Free Web NovelChapter 212: Hotel
Victor, Aluella and Wanda made their way through the bustling streets of the capital, feeling the vibrant atmosphere and infectious energy around them. The lights of the lanterns began to illuminate the city as the sun hid on the horizon, painting the sky with a spectrum of soft colors. Victor led the group with firm steps, his gaze attentive to his surroundings.
"There is an inn not far from here where I have stayed on my previous visits," Victor said, his voice ringing with confidence. "It’s a comfortable and discreet place, ideal for resting and planning our next steps."
Wanda, a young woman with alert eyes and curly hair, watched curiously. "I hope you have a good bed," she commented, her tone a mixture of weariness and hope. "I need a good night’s sleep."
Aluella, always alert and witty, gave Wanda an understanding look. "Don’t worry, we’ll find you a good place to rest."
After walking through several streets and crossing plazas adorned with fountains and majestic statues, the group finally spotted the inn Victor had mentioned. But as they approached, something was clearly wrong. The windows were boarded up and covered in dust, the wooden sign with the name of the establishment was fallen and cracked, and the whole place looked abandoned.
Victor stopped abruptly, his expression showing surprise and dissatisfaction. "This is... unexpected," he muttered, approaching the entrance and pushing open the door, which creaked as it partially opened, revealing a dark and empty interior.
Aluella frowned, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. "Looks like we won’t be staying here tonight," she commented with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "But I know another place. It’s a little further down the road, but it should be fine."
Victor nodded, accepting Aluella’s suggestion. "Then let’s go, we can’t waste any more time here." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
The group continued their walk, following Aluella through the brightly lit streets. They passed shops closing their doors, busy shops and hurrying people until they came to a small inn with a modest but well-kept facade. The sign above the door read "The Silver Rose" in elegant letters.
Aluella opened the door and they entered. The interior was cozy, with a crackling fireplace and polished wooden tables scattered around the room. The smell of fresh food and the sound of laughter from other guests filled the air.
A middle-aged man with a thick moustache and a friendly expression approached the group. "Welcome to the Silver Rose! Can I help you find a room for the night?"
Victor smiled, relieved. "Yes, please. Three rooms if possible."
"Of course," the innkeeper replied, taking a set of keys from the counter. "Follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms."
The group followed the innkeeper down the corridor, up a wooden staircase to the second floor. He handed a key to Wanda, who smiled in thanks before entering her room. He then led Victor and Aluella to their respective rooms, which were next to Wanda’s.
Aluella entered the room next to Victor’s, and he stood in front of her door for a moment. "Do you think the letter you sent has reached Mrs. Wonderkul yet?" asked Victor, the concern evident in his tone.
Aluella sighed, sat down on the edge of the bed, and looked at Victor. "If it hasn’t arrived yet, it should arrive tomorrow with the return of Lady Wonderkul’s children."
Victor frowned thoughtfully. "And you think she’ll be angry at your request?"
Aluella laughed bitterly. "She will certainly be angry. Lady Wonderkul is not known for her patience or understanding. However, she won’t send anyone after me after everything I’ve explained in the letters."
"I hope so."
"What about you? Have you decided what you’re going to do before the Royal Selection begins in three days?"
"Today I’m going to the Matrix of the Church of Light."
Aluella looked at Victor with surprise on her face. "You’re going to the Matrix of the Church of Light?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "Victor, you’ve always shown an aversion to the gods. Why now?"
Victor took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the polished wooden floor of the room. "I’ve never been accepted by any god, I’ve always been angry about it. But there is something I must do. The black sword of the hero Elban... I have to give it to the person who forged it, the heroine Rosalyne".
Aluella rose from the bed and approached Victor, her expression softening with concern. "Victor, are you sure about this? Going into the matrix of the Church of Light is dangerous, especially for someone like you."
Victor looked up and met Aluella’s eyes. "I know the risks, but I can’t leave this task unfinished. Elban trusted me with this sword, and Rosalyne deserves to have it back."
Aluella sighed and ran a nervous hand through her hair. "If that’s what you’ve decided, then I’ll go with you. I won’t let you face it alone."
Victor smiled, appreciating the loyalty of his friend. "That’s not necessary, Aluella. We need you to go to the Hunters’ Association and get information about where Trawerr is. It’s crucial that we know more before the Royal Selection begins and this city is left in chaos."
Aluella hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. But please be careful, Victor. If anything goes wrong, come back immediately."
Victor put his hand on Aluella’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I promise I’ll be careful. Now get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day for all of us."
With that, Victor left Aluella’s room and went to a third bedroom, closing the door quietly behind him. He looked around the small room, which was simple but cozy, with a wooden bed, a table and a chair. The fireplace was crackling, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
He approached the window and looked out at the city below. Lanterns lit the streets, and the distant sounds of nightlife were a constant reminder that life went on despite everything. He took Elban’s black sword from its sheath and placed it on the table, watching the soft, eerie glow of the blade in the firelight.
Victor felt a mixture of emotions as he looked at the sword. Memories of past battles, sacrifices made, and promises broken flooded his mind. He knew the journey to the headquarters of the Church of Light would be difficult, but he also knew it was necessary. He quickly prepared himself, donning his light armor and taking up his black sword. Before leaving, he paused briefly in front of the mirror to look at his reflection. His eyes showed determination, but also a hint of uncertainty.
Victor then left the inn and walked through the still sleepy streets of the city. The morning breeze was cool and he could feel the calm that preceded the awakening of the city. He knew he had to keep a low profile, especially as he approached the Matrix of the Church of Light, so he wore a long cloak.
After a few minutes’ walk, he reached the noble district of the capital. This was a place where opulence and grandeur were everywhere. Stately, well-kept homes lined the streets, meticulously manicured gardens adorned the entrances to the mansions, and the presence of well-equipped guards was notable. freewebnoveℓ.com
Victor knew that the Mother Church of the Church of Light stood at the top of a hill, accessible by a long, imposing staircase. He turned a corner and there it was: the stairs leading up to the cathedral. The white marble steps gleamed softly in the morning light, and at the end of them, the cathedral rose majestically against the sky, its spires seeming to touch the clouds.
He began to climb the steps with determination, each step echoing faintly in the morning silence. As he climbed, he felt the tension grow in his chest. There was a sense of solemnity in the air, as if each step brought him closer not only to a physical place, but also to an important decision.
When he finally reached the top, he took a deep breath and tried to calm his nerves. The matrix of the Church of Light was even more impressive up close. Its massive doors were adorned with intricate reliefs that told stories of epic battles and divine miracles. Colorful stained-glass windows adorned the walls, and the light streaming through them created a spectacle of color on the marble floor.
But before he could advance, Victor was intercepted. A knight in white armor stood in front of the cathedral doors, blocking his path. The knight’s armor was impeccable, and he wore a yellow cross on his chest. He was holding a lance, and his gaze was intense and watchful.
"Where do you think you’re going, traveler?" the knight asked, his voice firm and authoritative. His blue eyes fixed on Victor, eyeing him with suspicion.
Victor remained calm, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect. "I have urgent business with the heroine Rosalyne," he replied, trying to convey sincerity in his tone.
The knight narrowed his eyes and laughed briefly, clearly unconvinced. "Don’t talk nonsense. Heroine Rosalyne doesn’t receive visitors."
