A Peaceful Land of the Orcs (2.2)
Central District of Wildschwein, Forest Park. Known locally as Waldgarten.
The oldest and largest park in the royal capital was being visited on foot, not by carriage or horse, by King Gustav Falkenhayn of the Orc Kingdom.
He wore the everyday military uniform of an Orcsen army general: a black double-breasted coat with a standing collar, accented with red trim and six buttons in two rows. His trousers, in matching colors, bore two thick side stripes and one thin stripe.
Though March brought hints of budding trees, this region still treated it as winter. Gustav donned a military overcoat with epaulets. The top button remained undone, showcasing the red lining of the wide collar—a touch of vanity.
At his waist hung a saber and a pistol.
On his head sat an Orcsen-style military cap with a brim, considered informal compared to ceremonial helmets.
In other words, his appearance was indistinguishable from any other military general, except for the rank insignia on his shoulders signifying the King as Grand Marshal, and the distinct thickness of the stripes on his trousers.
Compared to hunting attire, his outfit leaned closer to official garb. Yet, for someone of his rank and power, it was far from ostentatious.
There were no lavishly jeweled rings or gold and silver cufflinks tailored specially for him. The only decorative item, if it could be called such, was a large pocket watch made for Orcs, secured in his jacket pocket with a chain—an entirely practical item.
However, the massive wolf, Advin, accompanied him.
This giant Great Gray Wolf, standing over a meter tall at the shoulder, had a mysterious past but was fiercely loyal to Gustav, following him wherever he went as an informal bodyguard.
In truth, Dineluth was uneasy around this Great Wolf.
The species of Great Wolves had historically been monsters that occasionally preyed upon Elves, making them a source of dread in Elven myth and history. Dineluth herself had played a role in their expulsion from the Belleriant Peninsula. The wolf’s intense gaze stirred both fear and guilt in her.
Yet, this very wolf had saved her life. She was making an effort to bridge the psychological gap between them, albeit slowly.
“It’s this park.”
“... Here?”
Dineluth asked in the tone of a subordinate.
She, too, wore a military uniform—distinctive to her newly formed Dark Elf unit.
The unit she led was composed of cavalry, leveraging the equestrian skills of her kind. Their attire resembled Orcsen cavalry officers’: a black outfit accented with silver braid and trim, including decorative stitching down the back.
Her trousers, tailored for riding, featured silver side stripes of varying thickness depending on rank. She wore knee-high cavalry boots with spurs.
At her waist were a saber sheathed in polished silver and a revolver holstered in leather.
The most striking feature was her fur-lined hat, which bore the insignia of the Orcsen army: a white circle with double black rings on the front, and the unit’s unique silver leaf emblem on the left. The design also accommodated her long elven ears, a practical feature she appreciated.
Her cape-like coat was waist-length, sleeveless, and hooded, incorporating elements of Dark Elf traditional attire.
“Yes. Can you hear it already?”
Though it was only 9 a.m., cheerful commotion filled the air.
Lively music.
The scene soon revealed itself: a bustling collection of stalls and vendors.
Some sold vegetables, others grilled sausages. Some offered seasonal flowers, fruits, meats, fish, goods, toys, or antiques.
The merchants’ calls mingled with the chatter of customers.
Orc parents, Kobold shopkeepers, Dwarven peddlers... even Human customers were among the crowd.
The Humans likely came from embassies or trading posts scattered around the government district. Their wide-eyed reactions to the demon races were understandable—Dineluth had felt the same way when she first arrived.
A morning market.
A flea market, to be precise.
“Every Saturday and Sunday morning, they’re held in parks across the city. They probably have one near Walderberg too. This one’s closest to my residence, so I often visit.”
“I see...”
Still, she couldn’t help but think: Was this necessary?
It wasn’t unusual for a king to mingle with his people, and Waldgarten was conveniently located behind the royal residence. But coming on foot with only a wolf for security?
When Dineluth had visited the residence to get administrative documents signed, she was immediately pulled into this outing with a casual “Good timing, join me.”
Our king is far too impulsive…—
“It’s the King! Our King!”
A Kobold inspecting strawberries at a nearby fruit stall was the first to spot Gustav, letting out an adorable shout.
The Kobold was of the corgi variety—tiny compared to Orcs and Dark Elves, and even Dwarves. He stood upright, holding a strawberry sample in his plush little hands. Dressed in village-style clothes, he looked especially charming.
It was no surprise Gustav was quickly noticed.
Though he concealed his immense mana, his towering Orcish physique and the presence of a giant wolf, not to mention a rare Dark Elf like Dineluth, made him unmistakable.
“Our King!”
“Our King! Our King!”
“Our King! Hail!!”
Cheers spread rapidly.
“Mhm, alright, alright.”
Gustav, slightly embarrassed, waved lightly and approached the fruit stall where the Kobold stood.
Large, red, dewy spring strawberries of the Belmore variety gleamed invitingly.
“Excuse me, uncle. Those strawberries look delicious.”
“Yes, My King! Please have one.”
The Orc shopkeeper offered a sample.
“Oh, how seet. Wrap some up for me for breakfast, will you?”
“Certainly, it’s an honor.”
Remarkably, Gustav pulled coins from his coat pocket and paid in full.
There was none of the typical “Please accept this as a tribute, Your Majesty” or “Oh, don’t bother paying” exchanges. The townsfolk seemed entirely accustomed to the King’s casual visits.
He proceeded to buy vegetables, grilled sausages, and trinkets. Within just 30 minutes, his hands were full of paper bags. When Dineluth offered to carry them, Gustav declined.
“No need. If you see something you want, buy it. Don’t stand on ceremony.”
Finally, he said,
“Alright, let’s head back. I’ll have the chef use these strawberries for breakfast. You’ll stay and eat, won’t you? I know berries are your kind’s favorite.”
He extended the invitation with a playful wink and movement of his thick eyebrows.
What do you think about this chapter?
