It's almost two weeks since we left the Kingdom of Nanor. The knight of the Arcadia Papal Kingdom told me that it was going smoothly and we would be in the capital soon.

　The reason why the knights of the Arcadia Papal State are there is that the king seems to have sent out a warning, and they met us when we arrived at Fort Semen, which is on the border between the Kingdom of Nanor and the Arcadia Papal State. In all, we were greeted by about 50 knights, which surprised me a bit.

　Thinking about it, since the princesses of the alliance, Alexia and Ferris, are coming to the country, is it natural for them to be greeted by an escort? On the contrary, the knight was even surprised when he saw us without an escort. Then we stepped into the land of the Arcadia Papal State with 50 guards.

　This country is headed by the Pope, followed by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, and deacons. These people are involved in the running of the country. It's like the aristocracy of any other country. The ranks seem to be hereditary, just like the nobility.

　And apart from that framework, this country has a Knights of Arcadia, which seems to be the military of this country.
　It seems that there are 4 knights, the Blue Dragon Knights, the White Tiger Knights, the Vermilion Bird Knights, and the Xuanwu Knights among them.

　The Blue Dragon Order seems to have different characteristics: the White Tiger Order is good at attacking, the White Tiger Order is good at speed, the Vermilion Bird Order is good at magic, and the Xuanwu Order is good at defense.

　Each of them have their own Knight Commander, and each of them are said to have the same authority as the Archbishop. But the most surprising thing is that the one who is stronger than those knight leaders is the Pope. It seems that he's good at light magic and has annihilated hundreds of demons.

　The knight told me happily. I wonder what kind of a rugged person he is. I'm nervous. By the way, the knights who came to pick me up are the people of the White Tiger Order. While we were talking like that, the tour went smoothly and we were able to meet the knights of the White Tiger Order.

Oh, so this is the capital of the Arcadia Papal States. It's huge.

　They had finally arrived at the capital. The members coming for the first time squealed in surprise, and Helen giggled at Alexia and Ferris, who had been here before, and Helen giggled at them.

　As they passed through the north gate, the street was lined with lively shops. And if you follow that road, you will see a huge palace in the center of the capital.

'Alexia, what's that?'

Hmm?　Ah, that's Saint-Berg Palace. It's the headquarters of the temple, and although it's hard to see from here, there is the main building in the center, and the four buildings, the North Hall, South Hall, East Hall, and West Hall, stand around the main building.
　The north hall is the temple for general worshippers, the south hall is the meeting place for the Pope, and the east and west halls are the headquarters of the Order. And the main hall in the middle is where the popes live.

　I see. I listen to such stories as I go through the town. There are various shops. However, what I often see are products related to the goddess Aster.

　I can still recognize Astel dolls and Astel buns. It's a common move sold in tourist areas and such.
　But aren't the Astel swords and Astel shields from the weapons store a bit much? The apothecary's 'Put this on and you'll be beautiful!　Astelpack! And I'm pretty sure that's not true.

You think it's funny that Dagris saw that and thought it was funny.

Do you want to take a look around?

　I say. I thought that was a good idea, but since we arrived in the capital earlier than planned, the knight said that we could look around for an hour or so. So we got out of the carriage and had a look around, and

　I'm just hanging out alone, looking at all that unfamiliar stuff.

Brother, can you come to the store?

　And there was a girl tugging at my sleeve. She must be about eight years old.

'Store?'

'Yes!　That's it!

　And when I looked at the girl, I saw a stall tucked away at the end of the road lined with various shops. Most of the kids there were about the same age as this girl.

　And the woman who was directing them and arranging things for them was probably about sixteen years old. Her chestnut-colored hair is in a braid and her eyes are crinkly. She's wearing something like a monastic uniform with a gentle vibe. She's more pretty than pretty. And as the girl pulls me to her, I go

Priscia, sister, we've got a visitor!

Oh, Mei!　You can't force me to bring him back!　I'm sorry, she forced me.

　The woman who says that and bows her head.

'No, no, it's fine. So what is this place?

'Yes, this is where we sell the things these kids make and grow.

　I looked at the stall and saw all sorts of vegetables there. Wow, these kids made them.

How much is one?

Oh, 50 bells.

　I'll give you some money, or was it Pricia, and you'll give me some money. And I get a cucumber-like vegetable.

'Thank you!'

Thank you!

　And everyone thanks me. The smiles on the children's faces are dazzling. I'm doing that.

Hey, hey!　Prussia!　I can't wait for you to pay me!

　And then two flashy-looking guys came in. What are these guys?

Hey!　I told you not to come here!

"I don't know about that!　I'm waiting for you and you're not paying me!　How long do you want me to wait?

"Yikes!

　The flirtatious man kicks the stall, yelling at Mr. Pricia. The children, frightened by the men, start to shake and cry.

'Mo, wait a little longer!　I'll pay you back!　Wait!

Well, you can pay me with your body or you can sell those kids to the slavers.

　And a flirtatious man grabbed Pricia by the collar.

'Ugh!　Oh, no!　I'll collect them otherwise!

You said you'd pay me back!

　Then he throws Ms. Pricia overboard. As he is thrown away, Pricia hits the stall and falls down. That's a little too much, this guy. There.

'Puh-leeze, don't mess with little Priscia!

　And one boy slams a wooden stick on the flirtatious man.

'Ouch!　You little shit!　What the hell are you doing?

Whew!

Roy-kun!

　The flirtatious man who had been beaten became angry and kicked the boy away. And from his pocket, nah!　He pulls out a knife.

'I hear the little bastard wants to hurt you a little!

Roy-kun!

　The flirtatious man then swings the knife down at the boy. Ms. Pricia covers the boy to protect him, and

...What?

What the f*ck are you doing?

That's a little too much, son.

　I prevent it. I grabbed the flirtatious man's right wrist holding the knife and stopped him. I didn't know if I should go in because it looked like there was a reason for it, but as expected, the knife was too much.