Chapter 53: To the Royal Capital
Autumn of My Tenth Year
I boarded a ship at the Ashud port, bound for the Axel territory. This journey included me, Father, Mother, and my younger brother, Siegvalt.
“Toma! Siegvalt!”
“Toma-chan, Sieg-chan!”
Grandfather, Duke Bayerlein, and Grandmother, the Duchess, greeted us at the port.
“Grandfather, Grandmother, it’s been a while.”
“G-Gee, B-Ba!” Siegvalt chimed in.
Grandmother stood and walked on her own, her steps steady and confident, showing no signs of the years she had spent bedridden. After our greetings, she embraced Siegvalt and me tightly.
Grandfather, watching us with an envious look, would just have to endure it—for now. To compensate, he was welcome to hold Siegvalt.
“You’ve grown heavier, Sieg!”
“Ayeee!”
When Siegvalt was a baby, he cried whenever Grandfather held him. Now, however, he seemed to enjoy it. Grandfather realized it was his overly tight grip that had frightened him back then.
The Axel territory, ruled by Duke Bayerlein, is one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the kingdom. In fact, it has recently been said to rival the royal capital in prominence.
We stayed at the Bayerlein ducal estate in Axel for two nights before continuing our journey to the royal capital.
Traveling down the Ryver River, we headed for the capital aboard the duke’s personal vessel. Accompanying the ducal ship were a ship from the Roxfall family and two escort ships to guard the convoy.
Journey Purpose
In the Kingdom of Kuldia, noble children begin attending an academy at the age of eleven. The entrance exam takes place in the autumn of their tenth year.
While the exam requires a certain level of academic ability, basic education is usually sufficient to pass.
This journey was for me to take the entrance exam. Father, Mother, Siegvalt, and the duke and duchess were all accompanying me. It felt a bit excessive but reassuring nonetheless.
Encountering the Royal Capital
I had heard stories of river pirates—outlaws akin to sea pirates—along the Ryver River. However, none dared to attack a convoy so well-guarded.
Upon arrival, the royal capital’s port felt old and chaotic compared to the well-organized and functional port at Axel, a contrast that surprised me.
Royal Capital Transportation and Noble Etiquette
In the royal capital, we traveled in a noble carriage. Inside were Mother, Siegvalt, the duke, and the duchess, while Father rode on horseback.
Father, a knight-baron, wasn’t avoiding riding in the carriage due to politeness; rather, it was a matter of the capital’s rules.
The kingdom’s noble ranks are divided as follows:
Upper Nobles: Duke, Marquis, Count
Middle Nobles: Viscount, Baron
Lower Nobles: Knight-Baron, Baronet
Upper nobles hold high-ranking government positions, while middle and lower nobles have more localized roles.
In the capital, knight-barons and baronets are prohibited from riding in carriages. Those unable to ride horses typically use palanquins, similar to those seen in Edo-period Japan. Roxfall, being a martial family, rode horses in such cases.
Types of Carriages
There are several types of carriages:
Noble Carriages: Decorated and bearing the family crest.
Box Carriages: Plain carriages, primarily for commoners. Lavish decorations are not permitted.
Cargo Carriages: Used for transporting goods, with or without covers.
Chariots: Used in warfare, ranging from heavily armored to designs reminiscent of Roman chariots.
While noble carriages may be adorned with gold leaf for upper nobles and silver leaf for middle nobles, lower nobles like us adhered to horseback travel.
Inside the Capital
The royal capital was bustling, much like Axel, but perhaps due to my familiarity with Axel, it didn’t leave a strong impression.
Carriages moved at walking speeds within the city—a rule meant to ensure safety. Accidents involving commoners could result in severe penalties, even for noble families like the Bayerleins.
Transition to the Noble District
Entering the noble district from the commoner district required passing through a checkpoint.
The capital was organized with the royal castle at its center, surrounded by the noble district, and then the commoner district beyond that. The districts were separated by walls, and checkpoints controlled access to the noble area.
“Presenting Duke and Duchess Bayerlein, along with the Roxfall knight-baron family!”
While checkpoints did not involve inspecting nobles’ belongings, their credentials were verified. Guards saluted us as we passed through.
Arrival at the Bayerlein Ducal Estate
The Bayerlein estate was situated near the royal castle, reflecting the duke’s high status. Nobles of higher ranks generally resided closer to the castle and often owned multiple estates.
In contrast, the Roxfall family, being a knightly barony, owned a modest residence on the outskirts of the noble district.