Chapter 9:
To the Capital
TWO MORE YEARS PASSED. CAIN WAS NOW TEN YEARS old. The children of nobles, upon reaching age ten, were expected to attend a social gathering at the royal capital. It was a societal debut that included an audience with the king.
Reine attended the gathering two years ago. Cain was still under the tutelage of Millie and Nina at the time, so he had stayed in Gracia. This time, between Cain’s debut and Reine’s school entrance exams, the entire family was moving to the capital.
The Royal Academy, operated by the country, was the most difficult school to enter within the kingdom. The children of nobles were guaranteed to get in, but their grades would determine their class placement. Nobles and commoners were treated the same in that regard. However, unlike commoners, nobles typically received training since youth, making them on average more educated.
Reine, although she was unwilling and often had to be forced to study, had achieved an acceptable standard of education.
“I can’t wait to live in the capital together, Cain! If only you could take the entrance exam and enroll as well, then we’d be able to spend even more time together.”
Cain was still just ten years old. No matter how good he was at studying, there was no way he would be at the standard the school expected. Cain could only smile awkwardly.
“Once you’re in the Capital, you’ll be living with Maria, Djinn, and Alec. Behave while you’re there,” Garm warned. Reine paid him no heed and continued to hug Cain.
“Reine, I’m looking forward to hearing about your exploits at the Academy,” Cain said.
Reine finally released him and puffed out her chest in pride, but as she was only twelve, there wasn’t much there.
“Watch me carefully, Cain! Your older sister is going to show off!”
Reine really did have a soft spot for Cain.
✦ ✦ ✦
A few days later, it was time for them to depart. The royal capital was roughly seven days away by carriage, but they planned for the trip to take ten. As high-ranking aristocrats, they had to schedule time to stay in each of the cities and villages along the way. If the city was relatively large, they’d have to pay their respects to the noble in charge. As for villages, dozens of people staying the night would help the local economy. Garm had taught Cain this was part of their duties as aristocrats.
The party this time consisted of Garm, Sarah, Reine and Cain, Sebas, Sylvia, and ten knights accompanying them as guards.
“This is my first time going to the capital. I can’t wait,” Cain said. The trip to Lamesta was the only time Cain had left Gracia. The prospect of visiting the capital of the kingdom excited him.
As the carriage proceeded along the road, Cain used Search to keep tabs on their surroundings, sensing anything within a radius of two miles from the carriage. Since he had leveled up significantly, the range of his Search ability had increased in kind. Fortunately, the journey proceeded smoothly and no monsters showed up to attack.
“Lord Garm, we’re approaching Renoma city. We will soon arrive.”
Cain peeked out of the carriage window and saw the walls of a city. It was much smaller than Gracia.
Two of the knights sped up so they could arrive at the city first and handle entry procedures for the carriage. There were guards lined up on both sides of the city gate. The knights spoke with the guards, who hurriedly opened the city gates.
The carriage passed through the city gates without having to stop and proceeded to the Lord’s mansion. The Silfords would be staying at the adjacent guest house. Every city between Gracia and the capital had such a guest house, and the Lord of Gracia was responsible for their management.
Safa von Tarmar, the viscount of Renoma, was waiting at the entrance of the guest house to greet the carriage.
“Margrave Garm, it’s an honor to have you visit our city.”
“Viscount Safa, we’ll be in your care. Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Sarah, and my children, Reine and Cain. We are headed to the Capital for Reine’s entrance examinations and Cain’s capital debut.”
“Reine von Silford. We’ll be in your care today,” Reine said with a curtsy.
Cain also straightened up and bowed. “Cain von Silford. We’ll be in your care today.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Reine, Mister Cain. Please make yourself at ease.”
After Garm and Safa exchanged some casual words, maids arrived and led them to their guest rooms. The corridors of the guest house were adorned with paintings and handicraft products. Cain entered his assigned room and sat down on the sofa. Sylvia began to pour the tea the guest house waitstaff had prepared in advance.
“All I did was sit in a carriage all day, yet I’m still exhausted.”
“Master Cain, have some tea. You can relax here for the rest of the day.”
“Thank you, Sylvia.”
Cain tried the tea and noticed that it had a different taste compared to the tea he drank in Gracia. After Sylvia left the room, Cain began his daily mana circulation routine. He sat on the ground and began to meditate, actively circulating mana throughout his body.
He already had an unreasonable amount of mana, but he had done this daily for years—it would feel wrong to suddenly break his routine. After finishing his meditation, Cain got into bed. He was exhausted after spending a day in a carriage. He immediately fell asleep.