Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 23
Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~
Chapter 23 Road closure
A few days after deciding to depart for the Holy Kingdom.
After a brief tour of the Dragon Kingdom, we finally arrived at the capital of the Holy Kingdom, where the Holy Maiden’s Birth Parade would be held.
By the way, it’s a bit late to mention, but we haven’t passed through any borders properly on this trip.
Yes, not even once.
Because, for our travels from one country to another, I’ve been using my teleportation magic.
It’s bothersome to go through border crossings, and above all, if our movement speed were to become known to the military or nobility through some kind of communication network, it could lead to trouble.
Even if it did, it wouldn’t be a big deal, just a bit of a hassle. But it’s not something worth showing off to anyone other than our family members, so I’ve opted for this approach.
However, as convenient as teleportation magic is, it’s not acceptable to bypass city gates.
Entering a city without passing through the gates means that if you were to be checked when leaving the city, it could cause problems.
Compared to border crossings, entering and leaving cities and towns is something we do more frequently.
Taking such concerns into account, we’ve been accepting the checks each time we enter a city, but…
“I knew it would come to this. Well, it’s the Holy Kingdom after all.”
“Yeah, husband. It’s because it’s the Holy Kingdom.”
Currently, we’re undergoing unusually strict and pointless inspections to enter this city, the capital of the Holy Kingdom.
I expected trouble due to Elsa being a Dark Elf, but to face this right from the start is disheartening.
Moreover, Dark Elves are even rarer than regular Elves. They were trying to come up with all sorts of excuses and accusations, attempting to charge us about ten times the normal toll fee.
“How many times do I have to tell you? We said we’ll pay the tax. Let us through.”
“Hmm… I can’t hear you. No matter how noble you are in other countries, such selfishness won’t be tolerated in our sacred Holy Kingdom.”
And it goes on like this.
It’s reached a point where there’s no reasoning with them, or you’d think it’s a joke they’re making. By the way, I think you may have gathered from Elsa’s interaction with the gatekeeper, but we’re already being treated as members of the nobility.
Elsa’s overwhelming knowledge, captivating beauty, and aura draw people to her. And with Gaius as her escort, who exudes an intimidating presence that would make a hundred warriors combined pale in comparison, clad in equipment based on an ice dragon and of exquisite quality from another dimension.
And then there’s Ars, who is remarkably intelligent for his age, and me, dressed in attire supposedly more luxurious than the average citizen.
Yet, with all these members, we’re not using a carriage, nor are we entering the capital through the gate reserved for nobility; instead, we’re using the gate used by commoners.
Yeah, we definitely don’t look like ordinary citizens.
There’s clearly something off about us.
I’m not trying to defend the gatekeeper, but it’s understandable to be suspicious.
Especially in a country that upholds human supremacy like this one.
Even if the gatekeeper isn’t familiar with this individual, if they see visitors who seem to have some issues and happen to be accompanied by a Dark Elf, they’d likely block passage immediately.
So, this is unavoidable. We were prepared for this.
In reality, we’re not nobles or anything, just regular travelers, but they probably wouldn’t believe us if we said that.
And because we know that, Elsa is managing to hold back her anger, but I wonder how much longer she can keep it up.
“Dad, Mom seems to be getting…”
“Ugh. Yeah, this isn’t good.”
Yeah, it seems like Elsa’s patience is running out.
The gatekeeper hasn’t noticed yet, but I can sense the tension building up gradually.
Well, it can’t be helped. Maybe we should retreat for now and discreetly enter through teleportation just this once…
Just as I was thinking that, an unexpected savior appeared.
“What are you doing? There’s nothing about these individuals that should cause concern. Let them through immediately.”
“Huh? Oh, sir!! I-I mean, Captain of the Holy Knights! My apologies!”
“Is this the time for greetings? You shouldn’t be apologizing to me. If mishandled, this could become an international incident.”
“Y-yes!”
A formidable man emerged from behind the gatekeeper, grabbing his shoulder.
The man referred to as the Captain of the Holy Knights vouched for our innocence and resolved the situation.
Hmm, this guy is quite strong.
Perhaps even stronger than Gaius back when I bought him as a slave, purely in terms of ability.
Naturally, given my demonic training and the high-grade equipment I’ve equipped him with now, it’s hard to say who would win in a fight. Still, he’s quite impressive.
Truly befitting of someone holding the position of captain of the Holy Knights.
Above all, he has a strong sense of character.
“My apologies, esteemed guests from another country. As you can see, our gatekeepers’ education seems to have been lacking, and it’s truly embarrassing.”
“No, considering the circumstances, it’s somewhat understandable for this individual’s reaction. We came here prepared as well, so there’s no need to escalate the situation further. Moreover, someone of your noble standing is apologizing to us. Let’s forgive and forget.”
Elsa seemed to have her anger defused by the humility of the Captain of the Holy Knights, or perhaps she’s just relieved. I have to say, despite us not being nobles or anything, I’m amazed by Elsa’s ability to mislead the other party so calmly.
How brave of her.
I feel like her heart is actually made of stainless steel; it’s scary.
“Well then, welcome to the Holy Kingdom. Please enjoy your stay, including the birthday parade for the Holy Maiden.”
“Yes, we shall do just that.”
With that, we were only charged the usual tax and allowed entry into the capital without any further issues.
Well, well, I thought things would take a turn for the worse for a moment there.