Welcome to the Royal Capital

Karan's excitement was at its peak. After a long journey, he was finally close to the Royal Capital. But that excitement quickly turned into impatience when he saw the long line of carts stretching ahead. Since today was the last day to submit the quest, merchants and adventurers from all over had gathered, forming an endless queue. Karan and Alan, seated in their cart, waited for their turn.

Alan glanced around, observing the scene. "If you look closely, there are a lot of merchants in this line," he remarked.

Blake nodded in agreement. "Of course. The raw materials from the entire kingdom are brought here before being processed and traded."

Nara, curious as ever, couldn't help but question, "But why are the walls around the Capital so massive?"

Blake explained, "There are sixteen kingdoms in the world, varying in size. Our kingdom is the smallest, which has made us an easy target for larger kingdoms. We've faced countless invasions. To prevent further attacks, these walls were built around the Capital, offering not just protection but also a tactical advantage for the Royal Guards."

"But wouldn’t it be safer if these walls surrounded the entire kingdom?" Nara questioned, her brows furrowing.

Alan chuckled. "You’re not wrong. But the King believes that as long as the Capital stands, the kingdom can always be rebuilt."

"That's ridiculous," Nara scoffed.

Their conversation continued until it was finally their turn. Alan handed over the required tax, and the cart began its slow advance. From the outside, the wall seemed like any other stone barrier. But as they passed through, Karan realized its true scale. It was wide enough to take almost two minutes to cross, even by cart.

Once on the other side, Karan expected to see the bustling Capital. Instead, a long road stretched ahead, lined with towering trees and patrolled by Royal Guards. After about ten minutes of travel, Blake pulled the cart to a stop.

"Look," Blake said, gesturing forward.

In front of them stood a grand gate with a massive signboard that read:

"Welcome to Lost Gate."

Alan grinned. "This is Lost Gate. It’s the gateway to the Capital, but it’s also a city in itself."

Nara blinked in confusion. "A city?"

"Not exactly," Alan clarified. "This area is primarily home to the families of Royal Guards. It's a quiet place, heavily guarded, and unlike the vibrant cities you’ll see beyond."

Without further delay, Alan and Karan unloaded the Ompian from the cart. The massive creature slumped over their shoulders once again.

Nara groaned. "We’re carrying him again?"

Alan reassured her, "Not for long. We’ll get a smaller cart to transport him, but we’ll have to walk alongside it."

"Why can’t we ride the cart?" Nara asked.

"Because we’re now in a part of the Royal Capital," Alan explained. "Only nobles are allowed to ride through the streets here. Walking is a sign of respect."

Karan frowned, his thoughts drifting. Respect is one thing, but this just feels like humiliation.

Despite his inner thoughts, Karan kept moving. Alan secured the Ompian in a smaller cart and led it forward. Soon, they passed through Lost Gate and entered Castle Post City.

"The Royal Capital is just beyond this city," Alan announced.

Castle Post City was already bustling with life. Shops lined the streets, their vibrant stalls displaying luxurious goods. Unlike the humble villages Karan had passed through, the people here wore elegant clothes, their polished shoes clicking against the stone-paved roads.

While Karan marveled at the grand sights, Alan remained focused. His eyes scanned the area, searching for an exchange shop. But the crowded streets offered no luck. Eventually, they reached the end of Castle Post City, where a heavily guarded checkpoint marked the entrance to the Royal Capital.

"This is where I stop," Alan said firmly.

"Why?" Nara asked.

Alan sighed. "I don’t have any reason to go inside. Only those with valid purposes are allowed to enter."

"Can’t you just say we’re here to sell the Ompian?" Nara suggested.

Alan shook his head. "The wool needs to be removed before it can be sold. That doesn’t happen in the Capital. The shops there are for polished, high-class goods."

"Then what now?"

Alan handed Karan a small pouch of silver coins. "You’ll be fine. There’s enough crowd today. Just blend in and follow along. Meet me at the Castle Post gate by evening. Spend your time exploring the Capital if you can."

Karan nodded. "Got it."

With that, Alan turned back, and Karan approached the guards. After a thorough inspection, he was allowed through. He followed the mass of people toward the Capital, only to be halted when a guard ordered everyone to stand in a line. Karan joined without question.

Moments later, the sound of hooves echoed as an extravagant carriage approached. Its golden frame gleamed under the sun. The crowd grew silent as the door opened, and from within, a graceful figure stepped out.

The guard’s voice boomed, "Presenting the Princess!"

All eyes turned toward her. Karan, too, couldn’t help but stare.