A great many carriages stood before Countess Feier's magnificent castle. Just from looking at the splendid canopies one after another, Mirai knew that many nobles had already entered the castle, including those from the Royal Fighters.
Captain Kassel led Baron Xiu Ka to the castle. His task was complete, and he needed to return to the gate to continue standing guard.
Kassel bid the baron farewell, but before leaving to have a few drinks, he did not forget to greet Jack and Bill.
Among the many lavishly decorated carriages, Baron Hark's two carriages looked rather shabby. Yet he did not seem to care at all, merely telling the driver to park them in a corner.
"Jack, Bill, you two are free to do as you please. I'll contact you when we return." The count's castle was not a suitable place for people like Jack and Bill, so Baron Jock told them to rest elsewhere for a while. Before parting, he added, "Take it slow when you drink with the castle staff. You two old fellows should watch your health too!"
Mirai noticed four fully armed soldiers standing at the entrance to the count's castle. Two wore light armor, with small round shields hanging from their left arms and swords at their waists. They were dressed in the standard uniform of the royal infantry.
Another wore a standard light helmet and carried a round shield and longsword, but had an oversized bow and quiver slung across his back. The last was equipped with heavy armor, with a double-bladed battle axe strapped diagonally across his back. The rugged air of this tough man made Mirai feel that his own slender body truly was not suited for soldiering. If he faced such an opponent, could a small round shield withstand an axe strike?