After staying with Count Fidelo's family for a few days, Mariabelle and the others finally headed to the imperial capital.
Since Count and Countess Fidelo will be attending the engagement ceremony, they were all traveling together.
At the time of seeing them off, the chief butler---who needed a rest for a while after receiving Renato, who suddenly appeared---was in the lead.
On his arm was a small cat with pale orange fur and auburn stripes, and on its head was a crown of roses.
It was Melty, the cat that Therese had given to Mariabelle.
She couldn't take it with her because she was headed to the capital; it would be a rather long journey. However, she will receive it when she stops by on her way home.
The cat was given a flower crown as a present by Therese, but when it tried to take off with its paws, it was deceived by a maid, who was standing next to the chief butler, with some catnip.
The sight of the cat was so cute that Mariabelle wished she could have played with Melty more, and she regretted leaving it behind as she got on the carriage.
The distance from Count Fidelo's territory to the imperial capital is two days by carriage, partly because the roads were well maintained.
On the way, they were allowed to stay overnight at a count's house, which was said to be Count Fidelo's book-collecting companion. The next day, Mariabelle and the others finally arrived at the imperial capital, where Renato was waiting for them.
The imperial capital of the Galleria Empire was shaped like a peninsula sticking out into the sea. There was a large river to the northeast and a sea to the south, so in order to reach it by land, one must pass through a huge stone wall called the 'Lucius Wall' on the west side.
The Lucius Wall---which completely covers the western side of the imperial city, and was built by Lucius, the emperor of the Galleria Empire---is a sturdy wall that boasts an iron wall defense.
It is a triple structure, consisting of a wide and deep moat, an outer wall, and a thick and high inner wall.
A watchtower was also built on the inner wall, which was quite high and intimidating.
To enter the imperial capital, one had to pass through either the Gallerius Gate or the Thermone Gate.
Mariabelle, her father, and the others were going through the procedures to enter the imperial capital in front of the Gallerius Gate.
"The power of the Galleria Empire is amazing." James, who was looking at the city walls from inside the carriage, let out an exclamation of admiration.
"It's amazing to build a castle wall like this, but I think it's even more amazing to be able to maintain it." Mariabelle also looked up at the castle wall with deep admiration.
It seemed to be well cared for, none of the walls were crumbling, and the surface was kept smooth.
"I hear the Imperial Palace is even more impressive. It is called the Blue Palace, isn't it?"
The palace is also known as the 'Blue Palace,' and those who visited were left speechless due to the sheer magnificence of the building.
As Mariabelle was fantasizing about how beautiful the palace would be, she noticed that James, who was supposed to be looking up at the walls with her, was staring at her.
"What is it, Father?"
"...The empire is a long way off. You won't be able to see me so easily when you marry."
Even if she had married Edward, she still wouldn't be able to see him casually if she became queen.
However, if she becomes the queen of the Galleria empire, she may never see him again.
The journey to this point with Mariabelle, whom he hadn't had much contact with due to the busyness of the education of the queen, was one that James truly enjoyed.
He was very happy that Mariabelle, who was hurt when Edward broke off their engagement, was happy.
I am sure that Renato would take good care of Mariabelle for the rest of her life.
But despite knowing that, he couldn't suppress the loneliness of letting go.
"Father..."
Mariabelle, who was happy to know how her father felt, gently took James' hand.
"I will always be your daughter. We can meet anytime."
"That's right... It might be a good idea to hand over the family estate early and retire."
"Well... if that's your wish, father."
They laughed happily together, and soon the carriage began to move slowly forward.