### Chapter Eighty-Nine: Arrival at the Royal City
The Ethanbel Kingdom is a breathtaking magical land.
Even though it’s still just mid-February, the weather here feels like early spring; the ice and snow are quietly melting under the warm sun, the creeks are babbling with the sound of spring, and the sky is a glorious blue, dotted with fluffy clouds that harmonize with the rich soil below—a spectacle that would be utterly foreign to the ever-wintry Valen Empire.
As soon as we rolled into the first town after crossing the border, I was utterly captivated by the pinnacle of architectural design on display here.
Square, luxurious houses, elegantly simple facades, perfectly matched vibrant colors, and exquisite shapes that are both solemn yet romantic—everywhere we passed, be it grand towns or tiny villages, there were charming classical villas nestled within lush greenery. The pervasive clever design made me feel as though I’d escaped the mundane hustle and bustle of life, bringing a sense of tranquility that left me longing for more. It also reflected the tremendous wealth of this nation.
Carlos told me that Ethanbel is also the country in the Western Continent with the most significant population movement and boasts the longest history of human civilization. Its establishment can be traced back to the time before Common Era, way back when humanity had just obtained the Power of Order.
Back then, Ethanbel was merely a city-state—now known as Order Royal City—called Kanli at the time. It’s one of the few ancient civilizations that endured through the cataclysmic battles with the dragon clan and, after centuries of evolution and refinement, has reached today’s grandeur.
This place has the best educational system in the world, with numerous world-renowned academies. Many nobles from other countries, and even some wealthy commoners, go to great lengths to send their children here for all sorts of education. The two most famous institutions are the Architectural Design Academy in the northern Chrisrodney City and the Royal Academy in Order Royal City, which Ethanbel boasts has stood the test of time for millennia.
And that’s where I’m about to enroll.
Our war chariot arrived at the capital of Ethanbel—Order Royal City—on the afternoon of February 13, with no delays along the way, actually arriving two days ahead of schedule.
Aside from the fact that sitting in the carriage made my rear end sore, everything went relatively smoothly.
“Little Shay, we’re here.”
At Carlos’s words, I snapped upright from my half-asleep stupor, drawing back the carriage curtains to poke my little head outside.
The soft twilight spilled down onto the earth.
In the distance, over the verdant fields, a majestic pale-blue city loomed before my eyes.
This city was enveloped in a massive transparent shield—like wearing gossamer wings—reflecting a rainbow of colors under the sunlight.
“Wow…”
I couldn’t help but gasp in amazement.
In that instant, I finally felt what it was like to be in a magical world.
Is this what they referred to as the “eggshell”… What’s the principle behind it? Magic!?
So cool!
“What is that?!”
I turned back to Carlos, my face alight with excitement, yanking on his sleeve while pointing outside with my other hand.
“Stop shaking…” Carlos gently brushed my hand aside, smiling at me. “Isn’t it magnificent?”
“What is it! Magic?”
“Magic? What do you mean by magic?” Carlos feigned confusion. “That’s ‘Boswell’ from Order Royal City, the greatest divine miracle ever granted by the Holy Church to the Deity about… how many years ago… perhaps around six hundred years ago or so? It’s said to repel any evil attacks, keeping the Royal City standing for ten thousand years… or so they say.”
I frowned at that.
“So they say?”
“Ah… Actually, it’s just a barrier to keep people out. Many people jokingly refer to it as the eggshell. Only those carrying a special item bestowed by the city can enter…” Carlos pulled out a silver badge from his pocket and waved it in front of my eyes. “Here it is.”
I snatched the badge from him, holding it in my palm for a closer inspection.
The surface of the badge was pitted, the corners a bit rough, and it had a crooked sword engraving that looked like it was made by someone who had just learned how to use a chisel. It was a far cry from the refined aesthetics of this country.
“…Silver?”
“Not quite,” Carlos shook his head. “It’s not entirely silver; it contains some… divine relics? It’s one of those kinds of things. But mostly it’s silver with some other metals. The specifics of how it’s made are a secret of the Royal City. I assume it’s a complicated process. Just look at how ugly it is…”
And boy, it was indeed ugly.
I fiddled with the badge a few times, finding it increasingly hideous, and quickly lost all interest. I held it out to pass it back to Carlos, but he waved his hand dismissively.
“It’s for you. Though it looks ugly, it signifies your residency in the Royal City. Not having it would be a hassle… Oh, I forgot to tell you, you were registered as a resident of the Royal City two months ago. This badge was personally sent by Queen Elizabeth to the Church. Also, only the nobles in the Royal City have silver badges; regular badges are made of brass.”
“…Oh.”
I nodded, casually putting the badge into my waist pouch.
The war chariot bumped across the lush green prairie, rolling into a small fortress at the foot of the Royal City. Carlos presented our identities and intentions to the silver-armored guards. After showing them the badge, the soldiers bowed to us as a greeting.
They arranged for another war chariot exclusive to the Royal City and required us to switch vehicles. After Carlos and I settled into the new chariot, it slowly made its way toward the city gates.
“Regular war chariots, even those belonging to the Church, can’t enter the Royal City. The badge only guarantees individual entry. Only the Royal City’s war chariots can pass through.”
Only the Royal City’s chariots…? Can this barrier really recognize vehicles?
I raised my head, about to ask him when Carlos cut me off, “Don’t ask me why; I don’t know.”
“Uh…”
There it was—my question stuck in my throat like a burr.
…What’s with this guy? Why so impatient?
As a delicate little… uh, muscular mane of a boy asking him questions, he shouldn’t feel so honored?
I was a bit annoyed, not quite knowing how to express it, so I just glared at him intensely.
I’ll remember this, yes.
Carlos has upset me for the hundred sixty-fifth time. Still no plan for revenge.
“Maybe this chariot has some… divine relics too… If you’re curious, you could ask Queen Elizabeth.” Perhaps sensing my expression, Carlos quickly feigned nonchalance and added, “Anyway, I’ll be introducing you to her tomorrow… Ah, what a bothersome woman… Tsk.”
I arched an eyebrow, my gaze sharpening.
Seeing my reaction, Carlos subtly shifted a bit farther away, “I’m not talking about you.”
…Well, that’s better.
But… bothersome woman? Is he referring to that queen?
Curiosity bubbled up inside me.
What kind of person could provoke such a seemingly uninterested Carlos to show this kind of expression?
