Kill the Queen 102

Chapter 102 – 10. Express Train to Partenope (2)

The morning was bright.

The City of Glory continues to play its role today. The way to work at peak hours is very crowded with the footsteps of those starting the day, and the streets are starting to come alive with a variety of groups as if embroidered.

It is the birth of the name today.

Of course, even such brilliant prosperity may be an unfamiliar sight to those who pursue a life of late twilight. Therefore, there is no better way to measure and intuit the energy of such a city than to look at the center of transportation and logistics.

Bernharde Reichsbahn, Central Station Brullin.

History, which is called the main artery of the country, showed off its busy presence from early morning. The closing of a group of workers who started maintenance early in the morning, the train entering with the sound of a firebox, and even the railroad crew changing uniforms before going to work in preparation for it.

“Did the firemen go?”

“Yes, I just finished work and went back.”

“Great. Then let’s check it one last time and hand it over.”

The foreman, who was in charge of the maintenance site, glanced at the locomotive standing tall in the middle of the vehicle depot. The name of the train to which dozens of engineers clung to was Schnelfahrt, the symbol of Bernhard Reichsbahn, so-called the so-called transcontinental train.

Magic power locomotives with cutting-edge technology require careful management. It is only in the world that people pay more attention to the pretense of being pollution-free and clean power sources, but the most important thing in iron horses is safety, not anything else.

This train, which consists of a total of 8 cars, is small in scale compared to other railway vehicles, but on the other hand, it has a side that can speed up more. It boasts a decent speed comparable to that flying dragon in the sky.

The secret is none other than the car. It is the power of a dream achieved with a compound in which highly concentrated refined mana stones and special catalysts are condensed. This medium is so chaste that even the average engineer cannot even dare to deal with it. It will soon be treated as an explosive hazard with extreme caution.

“There is nothing more than a safety check.”

“Good job.”

A sweaty technician reported face-to-face. It’s nothing new, but Schnellfart’s maintenance was hard work even for their mechanics. Especially when there are unusual demands like today.

“By the way, is that thing in the tank car really okay?”

“Is there a problem?”

“It seems that the amount of mana stones is twice as large as usual…….”

The foreman patted the shrinking engineer on the shoulder and encouraged him. Obviously, as he said, the amount of ammunition loaded today was double than usual. However, the mechanic’s role is to check according to the norm, and now that I have confirmed that it is not wrong, such questions are no more than a matter of course.

“It’s a millet order.”

“Would it be okay?”

“No way.”

A superior prevents subordinates from making mistakes. Also, the role of the person in charge is to embrace those who are confused like this.

“I’m worried that Mr. Michaelis might have misunderstood something.”

“I fully understand how anxious you feel.”

Yes, Schnelfart is a significant symbol. It is not simply limited to the company Bernharde Reichsbahn, but as a symbol representing this country, its weight cannot be considered light.

“Let each of us keep our place.”

“…… All right.”

However, those who engage in livelihoods all have their own territories. In that context, the foreman and engineer were faithful to their duties. This state-of-the-art iron horse, which has just opened, is ready to run vigorously today, and what remains is up to the train crew, including the engineer.

“Well then, shall we go to work soon?”

“Aren’t you going to take over?”

“I have to. It’s time.”

The foreman pointed at the figure approaching from afar and replied. The relatively new engineer didn’t know, but what he meant was that the time was coming and the captain must show up. It was because the representative engineer of the Bernhard Reichsbahn, who boasted a long career, was famous for sticking to time appointments like a knife.

“Eisler.”

An elderly orc approached, striding forward. The wrinkled forehead and white hair were very impressive. It was possible to guess the strict character of wearing nameplates and badges on each uniform, and the hat given only to the engineer.

“Michaelis.”

The eyes of the two veterans briefly crossed: foreman Jacob Eisler and engineer Theobald Michaelis. After a series of light handshakes, the handover began with a straightforward attitude. What could be reported in writing was reported, and what had to be reported verbally was reported.

“I ordered the carriage to load the requested amount of magic stones. It will be two or three times more than usual. I checked the wheel as a whole and found no major problems. However, the right axle of car No. 3 was a little loose, so I tightened the screw.”

“Last time I was driving, the control unit 88 in the engine room was a bit loose. It’s an emergency braking device, so I hope there’s no problem if possible, but I’m busy with other things this week, so I couldn’t tell you directly.”

“Ah, it was delivered from the department. When I checked, some of the cogs on the inside were worn out. It’s not something you’ll use often, but if you do something wrong, the brakes may not eat, so I replaced it entirely. Drive safely.”

“You have suffered a lot.”

Theobald spat out briefly. Yakov shrugged and hit him back. After that, he lightly placed his hand on the shoulder of his subordinate mechanic and said in a sighing voice.

“The weather is very nice today.”

It was a small talk that was not a waste of expression. If a sharp-tongued person saw him, he would say that he was an old man who liked to talk. However, Yakov added that it was not a big deal even with all the possibilities in mind.

“I saw a few drakes in the sky as well. On a day like this, it’s best to drink beer and rest in the yard. If there are no other problems, I’m thinking of leaving work now. I want to show our youngest the true taste of Luneburg stone beer.”

“As you wish.”

“Thank you. I hope you have a safe trip.”

The eyes of the two veterans flashed briefly. It wasn’t just because of the sunny weather. Of course, the engineer, who had not yet studied life, did not notice the current flowing between them. It was only that he stood awkwardly and kept his seat, and when he heard Yakov’s words to have a drink, he moved on excitedly.

And then came a brief silence.

Theobald, who had been left behind, looked for a moment in the direction Jacob had left, then turned around. His personality was too dry to be sentimental. In addition, the responsibilities ahead were also heavy. More than anything, the most important thing for him right now was to successfully lead this operation.

“Captain Michaelis?”

At the end of the base, as he was heading towards the head of the train, a group of people in uniform approached him. Most of them greeted with a light silence and then boarded the vehicle. However, the old man who seemed to be the eldest spoke in a calm voice.

A skinny body, a good-looking height, graceful gestures and an aged expression.

“Manager Ram.”

Despite the age of eighty and two, the steward is still active. The man who took care of the convenience of the Transcontinental Train Schnellpart.

General Manager Thomas Lam.

Even Theobald, who was known for being cold and blunt, did not treat the elves carelessly. Because he is definitely a man who deserves the respect he deserves.

“This is the reservation list. I prepared it because I thought it would be good for you to familiarize yourself with it.”

“Anything to pay special attention to?”

“About three.”

Thomas held out the folder that was slung around his side. He then stretched out his index finger and pointed to the names of three people on the list of first class reservations. In turn, these were Henrietta de la Roche-Jacqueline, Yegor Bukharin, and Elfriede Eichmann.

“First, I am Madame Roche-Jacqueline. As you know, she is from the great nobles of Gaul. Every year at this time we take our trains to visit Brullin. You seem to be leaving the country quite early this year, probably because you have other responsibilities, but there was a command from the top to pay special attention to customer service.”

“I’ve heard the name before. As a socialite mogul, there is no place where you can’t reach. I wonder what an engineer would know about customer service, but if we ever run into each other, we’ll make sure we don’t get caught.”

“Next is Mr. Yegor Bukharin. He is, as his name suggests, a diplomat from the Commonwealth. He is also the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador sent to our Bernhard a few years ago. As the situation between the two countries has deteriorated recently, it seems that they are going to return home, but it is necessary to safely escort them to their destination as much as possible.”

“I understand that you mean to take care so that the innocent charges do not go back to the motherland.”

The last one was a person who didn’t even need to talk. The brilliance of the Royal Guard Extermination was the only one among the Iron Cross whose status was revealed to the whole world. She is a loyal servant of the Führer, and her presence on her passenger list here suggests that some act of extermination is destined for her arrival at Partenope, or within this train.

“Our train has hosted many distinguished guests so far. Sometimes, those who rebelled against the regime sought such fame and hid it. However, this is the first time that a director-level official has asked for cooperation even in the SS that are so persistent.”

“I have heard that the work of the Extinct Nation is open-ended. I think it would be a good idea to set the beds for Madame Roche-Jacquelin and the diplomat couple farther apart in case things get complicated.”

“I have already done that. Mr. Eichmann’s seat is now at the end of the first class sleeper. However, apart from the measures, the captain should also be aware of it. That this trip will never be easy.”

Theobald nodded. Thomas politely bowed his head and boarded the train. The captain, the manager, and the two of them respected each other despite the obvious high and low age. On the one hand, that’s why it was worth paying more attention to his tip.

Now is the age of war. The fact that the Gauls and the Slavic Federation had a high proportion among today’s list of reservations can be said to be the result of the aftermath of the rapidly changing situation. Because there is no common people who do not suffer in war.

“Current time is 7:35. This is Theobald Michaelis, captain of the day.”

Taking out the radio he was wearing on his belt, he headed for the engine room at the head of the base. He soon stepped into the seat given to me, closed the door, and checked the room. There was an empty space on the front control panel that looked like a holder, and when the front radio was plugged in, the built-in magic immediately worked.

“Check the transmitter for abnormalities.”

The magic cast for security cut off all lines connected to the outside world. Theobald, who checked for communication problems according to the procedure, started the engine while listening to the reply from Dukan.

“There is no more than the first train station.”

“There is no more than the second train station.”

“The third train station is the same.”

“The 4th train station is the same.”

Even the years of being sixty and two had not rusted the old man’s stocky physique. The muscles, which could be seen even on the stiffly ironed uniform, were as vivid as a statue. When he pulled the slightly stiff lever, he wriggled with more force than that.

Rumble, rumble.

The wheels are engaged. A powerful beating sound resonated through the base, as if blowing a horn. It was a signal clear enough that even a passenger with a close history could hear it. Soon after, the train started moving along the track, and finally announced when it reached the starting point at the end.

“Passengers, how are you?”

“After a while, the Bernhard Reichsbahn BR-001 train will depart.”

“If you are taking the express train from Brulin to Partenope, please use Platform 1.”

It’s starting now.

* * *

Bruhlin Central Station, Platform 1.

The history of the capital, also called Rosengart, a minor station, was noisy. Yes, any train is bound to be crowded with people at any time before departure. However, the operation of the Schnellfart was of an extraordinary upper class, both as a passenger and as a crew member, so it was originally necessary to show a little calmness in the order of those who like to save face.

But Bernharde Reichsbahn is national. History is also a kind of public space. In this place where anyone with a ticket could openly enter, the rampant business was something that even the station staff couldn’t help.

“Buy flowers! A single fragrant flower costs only one mark!”

“A hot smoked herring a la carte for 7 marks and a sandwich for 10 marks!”

“Who needs a drink? I have cool carbonated water!”

In short, Central Station is so to speak. Like Dottegi Market, it is a commercial district where trains come in and shine for a while. And in the middle of it, those who went out for a day’s meal move busily. After deducting the sign price, I groan to eat at least a little bit of the remaining money.

Even children in the streets selling crudely woven flowers.

There is also a young man who sells water in bottles he has brought himself.

An old woman who puts homemade food in a basket and wraps it in newspaper to sell.

Where else in the world is there a scene where poverty is so plainly revealed? There are places that even the selection of a great president cannot reach. People just don’t know. Statistics is nothing more than a figure of the declining extreme poverty and the increasing middle class under the numbers.

“You are shallow.”

Beatrix Adler is definitely a great person. As many of her say with her mouth, there will be no egg more than her under her sky. Above the sky too. Because that superman is truly transcendent, philosophical, and enlightened.

It is because there is no one more noble in the universe.

But peace disguised as reign is a lie. The Absolute who reigns above has not proven himself. It will be so in the future. So naturally, the justice or government is only the best looking unknowable.

“It’s shallow.”

Bastien Richard thus put a cigarette in his mouth. There was still quite a bit of time left before departure, so I tried to soothe my displeasure with this smoking experience before the long journey. Except for the dining car, the inside of the car was basically non-smoking.

However, there were a few problems. One was that the lighter he had taken out of the inside pocket of his coat along with the pack of cigarettes was dead. Even though it was not a cheap magic formula, it was a luxury product with expensive flint and silver plating as well as coating.

“Hey, gentleman…….”

The two of them were hit here and there from afar, and a girl who had been hit there found me and came rushing toward me. It must have been because he thought that he would buy the flowers I was selling because of his neat appearance, classy atmosphere, and somewhat clumsy impression.

“Can you buy me a cornflower?”

Bastian was silent for a moment. He was around to find words to say no to. However, the girl seemed to think it was a good omen that the screams and hand gestures didn’t return, so she started looking at him with rabbit-like eyes.

It was a very earnest look.

In the meantime, a new intruder came along. It was the last of the courtesy issues. A station attendant who seemed to belong to Bernharde Reichsbahn recognized me and started talking to me. It seemed that Tanya wanted to treat the passengers on the first-class reservation list as honored guests, but it was nothing more than a nuisance to Bastien.

“Are you Bastien Richard?”

“That’s right.”

“Passengers on the first class reservation list can board right now. If you don’t mind, I’ll guide you right away.”

The favor was appreciated. But he wasn’t happy. To make matters worse, the station attendant must have been a person who only bowed down to his superiors. He glared at the flower girl who hadn’t left her seat and waved her hand. Even then, when her child did not want to leave, she warned, pressing her forehead with her index finger.

“What are you doing?”

That was the root cause.

“Oh, sorry. You looked shabby to the guests. Since it is a platform where dogs and cows can come in and out with just a ticket, things like this sometimes get messed up. Let’s solve it quickly.”

The station attendant, who did not even know why he was being pointed out, turned around in a flustered manner. As if he had changed people, he changed her expression and pushed her girl on the shoulder. Even so, she shouted with a harsh demeanor, as if she hadn’t lost her temper.

“Don’t bother me and get out of here, bitch!”

Cornflowers in an old bag spilled out. The pile of soil that had been laid for a long time to retain life was also scattered. It was a mess. The floor of the train station, which had been shining like that, became dirty in an instant.

“Under! I will be thrilled.”

“I’m sorry.”

The girl was crying. I tried to fix it by hugging the flowers that had already been stepped on by several people. And the station attendant, who touched his forehead while watching that scene, tried to swear again as if it was very troublesome.

“I asked what are you doing now.”

“Yes?”

Not until Bastien grabbed him by the wrist.

“You trash man!”

“Kuuuuu…… !”

“This child is Minjung’s younger sister! Is the raison d’etre of your power a violence wielded only against the weak? I am disgusted with your attitude, so tired of the ancien regime!”

Was only human. Except for the fact that she was well-dressed, she was an ordinary man. It was difficult to imagine that he would win in terms of physical strength against an orc and a station attendant who looked quite strong. Even so, Bastien squeezed his wrists so that they would not be crushed.

Along with such a landslide victory, he proved himself extraordinary with the outcry.

“Get out of here!”

The station attendant, who was released with a bitter attack, ran away in a hurry. It was quite a big commotion, but there was little interest, perhaps because it was buried in the salesmen’s solicitation. Bastian, belatedly swallowing his anger, broke the cigarette in his hand.

Seeing the frightened girl picking flowers right next to her, he knelt down on her knees.

“Tsk.”

Did you say noblesse oblige? It was very impressive to see her collecting scattered flowers on behalf of her girl, just like the saying that a nobleman does her duty. Even though her expensive luxury suit was covered in dirt, and her sleeves and knees were rubbed again, she didn’t care.

“Go, thank you…….”

The girl was at a loss and accepted the flowers Bastien had collected. Her eyes were so red that I thought she would burst into tears any minute, but seeing that she was holding it back, she was quite a spirited child.

“I’m sorry. I ruined your business today.”

The life of the poor is difficult. Even if such a minor accident occurs, it will be difficult for children like girls to eat that day. Bastian, deeply offended by the fact, took out his wallet, knowing that he was a cheap pity.

“The world is cruel, my dear.”

Not a penny or two, he took out two of her highest denomination bills, crumpled them, and quickly gave them to the girl so that others would not see them.

“And luck brings vague expectations. So maybe this cheap pity I’m giving you now will be poison to you. But I just couldn’t leave this guy alone.”

“This, this…….”

“Shh! Do you want to hide quietly? Hide one in a place only you know. And use it only when absolutely necessary. Hopefully this gift will help you endure tough moments.”

The girl hid her notes, scanning her eyes to either side of her. Then she nodded as she listened to Bastian’s advice. Even after waving her hand to signify that she was gone, she did so only after pulling out from her bag a cornflower in comparatively good condition and holding it out.

“Thank you…… !”

It was a gift that could not be refused. Bastien carefully accepted the girl’s cornflowers. As she greeted me several times as she was, as I watched her leave, she smiled lightly, then put her fragrant flower in the top pocket of her suit and sighed.

“I really don’t feel like it.”

I blew two cigarettes at the beginning of the year alone. I couldn’t even swallow a sip of it. But what offended him more than anything else was the girl’s future. It was that child’s future that could never be guaranteed with the sympathy or petty money I handed over.

Bastien glanced at the watch hanging on the platform pole. It was already 7:52, but I still had time to burn one. He looked around and slipped his hand into his inner pocket as if he were doing something mean.

―Monsieur Richard, can you tell me if there is something you cannot give up even if you die here and now?

― Freedom, equality, solidarity.

– What else?

As someone once answered a question, if I had to pick three things I couldn’t give up until I died. However, if we can exclude individual beliefs or abstract ideas, or if we can point out one more thing, Bastian Richard says:

―It must be Kohel cigarettes.

There is an awareness that smoking in public places is a nuisance. But here, the Gallian man feels a kind of deviation and immorality in that perception. I feel a sense of freedom from the pressures of life that suffocate my breath every moment.

What if I asked for a cigarette? He also has his own smoking philosophy. It’s just a matter of time and place. I don’t smoke in front of children, I tend to refrain from smoking in closed spaces, and I throw it away in non-smoking areas.

– It’s my only downfall.

Bastian tapped the cigarette pack in his hand. He soon brought one of the protruding cigarettes to his mouth and flicked the lighter.

Chick, Chick.

It was fed up. And it belatedly reminded me that it was broken. It was a situation where I couldn’t do anything but my negligence. He hit his forehead with a cigarette in his mouth and let out a bitter curse.

“Dude, fuck…….”

Perhaps because of the recent commotion, the only people around were an old elf a few steps away. To make matters worse, he was in a difficult mood to speak English, and the passport in his hand was not Bernhard or Gaul, but a minor country in the Western Province of the Slavic Federation.

Come to think of it, I heard that the Eastern Front repeats advances and retreats every day. Perhaps the old man here also repeated the change of enemies he was involved in in such chaos. Presumably, he was tired of the disorder and wanted to run away.

Bastian let out another deep sigh. Now that it’s a cigarette and a nap, I thought that I should get on the train straight away.

And at that moment, a hand that appeared out of nowhere held out a nice igniter and ignited it.

“Is it Kohel menthol?”

When I turned my head, standing there was a man with a handsome beard. In fact, it was a look worthy of being middle-aged, and the attire was a suit that was handmade and belonged to a luxury brand, if not as good as the one I was wearing.

“They say that the Gauls look blunt on the outside but are kind on the inside, so that’s true. I never thought a young bourgeois would show off such impressive noblesse oblige.”

“I’m grateful for the light you lent me. Excuse me, but do you know me?”

“It is a first impression. I never forget a person I met once.”

Suddenly, the man who reached the floor with a cane retrieved the igniter. After lightly apologizing to Bastien, who repeatedly showed his discomfort, he stopped talking.

“Oh, sorry. It became a habit and I stopped rude. It’s like an occupational disease, so please understand.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard the right answer yet.”

“Nothing. Judging from the racial map, humans with characteristics such as blonde hair, white hair, and a split chin are distributed to the west of Bernhardt. And apparently, even though he is familiar with the language of the country, he uses Gaul words such as raisons d’etrenis ancien regimes.”

The man had a good understanding of reasoning. And he must have been a person with quite a reputation, and he kept giving the impression that he had been seen somewhere. A tall middle-aged man like this would probably remember the moment he met a socialite or a businessman, but it was really dumb that there was no corner to guess at all.

“The two countries with the strongest pride in their own country on this continent are probably Bernhard and Gaul. In particular, the Ancien Régime must have thought of the honor of being a descendant of the Great Revolution, so he would not have wanted to translate it into another language.”

It was only a clue that guessed the nationality. It’s a part that can be guessed without difficulty if you have knowledge of my country’s language. What Bastien was curious about was the conclusion that he was a bourgeois. It was a man’s insight contained in such a euphemism.

“The clothes are Maison Laurent’s luxury goods from head to toe, so it is obvious that they are of heritage, and even the appearance of knowing the hardships of poverty judging from the attitude of treating girls earlier. Perhaps he is a supporter of independence movements in the western colonies.”

“You’re mistaken, I’m a pretty greedy businessman, no matter how you look at it.”

The man grinned and took off his hat. It was a polite gesture he made to apologize for his rudeness.

“I’m sorry in many ways.”

Of course, his sudden change of attitude gave the man confidence. But what I couldn’t help but deny was that this place was none other than Bernhard. What would it be like if I was ostracized for being openly engaged in the independence movement in the land of those who colonized my country?

“It is enough to know.”

If you’re unlucky, you’re in the torture chamber of the SS, and if you’re lucky, you’re going to prison.

“It’s nothing to talk about in person, but you’re a nobleman who doesn’t know what’s going on inside the barrel.”

“I hear it often.”

Bastian flinched, narrowing his eyes. The man was as outgoing and cheerful as he looked. He was also good at interpersonal relationships, to the extent that he lends fire without hesitation to strangers and attaches words to them.

‘Suspicious.’

It is his creed that one should be wary of overly likable characters. More than anything, I felt a sense of deja vu for this unknown man. Such a sixth sense is one of the signs that should never be overlooked.

“I’m asking just in case, aren’t you a listener like me?”

So Bastian asked a question. The identity of the question with the subject omitted was a code that was only used among people like me. And, of course, the man who couldn’t know that thought about it for a while, and after a while, he shook his head from side to side and said straight away.

“What are you talking about?”

“You really don’t know?”

“I do not know.”

It wasn’t a question to be passed on as if you didn’t know, regardless of who you were. Only then did Bastian inhale the smoke through his limp face. He slowly closed his eyes, let out a white breath, and waved his hands.

“All right then. Stop worrying and go on your way.”

The man shrugged his shoulders and put the hat back on his head as if he would. To the benefactor who helped me smoke, I had a rather ruthless attitude, but whoever he was was not an outsider unless he answered my question. Entrepreneur Bastien Richard never entangled himself with anyone unrelated to his work.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll ask you one last thing.”

“What?”

“What’s the name of that cigarette you’re holding in your mouth?”

“It’s a Kohel special.”

The man grinned and nodded. As with my question, I turned around adding an incomprehensible sajok.

“Aha.”

Eventually, his footsteps coincidentally took the same express train to Partenope as mine, and judging by the classy outfit that made it feel old-fashioned, the seat was probably first class.

“Right. Both of us got on our feet.”

Bastian did not understand the meaning of the words that followed. However, he could only foresee that today’s upcoming journey would be unusual.

“Passengers, the Bernhard Reichsbahn BR-001 train is leaving soon.”

“For those who have not boarded yet, please use Bus Stop No. 1.”

“Thank you.”

From the thorny road that shimmers ahead.

* * *

Five minutes before departure, the massive iron horse began to emit a powerful exhaust sound.

The crowds in the bustling station gradually dwindled with that as a signal. The chaos after the war calmed down like a lie, and wanderers, including merchants, moved one by one. Now that the subject here was over, it was to find a new place.

“The train leaves in 5 minutes.”

Inside the vehicle, the interior was somewhat cluttered, regardless of the carriage. Even those with higher ranks put their burdens down frantically, probably because they couldn’t bring an attendant with them. First class, with fewer passengers, was better. The clamor of the second and third class seats, which doubled as you went further back, was just chaos itself.

“This is Manager Ram. Please report the status of each train station.”

“This is Joseph Scharnhorst, the first train conductor. Currently, three of the first class passengers are on board.”

“I am Claudia Enke, the second train conductor. The kitchen is being inspected in Car 1.”

“It seems that the rear train masters are busy. Mr. Scharnhorst, please serve first class. Mr. Enke, please go straight to car number 8. Second and third class seats seem to be very crowded, so I think you can apply.”

Bernhard Reichsbahn’s punctuality is famous. Schnellfart, which is called the signboard, has never been delayed or delayed. The secret is the hard work of railway crews who calmly put order in any situation.

Although the disorder seemed unmanageable at first glance, Thomas, who oversaw the general affairs of the train, was calm as usual. Although he was a little inexperienced, he encompassed the busy moving staff and organized an efficient movement line.

“The answer was late. This is Patrick Fichte, the third train conductor. Currently, I am in charge of car 5, and the 4th train manager is leaving due to a dispute between passengers in cars 6 and 8.”

“Enke-san is going there, so please take over and apply.”

“All right.”

Before long, the answer came back from the walkie-talkie that the situation was over. Under the command of each train conductor, all the crew did their part, and all that was left was to wait for the few who were still not on board.

“Mr. Scharnhorst, please check the boarding status of the first class passengers.”

“A total of three people are on board. I understand that this trip is full.”

After hearing that, Thomas straightened my clothes. He stepped out of the train and onto the platform, checking the watch on his wrist.

Currently at 7:56 am, there are a total of nine reservations left.

High-class people generally don’t like noisy places. It’s not because money is rotten and overflowing that they reserve seats worth several months’ salaries of middle-class office workers. I have only paid the price for friendly attendants, warm hospitality, and a comfortable journey on a long journey.

Is that why?

As if they had promised, a group of distinguished guests appeared from afar. Appearing late to avoid the bustle, they were dressed in clothes that could tell at a glance that they were from the upper class. Also, in that they formed a line naturally without invading each other’s territory, I could feel the innate theft.

Did you say etiquette?

I heard that in Gaul, the representative of Bernhard’s western colony, such a social body and mind were called that. Furthermore, I heard that they revere that ethos and regard it as a national virtue as one of the criteria for judging others.

“Monsieur Thomas.”

Indeed, it was as it was said. A lady who was at the forefront of the courtesy line came up and greeted me. The dress, which was fastened with a feather fan, a fancy feather hat, adamantine earrings and a beryl brooch, was truly elegant.

Where is that?

Her already outstanding figure was further highlighted by tightening her waist with a corset. The clothes that were tight to the whole body did not drag on the floor even though the hem of the skirt went past the ankles. The appearance of being sensual yet never losing dignity was heavenly nobility.

“Welcome, Madame Roche-Jacqueline.”

“I wish you well on this trip.”

“It’s just disheartening.”

Thomas held out the back of his hand in front of me and kissed him on the lips. The great aristocratic woman of Gaul, who boasts a beauty like no other actor, still boasted her beauty as if her years had passed. After all, she could be said to be the most powerful person in Gallic society right now.

Henrietta de la Roche Jacqueline.

A noble lady stepped on the steps leading up to the train. She politely bowed her head and smiled at Thomas, who pointed in her direction, then found her place and went inside.

“I’m looking for the express train to Partenope.”

What appeared next was a certain oni. It was a race that was hard to find on the continent as well as Bernhardt. Dressed neatly in a suit and uniform, he was young, well-mannered, and despite his unfamiliar appearance, he was able to communicate with each other even though he was fluent.

“Is this the right train?”

“That’s right. Have you made a reservation?”

“Exactly.”

“What is your name?”

“It’s Hasato.”

It was reddish skin, as recalled. It was like the red skin of a demon. Its horns were sharp like those of a goat, its ears were pointed like those of an elf, and its fangs that reached under its chin reminded us of orcs and trolls.

Hasato Yonezawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Yamato Kingdom.

It was the name of an island country that was said to be expanding its power in the far east. If you believe the official document he submitted along with his passport, he was not just a foreigner, but deserved to be treated like a state guest. It was only somewhat difficult in that the distance between the two countries was far, there was no exchange, and it was difficult to know whether it was true or not.

“You can go inside.”

“Thank you.”

Fortunately, Hasato was not a friend who hanged himself for ceremonies. He rose to the position of overseeing the country’s foreign affairs at the age of ten, and his ability was certain. I knew very well that a person with a status like mine only showed his true value when he moved quietly without any rudeness.

‘Come, what a big deal.’

There was no prejudice against race. But Bernhardt’s constitution makes clear distinctions in classifying its citizens. That meant that it was very difficult to meet other minor races other than humans, orcs, and elves.

Moreover, Thomas had no choice but to come into contact with many races due to the nature of his work. Even he felt unfamiliar to today’s passenger, and such a rare experience was passed on to the next guest.

“Excuse me. I have a first class reservation.”

“Could you show me your passport?”

“Here it is.”

His nationality was Gaul. Gender was male. The race was a beast-type called satyrs. The name of the man, who was quite tall even though his lower body was inverted, was Étienne Duris, and judging from his free and carefree outfit and the bag he was carrying on his shoulder, he was an entertainment person.

“Monsieur Duris, welcome aboard the Schnellfarth.”

“Which one?”

“Left. Inside Car No. 2, our staff will guide you to your room.”

The satyr Étienne stumbled inside him. And what came next was a couple. An old man with a stylishly long beard like a wizard in a fairy tale, and a vampire whose fangs protrude from his mouth like an orc, suggesting his age.

“Yegor Bukharin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federation.”

A woman who boasts a slim and enchanting body, as if adorning the cover of a sensational magazine, and a demon with sparkling white eyes in her pitch-black eyes.

“Oxana Kirilova, this is his wife.”

It was indeed fluent Bernhardt. I couldn’t find the awkward tones unique to the Slavic side. If you didn’t tell me your name, you’d be mistaken for a citizen of your own country. Although his clear presence and unique dignity prevented such an unfortunate incident.

“This is General Manager Thomas Lam. Thank you for visiting our train today.”

Thomas greeted them with a very serious attitude. As I told Theobald earlier, the couple of diplomats could not forgive their lack of service.

“I want to know the seat.”

“Both of you are in the second car. If you go to the front left, our staff will guide you to the room.”

The Slavic diplomat couple went into the car without saying a word. Thomas’ greetings, which he thought might have been an overstatement, were also indifferently left behind. Anyway, it wasn’t just one side’s story that didn’t do anything good from being caught.

Naturally, the next passenger’s turn came.

“This is Gennady Yagoda. I was informed that they would change it to first class according to the frequent flyer system.”

“You are Yagoda. Thank you for always using our train. Enter the third car on the right and our staff will guide you.”

This time, it was a tone that could clearly tell where he was from. Like the diplomat couple who came before them, they belonged to the Slavic Federation, and the race was a very rare dragon race.

Long, elegant horns, scales that stand out between the skin, and above all, vertical pupils.

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

“It is just an honor to serve you.”

Thomas, who had let Gennady in, still looked at his back for some time. It was an act that could have been disrespectful, but in this day and age, Yongin was a rarity. Just like the woman’s race that followed, it was a great thing to suppress the startled reaction.

“Oh, excuse me.”

“Welcome.”

“Are you a flight attendant?”

“Yes, manager Thomas Rahm.”

“My name is Ines Dupin. I reserved first class, but I lost my ticket. Maybe my name is on the list, can I get some help?”

Thomas smiled softly. The spirit with impressive blue skin actually didn’t need that kind of help. If it was in front of a manager who would memorize the list of passengers who had made reservations for each trip, it would have been enough to just show one’s passport.

“Madame Dupin, I have been waiting for you. For passengers who have reserved a first class seat, just give us your passport and we will guide you to your seat right away.”

The privilege of the senior seat lies in being able to resolve these trivial inconveniences without difficulty. Ines, rummaging through the bag she carried by her side, soon found her passport and took it out. Because her ethnicity was so conspicuous, there was no need for cumbersome procedures, and she entered the train soon.

And at 7:59 am.

She had only one minute left before departure. Thomas, who was tilting his head at the fact that the person of interest had not appeared, found a figure walking from the entrance of the station. It was a woman with long, wavy brown hair and wearing an SS uniform.

“Are you Director Eichmann?”

“Right.”

“Welcome. Welcome to the Schnellfart.”

“Hmm, did I dress too late?”

“No. We were just about to leave.”

No matter how bad it is, the Iron Cross is the Iron Cross. Elfriede’s appearance exposed to the public through newspapers and radio waves is ever-changing, and not many people know that her hair color is the same color as cherry blossoms.

“I asked to load my luggage separately, but I wonder what happened.”

“Don’t worry. Workers loaded it first.”

That fact was very fortunate. That’s why, at this urgent moment, this brown-haired woman was able to claim herself as Elfriede Eichmann. Because she was able to come up with great tricks with that kind of acting.

“I’m glad. Please take good care of me while driving.”

“Is it possible?”

“Could you please guide me to a seat?”

“Of course. Come this way.”

Steam imbued with magic rose hotly. The waves of fate that came like a raging wave foreshadowed trouble. People were immersed in their own thoughts, and finally surrendered as they wished, and they moved forward.

“Passengers, the Bernhard Reichsbahn BR-001 train will depart in a moment.”

“For your safety, please stay one step away from the platform.”

To that Campania Partenope.