054: Royal Guards

November 9, 2020 - 6 minutes read - 1106 words

The royal capital is surrounded by a huge wall to protect the city inhabitants. It seems the wall has never been pierced since its construction, and has protected the city from invasion on multiple occasions. The guards who live as citizens of the capital have a proud look as they scrutinize the incoming people.

Although the Slowlette family a minor baron, we’re still aristocrats, so we’re able to use the smaller priority line instead of the long commoner line. We still have to go past the envious stares of merchants and travelers.

“Look at that, it’s a dragon emblem. Could that be the famous Dragon Slayer?” Traveler

“I can’t believe it, that’s so cool. I wish I could become an aristocrat too.” Adventurer

I can hear voices of praise or envy from outside the carriage. Nord looks embarrassed while Elna is smiling. It seems Elna isn’t embarrassed by Nord’s claim to fame. Personally, I fall closer to my father for this instance, I get a bit embarrassed about it.

“Hey, do the East Gate guards today include the problem ones?” Traveler A

“I heard they got reassigned from the South Gate three days ago” Traveler B

“Those two are dangerous, let’s hope we aren’t assigned them.” Traveler A

Apparently there’s a dangerous pair of guards at the gate we’ll be passing through. What do they mean by dangerous though? Are they overly intimidating? Are the travelers we overheard worried about contraband being caught by above-average scrutiny?

While I’m thinking about it, we arrive in front of the gate. The gate is wide enough for three carriages to pass at once, the heavy wall spreads out above the gate. It looks like the thickness reaches thirty meters.

“I need to see proof of aristocratic membership.” Guard A

Two men in silver armor trimmed with red approached our carriage. The armor makes a crunching sound each time a guard moves. Beside us, the travelers are exchanging words like “Glad they’re not on our line”. Huh, did we get the dangerous guards?

The two guards walking over are a man with short hair and another one with a shaved head. Bartolo has a scarier face than either of them. It seems there’s plenty of adventurers working in and around the royal capital, so it’s nice I’m used to that sort of person.

“I have the proof here” Nord

“I might as well stretch my legs” Al

Nord and I get off the carriage at the gate. Nord seems pretty assured, so I don’t think there will be issues. Or will there? I don’t really know, I’m just curious.

“Yes this is an aristocratic emblem” Guard A

Nord takes out a leather item from his coat pocket and presents it. Inside there’s a golden version of the Slowlette coat of arms. Apparently the gold coat of arms is the proof of aristocracy. The short-haired guard confirmed without any sort of expression, but he reacted to Nord with astonishment. I wonder if he’s a fan of the Dragon Slayer like some of the villagers we’ve run into along the way.

“it’s beautiful…” Guard A

“Huh?…” Al

What did that guy just murmer? Nord is now staring at him with a suspicious expression, while the guard glances away.

“No, nothing. I’ve confirmed that you’re Baron Nord Slowlette, correct?” Guard A

“Yes, that’s correct” Nord

“Then, would there be an issue with a light inspection of your carriage and answering some basic questions.” Guard A

“That’s agreeable” Nord

Some other guards walk over to the wagon to begin the inspection. The skinhead guard has been staring at me since I left the carriage, is there something bothering him?

“What is your purpose in the royal capital?” Guard A

“To attend the aristocratic gathering hosted by the Duke of Leingeland” Nord

“Ah, the one happening in a week. How many people are you traveling with?” Guard A

“Eight people, including servants and escorts” Nord

It’s likely that we could skip this questioning if we had a higher court rank, but we’re sitting on the lower end with a Baronage. I was summoned over by the other guard for my own set of questions. He may be thinking I’m bored and wants to have something to do. Maybe he’s not as bad as he looks?

“Is this your first time in the royal capital?” Guard B

“Yes this is my first time” Al

“Oh, by the way, what is your name?” Guard B

“Alfred Slowlette” Al

“How old are you?” Guard B

I wonder how young I look? I’m close to seven years old, hopefully the guard will tell me some age-appropriate places to visit?

“I’ll be seven years old soon” Al

“Hmm, soon to be seven… a little young, no, this could be fine…” Guard B

“Eh?” Al

“No, nothing. Haha” Guard B

I feel like I’ve heard something weird from the guard. Why do I feel a chill?

The guard strokes his chin while laughing. He puts his hands on my shoulders, then arms, then hips, then grabs my butt.

“Hi?!” Al

I feel a crisis over my chastity and try to retreat will all possible strength. What is this guard playing at?

“What happened?” Guard B

The guard is approaching with an innocent look. How do you have that look when you’re a molester? It almost makes me think I’m overreacting.

“How old are you?” Al

“Huh? Thirty-two?” Guard B

“Ok, do you have a wife?” Al

“Of course, why?” Guard B

“What type of man is he?” Al

“Huh? A guy? What kind of question is that? What are you going for?” Guard B

When I checked on Nord, he seemed to be running into the same issues as I am. I don’t think this has anything to do with security of the capital or crime prevention. This is just two people’s sick hobby. It’s understandable why so many travelers were worried about this guard duo.

“The carriage has been checked, no issues!” Guard C

A voice of relief comes for me and Nord.

“Well then, let’s move on. Let’s go Al!” Nord

“Yeah, I have things to do, we need to hurry” Al

Both of us hurriedly jump on the carriage to escape the dangerous place.

“Mr. Rowe, please make way with all possible speed” Nord

“Ok, I’m going” Rowe

As soon as Nord asks to move on, Rowe speedily gets the horses moving. Perhaps he realized what was up and got everyone away.

“Al and Nord look a bit odd. Anything wrong?” Elna

“Nothing” Al & Nord

I don’t want to talk about it. I met a male molester.