Free Web NovelChapter 297: Chapter 285: Arriving at the Royal Capital
Roland instinctively tensed upon feeling the pressure emanating from the Duke—a pressure that, while subtle, was every bit as imposing as Graham’s.
But Duke Anno did not simply exchange pleasantries and depart like the other nobles.
He turned his horse around. Under his control, the powerful warhorse was as docile as a housecat.
"Since we have met by fortunate chance, allow me to personally escort you into the Royal Capital,"
he declared in a resonant voice, his smile as warm as ever.
"It will also give you a chance to experience the grandeur and warmth of our Golden Valley Kingdom’s heartland."
His proposal was one that could not be refused. No one could decline a personal escort from a Duke of his standing.
And so, the study tour group, accompanied by Duke Anno and his elite Guard Team, set off once more, heading toward the gray behemoth that stood on the horizon.
The closer they drew to the Royal Capital, the more they could feel the city’s immense presence.
The towering city walls seemed to connect heaven and earth. Forged from massive granite blocks and weathered by the elements, their surface was mottled yet bore the marks of invincibility.
Atop the battlements, the Golden Ears royal banner and the crested flags of various noble houses snapped in the wind. Guards in gleaming armor stood like statues upon them, their sharp eyes scanning the road leading to the great city gate below.
The city gate was wide open, but it was heavily guarded on both sides. The stream of people and carriages entering and exiting were all being methodically inspected.
However, wherever Duke Anno’s procession went, all obstacles simply vanished.
Upon seeing the Griffin crest—and especially Duke Anno himself on horseback—the Guards immediately snapped to attention, striking the ground with their Long Spears in a gesture of utmost respect and swiftly clearing the central passage.
Civilians and merchants alike retreated to the sides, bowing their heads in reverence and whispering the Duke’s name.
"This way, my friends from afar."
Duke Anno turned slightly, making an elegant "after you" gesture toward the group from the River Domain. His face beamed with the pride and magnanimity of a host.
"Welcome to the glorious heart of the Golden Valley Kingdom, Golden Ears City."
Hoofbeats rang out with a crisp Echo as they trod upon the flagstone road. The procession passed through the deep archway of the gate, officially entering the Royal Capital.
The scene before them instantly erupted into a bustling, clamorous spectacle.
The wide main thoroughfare was flanked by rows of stone buildings with a dazzling array of shop signs. The crowd was shoulder to shoulder, and the calls of merchants in various accents, the haggling of customers, and the rumble of wheels on the road all wove together into a vibrant urban symphony.
The air was filled with a complex mixture of aromas: baked bread, spices, leather, and the faint scent of Magic Potions.
However, beneath this vibrant surface, Roland keenly observed that the number of Guards patrolling the streets was far greater than in any ordinary city. Their gazes were more vigilant, their equipment more finely crafted.
In the shadows of key street corners, inconspicuous figures seemed to be silently observing the crowds.
Duke Anno, seemingly oblivious to these undercurrents, led the way on horseback at a leisurely pace, enthusiastically pointing out and describing various landmarks.
"That is the Kingdom’s Grand Library, which houses a vast collection of books. To the left is the headquarters of the Alchemy Guild, the source of most of our Kingdom’s achievements in Alchemy. And that High Tower in the distance? His Majesty Morne personally ordered its construction recently to house the magical talents flocking to our nation..."
His commentary was impeccable, showcasing the full bearing of a Lord who took great pride in his Kingdom.
The procession eventually stopped before a rather grand posthouse, which bore the crest of the River Domain.
Clearly, notice had been sent ahead, and this place was prepared as their lodging.
"You must all be weary from your journey. Please, rest well here today."
Duke Anno reined in his horse, addressing Master Reggie and the students with a gentle tone.
"A formal welcome banquet has been prepared for you at the Royal Palace. I look forward to seeing you there."
After a few more pleasantries, he instructed the posthouse official to ensure their every need was met, then turned and departed with his silent, elite cavalry.
His tall figure soon vanished at the end of the Royal Capital’s bustling streets.
The great doors of the posthouse closed behind them, muffling the clamor of the city outside.
Roland stood by the window in his room at the posthouse, trying to make sense of the indescribable feeling of discord that Duke Anno had stirred within him. His thoughts, however, were lost in a fog, unable to grasp any solid clue.
’The Duke’s words and actions had been flawless. He was enthusiastic, powerful, and affable—an impeccable host.’
’Perhaps that cold, indifferent gaze and the fleeting, appraising glance were just part of the aura he unconsciously projected as a powerful Transcendent and an Ironfist Lord?’
"Alright, listen up!"
Master Reggie’s voice echoed through the hall, interrupting Roland’s thoughts.
"You are free to explore and familiarize yourselves with the Royal Capital before the banquet begins. But remember, you must return before sunset. Causing trouble is strictly forbidden. Understood?"
"Yes, Master!"
the students replied in unison, their faces alight with excitement.
"Roland!"
Galvis practically bounced over to him, his eyes sparkling.
"The Seven-Stringed Zither tavern here is where Minstrels from all over the Kingdom gather! I ran into all sorts of interesting things there last time. I have to go check it out again!"
As he spoke, he couldn’t resist strumming his fingers in the air as if playing an instrument.
Meanwhile, Teresa just gave a quiet nod.
Her objective was far more specific.
"I’ve done my research,"
the silver-haired woman said, her cool voice cutting through as her eyes scanned the street.
"The central market has three food streets and a dessert shop run by a former royal court pastry chef."
To her, when exploring a new city, a map for the taste buds was far more important than any geographical coordinates.
"I won’t be joining you."
Roland shook his head. He had little interest in taverns or food streets.
"I’m planning to check out the Alchemy Guild."
He recalled the building Duke Anno had casually pointed to on their way here—the Alchemy Guild headquarters.
’Since I have the unique ability [Taste Empathy], maybe I can find some useful Potions there.’
’Analyzing their ingredients and reverse-engineering the formulas would be a huge boost to my power.’
After parting ways at the posthouse entrance with Galvis and Teresa, whose goals differed from his own, Roland headed toward the Alchemy Guild from memory.
The Guild headquarters was an ancient stone building, solemn and rustic. Above the main entrance was a carved crest depicting intricate flasks, tubes, and Element symbols.
A rich, peculiar mix of scents permeated the air: the crisp bitterness of herbs, the sharp tang of minerals, and the faint Energy fluctuations radiating from various magical materials.
At this moment, however, the area before the Guild headquarters’ grand entrance was anything but deserted.
On the contrary, it was far more heavily guarded than any ordinary street.
Dozens of Guards in fine armor, wearing capes emblazoned with the royal Golden Ears crest, flanked the entrance. With hands on their sword hilts, their hawk-like gazes swept the surroundings, silently cordoning off an area that warned strangers to keep their distance.
Their presence caused ordinary Alchemists and apprentices who had intended to enter the Guild to subconsciously take a detour or watch with curiosity from a distance.
Clearly, a person of extremely high standing was inside the Guild.
Roland stopped, wisely deciding not to test the vigilant nerves of the Guards.
He retreated to a stall selling rare medicinal herbs across the street and waited patiently for the important figure inside to leave.
Before long, two Attendants respectfully pushed the heavy wooden doors open from within.
The Guards at the door immediately straightened their backs, their hands gripping their sword hilts tightly, every muscle tensed and ready to act.
The first person to emerge was a middle-aged woman in the attire of a court lady, her expression scrupulous. She quickly scanned the area outside the door.
Then, the person they were guarding emerged.
She was a young girl.
She wore a well-tailored, deep blue dress in the style of a riding habit, designed for ease of movement. The fabric shimmered with an expensive luster in the setting sun.
Her brilliant golden hair was skillfully braided in a style that was both noble and practical.
Her features were as delicate as finely sculpted porcelain, and her azure eyes were clear and bright.
But at this moment, her lovely eyebrows were slightly furrowed and her lips were pursed, as if she had just concluded a difficult meeting. A faint trace of worry and urgency lingered in her expression.
Most striking of all was the crest on her chest—a Golden Ears emblem. Though small, it was impossible to ignore, inlaid as it was with perfectly cut diamonds.
It was identical to the royal banner fluttering on the city walls.
