Chapter 90: Romance or Grease?
The war chariot rolled slowly down the white marble city road, the wheels rumbling as the gray-and-white horned horse let out a loud whinny, producing a long neigh.
At the front, instead of a coachman, a soldier clad in silver armor held the reins with one hand, humming a little tune. Under the golden sunlight, the elegant outline of the chariot’s reflection bounced along as it sped toward the barrier.
I began to feel nervous.
What if we crash right into it…?
Would I feel dizzy or nauseous…?
…Wait! Carlos said that this barrier can fend off any evil intrusion, so… it shouldn’t just separate me, right?
Please don’t let that happen.
With the barrier getting closer, I shut my eyes tightly, lips pressed together, and involuntarily let out a muffled “Hmm” through my little nose, tensing my body in anticipation of the impact.
In a moment, I suddenly heard a distinct “pop,” like a pebble breaking through the surface of the water, and by the time I opened my dark eyes again, the barrier was already far behind us.
I quickly turned my head back, just in time to see the ripples on the transparent membrane still lingering before fading away.
…Is that it? I didn’t feel anything at all.
Confused, I turned back to find Carlos wearing a smug grin.
I immediately scowled.
“…Are you laughing at me?!”
“Ah, no, I’m not.”
Carlos hurriedly averted his gaze and pretended to cough a couple of times.
“Ahem, I just remembered something.”
“You’re laughing at me, aren’t you!”
I raised my fist, ready to punch his chest. Carlos jumped, quickly raising his arm to block, just then the soldier driving the chariot spoke up.
“Sir, Miss, I really don’t want to interrupt the two of you, but I must say, we’ve arrived at the base of the city. Please cooperate with the entry inspection.”
“Oh, alright, I got this.” Carlos seized the opportunity to jump down from the chariot, “Little Shay, you can just sit there.”
I pouted angrily, but couldn’t really blow up, so I glared at his back as he walked towards the soldier, thinking furiously: This is the one hundred sixty-sixth time.
“Carlos Gonzalez… Peilo Guniver Winter Moon… Hmm, yes, the Valen Empire…”
“The Holy Church… Royal Academy… Longdoll Street, No. 3…”
The entry registration was completed quickly, and after confirming everything, the guards let us pass.
Carlos returned to the carriage as the soldier tightened his grip on the reins, steering the war chariot slowly through the stone gate. After passing through a dark archway, the view suddenly opened up before us.
Whether this counts as a royal city quirk or not, the chariot’s ceiling was wrapped in luxurious silk, and the elaborate carriage body was inlaid with gold and silver, surrounded by sheer pale blue veils. The design clearly wasn’t intended for long journeys; it was more like a sightseeing vehicle, allowing those inside to take in all the surrounding splendor.
On either side of the wide street, broad enough for five or six chariots to travel side by side, artistic buildings lined up neatly, towering high. Various wooden signs hung from doorframes, advertising inns, taverns, jewelry shops, and herbal stores—everything one could imagine.
As we drove into this magical city of turquoise and white, the noise of people grew louder.
The pedestrians had hair in every imaginable color, and whether clad in simple garments or armor, their attire was generally clean and elegant, silently telling the tale of the city’s prosperity.
The burdensome entrance procedures already hinted that the royal city would forever keep poverty at bay.
In one corner of the street, a bard was joyfully singing a hymn.
“Oh~ noble Deity.
I cross the great mountains of my heart, traverse the grasslands.
I have traveled a thousand miles, all to find my home.
In the valley, that tranquil and beautiful hometown.
That home, chosen by the divine—”
As the war chariot moved deeper into the streets, that song faded gradually behind us.
“Sir, Miss. Welcome to the greatest city of divine miracles in the world, Order Royal City!” The driving soldier spread his arms and turned to us, speaking with a melodious tone that for some reason I found to carry a thick French flair, “May I ask where you would like me to take you?”
“To Longdoll Street, No. 3, please.”
“It’s my honor~ Hold on tight, esteemed Knight, and lovely Miss.”
“Whoosh—”
The war chariot accelerated past the bustling street scenes, with various uniquely styled inns and shops racing by. It was evident that the tourism industry here was quite prosperous; most of the people probably weren’t locals…
I curiously peeked at the passersby on either side, their clothing appeared to have a retro court style. Even though the colors were vibrant, it didn’t feel out of place, a refreshing sight for someone like me who was used to the black, white, and gray palette of Winter City.
“Little Shay, don’t stare at others. That’s considered rude in the royal city.”
“…Oh.”
I reluctantly withdrew my gaze.
I was planning to take notes and get some clothes like that whenever I had the chance… that style is so beautiful! It must look amazing when worn.
“Ha-ha, it’s no problem, sir. Ethanbel is a romantic country; the people of our Order Royal City are all warm and welcoming. I’m sure the gentlemen would feel honored to receive such a beautiful lady’s gaze~ Sir, if I may, you and your lady must be from the Valen Empire, right?”
You and your lady…
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
Due to the climate, Carlos and I had already shed our non-breathable Pope Knight cloaks. Although we were currently in relatively simple attire, a discerning eye could still tell the fabric was luxurious. This soldier seemed to have mistaken Carlos for my knight or caretaker.
“Yes, that’s right.” Carlos clearly didn’t want to elaborate.
“Are you here to enroll your lady in school?”
“Exactly.”
“Then you’d better hurry. The enrollment procedures for schools in the royal city officially begin the day after tomorrow… It’s not that easy to get in; you need to be well-prepared~”
“Thanks for the reminder.”
Carlos shrugged it off; I remember him saying before that my enrollment was already settled.
“No need for thanks, my sir. Just look at where you’re going and you can tell your lady is extraordinary… Longdoll Street is the closest street to the royal palace, and those who live there have quite significant identities.”
“Ah, my lady is indeed of royal bl**d from the Valen Empire.”
I wasn’t sure what kind of wicked pleasure Carlos derived from this, but he decided to show off.
“Ha-ha, the moment I saw your lady’s beautiful black hair, I knew it! And that voice, as clear as a holy spring, healed my heart like the winds of April. It is truly my honor to drive you~”
I completely didn’t know how to respond to him, glancing at Carlos with annoyance.
Do these people have a bit too much grease in their joints…?
Suddenly, I remembered that overly polite gentleman I met in the Valen Empire, who kept saying “I humbly…” He seemed to be from the royal city too… a guard from Cataloma or something.
Speaking of Cataloma, Aili and Lucas should have arrived here ahead of us, right?
I wondered how they were faring here.
With that thought in mind, I asked the guard, “Excuse me, where is Cataloma?”
“Oh, beautiful lady, are you talking about the Cataloma Orphanage?”
“Uh-huh.”
“It’s a bit far to the north, near the parish in the royal city. Usually, almost no one goes there. Are you asking because… you wish to help those unfortunate children?”
“Hmm… just to visit.”
“Just arriving in the royal city and already inquiring about the poor children… Miss, I’ve never met a noble like you. Please accept my heartfelt respect.”
The guard spoke with a hint of admiration, removing his helmet and turning towards me, bowing seriously, his attitude no longer the slick talk of before.
