“Your first point is a foregone conclusion, isn’t it? You already owe the Beast King by asking to meet Kiara.”
You’re not wrong.
“And I don’t think you’ll have to worry about him being delayed.”
Why’s that?
“Those people travel light and fast, even when they come here. Sure, they had to ride in a carriage for the purposes of ceremony, but they move a lot more like adventurers otherwise—fast and stealthy.”
Then we could certainly travel a lot faster that way. In fact, Fran might have a hard time keeping up. But I thought of another problem: how to keep my identity a secret. These were beastmen with sharp instincts as well as top-ranked adventurers. They might find me out just by being near me.
“You’ll have to work on that one yourself,” said Dias.
True.
We didn’t know whether they would agree to take Fran, anyway. Asking for a ship was within reason, though, so we should probably start with that.
“We’ll ask the Beast King for help.”
Yeah. Only one way to find out.
“Tell His Majesty I said hello.”
“Hm.”
We left Dias and headed back to the Beast King’s accommodations. The sun was setting, but I wanted to get this conversation done. Although, knowing Rigdith’s impatience, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had already left. It was a little late for a meeting, and we couldn’t just sneak into the Beast King’s rooms, but our worries came to nothing. The front desk let us in as soon as Fran said her name. Rigdith still had her on the list.
“Hey, Fran. Back so soon? What’s up?”
The Beast King greeted us with a magnanimous wave of his royal hand. Although, coming from Rigdith, the gesture was far more casual than royal—like a sloppy middle-aged man. Despite it all, he managed to keep his regal aura.
“What do you need?”
“Hm. A boat to get to the Beastman Nation.”
“Oooh, about time! You should come along with us, then. Can’t think of a faster way!”
Well, that was easy. Even if he was travelling in secret, should the king really add outsiders to his party so readily? However, Royce immediately objected.
“Have you forgotten that you have business in the Granzellian capital, Lord Rig? We must meet the king and his family before we leave.”
“Ugh. Do I have to?”
“Of course you do.”
The king had his royal chores to attend to. We had plans to go to the capital, but there was still time before the auctions started. Visiting now was out of the question, unless His Majesty employed Fran as a bodyguard.
“Okay, but how are we gonna get the little lady back home?”
“We don’t need to accompany her, you know. She’s strong enough to beat Godo. I’m sure she can take care of herself,” Royce said, praising Fran. After all, her victory against Gaudartha was a matter of historical fact.
“Point taken.”
“I do believe,” said Royce, “she was looking for a boat to get there.”
“Oh. Were you?”
“I understand your excitement,” said Royce, “since she is close to the princess in age, but please be reasonable.”
“Princess?” Fran asked.
“Yeah. I have a fifteen-year-old daughter back home. I can’t help seeing a bit of her in you!”
No wonder the king was so nice. She was almost exactly the same age as his daughter.
“I think we should help her. Master will be pleased.”
“Right?”
“She will be useful,” Royce said. “I admit.”
We’re right here, Royce! Although, he probably said it knowing Fran would hear. He was asking her indirectly if she was ready to be used as a political tool. As one of the Beast King’s advisors, Royce couldn’t leave an evolved Black Cat alone. There was bound to be a reaction from the other beastmen. As someone tasked with running the country, Royce had to take Fran into account. Even so, he managed to tell her about the consequences of her visit, and that she should refrain from going if she wasn’t ready. The dashing bunny wasn’t just a handsome intellectual; he was considerate, too! I could imagine his suitors already!
“I’ll leave if I get sick of it,” said Fran.
“Ha ha ha!” Royce laughed. “I think I’m the only one who can catch this little lady if she decides to book it!”
“Very well,” said the Beast King. “We will not ask you to become one of our vassals. Let’s make this simply transactional. A show of goodwill between Fran and the Beast King should be more than enough for our people.”
That sounded reasonable. Fran didn’t need to lie either, since she genuinely liked the Beast King. They just needed to get along in public.
“Well then, this is for you,” said Royce.
“What’s this?”
He handed her a small golden plaque. It was carved with an intricate crest, making it difficult to counterfeit.
“Identification with Lord Rig’s name on it, and my own. With it, any vessel of the Beastman Nation will be glad to take you onboard. Our merchant ships should be making port at Bulbola at the moment. You can hitch a ride.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Just look for the flags that bear the same insignia.”
Things were going perfectly so far. Did Royce see through Fran, and devise this to make her owe them a favor? That was okay, I suppose.
In any case, we could leave for the Beastman Nation. Royce went on to say that there were plenty of merchant ships making the route—one ship every three days. The vessels bearing the royal crest answered directly to the royal family, so they should welcome Fran as an esteemed guest. The plaque was a lot more powerful than I thought.
“The merchants of the Beastman Nation should have your name and description memorized by now. Even without our identification, you would be more than welcome.”
All we needed was a ride, really. There was one other matter we wanted to discuss.
“Where is the Godsmith?” Fran asked.
“Hmm,” said Rigdith. “You’ll know when you get there.”
“I will inform our officials to give you the introduction letter. Not that the Godsmith will see
