Chapter 118

Chapter Ninety: Romance or Grease?

The ox cart slowly rolled down the marble street, the wheels creaking. The grayish-white oxen let out a loud snort, sending a long, resonant scream.

The person in front of the cart was not a driver but a guard in silver armor. He hummed an unknown tune, holding the reins with one hand. In the golden sunlight, the lines of the elegant carriage swayed as they headed straight toward the barrier.

I began to feel nervous.

It wouldn’t just crash into it, right?

Would I get dizzy and sick…

Wait! Carlos said this barrier could withstand any evil invasion. So… it won’t separate me from him, right?

Please no.

As the barrier grew closer, I closed my eyes in fear, tightly shutting my mouth, and instinctively let out a “uh—” sound through my little nose. I tensed up, waiting for the impact.

After a moment, a strange sound “pop” echoed by my ear, like a pebble piercing the water’s surface. When I opened my dark eyes again, the barrier was already behind us.

I quickly turned my head to look. The ripples on the transparent film were still not completely gone.

…We made it? I didn’t feel anything at all.

I turned back, puzzled, and caught Carlos smirking.

My expression immediately darkened.

“…Are you laughing at me?!”

“No, no, I wasn’t.”

Carlos hastily looked away, pretending to cough.

“Cough, cough, I was just thinking about something.”

“You’re laughing at me!”

I raised my fist to hit his chest, but Carlos was startled and lifted his arm to block. At that moment, the guard driving the cart spoke.

“Gentlemen, lady, although I really don’t want to interrupt you, we’ve arrived at the city walls. Please cooperate with the inspection for entry.”

“Oh, sure, I’ll do it.” Carlos took the chance to jump down from the carriage, “Little Hill, you stay there.”

I pouted angrily but couldn’t vent further. I glared at his back as he walked towards the guard, thinking viciously: This is the 166th time.

“Carlos Gonzales… Peiro Guinevere Winter Moon… yes, yes, correct, the Valen Empire…”

“Holy Church… Royal Academy… Number 3 Longdor Street…”

The registration for entry was soon completed. The guards allowed passage after verifying everything.

Carlos returned to the carriage, and the guard holding the reins tightened them. The ox cart slowly passed through the stone gate and emerged into a wide-open space after passing through a dim tunnel.

Whether this counted as a characteristic of the royal city, the top of the ox cart was wrapped in expensive, exquisite silk. The luxurious body of the cart was adorned with gold and silver, and four sides were covered by light blue sheer curtains. This design clearly wasn’t meant for long-distance travel; it seemed more like a sightseeing vehicle, allowing those inside to take in the bustling surroundings.

On both sides of the wide street, enough for five carriages to drive side by side, the buildings were arranged with artistic precision, towering densely. Wooden plaques hung above the doorframes, ranging from inns, taverns, jewelry shops, to herbal stores.

As the ox cart entered the white and magical city, the noise of people increased.

People on the streets had various hair colors, whether dressed in simple clothes or armored, their attire was generally clean and exquisite. They silently conveyed the prosperity of the city through their appearance.

From the complicated procedures for entering the city, it was clear that the royal city would always keep poverty at bay.

In one corner of the street, a wandering bard sang a hymn.

“Oh~ Great deity,

I crossed the mountain in my heart, crossed the grassland,

I traveled thousands of miles, just to find my home.

Canyon, the tranquil and beautiful hometown,

That place chosen by the gods—”

As the ox cart delved deeper into the alleyways, the singing gradually faded away behind us.

“Sir, Miss. Welcome to the greatest wonder of the world, the Orderly Capital!” The driver, a guard, opened his arms and turned back to us, his tone smooth and round, somehow I felt a strong French accent, “May I ask where I should take you?”

“To No. 3 Londale Street, please.”

“It’s my honor~ Please hold on tight, my esteemed knight sir and lovely miss.”

“Huh—”

The rhinoceros-drawn carriage sped through the bustling streets, passing by various shops and inns with distinct styles, indicating a thriving tourism industry. Most of these people seemed to be tourists…

I curiously looked around at the pedestrians, their attire exuded a retro court style, though vibrant in color, it didn’t look out of place. This was a refreshing change from the monochrome black, white, and gray I was used to seeing in the Winter City.

“Little Hill, don’t stare at others like that; it’s very impolite in the capital.”

“…Okay.”

With some regret, I retracted my gaze.

I was thinking about getting some clothes later… This style is so beautiful, it must look stunning on someone.

“Haha, it’s fine, sir. Ethenbel is a romantic country. Our citizens are all hospitable. To be noticed by such a beautiful lady, I believe any gentleman would feel honored. Sir, forgive me for asking, but are you and your lady from the Valen Empire?”

“You and your lady…”

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes.

Due to the climate, Carlos and I had already taken off our stuffy Papal Knight capes. Although we were now dressed simply, those with discerning eyes could still tell the luxury of the fabrics. This guard seemed to consider Carlos as my knight or steward.

“Yes, indeed.” Carlos naturally had no intention of explaining.

“Are you here to enroll your lady?”

“That’s right.”

“Then you better hurry. The enrollment procedures start the day after tomorrow… It’s not easy to get in. You need to prepare accordingly.”

“Thank you for the reminder.”

Carlos was indifferent. I remembered him mentioning before that my admission was predetermined.

“Not at all, sir. Just by the place you’re going, I can tell how extraordinary your lady is… Londale Street is the closest to the royal palace. Those who live there are of high status.”

“Oh, my lady is from the royal lineage of the Valen Empire.”

Out of what I perceived as a twisted sense of humor, Carlos decided to boast along with him.

“Haha, I guessed from her dark, beautiful hair and her voice, as clear as holy spring water, soothing my heart like a breeze in April. It’s truly an honor to drive for you.”

I had no idea how to respond to that. I glanced at Carlos, feeling somewhat annoyed.

Are the people here a bit too over-the-top…

Suddenly, I recalled that gentleman I met in the Valen Empire who constantly said “this humble one.” He seemed to be from the capital as well… some kind of guardian at Catraloma?

Speaking of Catraloma, Ali and Lucas should have arrived first, right?

I wonder how they’re doing over here.

Thinking of this, I asked the guard, “Excuse me, where is Catraloma?”

“Oh, beautiful lady, do you mean the Catraloma Orphanage?”

“Yes.”

“It’s in the northern part of the capital near the religious district, quite far away. Not many people go there. Are you planning to… help those unfortunate children?”

“Yes… to visit someone.”

“To inquire about the poor children so soon after arriving in the capital… Lady, I’ve never met a noble like you before. Please accept my heartfelt respect.”

The guard’s tone was filled with admiration. He removed his helmet, turned around, and bowed formally to me, his attitude no longer the slick one he had earlier.