The knights ahead of the carriage had already handled the verification procedures, so the carriage continued on through the city gates without having to stop.
Like other cities, there were inns and shops on both sides of the streets, but Lamesta also had something other cities did not: There was a second moat and wall within the city’s gates. It wasn’t possible to reach the center of the city without crossing a bridge. Garm told Cain that it was a protective measure that allowed the defenders to hold onto the inner city in the event invaders managed to breach the outer wall.
The carriage continued over the bridge and passed through the city’s inner gate. The inner city had dorms and training grounds meant to be used by knights and soldiers. It was also home to the Lord’s mansion. Cain’s carriage pulled to a stop in front of the large building.
“Thank you for your patience. We’ve arrived at the Lord’s mansion.”
Sebas got off first and then opened the door of the carriage for the two riding inside. Although it was as comfortable as carriages can be, holding the same position for so long was bound to lead to soreness. Cain raised his hands into the sky, stretching his sore muscles.
“Hah… This feels good.”
“Riding in a carriage for two days is indeed tiring. I’ll arrange things so you can relax for the rest of the day,” Garm said as he walked towards the mansion. Cain followed.
The door to the mansion had already been opened, with maids lined up on either side of the entrance. Standing directly in the middle was someone Cain recognized. The man had both hands outstretched wide, welcoming them in.
“Lord Garm, thank you for coming. It’s been a while. Cain is with you today? We last spoke at your social debut. You must be tired, feel free to retire for the day.”
“Viscount Tris, long time no see. Thank you for your consideration.”
Cain politely bowed his head and greeted Viscount Tris.
Viscount Tris laughed. “As impressive as ever, Cain. I wish my son was more like you.” He then guided the two into the mansion.
Before entering, Cain unloaded the slain monsters from his Item Box, handing them over to the knights.
“We’re going to go drinking!” The high-spirited knights, having finished their duties, pushed the cart full of the monster corpses back into the city, eager to cash them in.
Cain temporarily split up with Garm as he was guided to his room by a maid. He was going to be staying in one of the mansion’s guest rooms. It was designed to cater to high-rank nobles, so it was quite extravagant.
“This is your room. Dinner will soon be ready, so please relax here while we finish preparations.”
“Thanks. I’ll relax here for a bit, then.”
Cain changed out of his traveling clothes and into an aristocratic outfit, then sat down on the sofa. The setting sun shined in through a nearby window. Cain felt so comfortable there that he drifted off to sleep.
“…Master Cain, dinner is ready.”
Cain was awakened by a maid.
“Oh, I fell asleep? Thanks. On my way.”
Cain fixed his appearance, then followed the maid towards the dining hall. There were already people seated at the table, likely Tris’s family members. Since Garm was the guest of honor, he would be the last one to arrive tonight.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” Cain apologized, giving a short bow as he was guided to his seat.
“Let me introduce you before Lord Garm arrives. This is my wife, Lacia. Next to her is my eldest son, Hamul, and next to him is my second son, Filio.”
Each bowed their head as they were introduced. Tris’s two sons were already grown adults, and were involved in the governance of the city.
“I’m Garm’s third son, Cain von Silford. It’s an honor to meet you.” Cain also rose from his seat and bowed before sitting once more.
“See, what did I say? Cain is still only eight years old yet look how well-mannered he is. When you guys were kids…”
Hamul interjected in protest. “H-hang on! Don’t just bring up childhood stories like that! We’re adults now!”
Filio had an uncomfortable smile on his face.
Seeing how the family interacted with each other, Cain couldn’t help but smile.
As the introductions finished, the door opened. Garm, guided by a maid, entered the dining hall. He sat down next to Tris.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”
Since everyone was present, Tris signaled to the butler behind them with his eyes. The butler nodded before putting out drinks in front of everyone. Sebas was quite capable, but Cain couldn’t help but be impressed by Tris’s butler.
Since everyone now had drinks, Tris rose and began the toast.
“Gathered here today we have our old friend Lord Garm, as well as his son, Master Cain. It is thanks to Lord Garm’s efforts that we’ve managed to maintain peace within this city. Glory to the Esfort Kingdom! Cheers!”
Everyone seated joined in. “Cheers!”
The drink put forth before Cain was naturally juice instead of alcohol, but he raised his glass all the same.
The dinner continued harmoniously, and partly due to the influence of alcohol, the diners were quite talkative.
“Cain, I have plans tomorrow, so you are free to do as you please.”
“Understood, Father.” Cain decided to use this time to check out the city.
“He’s only eight years old, is it okay to leave him to his own devices?”
“It’s fine. Cain can handle himself…probably.”
Garm was aware of Cain’s Status, so he knew that Cain was unlikely to cause problems. Naturally, he only knew of Cain’s concealed Status, not his real Status.
The dinner party came to an end, and Garm and Tris left to continue their festivities in a separate room. Cain was guided back to his guest room by a maid. The room had a small shower, so he washed himself and got changed before getting into bed for the night.