Chapter 5 — Capital
Finally, after a long and tiresome journey, Keyaru, Flare, and their convoy, led by a really unsettling knight named Leonard, had reached their destination. Capital, the beating heart of all the Jioral lands. The city had no other name, for names were needed only to distinguish similarities. Capital had none. High fortified walls would protect it against any siege. The defensive runes carved on its marble left no chance for any catapult, cannon or fireball to even scratch the surface. The city to the north of Alban was one great outpost against the demonic threat. As a pretext, the kingdom has served as a shield of humanity, and with it, other countries such as Granzbach in the north-east, Skodilian Theocracy in the north, Tania in the west, and even the Ashlam Republic, which borders demonic lands in the south, would gladly send assistance. Convoy after convoy, they brought gold, food, talented engineers, and wise magicians. Thousands of battle-hardened warriors proudly served their country, its trading routes reaching even beyond the ocean. If anything, there could be no doubt that Jioral was the strongest kingdom in the world, which its nobles would gladly abuse to get even more.
"What a big wall." — said the hero of healing with a sly grin.
"The wall is nothing. Wait till you see what’s inside. " While Keyaru was skeptical about this city, Flare was sure of its grandeur. And not without reason. The mere sight of the architecture would leave anyone who hadn’t been living here for years speechless. Multi-floored buildings, massive workshops, market stores with goods from all around the world, guilds, hospitals, majestic temples of Faran, schools for all ages, and what’s even more impressive — flattened paving stones for roads for a comfy trip. One could forget anything with this golden veil before their eyes, yet the young man didn’t.
"Yes, the city is magnificent." — said the healer wryly.
"Indeed. This is what we are fighting for. To preserve the smiles of our citizens. " — pretentiously boasted Flare. Her every word, every action or gesture was calculated and rehearsed. The princess would do anything to make the hero serve their revolting empire of lies. He saw it all, beyond the gloss that hid excess and slavery. The city was drowning in corruption and sin. Positions were sold for money and palaces, and even Capital itself was built on the blood of the demi-humans. First, Jioral stripped them of their lands, then burned their villages and ultimately enslaved them, with the premise of the divine will of Faran. How long would it last? The crossroads for merchants would never stop the flow of gold, but a full-fledged war...
"Fucking furry scum!" The scream ripped Keyaru from his thoughts. Some man brutally beat a slave just because the poor exhausted catgirl dropped a crate with fruits. And nobody gave a single damn. After all, Jioral would pursue any form of slavery. Villages were free, and humans couldn’t become serfs. But not demi-humans. There was a cruel logic in that. After all, if one could bind them with their true name, they would not be able to rebel.
"You know, Flare, this country really is like you." Yes, so gorgeous on the outside yet rotten within.
"I am pleased to hear your compliment." It seems that the princess has failed to grasp his sarcasm. Or did she? Either way, she put a mask with a smile on her face.
At that point, Keyaru summoned his jade eye to look upon the knights. Ten of them, led by Leonard. Keyaru could feel his spiteful gaze even with him wearing a closed helm. All of their levels ranged from twenty-five to thirty. The Elite Royal Forces. If the healer manages to overpower them, escape would be an easy walk.
"Did something happen, Keyaru?" The princess couldn’t help but notice her companion’s concern with her guard.
"Oh no, it’s fine. I’m just worrying a bit. After all, we’re heading to the royal palace. " No overacting, it’s still all right.
"It was to be expected. Don’t worry, nobody will blame you for your ignorance concerning etiquette. After all, it was us who ripped you from your natural habitat. " …you dirty peasant — she clearly wanted to end her phrase like this, and Keyaru saw a strain on her face. Yet, all she had shown him was a little smile. Right when the carriage reached the palace gates.
From there, the heroes of magic and healing separated. The sorceress went on to participate in the kingdom’s affairs, while yesterday’s apple farmer was given an escort of four maids. Their first assignment was to bathe him and change his clothes. Afterward, the boy would be taught manners, etiquette, how to bow to the king and so on and so forth. Surprisingly enough, the women were strong, not weaker than those knights in mythril armor. Even when formalities were done and Keyaru was left alone, he still felt that someone was watching him.
Soon, he would meet the monarch. A great chance to remember that brave girl. Kureha Cryleth, the sword master who has lost her arm. Soon, she’d be presented to the hero of healing as his first patient. In the first world, the pain was so immense, Keyaru lost consciousness and with it all those bits of respect in Flare’s eyes. The cruel witch turned him into a mindless golem. She would try doing so again, but this time Keyaru was ready. This time, though, the healer was ready to exact his furious vengeance if given the chance.
"Enough, I need to think. Gotta prepare to meet the king."
Chapter 5 — Capital
Finally, after a long and tiresome journey, Keyaru, Flare, and their convoy, led by a really unsettling knight named Leonard, had reached their destination. Capital, the beating heart of all the Jioral lands. The city had no other name, for names were needed only to distinguish similarities. Capital had none. High fortified walls would protect it against any siege. The defensive runes carved on its marble left no chance for any catapult, cannon or fireball to even scratch the surface. The city to the north of Alban was one great outpost against the demonic threat. As a pretext, the kingdom has served as a shield of humanity, and with it, other countries such as Granzbach in the north-east, Skodilian Theocracy in the north, Tania in the west, and even the Ashlam Republic, which borders demonic lands in the south, would gladly send assistance. Convoy after convoy, they brought gold, food, talented engineers, and wise magicians. Thousands of battle-hardened warriors proudly served their country, its trading routes reaching even beyond the ocean. If anything, there could be no doubt that Jioral was the strongest kingdom in the world, which its nobles would gladly abuse to get even more.
"What a big wall." — said the hero of healing with a sly grin.
"The wall is nothing. Wait till you see what’s inside. " While Keyaru was skeptical about this city, Flare was sure of its grandeur. And not without reason. The mere sight of the architecture would leave anyone who hadn’t been living here for years speechless. Multi-floored buildings, massive workshops, market stores with goods from all around the world, guilds, hospitals, majestic temples of Faran, schools for all ages, and what’s even more impressive — flattened paving stones for roads for a comfy trip. One could forget anything with this golden veil before their eyes, yet the young man didn’t.
"Yes, the city is magnificent." — said the healer wryly.
"Indeed. This is what we are fighting for. To preserve the smiles of our citizens. " — pretentiously boasted Flare. Her every word, every action or gesture was calculated and rehearsed. The princess would do anything to make the hero serve their revolting empire of lies. He saw it all, beyond the gloss that hid excess and slavery. The city was drowning in corruption and sin. Positions were sold for money and palaces, and even Capital itself was built on the blood of the demi-humans. First, Jioral stripped them of their lands, then burned their villages and ultimately enslaved them, with the premise of the divine will of Faran. How long would it last? The crossroads for merchants would never stop the flow of gold, but a full-fledged war...
"Fucking furry scum!" The scream ripped Keyaru from his thoughts. Some man brutally beat a slave just because the poor exhausted catgirl dropped a crate with fruits. And nobody gave a single damn. After all, Jioral would pursue any form of slavery. Villages were free, and humans couldn’t become serfs. But not demi-humans. There was a cruel logic in that. After all, if one could bind them with their true name, they would not be able to rebel.
"You know, Flare, this country really is like you." Yes, so gorgeous on the outside yet rotten within.
"I am pleased to hear your compliment." It seems that the princess has failed to grasp his sarcasm. Or did she? Either way, she put a mask with a smile on her face.
At that point, Keyaru summoned his jade eye to look upon the knights. Ten of them, led by Leonard. Keyaru could feel his spiteful gaze even with him wearing a closed helm. All of their levels ranged from twenty-five to thirty. The Elite Royal Forces. If the healer manages to overpower them, escape would be an easy walk.
"Did something happen, Keyaru?" The princess couldn’t help but notice her companion’s concern with her guard.
"Oh no, it’s fine. I’m just worrying a bit. After all, we’re heading to the royal palace. " No overacting, it’s still all right.
"It was to be expected. Don’t worry, nobody will blame you for your ignorance concerning etiquette. After all, it was us who ripped you from your natural habitat. " …you dirty peasant — she clearly wanted to end her phrase like this, and Keyaru saw a strain on her face. Yet, all she had shown him was a little smile. Right when the carriage reached the palace gates.
From there, the heroes of magic and healing separated. The sorceress went on to participate in the kingdom’s affairs, while yesterday’s apple farmer was given an escort of four maids. Their first assignment was to bathe him and change his clothes. Afterward, the boy would be taught manners, etiquette, how to bow to the king and so on and so forth. Surprisingly enough, the women were strong, not weaker than those knights in mythril armor. Even when formalities were done and Keyaru was left alone, he still felt that someone was watching him.
Soon, he would meet the monarch. A great chance to remember that brave girl. Kureha Cryleth, the sword master who has lost her arm. Soon, she’d be presented to the hero of healing as his first patient. In the first world, the pain was so immense, Keyaru lost consciousness and with it all those bits of respect in Flare’s eyes. The cruel witch turned him into a mindless golem. She would try doing so again, but this time Keyaru was ready. This time, though, the healer was ready to exact his furious vengeance if given the chance.
"Enough, I need to think. Gotta prepare to meet the king."
