must be that one, huh.

So outsiders don't know about the necessary rank requirements.