The carriage that had left Grandizia was smoothly making its way through the imperial territory to the imperial capital.
　Inside the carriage was me, Jessica and Drake. And the one who is holding the reins of the carriage is Brother Ray. The person who was originally in the carriage is now riding on the back of the horse that Brother Ray has been riding on instead.
　A small sigh as he casually looks at the scenery outside.
　When was the last time he had come to the Imperial Domain like this since he came on the back of a puppy?

''I don't think I've ever thought the carriage was so slow.

'It would be quicker if I came on the back of a puppy. That would be like advertising to the Imperial side that I'm here.

Ugh my hips hurt...

It's already the seventh day...

　It's been seven days since we've slept in the carriage.
　It's cramped, as expected, and it's hard to sleep. During the night, Jessica and I are asleep in the two seats across from each other, although Drake takes care of things outside, telling us it's okay.
　I'm in a body that doesn't need to sleep for a few days, but I'm still tired.

When you're done, I'll call Puppy and ask him to give you a ride home.

'I think it's better that way. Princess Jessica must be tired, too.

I'd like to thank you for your help...

　Jessica also said this with an exhausted look on her face.
　I'm sure you'll be able to see that this is indeed a long journey for a child. It's not a good idea to go to the beach, but it's not a good place to sleep.
　Well, the knights on horseback around us are probably more tired than we are. More importantly, Brother Ray, who hasn't moved from the Gosha-dai, is also.

''But what does the High Priestess want with Noah-sama?

I don't think we've ever met, though.

'If you intend to call on Master Noah and harm him, this Drake, I will do everything in my power to lash out.

I'm all for that, but I'll wait until I know my family is safe.

　Drake is saying things, but Gosha-dai's brother Ray is unresponsive. Of course, that's also because Drake is a demon now, so he doesn't understand what he's saying.
　By the way, it's a good thing that he doesn't understand, because he was criticizing the High Priestess for kidnapping Noah-sama's family and attempting to make a deal with them, saying that it's an outrageous thing to do. He's the one who's calling me out, in case you were wondering.

'We'll be arriving at the imperial capital soon.

Yeah, should I?

'Don't show your face too much from here, Noah. Some of us may know your faces.

How can we get in there without being censored?

No problem.

　Normally, the gatekeepers would check when something is coming in from the outside. He checks to see if there is anything dangerous in the luggage, or if criminals are trying to enter.
　That's why I've never entered the Imperial Capital before. I didn't have my ID card with me on the trip, so I couldn't get in.
　But Brother Lei shook his head.

This carriage is used by the High Pope to call his guests. The carriage itself will be a testament to the authority of the High Pope.

Really?

'Ah. The symbol of Mullerianism on the zenith, with the Archbishop's seal also on the side of the carriage. As long as you ride in this carriage, you can enter the Imperial City without being questioned about your status or anything else.

Wow.

　I wonder, then, if I can somehow duplicate this carriage, I can enter the Imperial City peacefully.
　Perhaps Jessica and Drake are thinking the same thing, and their eyebrows are slightly furrowed.

''Don't think of anything strange,''

Hmm?

'As long as you ride in this carriage, you will not be censored in any way, but instead your entry and exit will be strictly recorded. If you attempt to enter the city without a record of your exit from the gate, the guards will gather at that point.

....

　Maybe someone else will think the same thing.
　Jessica and Drake also let out a sigh of disappointment.

'So, brother,'

What?

What does the Pope want with me, anyway?

'I didn't ask that much. They just asked me to bring Noah to them. They were holding my family hostage.

　Well, it's a requirement that we even have a carriage like this and want to meet with him unnoticed. It's only natural that he wouldn't even tell Brother Ray, the messenger, about it in detail.
　But as expected, meeting the High Priestess without any preparation is a good idea.

I'm not sure.

　Then it occurred to me.
　Speaking of Mullerianism, there was a priest I met at the ruins of Rilkara. If he was in the temple, it would be nice to see him and talk to him for the first time in a long time.
　Though I wish it was a requirement that we could talk peacefully like that.

　Let's see, I think his name was Marin, I think.
　Yeah, Marin. My last name's Linophallus, I believe. Marin Linophallus.
　That.
　I don't know if I've heard of a Rhinophallus before.

"Jessica.

'....Haha!　Eh, ha, yes!

Oh, I'm sorry, did I fall asleep?

I'm sorry, too!

No, I'm fine if you're sleepy. Go back to sleep.

　I called you without a second thought, but apparently you were rowing a boat. I'm sorry to wake you up.
　I was just wondering if Jessica would remember a name she'd heard recently.

No, no, I'm fine. I'm sorry I've caused you concern.

He's drooling on his mouth.

"--Hey!　Ahhh!

　Jessica wipes her mouth with the hem of her dress, scrubbing it clean.
　I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find a good fit for my age. I usually see her as mature, so this is a refreshing reaction.

It's a disgraceful place to be...

It's okay. So, Jessica,

Oh, yes, Master Noah.

Have you heard the last name Rhinophallus lately?

Rhinophallus.........

　Mu, and Jessica raised an eyebrow.
　As well as that, Drake also raised one eyebrow. Apparently, the last name was familiar to Drake as well.
　That. It's just that I don't know it, but it's a pretty famous surname, isn't it?
　But I feel like I've heard it recently....

"Noah.

Hmm?　What's the matter with you, brother?

'I'm sorry to interrupt you, but the last name Rhinophallus, I said.

'Oh, yeah?'

'It's always been that way, but you're not very good at remembering people's names.

Ugh....

　It's true, I've always been bad at it.
　In fact, I even forget the name of the demon I'm supposed to be naming now, sometimes.

It's the High Pope.

Heh...?

So I told you. It's Archbishop Lucudia Rhinophallus. What does it matter?

....

　Lucidia Rhinophallus.
　Marin Rhinophallus.
　And both are servants of the Mullerian religion.
　I find it a bit difficult to take it as just a coincidence.

'No, it's nothing,'

'Master Noah, the Rhinophallus family is a family that has produced great popes in Mullerianism for generations. Even I've heard that name before.

Okay.

　I nodded at Drake's capture.
　I see.
　Does that mean that Marin may be in the heart of the Mullerian religion?

We're almost there. Don't get too close to the carriage.

Yes, sir.

　I answered that to my brother's words and looked at the stone wall of the imperial city that came into view much closer.

　Now, will demons or snakes appear?
　Whichever one comes out, I'll give it to you.