The Blue Castle

Dear Mr. Himura,

congratulations for the victory against Plague, the white Vassal of Silence: the tales of your glorious deeds reached the Duchy of Blueweald.

Unfortunately, Lady Eleanor, fourth daughter of the Duke of Blueweald, got sick with Silence and The Honourable would like to request Rockstar Isekai’s services to heal their daughter from the disease in exchange for a generous reward.

The Blue Castle would be delighted to welcome you, we’ll wait with trepidation for your arrival.

Yours sincerely, the Duke of Blueweald

Natsuo read the letter out loud.

The three of them were in their garage, practicing until they received an official letter from the Duke of Blueweald.

“He’s a big shot” commented Gregory.

Olive nodded. “I can’t believe we got invited by a real duke.”

“Well, that’s because we’re also a big shot, now.” Natsuo smirked. “The Duchy of Blueweald is one of the four regions of Roselond, right?”

“Yes, it’s located east of the Blossomhyl region. Thinking that our names even got there it’s incredible!” replied Olive.

Gregory grinned proudly.

“We’re the best! Perhaps a cheering crowd will welcome us!”

“Oh, it would be amazing!”

Gregory and Olive enthusiastically hopped across the room, excited.

Natsuo chuckled. “We have to get there first. Do any of you know the way?”

Both of them shook their heads. It was rare for common people to leave their region: traveling was expensive and dangerous, just leaving their hometown was considered extraordinary for people like them.

“Fine, we’ll get by with a map” said Natsuo, disconsolate.

Thanks to the money they gained defeating Plague, they were able to buy a new carriage that was more comfortable than the previous one they had and was more suited for long journeys.

During the rest of the day, they got ready for the trip and, the next morning, they left Blossomhyl for the Duchy of Blueweald.

***

After one week of travel, they arrived at Blueweald, the capital city of the Duchy, without any difficulties. From what they saw on the map, the Blue Castle was located in the heart of the city.

Here too they had to wait for the checks, but, this time, the soldiers let them pass without any problem.

Blueweald was smaller than Blossomhyl, but just as beautiful. There were a lot of houses and stores and the atmosphere was lively. The streets were busy with carriages and people.

Natsuo drove the carriage through the winding streets, trying to follow the line he traced on the map that led to the Blue Castle.

After a few turns, he took a road that was next to an expanse of water. Natsuo’s eyes widened in amazement at the breathtaking sight that was before him.

“Guys, look out of the carriage.”

The other two did as he said and their jaws dropped.

In front of them a small lake extended and, in the center, stood a beautiful castle. The main building rested on an island and was protected by walls, but, behind it, a covered bridge stretched over the water, separating from the walls and leading to an area completely built on the lake. The view was very suggestive.

On the lawn outside the walls, there was a carpet of bluebells and a soft mist rose from the water, giving the place a magical atmosphere.

“Wow! Does anyone really live in such a beautiful place?” commented Olive in awe.

“They must be very happy” added Gregory.

Natsuo was admiring the castle, captured by its elegant beauty. He had never seen anything similar in his previous life.

He spurred the horse and reached the long stone bridge that led to the entrance. The carriage crossed it and stopped in front of the gates. Around the gateway was built a huge structure with a blue tile roof.

Two soldiers scanned him from behind the black gates and lifted them immediately. They had recognized the guest.

The carriage crossed a dark tunnel, then entered the courtyard. In the center there was a circular green lawn, surrounded by a paved path that led to the main house and to another smaller building on the right. On the outer sides of the path, the lawn was covered with bluebells.

Natsuo drove the carriage across the path and stopped in front of the main house, where a man dressed in a blue livery was waiting for them.

“We’re happy to welcome you to Blue Castle, Himura Natsuo. I’m Basil, the guardian of the castle. You can leave the carriage to us” he said.

Natsuo, Gregory and Olive got out of the carriage and another servant took it away toward the smaller building.

Basil motioned for them to enter the castle and follow him inside.

“You already know the reason why The Honourable Lord Edward requested your services, but I will escort you to his office to talk about the details” said Basil.

The castle, inside, had blue walls and carpets, except for some rooms, where the dark expensive wood was showcased without any other decoration.

After going through several rooms, they stopped in front of a door. Basil knocked on it and a male voice told him to come in.

Basil opened the door and invited Natsuo, Gregory and Olive to enter first, then he closed the door behind his back.

Lord Edward was sitting behind a desk. He had brown hair and blue eyes and his lips were twisted in a dazzling smile.

“Welcome, Himura Natsuo and Rockstar Isekai. I hope you had a good trip!” he said.

“Yeah, it was chill, thank you” replied Natsuo.

Hearing his impolite way of talking, the Lord’s smile cracked for a moment, but he composed himself immediately.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Edward turned his head to a boy who was hiding in the corner of the room. “Tristan, you should leave now.” His tone was very cold.

The boy slowly moved away from the wall where he was leaning and walked toward the exit, his gaze fixed on his feet.

“Yes, father” he replied in an almost imperceptible way.

When he passed next to him, his long dark blue hair flowed beside Natsuo, leaving a strange musty smell and attracting Natsuo’s attention.