After passing through the city of the Minor Lords, other than a few viges, the only road in the ancient Astra Empire was the road to the capital.


    They were surprised to find that the people were already waiting for them as they approached the viges. In a world without telephones or e-mails, rumors had already spread throughout the territory. The power of word-of-mouth propagation was spectacr.


    And then, the capital appeared at the end of the road.


    The capital of the Dukedom of Yurinova was also called the Northern Capital. It was thergest capital in the northern part of the kingdom for the dukedom and other domains. It resembled Sapporo, opposite to Tokyo.


    Although it may not be asrge as the imperial capital, it was one of thergest cities in this part of the world. And while it had an atmosphere simr to that of the imperial capital, it also had a different aesthetic beauty from that of the imperial capital.


    This Northern Capital was the castle town of the Dukes of Yurinova.


    Like the imperial capital, the cities of the empire were generally not clearly separated from the outside world by outer walls or barriers. There were some such cities during the period of warfare in the founding years. Still, thankfully, now that peace and stability have prevailed, the northern capital, like the imperial capital, continued to expand.


    Nevertheless, there still existed a borderline between the two capitals.


    “This is the capital.”


    Alexei told me this at a spot where I could see the ruins of a small, old, and venerable gate that reminded me of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but smaller and older.


    As if in response to Alexei’s words, the knight’s musicians blow their horns. It was said to be a melody to announce the return of the Lords.


    People had been lined up at both ends of the street to wee the entourage, but as soon as the horn sounded, people starteding out of the houses in the area. More people poured out. And even more as time went by.


    <i>Wow, it was bing a big deal.</i>


    The poption here was so different from that of the viges along the way.


    The people, whose poption was still increasing, looked at the carriage in which the siblings were riding with shining eyes, and when Ekaterina waved her hand, they waved back and shouted with joy. It was like the Japanese equivalent of banzai…well, maybe I’ll just call it banzai for now since it’s tooplicated. I hear many banzais.


    Also, they included wee back chants.


    ――I see, we’re back. We are finally back.


    Perhaps it was because I regained my memories of my previous life in the imperial capital, or maybe it was because I was confined in this life and knew little about the capital after leaving the vi. Yet, I still find myself looking at the scenery with an unusual sense of curiosity. It may be toote to say this, but this was my and Big Brother’s hometown.


    Ekaterina made eye contact with Alexei and smiled.


    “Wee back, Big Brother.”


    Alexei smiled back, his neon blue eyes sparkling.


    “I’m home. –and wee back, Ekaterina.”


    Taking his sister’s hand, Alexei wrapped his hands around it.


    “This is your city, my Mistress. All who dwell here shall kneel before you. Those who disobey, I will remove them, I promise.”


    “Big Brother, I would like to join forces with you, even if it is only in a small way, and I will destroy those who do not obey Big Brother.”


    “Is that so? That’s very encouraging.”


    Alexei chuckled as he said the second half mischievously.


    “Then let’s go. We’re going to exorcise this abode of demons.”