Chapter 25 - Boreas Family

The journey to Citadel of Roa took roughly 6 and a half hours as predicted, and we were fortunate enough that no bandits came to attack us but if they did then it would be their unlucky day since Ghislaine and I along with Rudeus could decimate them.

Though, it is a bit distracting to be stuck in a tight carriage with Ghislaine who only wore what amounted to a micro bikini top, while her chest bounced around wildly thanks to the bumpy carriage ride.

I was glad my body was that of a child and was biologically incapable of becoming aroused. Otherwise, it would have been a very uncomfortable journey indeed. The thing I'm most afraid of is hitting puberty since it would be troublesome having hormones pumping to my body.

Aside from the obvious distractions, Ghislaine had also spent the time sharing her knowledge on swordsmanship with me. Especially her insights into the Sword God style, in which she had achieved King rank, were incredibly profound. Meanwhile, Rudeus was troubled through the ride thinking about his soon to be wife and tried to cheer him a bit.

"Rudy, stop thinking about it and focus on what you need to do. Trust me you'll see my sister in law in no time."

"S-Shut up, she isn't your sister in law!"

"Yet."

"N-Nii-san! Stop teasing me!"

"Hahaha alright fine! I was just trying to cheer you up. Sorry."

"No, actually thank you for trying. I-I just wanted to say goodbye before we left."

"Understand since I've felt the same way when Roxy-Shishou left. However, I know that the best thing we can do is move forward and believe that we will meet again."

I gave him some sympathy, making her calm down and smile softly before we continued our journey. It was late afternoon when we arrived in the city.

We were greeted by the tall city walls that caused Rudeus to be in awe while I just amaze how these people were able to construct something like this with limited technology. Normally, these kinds of walls aren't possible on earth because of cost and material along with manpower. Of course they had these kinds of walls but never this tall. Their architecture did not match the level of technology of this world, but Earth magic had obviously played a large part in this continent's civil engineering.

The city was like a giant fortress, with tall ramparts, 7 to 8 metres in height, wrapping around the city. Even the city gates were exaggeratedly large, towering over the travellers awaiting their entry into the city. Since Ghislaine was rather well known amongst the city guards as a retainer of the Boreas family, their entry into the city was expedited.

Glancing to my side, I could see my brother had gotten better and leaned against the windows of the carriage in joyous wonder, taking in the sight of a medieval fantasy city. The streets were bustling, though the area inside the city closest to the gates was lined with stables and inns.

As the carriage continued deeper into the city, we started seeing rows of merchant stalls that had been erected along the main road. Ghislaine elaborated on the structure of the city as he watched the busy streets from inside the carriage.

The Boreas estate was located in the heart of the city, with a main road that led directly from the city gates to the property. One would imagine such urban planning was horrendous when it came to defending the city, if there was a direct path that led right to the lord's manor. But you also had to remember Earth magic that could rapidly raise earthen walls existed in this world. The concept of sieges and castle defence was, as a result, completely different from how Earthlings understood them.

The deeper they went into the city, the taller the buildings and the grander they became as well. The pedestrians that walked along the streets also looked like they wore finer clothing, as compared to the rougher linen and leather in the outer city.

Our carriage took us to our destination and arrived to see a prestigious mansion, deep in the city, and stopped at the gates of the estate. Ghyslaine poked her head out of the carriage to verify her identity, and the guards immediately rushed to open the gates and ushered us in.

'It is indeed convenient to travel alongside someone as famous and well respected as Ghislaine.'

Someone who is a King rank like Ghislaine has its privilege which makes me wonder how lucky the one who is tricking her like the boreas estate. They are obviously tricking us in their benefits but seeing this also brings me some interesting opportunity didn't mind.

Money isn't an issue nor do I care much for their trickery since to be fair their much better than other nobles. We alighted from the carriage while the driver drove off somewhere after reaching their destination. They were then greeted by a prim and proper looking butler who escorted them to a guest room.

"Please sit over there. The young master will be arriving shortly."

The butler gestured to one of the two sofas inside the lavishly decorated room.

"Come Reinhard."

Ghislaine prompted her disciple to follow her to stand at the side of the room, ignoring the butler's directions.

I can see that she did not want me to be treated like a guest. Since she had already decided to accept me as a disciple, Ghislaine also wanted me to get used to my new job standing beside Ghislaine. She didn't have to say anything since this isn't the first time that I have to be a bodyguard in my life. I also had some clients who wanted me to be their bodyguard when I was working.

"Uhmm, why is Nii-San standing beside you, Ghislaine?"

"I am teaching him the proper way to act as bodyguard since it would be his job while you, on the other hand, are going to be a tutor and treated as a guest. Not to mention, he's going to be my disciple."

"Don't worry about me, Rudy. This isn't much compared to my training."

I can see that he feels a bit out of place and awkward but reassure him it would be fine. The butler poured what I can smell to be tea into an expensive-looking cup giving myself and Rudy a refreshment Then he retreated and stood by the entrance to the room. We took a sip of the steaming drink and could taste the herbal flavor of it that can be described as some sort of flower tea.

"Its quite good. Don't you think so to, Rudy?"

"Yeah. It's as good as Lilia-okasan."

"Where is it!"

A loud booming voice echoed from outside the room, while heavy footsteps could be heard stomping towards them. The door swung open roughly, and a robust looking middle-aged man entered the room.

"Is it here!?"

He looked to be about 50 years old, with dark hair that was He looked to be about 50 years old, with dark hair that was

greying at the sides, but looked to be in good shape for his age.

I could somewhat tell, from the way the man carried himself and his physique, that this man was no stranger to fighting and shedding blood. From what I remember reading the novel and what Ghislaine told us, this man should be the lord of Fittoa, Sauros Boreas Greyrat, AKA his granduncle.

"Pleased to meet you Lord Sauros Boreas Greyrat. My name is Reinhard Greyrat and this is my little twin brother Rudeus Greyrat."

I am already well taught in proper etiquette when greeting nobles since they were some countries in the world that still practice monarchy. His expression who look at me perked hai interest as Rudeus was startled a bit and followed my lead in our pose.

"...Hmph! It seems Paul taught you proper manners."

He seemed silent for a second before replying. I can say despite his stern and strict tone had a deep charisma within them.

"Ahh... No, my father didn't teach us. My stepmother Lilia taught me some noble etiquette for a short time so I only knew the basics. I apologize if our manners may not be up to your standards."

Of course, I also learned a few things about nobles and their culture thanks to Lilia giving me information on how I should act or not.

"Yes. I only knew how to exchange greetings as my brother just taught me. I apologize in advance."

Rudeus nervously added since he wasn't used to this kind atmosphere unlike me.

"I will acknowledge that you made a valiant effort instead of being defensive about your lack of education on etiquette! I will permit you two to stay here!!"

Rudeus greeted while bowing slightly. He glanced to see what Ghislaine was doing, only to notice that she just stood silently.

Ghislaine was a highly regarded Sword King. In truth, she did not need to pay attention to things like proper courtesies. If she left the employ of the Boreas family and declared that she was looking for work, noble families all over the Central Continent would rush to offer her lucrative salaries.

"Well? Since you brought him back, I assume he passed your test."

Ghislaine nodded

"Yes he has. After duelling him, I have judged that he has reached Saint-level strength. I have unofficially granted him the title of North Saint, However, he prefered to be called the name of his sword style. "

"His own sword style?"

This made the lord of boreas perked up wanting to know if she was kidding since normally only 3 known styles are available while the rest is North Saint if not one of the three styles. I don't mind her telling me what my style is since it would be soon known.

"He called it, Sacred God style and inspired by the Three style. To be frank, his talent and potential is something that couldn't be found in the whole continent. As such, I have also decided to take him in as my disciple. Provided I have your approval, of course."

In her report, Sauros' figure shifted almost imperceptibly. If he had been anyone else saying those words, he would have regarded it as horseshit. But since it was Ghislaine who he thought of quite highly, he did not think she would exaggerate needlessly.

What did a Saint-ranked swordsman mean exactly? Even amongst Sauros' retinue, he only had the one Sword King Ghislaine in his employ. The next strongest retainer was only at the Advanced rank in the Water God style. Even he himself had only ever reached Intermediate Sword God level, though it was partially also because he had more important things to do at that age like learning how to rule.

If he could employ a Saint rank as a bodyguard, even if Sauros had to put up with his lacking courtesies, he was more than happy to. Such opportunities were something even a powerful noble like Sauros could only wait to drop in his lap, like when he first met Ghislaine. Saints were proud figures, not many were willing to work as a retainer even for powerful nobles. Immediately, the old noble's impression of me improved even more.

I can see his opportunistic gaze observing me carefully considering that I'm worth being kept in their state. I'm one who don't mind working but if I am slave by them then I'll immediately leave. I already swear to not be used as a tool by anyone else other than me.

Nevertheless, Saint-rank swordsmen weren't deserving of an exaggerated amount of veneration from Sauros. Even Saints could not deal with an army of soldiers by themselves, and Sauros had one of his own. Only God-ranked figures who were one-man armies were worthy of Sauros bowing his head in respect.

"What about the one going tutor, Eris?"

"According to Paul, he's a Water Saint Rank Magician and a talented young man based on what I observed. He may not compare to Reinhard but he is well capable where his talent wouldn't be found anywhere else."

His expression once again changed and turned to my brother who was fidgeting under his pressure. The scenario with a saint rank magician is the same with me that no one would be to employ a saint rank. Therefore having a 2 saint rank would make any other nobles jealous.

"If that is the case then no one shall know of their status unless I said so."

"Understood."

This statement made me a bit thankful since I don't want my status to spread until I have firmly grasped the people around this region. I'll go ahead and visit Pilemon who was currently the head Greyrat to turn him into my puppet. Not to mention that it would be annoying to kill the assassin that is going to kill me even though it would be perfect to know my enemies, I still want some peace until then. Once that said, Sauros turned to leave and went on his way.