Published: July 3, 2025
In the morning, the hero party departed from the imperial capital, stopped for a lunch break along the way, and arrived at the Third Magic Training Ground shortly after two in the afternoon.
The royal guard knights who had escorted them from the imperial capital quickly turned back without saying a word once the carriage of the hero party entered the training ground premises.
Unbeknownst to them, entry to the magic training ground is strictly limited to those who have special permission, and there are rumors that anyone who trespasses will be met with magic cannon fire without question.
Of course, that is just a rumor.
It is true that Oscar, who had been in a bad mood previously, had indeed fired upon the royal guards, but... there are many things in the world.
When Hero Roman opened the carriage door and stepped down, three individuals stood waiting.
“Hero Roman-dono, welcome to the magic training ground. I am Fiona Rubine Bornemissa, the commander of the Imperial Emperor Mage Brigade. I welcome you and your party.”
As she said this, Fiona placed her hand on her chest and performed an imperial-style salute.
“I-I appreciate the warm welcome.”
Roman was finally able to say just that.
The scout, Maurice, noticed that Roman was staring blankly at Fiona.
He nudged Cleric Graham, who was serving as the negotiator, with his elbow and said, “Graham, Roman is...”
It seemed that Graham understood with just that.
“I am Graham, the negotiator. I thank you for your direct welcome, Your Highness.”
Graham stood beside Roman and greeted her.
“Eh... she was a princess?”
A murmur came from behind Graham. By the voice, it was likely the wind attribute mage, Alicia.
While Graham sighed inwardly, he did not let it show on his face.
“This is not the court but a military training ground. Henceforth, there is no need for formalities or respectful tones. The ones behind me are my aides, Marie and Jurgen. They will take care of you. However, being a training ground, there may be many inconveniences, for which I apologize in advance.”
Changing her tone, Fiona said this and introduced Marie and Jurgen, who stood behind her.
“Of course. Guidance from the blazing flame mage was something we requested. Please do not worry about any inconveniences. So... um, where is Oscar-dono...?”
“Hmm. Vice Commander Oscar is currently undergoing separate arrangements. He will report to me by tomorrow morning, at which time he will inform everyone of your visit. Would you be able to wait a little longer for your spar with Oscar, hero-dono?”
Caught off-guard by the sudden question, Hero Roman flustered.
“Y-yes. Please do not mind.”
“I see. I am grateful for Hero Roman's generous words.”
Thus, Fiona secured a statement regarding Oscar's delay.
(Roman... still quite young, isn't he?)
Only Graham noticed this in the moment, sighing quietly in his heart.
“Everyone must be quite tired from being shaken around in the carriage for half a day. I have prepared rooms in the annex for you to rest, so please take the opportunity to do so. I will have Marie show you.”
“Your Highness, please wait.”
It was Hero Roman who interrupted Fiona's offer.
“Roman-dono, what is it?”
“If possible, would you allow us to watch the training?”
“Oh...”
Fiona narrowed her eyes slightly at Roman's request.
“I have heard that His Majesty the Emperor granted permission only for a mock battle with Oscar. Were we also given permission to observe the brigade's training?”
“Ah... no...”
Roman instinctively looked down. Indeed, what Emperor Rupert the Sixth had permitted was a mock battle with Oscar.
“I apologize, but... His Majesty the Emperor has indeed allowed entry to the training ground. We interpreted that as being permitted to observe the training as well.”
It was Graham who interjected.
Of course, the party hadn't discussed it in depth, but it would be a problem in practical terms if they could not observe the training after coming this far.
Moreover, with no assurance of when they could have a mock battle with Oscar, it would not be easy to pass the time.