The Necromancer Commands Slaves, Not Undeads

36 – Imperial Capital

Empire refers to a monarchy country where the emperor is the head of state, or a country that rules over other peoples or countries. The emperor refers to a monarch who has a direct territory under his command and who rules the empire with feudal lords who rule the territory.

In this world, there was only one country with the title of empire. Now, every place that Dorothy and I set foot on during our journey was the territory of a vast empire.

Elia, Freud, Celtic village, etc. I left my cabin and walked diligently for half a year, wandering around various territories, but the reality was that I could not even see 1/3 of the empire.

After Dorothy and I witnessed the end of Mors, we returned to the Celtic village and quickly prepared to leave for the capital of the empire. Philip, the village chief, seemed to want to give us a treat for saving the village and told us to stay in the village a little longer, but we had no time to waste.

Instead, we received support from them with supplies needed for the trip.

Unlike Philip, the Celtic villagers who had not seen us fight the orcs in person also expressed their gratitude to us.

It seems that Philip explained the battle between us and the orcs to the villagers, and many of them looked at us with respect.

Before we left the village, the children who had been teasing Dorothy also closed their eyes and apologized, and Dorothy accepted them.

“I’m really sorry.”

“That’s all you need to know.”

Dorothy’s shoulders rose like a mountain. Judging by his triumphant expression, he seemed to be in quite a good mood. I giggled because that childlike appearance was cute.

We returned the horses kept in the stable and left the Celtic village.

We rode on horseback toward the brilliant capital of the empire, the country with the largest territory in the world.

The weather was unsuitable for walking long distances as the snow fell heavily from the gray sky and the temperature was cold, but for us who had been traveling for half a year, it was an ordeal that could be overcome.

We ran diligently for 15 days and finally arrived at the imperial capital.

***

Befitting its reputation as a capital city, the imperial capital is the wealthiest city in the empire and its population is estimated to be 2 million. The name of the imperial capital ruled directly by the emperor was Estedorp.

It is surrounded by a high and strong castle wall, and there is a lot of gold around, making it famous for its gold crafts. At the center of Estedorp is a large river, and the city is largely divided around the river.

The scenery of the capital was beautiful. The bricks of the buildings coated in different colors showed off their own individuality, but it was truly amazing to see them fit together harmoniously.

High-rise buildings that are not commonly seen in other cities were common in this city. It seemed like there were many talented architects in the capital, and the view was truly breathtaking.

Among those buildings, the most notable one was the huge Golden Palace located in the southern part of Estedorp.

If you listen to the story, it is said that only pure gold was used for building materials. If that is true…

Wow, it must have been an astronomical amount of money that ordinary people like me can’t even imagine.

The golden palace was reflecting light brilliantly under the sun. It looked as if a new, small sun had risen beneath the sun.

In addition, there was something else that made the scenery of the capital beautiful: the streets. Other races other than humans were also wandering around the streets.

From dwarfs, who are pudgy in size and only half the height of a human, but whose entire body is covered with muscles, to elves, who have a beautiful appearance and pointy ears, and have the same short stature as dwarves, but have a dwarf body overall. Even the agile halfling.

It was an opportunity to understand why an empire is an empire. As members of the empire, although they were fewer in number than humans, other races with different appearances and cultures also lived in the capital.

“It’s a completely different landscape from southern cities. I think I understand why the empire is called the empire.”

“Yes. It’s fascinating. There are a lot of races and buildings I’ve never seen before.”

Unlike the Orcs, who have a warlike personality and do not get along with other races, they seemed to be doing well in a city full of humans.

I don’t know much about the entire history of the empire, but I once heard from an old woman that elves, dwarves, and halflings were also citizens of the empire.

People walking around on the streets passed by people of different races without paying much attention, so it seemed like this scene was everyday life for them.

I finished sightseeing and started to work in earnest.

“Okay then, let’s go see the golden lion.”

“Yes.”

The Black Wolf’s story said that the Golden Lion was quite famous as a mercenary. You’ll find out soon if you ask around.

Dorothy and I walked around the streets asking people for information about the Golden Lion. I was able to get information about the golden lion from a leisurely-looking grocer with an impressive mustache…

The information that came out of his mouth was truly shocking.

“By Golden Lion, do you mean Leoric?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“He is currently incarcerated in Veron Prison.”

“Yes?”

Dorothy and I looked at each other with wide eyes. What on earth does this mean, prison?

“How on earth did I end up in prison?”

“He was arrested and taken in on charges of molesting Her Royal Highness the First Princess. According to rumors, he was said to have suddenly massaged her buttocks.”

I never thought I would live to hear that someone molested the princess. The authority and prestige of the royal family in the empire was great. s*xually harassing such a member of the royal family…

“Is this the death penalty…?”

The grocer whispers quietly, lowering his voice.

“If he were an ordinary person, he would have been put to death for molesting the royal family, but it is said that the imperial palace is considering how to deal with him because of his track record and reputation.”

The golden lion the merchant was talking about was no different from saying that he was a crazy person with good skills. I crossed my eyebrows with a troubled expression.

If this happens, I will completely go out… Black Wolf What kind of person have you introduced to me?

I crossed my arms and was lost in thought. Then Dorothy spoke to the merchant on my behalf.

“When is the trial?”

“They say it will probably be in three days.”

“Anyway, even if you’re in prison, it’s possible to visit. Shouldn’t the master and I just go to prison?”

“That’s right. Should I call this a heinous crime? If the crime is serious, visitation may be restricted, but first, I have to go to prison.”

We eventually decided to head to the prison and bought two apples at the grocery store as a thank you for the information.

Dorothy and I started walking toward the prison, biting into apples.

“I never thought I would live to see a man imprisoned for massaging the princess’s buttocks… Be careful not to get caught, Dorothy. There are a lot of strange men in the world.”

Dorothy stared at me and spoke in a quiet voice, whispering in my ear.

“It’s okay if it’s the master…”

“Yes?”

The moment I heard those words, an inexplicable tingly feeling bloomed for a moment. Dorothy smiled mischievously, and a color lingered on her face.

Hey, what are you thinking about Dorothy… Come to your senses! I cleared my throat and barely managed to keep my spirits up as I headed towards Andromeda.

“Please say those words to someone you love later when Dorothy grows up. I won’t do such a mean thing.”

In reality, the other person is a middle school student. Of course, the physical age is similar, but the mental age is completely different…

You decided not to become a human being who lays hands on middle school students who don’t know much about gender concepts… I defended myself as tightly as the walls of Estedorp and smiled a wise man.

“Master.”

“Yes?”

“Can I interpret that as a story about the master massaging another woman’s butt?”

Dorothy’s mouth was smiling, but her eyes were not smiling at all. Her body flinched at the sound of her strangely lifelike voice.

“Oh, no. It’s about how strong your self-control is.”

“Yes. Okay.”

Only then did Dorothy let go of her fierceness and bit into her apple with a satisfied expression.

As I was walking away from the crisis, there was a story I couldn’t finish with Dorothy because I didn’t have much momentum until I got to the capital.

“Is Dorothy okay like this?”

“Huh?”

“I’m not sure what Dorothy’s story is, but she also has a hometown and a place with family. Is it really okay for you to come with me?”

At that time, during the final battle with Morse, freedom was given to Dorothy. She said she would stay by my side.

But the situation was such that it seemed difficult to say that she had definitely tied the knot. I asked her again and Dorothy answered without hesitation.

“As I said then, my place is next to the master.”

“Is that so… Please take good care of me in the future, Dorothy.”

“Yes.”

I thought my trip with Dorothy would end in the capital, but it seemed like our trip would last longer than that.

“It’s almost here.”

“Yes.”

So we stopped in front of the prison where the golden lion was.