The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 25

Chapter 25: The Three Sisters of Mildrea

We boarded the prepared carriage and took our seats. Aria sat next to me, and the crimson knight sat across from us. The carriage door closed, and we began our journey.

Despite the increased speed through magic, the interior of the carriage remained remarkably stable. I realized that advanced magic was enchanted on the carriage itself to minimize the effects of movement.

“Aria, is ‘Lion’ still just a code word for rare drops?” I asked.

“Yeah, it’s treated as a national secret, so we refer to it as ‘Lion’ outside.”

“Only the royal family, high-ranking officials, and us know about the code word ‘Lion,'” the crimson knight added, supplementing Aria’s explanation. He turned toward me, removing his helmet to reveal his face.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vorga Flemeil, bearing the title of ‘Scorching Blade Knight’ bestowed upon me by the late Emperor.”

Vorga, a middle-aged man with wrinkles and scars, yet a dignified face, lowered his head. He then straightened up, placing a hand over his chest while still facing me.

“I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. I am Berg, a mere adventurer. It’s an honor to meet the renowned Scorching Blade Knight, Lord Vorga.”

In the Mildrea Empire, knights with titles were individuals recognized for significant contributions and achievements to the empire. Currently, there were only five of them, and Vorga was one of the most famous among them. He had a long history of subduing monsters and thieves within the empire, even in his old age, and he was renowned for his unwavering skill.

“Berg, is it? I appreciate your presence at the castle this time. And while I don’t think it’s necessary, given what Lady Arseria has told you, I would like to keep the current conversation confidential.”

“I understand. I promise not to speak of it to anyone.”

Upon hearing my response, Vorga stroked his chin in thought but soon lifted his head and nodded.

“Let’s trust those words. It seems Lady Arseria places great trust in you, Berg. Perhaps I was overly concerned.”

“Wait, Vorga!?” Aria exclaimed.

“My apologies. When I see Lady Arseria placing such trust in someone, I can’t help but make a jest or two.”

As Vorga chuckled, Aria blushed and growled like a cat. Their interaction felt like that of a grandfather and granddaughter.

“It’s like a family, isn’t it?” I commented.

“Oh, does it appear that way? Lady Arseria, as well as the princesses, have known each other since they were babies. There were some sword lessons as well…”

“The training was incredibly strict,” Aria added with a somewhat sulky expression.

Not wanting to delve further into that topic, I decided to ask about something that had been on my mind.

“The princesses… Are they the ones you communicated with through magic earlier?”

“Yes, Lady Philneria, the second imperial princess. She is our country’s court mage and a top-class magical instrument craftsman. And…”

Vorga glanced at Aria before revealing, “Emperor Victoria, the person you are about to meet, is your elder sister.”

—

When the carriage came to a halt, we saw the imposing and sturdy walls of Mildrea Castle. After parting ways with Vorga, we were each given new clothes.

I was dressed in a typical formal outfit, while Aria wore a dress predominantly in red tones. Her golden hair stood out, especially with the black gloves she wore.

“It suits you,” I complimented her.

“Ha-ha, I’m still a princess, you know,” she replied with a laugh.

We were led through the castle by a knight. The woman we had communicated with through magic earlier was waving at us.

“Aria-chan, it’s been a while since we last met!”

She had a face resembling Aria’s but with softer features, thinner lines, and shoulder-length hair that was neatly cut. Unlike Aria’s energetic vibe, she exuded a gentle aura.

“Um… I’m back, Filia-san.”

“Yeah, welcome back… And you’re the one with the ‘Lion,’ right?”

Filia patted Aria on the head, then shifted her gaze toward me, observing me closely. After a moment, she interrupted her scrutiny and offered a warm smile.

“Well, we can catch up on everything later. Big si… Emperor Victoria should be ready by now.”

The news delivered with her slow-paced voice added a bit of tension. Guided by Filia, we arrived at a grandly decorated door.

“Lady Arseria, Third Princess, and Silver-ranked adventurer Berg have arrived.”

“Let them in.”

The door opened, and we were ushered inside. The room was richly decorated with red as the dominant color. At the back, a woman in deep red imperial attire sat on a throne, resting her chin on her hand. Next to her, a robust greatsword stood upright…